Cheeks
Hybrid Breed Description
The Cheeks is a cross between the Chihuahua and the Pekingese. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Cheeks. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Chihuahua
The Chihuahua stands as the world's smallest dog breed, typically weighing between two and six pounds with a height reaching only five to eight inches at the shoulder. Despite their diminutive stature, these dogs possess a surprisingly sturdy and well-proportioned build that belies their fragile appearance. The body structure is slightly off-square, measuring somewhat longer from the front body point to the base of the tail than from the withers to the floor. Their compact yet muscular frame allows for sprightly movement and remarkable agility considering their tiny size. The breed's most distinctive feature is the apple-shaped or domed skull, though some individuals display a more elongated deer-head configuration. Large, erect ears stand prominently on the head, providing excellent hearing capabilities, while round, luminous eyes typically appear in dark brown, though lighter shades can occur in dogs with paler coat colors. The muzzle is short and pointed, ending in a broad nose that is usually black. A characteristic molera, or soft spot on top of the skull where bones have not fully joined, often remains throughout the dog's life. Chihuahuas exhibit remarkable coat diversity, appearing in either smooth or long-haired varieties. The smooth coat lies close to the body with a glossy, tight appearance, while the long-haired version features soft, straight or slightly wavy hair with attractive fringe on the ears, legs, and tail. The breed showcases an impressive array of colors and patterns, with twenty-eight recognized color combinations including solid shades, bi-colors, and tri-colors ranging from black, tan, white, chocolate, to the lighter lemon and fawn tones. Their tail is carried high, often curved over the back, contributing to their alert and confident bearing.
Key Characteristics
Chihuahuas possess bold, confident personalities that far exceed their tiny physical dimensions. These spirited dogs exhibit fierce loyalty to their owners, often forming extraordinarily strong attachments to one or two specific individuals within a household. Their devotion manifests in constant companionship-seeking behavior, making them excellent lap dogs who thrive on close physical contact and attention. Despite their small size, Chihuahuas display remarkable courage and won't hesitate to confront much larger dogs or unfamiliar situations, sometimes showing a feisty attitude that requires proper management through early socialization. Highly intelligent and alert, Chihuahuas serve as exceptional watchdogs with keen awareness of their surroundings. Their large ears detect sounds and changes in the environment long before humans notice, prompting vigorous barking to alert their families. This vocalization tendency can become problematic without consistent training and adequate mental stimulation. The breed demonstrates strong territorial instincts and may exhibit wariness or even aggression toward strangers, making early and ongoing socialization crucial for developing well-adjusted temperament. Their protective nature toward their families often leads to possessive behavior. While affectionate and playful with trusted family members, Chihuahuas can display an independent streak and occasional stubbornness during training sessions. They respond best to positive reinforcement methods using treats and praise, though patience and consistency prove essential for success. The breed generally adapts well to various living situations and enjoys being included in daily activities, but requires careful supervision around young children due to their fragile build. Chihuahuas need both physical exercise through short walks and mental enrichment to prevent boredom-related behavioral issues.
Chihuahuas typically enjoy relatively long lifespans averaging twelve to fourteen years, though some individuals live considerably longer with proper care. The breed faces several health challenges related to their small size and distinctive skull structure. Dental disease ranks as the most common health concern, affecting the breed at higher rates than other dogs their size due to crowded teeth in their small jaws. Regular teeth brushing and professional dental cleanings starting at an early age help prevent periodontal disease, tartar buildup, and subsequent tooth loss that can lead to more serious systemic health problems. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of proper position, commonly affects Chihuahuas as an inherited orthopedic condition. This issue typically manifests around four months of age, causing intermittent lameness or a characteristic hopping gait. While many dogs manage mild cases without intervention, severe instances may require surgical correction. Hypoglycemia poses another significant concern, particularly in young or small individuals, occurring when blood sugar drops dangerously low during stress, illness, or insufficient food intake. This condition demands immediate veterinary attention as it can rapidly progress to seizures or coma. Heart disease, especially mitral valve disease in older dogs, represents a leading cause of death in the breed. The molera or soft spot on the skull, while normal in Chihuahuas, can indicate hydrocephalus when excessively large, a condition causing fluid accumulation around the brain. Eye problems including dry eye, corneal ulcers, and progressive retinal atrophy occur with some frequency due to their prominent eye structure. The breed's small stature makes them vulnerable to traumatic injuries from falls, rough handling, or encounters with larger animals, requiring vigilant supervision and careful handling throughout their lives.
