Pekinese mix breeds are a delightful combination of the loyal and affectionate Pekingese with another breed, resulting in a unique and loving companion.
The Pekingese is an ancient breed that originated in China over 2,000 years ago, and its mix breeds have become increasingly popular in recent years.
One of the key characteristics of Pekinese mix breeds is their short, easy-to-maintain coats that require minimal grooming. This makes them a great choice for busy owners who don't have a lot of time for grooming.
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Physical Description
Pekingese mixes are surprisingly stocky and well-muscled under all that luscious fur, reaching a maximum weight of 14 pounds.
They stand at 6–9 inches tall, making them perfectly sized for snuggling on your lap.
Their dark, black eyes are typically so dark that barely any white is visible when they're looking straight ahead.
Their flat face is framed by heart-shaped ears that hang flat, a characteristic of their brachycephalic breed.
Grooming is a must for Pekingese mixes, requiring attention two to three times a week to prevent tangles.
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Temperament
The Pekingese mix is a unique breed that can be a bit standoffish at first, but once you get to know them, they're full of personality and can be quite funny.
They're not the type of dog that will fawn all over everyone they meet, but they do have a special spot in their heart for their owners and loved ones. They can be a bit selective about who they lavish their affections on.
Pekingese mixes are generally pretty laid-back at home and make great lapdogs. However, they can be alert and will sound the alarm if they sense something scary.
Socializing your Pekingese mix puppy early is key to helping them grow into a confident and calm adult dog. This will also help keep those barks at bay when they encounter new people or situations.
They get along well with cats and other dogs, and are often pretty relaxed around other animals. However, they may not be the best fit for families with very young children, as they can be a bit high-maintenance and require some extra care and attention.
Living Needs
Pekingese mixes don't need much space, making them a great fit for apartment living.
They thrive on attention and affection, so they'll love being your lap dog. In fact, they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Their small size makes them easy to take on errands or short walks around the block. They'll even enjoy riding along in the car.
Pekingese mixes are adaptable and can live in various environments, including apartments and houses. They're a popular choice for families, singles, and even seniors.
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Living Situations
Pekingese don't need much space, making them a great fit for apartment living.
Their small size allows them to thrive in compact spaces, and they're perfectly happy to spend their days on their owner's lap.
Because they form a close bond with their owner, a Pekingese can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long.
Take your pup with you on errands and short walks around the block for exercise and mental stimulation.
Pekingese mix breeds are adaptable to various living environments, including apartments and houses.
They require regular exercise and mental stimulation, but their lower energy level makes them suitable for families, singles, and seniors.
With proper socialization, Pekingese mixes can coexist peacefully with other pets, including cats.
Their watchdog abilities make them suspicious of strangers, but their small size means they're not typically considered guard dogs.
Care
Pekingese don't need much exercise, but they can enjoy agility and playing games at their own pace. They'll be happy playing with toys in the living room and then snuggling up for movie night.
They need regular nail trimming, ear checking and cleaning, and teeth brushing. This is just like caring for any dog.
Pekingese love being lavished with attention, so they don't mind sitting on your lap and being brushed. In fact, it's rather soothing for both dog and owner.
To train a Pekingese, you'll need to be consistent and reward your pup with positive reinforcement. Treats help a lot, too.
They have an independent nature and can be difficult to train, but ultimately, they want to please you. With the right motivation, you can train them.
Obtaining a Breed
Obtaining a Pekingese mix breed requires research to identify a reputable breeder who focuses on the specific mix you're interested in.
Research various Pekingese mix breeds, such as the Peekapoo and Peke-A-Chon, to find the right combination for your lifestyle.
A reputable breeder should have a history of producing healthy puppies and be transparent about their breeding practices, health checks, and socialization methods.
Discuss the breeder's methods with them to ensure you're comfortable with their approach.
Consider exploring rescue organizations specializing in Pekingese mixes, as they may have puppies or adult dogs available for adoption.
Remember that Pekingese mixes may inherit traits from both parents, so understanding each breed's characteristics can help you choose the right mix for your needs.
