Peek A Pom Dog Breed

Below are the details and specs for the Peek-A-Pom dog breed.

Peek-A-Poms are very small dogs that when mature are about 3 to 10 pounds and stand anywhere from 8 to 10 inches. They are perfect for small apartments.

Despite their energy, Peek-A-Poms demand to be handled gently even as they will want constant attention. They are lovable, but they prefer calm environments and can do well for long stretches of time alone. If brought up with children and other pets, they tend to do well with them, and they are better off with well-behaved children. They are highly alert, bark loudly when startled or suspicious, and they do not like strangers.

Although Peek-A-Poms are high-maintenance dogs, they do well on their own and do not need to be walked frequently. They don’t shed much but do require very frequent brushing and other grooming. They love attention but prefer it in a calm manner. Special attention should be paid to temperature as they can very easily have health problems due to it being too cold or too hot.

There is very little history regarding this new designer hybrid; research shows it first being mentioned in the early 21st century. Peek-A-Poms, however, do come from two well-known breeds: Pekingese and Pomeranian, both of which have significant histories.

The histories of the Pekingese and Pomeranian will help you to understand the Peek-A-Pom. The Pomeranian was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888, whereas the Pekingese was recognized a couple decades later, in 1906. Both breeds have histories that go back much further, however: The Pomeranian was first noted in the 16th century in the area now known as Germany and Poland, and the Pekingese has been around for more than 2,000 years and is from the region that is now China.

Being a hybrid of two like breeds, the Peek-A-Pom is small with long hair, short legs and a flat face. Nevertheless, not all Peek-A-Poms will gain both parents’ characteristics. Some make have more Pomeranian and others may have more Pekingese while still others may have a balanced mix of both.

This hybrid may come in two basic shapes: long or short, round and very compact. In either case, they will almost certainly have a small head with a very short muzzle. Some do have a longer muzzle, but many do not.

The Peek-A-Pom's hair can come in a wide variety of styles. It may be long and wiry; short and fuzzy; medium-length with longer hair on the head, ears and tail; or smooth and medium-length all over. They nearly always have small, black eyes that appear even smaller next to the large, round, flat muzzle. Their ears are short, small and triangular and can appear nearly non-existent if they have long hair. The tail is usually of medium length and curls upward nearly into a circle. Despite their small stature, Peek-A-Poms carry themselves very proudly with tails up and curled forward (often into a curly-Q), snouts high and with a swagger that defies their size.

If you are an owner that is specific about wanting more Pekingese vs Pomeranian traits (or vice versa) it is wise to consult with your breeder about the differences an F1 has with an F2, or an F1 compared to an F1B. A brief rundown of the generations is as follows:

F1 Peek-a-Poms are the result of crossing a purebred Pomeranian with a purebred Pekingese. Sometimes these F1 hybrids are bred back with one of the original purebred breeds to create an F1B. This is done to increase or decrease specific traits (looks or temperament). When two F1 Peek a Poms are bred with each other, you get an F2; these can be back crossed just like the F1. Two F2s create an F3...this can continue for many generations.

Many potential owners are curious about Toy Pomeranian Pekingese crosses. Surely they are out there but not only should you do you research and find a reputable breeder but, also, be aware that dogs bred down into toy or teacup sizes are often unhealthy.

Peek-A-Poms may be small and cute, but they are also very temperamental. While they will likely inherit traits from both parents, some may get most characteristics from Pekingese while others may get more from Pomeranians. There is also a chance that some will get a mix of behaviors from both parent breeds. Unless they grow up and socialize with children, they may not be good with kids.

Peek-A-Poms are difficult to train in most every way, and they do not respond well to heavy-handed methods, noise and stress. They do not get along well with other pets unless they have been brought up with them, and even then they may be belligerent. They bark a lot and loudly so.

Despite their tendency to be demanding, they are intelligent and desire attention, and they are most appreciative in quiet, relaxed environments.

Because the Peek-A-Pom is a cross from two breeds that have long been carefully bred to be small, fragile and attractive, they have a significant history of respiratory, dental, dietary, hip and joint problems. Tooth loss is one of the biggest concerns, and constant brushing and care will help toward preventing it. With good care and a constant watching, their average lifespan is 12-15 years.