The Pekingese Chihuahua mix is a small-sized hybrid breed combining the two toy breeds, the Mexican Chihuahua and the Chinese Pekingese dog. These small toy dog breeds combine to create one adorable little pup that’s perfect for the senior citizen seeking a loving companion pet, or the growing family looking or a small dog for their family home.
Image credit: masumih
Also perfect for apartment dwellers, this toy hybrid breed is sure to be a hit among those searching for a mixed-breed companion.
Pekingese Chihuahua Mix dog – At a glance
| Weight: | 3–9 pounds |
| Height: | 10–14 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–14 years |
| Coat colours: | Black, blue, cream, red, white. |
| Temperament: | Sensitive, suspicious, loyal, loving, affectionate, gentle, clingy. |
| Suitable for: | Elderly individuals, apartment dwellers, families with or without children, singles. |
What does a Pekingese Chihuahua mix dog look like?
Like most designer dogs, the Pekingese and Chihuahua mix will inherit different parts of their physical appearance from each parent breed. The “Cheeks dog” as they’re otherwise known will likely inherit the upright ears of the Chihuahua, but the flat-face of the Pekingese with the rounded eyes of the Pekingese.
They may have an upright tail, like the Chihuahua, or the downward-facing tail, like the Pekingese. When it comes to coat colors, you can expect your Pekingese and Chihuahua mix to have a black, blue, cream, red or white coat. It’s likely that your Pekingese and chihuahua mix dog will have a single coat.
The Cheeks dog is the perfect size for an elderly companion searching for a hybrid breed. But, as with most mixed-breed dogs, it’s difficult to accurately predict the Pekingese Chihuahua mix physical appearance, as it depends heavily on the predominant genes from their parent breeds.
The history of the Pekingese Chihuahua mix
Unfortunately, we don’t have a lot of history about the Pekingese and chihuahua mix dog to glean from. It’s likely that this designer dog was created sometime between the 1990s and early 2000s, when crossbreeding became popular in the United States.
Perhaps the original breeders wanted to temper the signs of aggression in the Chihuahua with a more even-tempered dog like the Pekingese, or perhaps they thought the flat-faced Pekingese would add a ‘cute’ factor to the Chihuahua.
In any event, we’ll explore the history of each parent breed to understand how these two beloved dog breeds combined to create a formidable toy breed combination.
The History of the Pekingese
The Pekingese was developed in China as an ancient breed connected to Chinese royalty – the timing of their development is a mystery. Still, it was thought to have been developed in ancient China and could only be owned by the Imperial Family or members of the Chinese Imperial Court.
In 1860, a lone Pekingese dog would come to Europe following the sack of an imperial palace in China by a joint Anglo-French force during the Opium Wars. The Pekingese dog was presented to Queen Victoria, who named it Looty.
Since their ‘export’ to Europe, the Pekingese continued to be associated with royalty, but also became a popular breed for seniors and many others throughout Europe, particularly in the United Kingdom.
They were brought to the United States sometime in the early 19th century and quickly became popular companion dogs, as well as participating in show trials. In 1906, they were recognized as a toy breed by the American Kennel Club.
How Popular Are Pekingese?
Pekingese are often thought to be the ideal companion breed for seniors, given their small size and good-natured, easygoing temperament, the Pekingese are steadily increasing in popularity in the United States.
In 2021, Pekingese ranked as the 94th most-popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who are Pekingese a good dog for?
Pekingese are a wonderful companion for almost any family dynamic or single individual. These adorable companions are perfect companion for life for most people.
How did Pekingese come about?
The Pekingese’s precise history is largely a mystery, although there is some suggestion that they were bred from the Lhasa Apso and other toy breeds developed in China during the Han dynasty, more than two millennia ago.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Pekingese?
As with most other toy breeds in the United States, the Pekingese was likely crossbred during the late 1990s and early 2000s, mostly with other breeds of similar size. It is likely that the Pekingese genes were bred into other dogs as a method of tempering excitable dogs, or developing a more faithful companion pet, or for their physical appearance.