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Health
The Pekingese mix is a beloved breed, but like all dogs, they're not immune to health issues. Their lifespan averages between 12-14 years, which is a good thing, but it's essential to be aware of potential problems.
Brachycephalic syndrome is a common issue in short-faced breeds like the Pekingese, leading to respiratory distress. This can be addressed to some extent with surgery, but it's better to look for bloodlines where this hasn't been a significant issue.
Their adorable flat faces make them snuffle and snore, but it's a sign of potential breathing problems. The soft palate and elongated roof of the oral cavity can partially obstruct the opening to the trachea, or windpipe.
Pekingese mixes are at increased risk for certain eye conditions due to their brachycephaly. Their eye sockets are shallower, making their eyes bulge forward and increasing the risk of corneal ulceration.
It's not just their eyes that are vulnerable; their flat faces also make it hard for them to regulate temperature. They can easily overheat, so it's crucial to keep them cool during hot summer months.
Pekingese mixes need access to water and air-conditioning, and their owners should restrict outdoor activity to the mornings and evenings. Dogs don't sweat like we do, so it's up to us to keep them cool.
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Popular Breeds
The Peke-A-Jack is a popular Pekingese mix breed, combining the Pekingese with a Jack Russell Terrier.
These small dogs usually possess loyal, friendly, and intelligent dispositions, making them great companion animals.
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Top 10
The Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed in the US, with over 1.5 million registrations in 2019 alone. They're friendly, outgoing, and make great family dogs.
The German Shepherd is a close second, known for their intelligence and loyalty. They're often used as police and military dogs due to their high trainability.
The Golden Retriever is another popular breed, famous for their luscious golden coats and friendly demeanor. They're great with children and make excellent family pets.
The French Bulldog has become increasingly popular in recent years, with their unique appearance and affectionate nature winning hearts. They're relatively low-maintenance and adapt well to city living.
The Beagle is a small, energetic breed that's great for families with young children. They require regular exercise and training to prevent unwanted behavior.
The Poodle is a highly intelligent breed that excels in obedience training. They come in a variety of sizes, from Toy to Standard.
Popular Breeds
Pekingese mix breeds are a unique class of designer dogs, combining the regal Pekingese with another small dog breed.
These small dogs usually possess loyal, friendly, and intelligent dispositions, making them well-suited as companion animals.
One popular Pekingese mix breed is the Peke-A-Jack, a mix between a Pekingese and a Jack Russell Terrier.
Their regal bearing and diverse range of appearance and temperament make Pekingese mix breeds a great choice for those seeking a small dog with a unique blend of characteristics.
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Specific Breeds
The Peke-A-Jack is a popular Pekingese mix breed, created by combining a Pekingese with a Jack Russell Terrier. This mix results in a small dog with a loyal and friendly disposition.
Pekingese mix breeds like the Peke-A-Jack usually possess intelligent dispositions, making them well-suited as companion animals.
Breed Recognition
The Yorkinese is recognized by several organizations that specialize in hybrids, including the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.
These organizations acknowledge the unique characteristics of the Yorkinese, making it a legitimate and recognized breed.
The Yorkinese has a diverse range of coat colors, including black, tan, blue, gold cream, fawn, brindle, and a combination of these colors.
The breed's coat can vary due to mixed genetics, resulting in fine, wavy, silky hair or a wiry, coarser coat.
Beagle
The Beagle is a friendly dog known for its affectionate nature. They can be a bit high-strung, but overall, they're great companions.
Beagles are energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
As a mix between the Beagle and the Pekingese, the Peagle inherits the Beagle's friendly nature, making them excellent family pets.
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Peke-a-Chon
The Peke-a-Chon is a delightful combination of Pekingese and Bichon Frise breeds. They are often friendly, adaptable, and perfect for families looking for a low-shedding yet fun pet.
This mix inherits the Pekingese's endearing characteristics and the Bichon Frise's playful nature. The Peke-a-Chon is at risk of inheriting some health problems associated with the short muzzle type (called brachycephalic) of the Pekingese.
