Peekapoo are a cross breed that is a mix between a Pekingese and a Poodle.
While you may be familiar with some Poodle mixes such as Goldendoodles, Labradoodles and Irish Doodles, the Peekapoo is a less common member of the Doodle family.
Peekapoo are usually small dogs given the Pekingese is known as a companion-sized breed.
There are some dog breeds that have earned a reputation for being low-shedding dogs or virtual non shedders.
For example, the Poodle is often classed as a hypoallergenic dog by organizations such as the American Kennel Club.
You’re probably wondering whether a Peekapoo is going to be hypoallergenic given one of their parents is a Poodle.
Editor's note: The content on this website is meant to be informative in nature, but it should not be taken as veterinary, medical or professional advice. There's no such thing as a 100% hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make. It’s always best to speak with your vet or your doctor before deciding to get a dog if you suspect you may have allergies to pets.
In this article, we’re going to look at whether Peekapoo are hypoallergenic, whether these dogs shed a lot and what grooming requirements Peekapoo may have.
We’ll hear from Coco (@coco_the_peekapoo), Bonnie (@bonnie_the_peekapoo), Gustav (@sir_gustav) and Kenji and Spencer (@kenjispencer).
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What does hypoallergenic mean?
If you’ve ever dealt with allergies in your life, there’s a very good chance you’re familiar with the word hypoallergenic.
However, for pet lovers who don’t suffer with allergies to dog hair or pollen, there’s a good chance this is your first time hearing this term.
The cosmetic industry started to describe some of their products as hypoallergenic in the 1950s.
Companies would market their products as hypoallergenic because they were less likely to trigger an allergy in comparison to other products within the industry.
Let’s take a look at how Healthline define the word hypoallergenic to give you a clear understanding of the term.
Hypoallergenic means a product contains few allergy-producing substances known as allergens.
Medical website WebMD have an extended definition of hypoallergenic.
If you see “hypoallergenic” on makeup or a skin care label, it means that that maker claims its product causes fewer allergic reactions than other ones. That doesn’t necessarily mean it is allergy-proof or gentler for your skin. The U.S. government doesn’t have standards that products must meet in order to put “hypoallergenic” on the label.
What are hypoallergenic dogs?
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America write on their website that as many as three in 10 people with allergies have an allergic reaction to cats and dogs.
Let’s hear a little more from Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.
People with dog allergies may be more sensitive to some breeds of dogs than others. Some people may be allergic to all dogs. People may think certain breeds of dogs are “hypoallergenic,” but a truly non-allergic dog or cat does not exist.
According to statistics website Statista, there are nearly 90 million dog owners in the USA, which is an increase of over 20 million since 2000.
Unsurprisingly, considering the sheer volume of dog lovers around the world, there are over 8.8 million results for hypoallergenic dogs.
But the American Kennel Club write on their website that there’s no such thing as a 100 per cent completely hypoallergenic dog in spite of claims that breeders might make.
Although no dog is completely hypoallergenic, the AKC point out that there are some breeds that are more hypoallergenic than other varieties of dogs.
While no dog is 100% hypoallergenic, there are a variety of breeds that do well with allergy sufferers. These dogs have a predictable, non-shedding coat which produces less dander.
We’ll take a closer look at the dog breeds that AKC put forward as hypoallergenic on their website later in this article but let’s next take a look at the causes of dog allergies.
What causes an allergy to dogs?
There are a number of potential factors that are contributing to an allergy to dogs. Of course, one of the most common causes of dog allergies is dog hair. Hence why low-shedding canines prove to be so popular.
However, there are some other things to consider. The biggest is dander. Dander is usually a bigger contributing factor than dog hair.
Here’s the American Lung Association to shed light on what dander is.
Pet dander is composed of tiny, even microscopic, flecks of skin shed by cats, dogs, rodents, birds and other animals with fur or feathers. These bits of skin can cause reactions in people who are specifically allergic to these triggers.
Just like dog hair, different dog breeds and mixes can produce varying levels of dander. For example, the Poodle are a type of dog that don’t usually produce lots of dander.
There are other potential allergens associated with dogs, such as saliva and urine. Our precious pooches can also bring in allergens from outside, such as pollen.
What are the symptoms?
If you’re curious to learn about the potential symptoms associated with allergies to dogs, you should speak to your local medical professional to learn more.
Having said that, we’ll give you a brief run down of some of the things to look out for.
Respected medical website Mayo Clinic write on their website that dog allergies are usually triggered by dander or pet hair, as we covered above. If you’re exposed to a cat or dog and you do have an allergy to canines or feline, they write that you may experience one of the following symptoms:
• Sneezing
• Runny nose
• Itchy, red or watery eyes
• Nasal congestion
• Itchy nose, roof of mouth or throat
• Postnasal drip
• Cough
• Facial pressure and pain
• Frequent awakening
• Swollen, blue-colored skin under your eyes
• In a child, frequent upward rubbing of the nose
Are Peekapoo hypoallergenic?