Several popular Pekingese crosses include:
- Shih Tzu Pekingese Mix (Shinese)
- Pug Pekingese Mix (Puginese)
- Pekingese Poodle Mix (Peek-a-poo)
- Pekingese Beagle Mix (Peagle)
- Yorkshire Terrier Pekingese Mix (Yorkinese)
The History of the Chihuahua
The Chihuahua is a modern-day breed with an ancient ancestor dating back to the 9th century in South America. The Chihuahua heralds from the Techichi, a small, mute dog kept by the Toltec Peoples, an Aztec tribe who ruled over modern-day Mexico during the 9th century.
In modern times, the Chihuahua was first noted in the mid-19th century in the Mexican state of the same name. They have been kept exclusively as companion pets, renowned for their affectionate side, loyalty to their owner and affectionate nature.
They were first imported to the United States at the end of the 19th century, as they were sold and traded to American tourists visiting Mexican-American border towns (on the Mexican side) and were later recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
How Popular Are Chihuahuas?
Since their recognition by the AKC, the Chihuahua has become one of America’s most popular toy dog breeds.
In 2021, the Chihuahua ranked as the 37th most popular dog in the United States.
Who Are Chihuahuas a Good Dog For?
Given their small size, Chihuahuas are considered the perfect choice of breed for seniors or those living in apartments. However, they are prone to separation anxiety, leading to destructive behavior. They also make accidental guard dogs due to their propensity to bark excessively.
Chihuahuas are generally good family pets, although they can display aggressive, territorial behavior which can be hazardous around smaller children.
How Did Chihuahuas Come About?
The Chihuahua’s history is a bit of a mystery – their lineage traces back to the 9th century, when an Aztec tribe called the Toltecs ruled modern-day Mexico. The Toltecs kept a small, mute dog known as the Techichi. It’s from this dog that modern Chihuahuas can trace their lineage.
They were next noted in the mid-19th century in the Mexican state of the same name and were kept as companion pets. They were sold and traded to American tourists in the late 19th century and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1904.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Chihuahua?
Chihuahuas are a popular toy breed among crossed breeds, as they bring that Chihuahua flair and zest for life into a Chihuahua mix. Among the earliest records of Chihuahua mixes is the Chihuahua and Jack Russell Terrier mix – created at the end of the Second World War as a way to rebound the popularity of the JRT in the United Kingdom.
In the United States, the Chihuahua was likely crossbred for the first time sometime during the 1990s and early 2000s, as the breed became more and more popular. Several popular Chihuahua crosses developed during this time include:
- Chihuahua Boston Terrier Mix (Boston Chi)
- Chihuahua Brussels Griffon Mix (Chussel)
- Chihuahua Golden Retriever Mix (Golden Chi)
- Chihuahua Cairn Terrier Mix (Toxirn)
- Chihuahua Corgi Mix (Chigi)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important aspects of researching a new dog is ensuring that they match your family’s temperament. If you’ve been searching for an active and outdoorsy breed, you’ll want to check that breed you’re considering matches your desired temperament. Perhaps you’re looking for a more laid-back pooch? Again, research will prove key in finding out if the dog you’re considering matches your desires for a new puppy.
If you have children, steering clear of dogs that have a tendency for aggression (or conceivably could) is important. Finding a dog that matches you family’s temperament is going to save you time and money in training a dog that’s simply not a good match for your family unit.
What is the Temperament of the Pekingese and Chihuahua Mix?
The Pekingese and chihuahua mix dog is an incredibly gentle and devoted animal. They may inherit the territoriality of the Chihuahua, which can manifest with some behavioral issues, although these can be corrected with behavioral training.
You can expect your Pekingese and chihuahua mix dog to have an alert nature – they’re likely to be excessive barkers. Outside of this, they’ll have a healthy suspicion of strangers, but be loyal and loving to friends and family. They’re gentle dogs, too, so have no fear of them around children or other pets.