Their barking could become a problem for the neighborhood if you're not careful. They are very social with people and other animals, although their love of cats is not unconditional.
The Peke-a-Chon requires a lot of attention from their owners and can be difficult to leave alone. They are also very energetic: lack of physical activity will cause them to lose their mind quickly.
They have a moderate lifespan and may be prone to certain health problems, such as dental and respiratory issues, related to their brachycephalic traits. Regular vet check-ups and grooming can help alleviate shedding and minimize health problems in these breeds.
The Peke-a-Chon is a great companion for families with older children and can thrive in apartments due to their small size.
Griffonese
The Griffonese is a small dog with a compact structure, making it a great companion for city living.
This breed is intelligent and lively, but can be stubborn and sensitive at times. It's essential to use positive reinforcement and patience when training a Griffonese.
They are very attached to their master and affectionate, but may not get along with children due to their limited patience with awkward movements.
The Griffonese is a good watchdog, as it tends to be wary of strangers and is always on the alert.
With proper training and care, the Griffonese can be an excellent pet, especially for those who are willing to provide the necessary attention and patience.
Mixed Breeds
Pekingese mix breeds offer a unique blend of characteristics, making them well-suited for those seeking a small dog with a regal bearing.
Their loyal, friendly, and intelligent dispositions enhance their appeal as companion animals, but keep in mind that they can be stubborn at times.
These small dogs typically inherit the short muzzle and brachycephalic features of the Pekingese, which can contribute to dental problems and respiratory difficulties.
Regular exercise and mental stimulation are crucial to maintaining their physical and mental well-being, with two 20-minute walks per day being a good starting point.
Pekingese mixes usually have moderate energy levels, but their grooming needs can vary, requiring regular brushing to prevent matting and keep their coat healthy.
A well-balanced diet is essential for their overall health, and monitoring their weight is vital to avoid obesity.
Training and socialization are vital components of a well-behaved dog, beginning with basic obedience training and exposing them to various environments and people.
Their unique physical features can also lead to potential health issues, such as dental and respiratory problems, making regular vet check-ups and grooming essential.
By understanding their specific needs and temperament, you can provide the best possible care for your Pekingese mix, ensuring they live a happy and healthy life.
General Information
A Pekinese mix is a crossbreed dog that combines the characteristics of the Pekingese and another breed.
Their origin dates back to the 8th century in China, where they were bred as palace pets for royalty.
These dogs are known for their flat face and short snout, which can make breathing and eating difficult if not properly cared for.
History
The Pekingese has a rich and fascinating history that spans over two millennia. Evidence of similar-looking short-nosed dogs can be found as far back as 200 BC.
These tiny dogs were favored by Chinese emperors and palace dwellers, who bred them as "sleeve dogs" small enough to fit in the wide sleeves of royal garments.
In line with ancient Buddhist teachings, the Chinese mythology of the Pekingese is that they came about through the coupling of a lion and a marmoset – hence their lion-like appearance.
By around 800 AD, the breeding of toy breeds became popular, and the Pekingese was one of the breeds that benefited from this trend.
In 1860, five Pekingese were brought over to England, marking the breed's entrance to the West, and it's no wonder they quickly gained popularity with their regal demeanor.
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Final Thoughts
These Pekingese mix breeds are perfect for those seeking loving, smaller-sized companions. They often inherit the affectionate nature of the Pekingese.
While they can be a delightful addition to any family, it's essential to keep in mind that they are susceptible to specific health issues. These health issues can be managed with proper care, regular check-ups, and a healthy diet.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pekingese bark a lot?
Pekingese dogs tend to bark frequently, but their barking is often justified by a valid reason. They alert their owners to unusual situations or express their needs through their barking.
Sources
- 10 Pekingese Mixes (With Pictures) (dogster.com)
- corneal ulceration (vcahospitals.com)
- Yorkinese (Yorkie & Pekingese Mix): Pictures, Guide, Info, ... (dogster.com)
- Pekingese Mix Breeds - Pekingese Central (pekingesecentral.com)
- Adopt a Pekingese Cross Rescue Dog | Bunny (dogstrust.org.uk)
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