Peke-A-Chon (Bichon Frise & Pekingese Mix): Info, Pictures, Traits

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Height: | 6 – 11 inches |
Weight: | 5 – 14 pounds |
Lifespan: | 11 – 16 years |
Colors: | Black, gold, cream, sable |
Suitable for: | Families without young children. People who work from home in apartments or houses. |
Temperament: | Affectionate and playful. Intelligent, friendly, and sweet. Active and loyal. |
If you are looking for an adorable lap dog that will be happy to cuddle on your lap, play games, and be part of the family, the Peke-a-Chon is a great canine to consider. This tiny tyke is a crossbreed between a Bichon Frise and a Pekingese. Not only is this loveable little pet cuter than anyone has a right to be, but they are also easy to take care of and train.
Besides those basic details about this hybrid pup, there are a lot of other details you need to know about this breed, and if you have stopped on this page, we bet that those are the answers you are after. So, by popular demand, we introduce the full scope review of the Peke-A-Chon.
Below, you will find info on their basic care, temperament, training, expenses, and a whole lot more. So, if you are curious about this pup, find a cozy spot, and keep reading!
Bichon Pekingese Puppies
If you are aiming for adorableness, there are no better bullseyes that the Peke-A-Chon. This is a designer breed that comes from two of the most popular purebred toy breeds around. The Bichon Frise and Pekingese have both been around for hundreds of years and have been the favorite of several royal families. Together, they have created a little furball with the best qualities of both. As a puppy, you will find this tyke to be cute and cuddly with an alarming tendency to chew on everything while looking too adorable to make you frustrated.
One of the most important things you need to remember with this little canine, however, is that they can be easily hurt when they are so small. They can literally fit in your hand, so you will need to be watchful of them. Make sure they are not in a position to be stepped on, plus you need to keep them off chairs or couches as a fall could harm them.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Peke-A-Chon
1. Oldest Dog Breed
One of Peke-A-Chon’s ancestors is considered one of the oldest canines in the world. The Pekingese originated in China and is thought to go back for centuries.
2. Stolen Dog
The Peke-A-Chon pet-parent, the Pekingese was originally stolen from China and brought to the UK in 1860. They were thought to be so cute, they couldn’t be left behind.
3. Warm-weather Dog
This designer breed is known to have some issues with hot and humid weather, yet their Bichon Frise ancestor originated in the Mediterranean. They are also thought to be a descendant of the Barbet.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Bichon Pekingese 🧠
The Peke-A-Chon is an adorable, small-sized lap dog that is a great companion for many family situations. They are playful, loyal, affectionate with a gentle nature. They are rarely aggressive, and they enjoy lounging on your lap and being the center of attention. This little tyke is also intelligent and active with a happy spirit.
You will find this is a dog this equally happy to relax as they are to play fetch. Although they need regular exercise, there is no need for strenuous walks daily. You will also find this pooch to be devoted and loyal to their humans. They can have some anxiety issues, so leaving them alone for long hours while you are at work is not recommended.
On the other hand, if you work from home, or have someone in the house for most of the day, this little furball will do well. They enjoy being around people, especially family. They can be somewhat shy around new faces, and they can be barkers. This makes them a good watchdog, but if you live in an apartment where noise is an issue, you may have a problem.
There is also a feisty side to this tiny character. As mentioned, they can be wary of strangers, but they are not shy around their family. They will show their displeasure when they are overly-frustrated…which brings us to our next topic.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡
This can depend on what side of the family tree they take after. The Pekingese is generally not recommended for families with small children as they don’t have a strong threshold for being poked or prodded. Their annoyance can make them nip and bark. Training them early is ideal, but it can also be hard to tell which side they take after. For this reason, small kids are typically not a good idea.
On the other hand, this is a great pet for families with older kids. The like nothing better than to spend time on someone’s lap or relaxing in bed. Though they can be easily startled by loud noises, bring them up in a boisterous household will generally keep them from being timid.
As we also mentioned, this is a good pet to have if you live alone provided you can spend a good amount of time with them. As they don’t require strenuous activity, they are also great pets for seniors or those with disabilities that would make an overly-active pooch a problem.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The Peke-A-Chon is not famous for getting along with other pets, but it can depend on how well they are socialized as puppies. It can also have a lot to do with which side of the family they take after. For the most part, they are more likely to get along with another dog than a smaller animal such as a cat or hamster.
That being said, this breed does well with a companion within the same breed. Adopting another Peke-A-Chon is usually a smooth transition, and it can be helpful if you need to spend more time away from home. Again, socialization is key with this breed. Though they are not aggressive and don’t have a strong prey drive, you want to get them used to other people and animals as young as possible.