Pekingese
The Pekingese presents as a compact toy breed standing six to nine inches tall at the shoulder while weighing seven to fourteen pounds, with surprisingly stocky, muscular bodies that feel heavier than their size suggests. Their distinctive pear-shaped build sits low to the ground on short, bowed legs, with front limbs set notably wider apart than rear legs. The breed's broad chest and thick, short neck contribute to their substantial appearance despite diminutive stature. Their most striking feature comprises the lion-like mane created by profuse coat growth around the neck and shoulders, earning them the historical nickname of lion dog. The Pekingese head appears large, broad, and wider than long, resembling a rectangular envelope when viewed from above. Their most characteristic facial feature involves the flat, brachycephalic structure with short muzzle ending in a small nose, creating a distinctive profile where chin, nose, and forehead form nearly a straight vertical line. Large, luminous eyes positioned prominently on the face convey an alert, somewhat imperious expression. Heart-shaped ears hang flat against the skull, framing the face attractively. A prominent V-shaped fold of skin between the eyes and across the nose bridge creates the breed's signature wrinkled appearance. The crowning glory remains the profuse double coat featuring long, straight outer hair with harsh texture and abundant soft undercoat beneath. Hair grows longest around the neck forming the impressive mane, with generous feathering on ears, tail, and legs. The slightly arched tail carried high over the back displays particularly abundant fringe. Coat colors span an impressive range including gold, red, sable, cream, black, white, tan, and various combinations, with black masks and eye outlines considered particularly desirable. Their distinctive rolling gait results from the combination of long body, short legs, and unique skeletal structure.
Key Characteristics
Pekingese display dignified, somewhat aloof temperaments reflecting their imperial Chinese heritage as palace companions. These confident, self-important dogs carry themselves with unmistakable nobility, seeming fully aware of their royal ancestry. While affectionate and devoted to their families, they typically bond most strongly with one or two specific people, showing clear preferences within households. Their loyalty manifests intensely toward chosen individuals, though they maintain reserved, sometimes standoffish attitudes toward strangers. This independent nature combined with natural wariness makes early, ongoing socialization essential for developing well-adjusted temperament. Despite small size, Pekingese possess brave, protective instincts making them excellent watchdogs who alert families to potential threats with surprisingly deep barks. They won't hesitate confronting larger dogs or unfamiliar situations, displaying courage disproportionate to their diminutive stature. Their alert nature keeps them aware of environmental changes, though they bark less frequently than many toy breeds. Intelligence characterizes the breed, but combines with stubborn streaks making training challenging. Pekingese often act according to their own preferences rather than owner commands unless convinced actions serve their interests. These companion dogs thrive on attention and enjoy being lap dogs for extended periods, requiring substantial human interaction for happiness. They adapt well to various living situations including apartments, needing only moderate exercise through short walks and indoor play. Their independent personalities mean they tolerate alone time better than some toy breeds, though they prefer constant companionship. Pekingese generally coexist peacefully with other pets when properly socialized, though they may assert dominance despite size disadvantages. Their sensitivity to children's unpredictable movements and tendency toward possessiveness make them better suited to homes with older, respectful children.
Pekingese typically live twelve to fifteen years when provided proper care, though their distinctive physical characteristics predispose them to several health challenges requiring vigilant management. Brachycephalic syndrome represents the primary concern, resulting from their extremely shortened muzzles and flat faces. This condition causes breathing difficulties ranging from mild snoring and snorting to severe respiratory distress, particularly during exercise, stress, or hot weather. The compressed airways make temperature regulation challenging, rendering these dogs highly susceptible to dangerous overheating requiring careful environmental management and activity restriction during warm conditions. Eye problems occur frequently due to prominent eye positioning in shallow sockets caused by facial structure. Corneal ulcers develop easily when eyes remain partially uncovered during sleep or sustain scratches from environmental hazards. Progressive retinal atrophy, a genetic condition causing gradual vision loss, affects some bloodlines. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca or dry eye results from inadequate tear production, requiring ongoing treatment to prevent corneal damage. The protruding eyes remain vulnerable to traumatic injury demanding protective vigilance from owners. Orthopedic issues including patellar luxation affect Pekingese with some regularity, where kneecaps slip from proper position causing lameness or altered gait. Their long backs relative to short legs increase vulnerability to intervertebral disc disease, potentially causing severe pain, mobility impairment, or paralysis when spinal discs herniate or degenerate. Careful handling supporting the entire body, especially avoiding jumping from heights, helps prevent back injuries. Dental disease develops readily in their small mouths with crowded teeth, necessitating diligent home care and professional cleanings. Skin fold infections can occur in facial wrinkles without proper cleaning, while the profuse coat requires extensive grooming to prevent matting and skin problems.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Cheeks may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Chihuahua and Pekingese to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.