Is The Pekingese Chihuahua Mix Friendly?
In general, you can expect your Pekingese chihuahua mix dog to be a very animal towards those it knows, with a healthy suspicion of those it doesn’t.
Is The Pekingese and Chihuahua Mix Easy to Train?
While you may experience some initial stubbornness from the chihuahua mixed with Pekingese, eventually your Cheeks puppy will become accustomed to training. In our experience, positive reinforcement training is one of the best methods to successfully train a dog.
How Much Can A Pekingese Chihuahua Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Pekingese chihuahua mix dog is between 3 and 9 pounds.
How Tall Can A Pekingese Chihuahua Mix Get?
The average height of a Pekingese and chihuahua mix dog is between 10 and 14 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Pekingese Chihuahua. These include:
- Bichon Frise
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Maltese
- Pomeranian
- Jack Russell Terrier
Does the Pekingese and Chihuahua Mix Shed?
In general, you can expect your chihuahua mixed with Pekingese to be a low-shedding dog, as they’re likely to have a shorter coat. Brushing your Chihuahua Pekingese mix weekly is still a good idea, as that helps cut down on pet dander.
How Much Exercise Does A Pekingese and Chihuahua Mix Require?
As both of their parent breeds are excitable and energetic, you should expect your chihuahua mixed with Pekingese to require roughly 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise. This includes off-leash time at your local dog park and physical games such as fetch.
Alongside physical exercise, your chihuahua mixed with pekingese will require mental stimulation. This can include brain games for dogs. Or, if you plan to leave your Chihuahua Pekingese mix alone for a period, ensure you buy it a KONG toy (filled with it’s favorite treats) or something similar to keep it occupied.
How Long Can a Pekingese Chihuahua Mix Live?
The average life expectancy of a Pekingese Chihuahua mix dog is between 10 and 14 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Pekingese and Chihuahua Mix have?
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip Joint Inflammation)
- Periodontal Disease (Teeth Issues)
- Patellar Luxation (Kneecap dislocation)
- Mitral Valve Disease (Heart Disease)
- Hydrocephalus (Swelling on the Brain)
How Can You Find a Pekingese and Chihuahua Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you start searching for a Chihuahua Pekingese mix puppy for sale, instead consider searching for one to adopt first! Many Chihuahua Pekingese mix puppies wind up in animal shelters and vet clinics across the country, you could save a life!
If you’re unsuccessful in your search at either an animal shelter or local vet clinic, try searching online at AdoptAPet.com.
How Much Does a Pekingese Chihuahua Mix Puppy Cost?
The average cost of a Pekingese Chihuahua mix is between $600 and $900. This is roughly double the cost of adopting a Chihuahua Pekingese mix (on the low end).
However, if you’re unconcerned about the cost and still want to go through a reputable breeder to find your “Cheeks” dog, we highly encourage you to read our article on finding and working with reputable breeders, and how to distinguish them from money-hungry puppy mills.
Is the Pekingese and Chihuahua Mix the Right Breed For You?
Whether the Chihuahua Pekingese mix is the right breed for your family depends on whether you’ve been searching for a smaller dog with plenty of energy and the right attitude to make your life entertaining. After reading this, if you’re convinced that the Chihuahua Pekingese mix is the right breed for you, then consider buying or adopting this adorable cross!
However, if you’re convinced that the Chihuahua Pekingese isn’t the right breed for you and you’d prefer a different mixed-breed dog, we’ve written dozens of articles that outline other mixed-breed pups that might be more to your liking.
Sources:
- https://www.merckvetmanual.com/circulatory-system/congenital-and-inherited-anomalies-of-the-cardiovascular-system/mitral-valve-dysplasia-in-animals
- https://wagwalking.com/condition/hydrocephalus
- https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/healthcare/luxating-patella-in-dogs
- https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/musculoskeletal/c_dg_hip_dysplasia
- https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/dog-breeds/most-popular-dog-breeds-of-2021/