Peek-A-Pom
The Peek-A-Pom is a cross between the Pekingese and the Pomeranian. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Peek-A-Pom. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Pekingese
The Pekingese is a compact, stocky toy breed with a distinctive lion-like appearance that reflects its ancient Chinese heritage as a companion to royalty. These dogs stand between 6 and 9 inches at the shoulder and should not exceed 14 pounds according to breed standards, with disqualification for dogs exceeding this weight limit in the show ring. The body is surprisingly muscular and well-built beneath the abundant coat, featuring a pear-shaped profile that is heavier in the front and tapers toward the hindquarters. The breed's characteristic rolling gait results from its unique body structure, with short, bowed front legs set wider apart than the rear legs. The head is the Pekingese's most defining feature, being large, massive, and broad with a flat top and a distinctive envelope-shaped profile when viewed from the side. The face is extremely flat and brachycephalic, featuring an undershot jaw, a broad nose set between large, prominent, round dark eyes. A characteristic V-shaped facial wrinkle extends from cheek to cheek over the bridge of the nose, adding to the breed's distinctive expression of dignity and self-importance. The heart-shaped ears are set level with the top of the skull and lie flat against the head, framed by long feathering that blends with the mane. The Pekingese coat is one of the most luxurious in the canine world, consisting of a long, coarse, straight outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat that together create the breed's magnificent appearance. A distinctive lion-like mane of longer hair extends around the neck and shoulders, while profuse feathering adorns the ears, legs, tail, and toes. The heavily plumed tail curves over the back and falls to either side, completing the regal silhouette. All coat colors are acceptable in the breed standard, including red, fawn, black, white, cream, sable, and parti-color, with black masks and spectacles being common regardless of body color.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Pekingese generally do well with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently, but their small size and relatively fragile structure make them less suitable for households with toddlers or rough-playing youngsters. They can be territorial and may not readily accept other pets, particularly if not raised with them from puppyhood. The breed requires firm but gentle leadership to prevent the development of small dog syndrome, where the dog becomes overly demanding or snappish. Despite their aristocratic demeanor, Pekingese can be surprisingly playful with trusted family members and often display a dry sense of humor that endears them to their owners.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) affects Pekingese due to their long backs and short legs, potentially causing pain, nerve damage, and paralysis if discs herniate and compress the spinal cord. Heart conditions, particularly mitral valve disease, occur with increased frequency and require regular veterinary monitoring. Patellar luxation, skin fold dermatitis in the facial wrinkles, dental disease due to crowded teeth in the shortened jaw, and obesity are additional concerns. The breed has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years with proper care, though respiratory issues may impact quality of life as dogs age.
Pomeranian
The Pomeranian is a compact, cobby toy breed descended from larger German Spitz-type sled dogs, selectively bred down to their current diminutive size while retaining much of their ancestors' characteristic appearance. The breed standard calls for dogs standing between 6 and 9 inches at the shoulder with an ideal show weight of 4 to 6 pounds, though many pet Pomeranians range from 7 to 10 pounds or more. The body is well-balanced and square in proportion, with a short back, level topline, and deep chest that gives the breed a sturdy appearance despite its small size. The overall impression is one of a compact, active dog that moves with a smooth, confident gait. The Pomeranian's head is distinctively fox-like with a wedge-shaped appearance when viewed from above, featuring a moderate stop and a muzzle that is approximately one-third the length of the skull. The small, erect ears are set high on the head and add to the breed's alert, intelligent expression. The dark, almond-shaped eyes are medium-sized and set well into the skull, conveying brightness and curiosity characteristic of the breed's personality. The nose is black in most color varieties, though it may be self-colored in chocolate, beaver, or blue specimens. The Pomeranian's magnificent double coat is perhaps the breed's most striking feature, consisting of a soft, dense undercoat covered by a long, harsh-textured outer coat that stands off from the body. A distinctive thick ruff of longer hair encircles the neck and chest, creating a mane-like appearance, while the heavily plumed tail lies flat on the back, fanning out to complete the breed's elegant silhouette. Pomeranians come in one of the widest variety of colors of any breed, with orange and red being most popular, followed by black, cream, white, sable, chocolate, blue, and parti-color patterns. The breed requires regular grooming to maintain coat health and prevent matting of the undercoat.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Pomeranians generally do well with older children who understand how to handle small dogs gently, but their small size and somewhat fragile structure make them vulnerable to injury from rough handling by young children. They typically coexist peacefully with other pets when properly socialized, though their confident nature may lead them to challenge much larger dogs without recognizing the potential danger. The breed is prone to developing separation anxiety and excessive barking if not properly trained, and their cocky attitude can evolve into small dog syndrome if owners do not establish appropriate boundaries and leadership from an early age.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Congenital portosystemic shunt, where blood bypasses the liver through abnormal vessels, occurs at elevated rates in Pomeranians and can cause neurological symptoms, poor growth, and digestive issues. The breed also has increased susceptibility to gallbladder mucocoele, atlantoaxial subluxation affecting neck vertebrae, cryptorchidism in males, and dental disease due to crowded teeth. Hypoglycemia can affect Pomeranian puppies and small adults due to their limited fat reserves and high metabolic rate. Merle-patterned Pomeranians bred irresponsibly may suffer from deafness, eye abnormalities, and other genetic issues. With proper care and health screening, Pomeranians typically live 12 to 16 years.
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 Peek-A-Pom 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 Pekingese and Pomeranian to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.