10-20 lbs
7-9"
Unknown
Pekehunds are a cute and curious mix between a Dachshund
(aka “Doxie”) and Pekingese. Several strong traits of both parents balance out
in this hybrid, such as energy level. However, other strong traits reinforce each other, such as loyalty, intelligence, and people-orientation.
Pekehunds vary widely in color, as well as size and appearance depend on what
type of Dachshund parent they have (standard size, miniature, smooth-haired,
long-haired, wire-haired). Generally, however, they weight between 10 and 22
pounds and grow to be 7 to 9 inches tall. Though an adorable combination,
Pekehunds are less common than other Pekingese and Dachshund mixes and not yet recognized
by the American Kennel Association.
A Pekehund
is a hybrid of a purebred Dachshund and a Pekingese. Both Pekehund parents migrated
to the United States in the mid to late 1800s and have possibly been bred
together for over a century. Nonetheless, they come from very different
backgrounds. Dachshund means
“badger dog” in German and – appropriately – was bred beginning in 15th
century Deutschland to hunt badgers and other small vermin. There are three
varieties of this breed. The “smooth-haired” Dachshund was developed first out
of small hunting dogs including the Pinscher and Basset Hound. The
“wire-haired” and “long-haired” were developed later by adding in Spaniels and
other Terriers. Overtime, Dachshunds became known, not just for their hunting
skills, but also for their sense of loyalty and affectionate nature. These
traits led to the breed’s rise in popularity as a pet throughout Europe and
North America during the 1800s. During this time, breeders also started to
create “miniature” Dachshund that weighed 11 pounds or less. Dachshund were
recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1895. Today, they are rarely used for hunting, but
they remain a globally popular family pet. The Pekehund’s other parent, the Pekingese
originated in ancient China. It was primarily owned by royal and elite families
and believed to protect owners from evil spirits. Little is known about the development of the
Pekingese due to scare or incomplete breeding records in Imperial China;
however, in the 19th century, it is known that China’s ruler, the
Dowager Empress Cixi, began to gift Pekingese to foreign officials and diplomats.
Additionally, several Pekingese were smuggled out of the country during the
Second Opium War in the 1860s. After this breed was introduced to the rest of
the world, it’s popularity grew quickly – particularly in Europe. Eventually,
the breed found its way over to North America in the late century and was
recognized by the AKC in 1909.
Pekehunds look like taller dachshunds with the short
muzzle of a Pekingese and feathering around the ears and tail. These small dogs
have a sweet, inquisitive expressions and grow to be between 10 and 22 pounds
and 8 to 10 inches tall. The type of Dachshund that the Pekingese is bred with
will ultimately determine some of the hybrid’s characteristics. Obviously,
miniature Dachshund parents will produce relatively smaller Pekehunds.
Additionally, smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired will all yield Pekehunds
with different coat lengths and textures. The most common Pekehund Terrier
parent, however, is the smooth-haired. This combination will yield a short to
medium length coat that is straight and soft. The coat can come in any
combination or solid variety of colors that are common to both the Dachshund
and Pekingese. Aside from that, Pekehunds have high-set, pendent ears, small
catlike feet, and a medium length, well-coated tail.
Depending on
the type of Dachshund that is bred, Pekehund maintenance can vary widely.
Pekehunds with wiry or long hair may require weekly brushing and occasional
stripping. Pekehunds with a shorter coat may require less upkeep, but still
shed moderately. Regardless of type, feathering around the ears and tail are
common. As such, owners may need to clip their Pekehunds coat with clippers or
scissors; some owners even opt for professional grooming. All varieties of
Pekehunds should have baths and nails trimmings on a monthly basis. This
hybrid’s ears are prone to wax build up, so owners should check and clean their
Pekehunds regularly to avoid infections or discomfort. Finally (like all dogs), Pekehunds should have
their teeth brushed daily to ward off dental diseases.
Pekingese and Dachshunds are different in many ways,
and Pekehunds can inherit any combination of personality traits from each one. One
characteristic, however, is common throughout all these breeds: a deep sense of
loyalty and attachment to their owners. Pekehunds are very people oriented and
will want to stay with their owners at every opportunity possible. These true
pack animals and they will not be happy if they are alone for long periods of
time (they do well when they are “paired” with another pet). As such, owners
should make significant efforts to reduce social anxiety with a consistent
schedule, crate training, and – of course – lots of love and affirmation.
Because Pekehunds also tend to be suspicious of strangers, socialization among
people and other animals is essential to bringing up a well-adjusted pup.
Generally, Pekehunds tend to be quite intelligent. They require mental
stimulation by the way of games and one on one interactions in addition to lots
of attention from their families.
Pekehunds need about 30 minutes of activity every day to
stay happy and healthy. If they take after their Pekingese parent they may need
less exercise, and if they take after their Doxie parent, they may need more
exercise. Either way, Pekehunds will enjoy any activity that means they get to
spend time with their owners, including walks, trips to the park, games (such
as fetch), and learning tricks. They will also enjoy playing with other dogs
that they are bonded or familiar with. Pekehunds may need a jacket in the
winter, but they do well in all types of climates. Additionally, because of
their size and activity requirements, this hybrid is well suited for urban
and apartment environments.
Written by hannah hollinger
Published: 11/10/2017, edited: 09/01/2021
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