Things to Know When Owning a Peke-A-Chon:
When you adopt a new pet into your life, you want to make sure that you will be able to take care of them in the best manner possible. For that reason, we have included all the details for the Peke-A-Chon’s caste below, so you can decide whether this tiny-tot is truly the right pet for you.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
This little guy is not the biggest eater in the canine community, but that does not mean they don’t need a healthy and nutritious diet. They will require good levels of protein, fat, and fiber along with their essential vitamins and minerals to be healthy and happy.
If you have any questions about your pet’s meals, the best thing to do is to speak with your vet. Smaller breeds often require different dietary supplements for their overall well-being. What’s more, their age, health, activity level, and weight can play a big role in their meal plan. You should also note the Peke-A-Chon is a candidate for gaining weight.
According to the AAFCO, canines should get 30 calories per pound of body weight per day. Typically, this hybrid will eat a cup of food split up into two meals. The choice of whether you go for wet or dry food is yours, but again speaking with your vet to make the best decision is important.
Exercise 🐕
One great aspect of Peke-A-Chon’s care is that it doesn’t require strenuous daily walks. That being said, you must give them some exercise daily. A short walk or games in the living room are usually sufficient, however. This is important for keeping them happy and grounded.
Like most dogs, excess energy is not a good thing. They can become destructive with their chewing, plus they can also start to bark constantly. Making sure they are getting adequate activity will keep these activities at bay.
Other Activity Requirements
As we mentioned earlier, this breed doesn’t do well in hot and humid weather. During the summer, you will want to take them out early in the day or after sunset. You can also restrict playtime to indoors while the temperatures are high.
You also want to make sure you are keeping an eye on them while you are outside. They have been known to wander off, and they are not the best with directions. They can become lost quickly not far from home. It’s important to keep them on a leash or monitor them when they ate in the backyard. They are well able to slip through small spaces, as well.
Training 🦮
The Peke-A-Chon has average intelligence and benefits from early-stage training. They respond to positive reinforcement and praise very well. You want to keep their training sessions to quick lessons followed by play than another quick lesson. They get easily distracted, so doing these activities in spurts is helpful.
You should also note that this pup can be stubborn as they get older, and they are also very sensitive. Any yelling or mistreatment on your part can cause them to become aggressive or very timid. It is better to let the session go for the day and try again tomorrow.
House Breaking
Housebreaking your Peke-A-Chon is probably the most important aspect of their training. This is because of their small stature. Climbing on furniture can easily get them injured, so you need to teach them to keep their little paws on the floor. The same goes for jumping on beds and other furniture where they could get hurt.
You may want to buy space dividers for your home, as well. This can keep them from tumbling downstairs. The earlier you train them to stay on the floor, however, the safer they will be.
Grooming ✂️
The Peke-A-Chon is hypoallergenic and has very little shed. This is good news for anyone with allergies. Even better, their coat care is not strenuous, either. They should be brushed a few times a week to get rid of any loose fur and stop any mats from forming.
You will also want to trim their fur every few weeks to keep the hair out of their eyes. If you are new to dog ownership, we recommend getting some professional assistance especially if your pet is not comfortable being groomed.
Bathing can be done every two months with a gentle shampoo. They can have sensitive skin, so using something gentle is essential. You also want to make sure they are dried thoroughly.
Their Face Care
One aspect of their care that is out of the ordinary is their overall face care. You want to make sure that you check their skin for signs of rashes or irritations. Not only that, but you also need to wipe their face down daily to prevent tear staining and skin fold issues.
The same goes for their teeth and ear care. You will need to pay attention to their dental health. Daily brushing is recommended along with some delta treats. This breed can have some gnarly breath, but the snacks can help. Their ears should also be checked and wiped cleaned along with the other grooming chores. Check for redness, mites and excess wax.
Finally, you will need to keep their nails trimmed to a comfortable length. As this pooch is not an overly active dog, they are more likely to need them cut more often. The best way to gauge whether they have gotten too long is to listen for the sound of their nails in the ground. If you can hear them you need to trim them.
Health and Conditions ❤️
Designer breeds are usually healthier than purebred dogs. That being said, there is no current proof to indicate this is a fact. When it comes to the Peke-A-Chon, they do have a considerable number of possible ailments that could develop. Again, these are just possibilities. A lot has to do with their care, weight, age, and general lifestyle.
- KCS
- Cataract
- Urolithiasis
- Hydrocephalus
- Eye disease
- Allergies
- Weight gain
- Atopic dermatitis
- Mitral valve disease
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Hemophilia
- Patellar luxation
- Entropion
- Hip dysplasia
- Skin fold dermatitis
- Dental disease
- Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Exposure keratopathy syndrome
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a small dog that will be happy to sit on your lap, the Peke-A-Chon is a good breed for you. This loyal and loving dog makes a great companion for families with older children, seniors, or singles alike. They do not require strenuous activity, yet they love to play and make you laugh.
We hope you have enjoyed this article, and it has provided you with all the information you need to make the best decision for you and your new pet.
Featured Image Credit: JelenaDiazPhotography, Shutterstock