Peekapoo are considered a hypoallergenic cross breed. Although the AKC write that no dog is completely hypoallergenic, Peekapoo can have hypoallergenic qualities thanks to the influence of their Poodle parent.
Coco the Peekapoo gave us an insight into their hypoallergenic coats.
They do not shed any hair and would definitely be a great fit for a family member who suffers from allergies to dogs.
Gus (@sir_gustav) actually lives with a member of the family who has allergies to dogs.
My father is allergic to fur and he doesn’t have any reaction to Gus since he has hair.
Highlighting our point, Benji and Spencer are two Peekapoo who aren’t completely hypoallergenic.
Mine do shed because they have come out with straight fur. They ‘re low shedding if they come out curly. They’re low allergenic (not 100% allergenic). I do not break out in hives or get breathing problems from them. They are good for allergy sufferers.
Just remember, as with all cross breeds, there’s no guarantee that a Peekapoo puppy will inherit the hypoallergenic coats of their Poodle parents.
Do Peekapoo shed a lot?
Poodles are low shedding or non shedding dogs, so a Peekapoo could inherit this trait from their Poodle parent. However, Pekingese do shed a moderate amount, so there’s a chance that a Peekapoo could be light to moderate shedders.
In the case of Bonnie (@bonnie_the_peekapoo), this little Peekapoo doesn’t shed.
Bonnie does not shed, but she has got quite a high maintenance coat that without daily brushing can matt and knot very easily. I feel this is the most important thing to consider when purchasing a Peekapoo as this can become very uncomfortable for the dog if not kept on top of. It can be costly for the owner.
Peekapoo care and grooming
Although Peekapoo are usually low-shedding dogs, you’ll still have carry out a regular grooming routine to ensure their coats remain in condition. By following a daily brushing schedule, you can ensure your Peekapoo’s coat doesn’t become matted, tangled or fester potential infections.
Danielle provided us with an idea of Bonnie’s grooming schedule.
We have Bonnie groomed/cut every 6-8 weeks. We brushed Bonnie as soon as we brought her home to get her used to this.
Kenji and Spencer (@kenjispencer) are two Pekingnese who are groomed by their dog mom.
I don’t take mine to the groomer. I do the grooming myself. I bought professional scissors online. In Summer, I give them a summer cut every 4-6 weeks.
Hypoallergenic dog breeds
The American Kennel Club and the Kennel Club both offer suggestions for dog lovers looking to find hypoallergenic breeds.
The AKC suggest the following 19 breeds:
• Affenpinchser
• Afghan Hound
• American Hairless Terrier
• Barbet
• Bedlington Terrier
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Giant Schnauzer
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Kerry Blue Terrier
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Maltese
• Peruvian Inca Orchid
• Poodle
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russkaya Tsvetnaya Bolonka
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
• Schnauzer
• Xoloitzcuintli
The Kennel Club offer a more exhaustive list of 31 types of dogs:
• Lagotto Romagnolo
• Irish Water Spaniel
• Spanish Water Dog
• Bouvier des Flandres
• Giant Schnauzer
• Portuguese Water Dog
• Russian Black Terrier
• Hungarian Puli
• Komondor
• Bichon Frise
• Bolognese
• Chinese Crested
• Coton de Tulear
• Havanese
• Maltese
• Yorkshire Terrier
• Lhasa Apso
• Intermediate Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Mexican Hairless
• Standard Mexican Hairless
• Miniature Schnauzer
• Standard Poodle
• Toy Poodle
• Miniature Poodle
• Shih Tzu
• Tibetan Terrier
• Bedlington Terrier
• Dandie Dinmont Terrier
• Glen of Imaal Terrier
• Sealyham Terrier
• Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
Anything else to consider?
If you’re looking to learn more about Peekapoo and whether they shed a lot, there’s no better source of information than a current Peekapoo owner.
They’re usually more than willing to help other dog owners who want to learn more about a particular cross breed.
You may also find dedicated Facebook groups to particular types of dogs.
Remember, if you’ve got concerns about a potential allergy to dogs, go talk to your doctor to learn more.
In conclusion
We’ve reached the end of our article on Peekapoo and whether they’re hypoallergenic.
Usually Peekapoo are hypoallergenic dogs but it can vary slightly from Peekapoo to Peekapoo.
While the Poodle is a hypoallergenic breed, Pekingese are low-to-moderate shedders.
Peekapoo will need regular grooming to maintain the appearance, health and quality of their coat.
