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Pet parents looking for designer dogs will be over the moon with the Chihuahua-Pekingese mix, a cross between two companion dogs from different cultures and continents. While the Pekingese originates from China and the Chihuahua originates from Mexico, they can be combined to create the most adorable dogs. In this article, we share everything you need to know about the Cheeks dog breed and how you can care for one in your home.
What is the Cheeks Dog Breed?
The Cheeks dog is a combination of the Chihuahua and the Pekingese, resulting in a small dog breed that comes with the best traits of its parent breeds. It’s an alert and lively breed that won’t need too much exercise but it’s also intelligent so it can be wary of strangers, making early socialization critical when raising one of these dogs. They can adapt well to apartment life because their parents are among the most popular toy breeds.
They love being around humans and are a suitable breed for seniors but will also be tolerant of children. However, they’re tiny dogs so you should teach your kids how to behave and care for them to avoid injuries and accidents. Overall, Cheek dogs are highly affectionate and loyal companions that are easy to maintain and are ideal for people living in smaller homes.
History of the Cheeks Dog Breed
While their parents are highly popular breeds, not much is known about the Cheeks breed since they’re still relatively new to the dog world. However, we can tell you about their parents individually, both of which have a rich history.
Pekingese History
The Pekingese is an ancient breed developed to serve as a companion to Chinese royalty before 700 BC, but most of their history has been lost to myths and legends. Known in China as the Lion Dog, DNA testing revealed that these dogs are more closely related to wolves than many other breeds. As such, these tiny yet fierce dogs quickly became popular around the United States and Europe, and were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1906.
Unfortunately, the Qing Dynasty fell during the early 1900s and most of the royal dogs were slaughtered. Only a handful of these dogs were able to keep the breed from going extinct thanks to the visiting dignitaries that took some of them back to their native countries.
Chihuahua History
The Chihuahua’s history is also shrouded in mystery, but DNA tests confirm that they’re tied to an ancient native dog called the Techichi. These dogs were believed to have served as pets and religious sacrifices by the Aztecs for thousands of years. The first kinds of Chihuahua were first developed in Mexico around the 1800s — the breed got its name from the Mexican state of Chihuahua, where merchants frequently sold these portable companions.
It was in 1904 when the Chihuahua was first recognized by the AKC where they were given a breed standard but only 30 were registered by 1913. Today, these dogs are the 30th most popular breed in the country, with over 40,000 Chihuahuas registered by 2012.
Cheeks Dog Breed Appearance
When you combine the Chihuahua with the Pekingese, you get a pup that stands no more than 6 to 9 inches in height and weighs up to 14 pounds with an average weight of 10 pounds. These dogs can inherit the dome-like shape of their Chihuahua parents or their Pekingese parents’ flat and broad skulls. Their muzzles will often be short and will either look broad like the Pekingese or tapered and narrow like the Chihuahua.
As one of the smallest dog breeds in the world, the fluffy Cheeks dog comes with a small body, dark brown eyes, and floppy ears that are positioned high on the head. This dog’s coat can either present itself as a single-layer coat but can also be a double-layer coat on occasion. These pups can be found in a wide range of coat colors such as black, cream, brown, white, red, and blue on occasion.
Cheeks Dog Breed Temperament
The Cheeks breed is outgoing, friendly, amusing, and loving towards their families but is more timid and reserved around strangers. While they’re not prone to separation anxiety, they’re still meant to be lapdogs and will want nothing more than to spend time on their favorite place; your lap. They will generally get along well with other dogs and won’t always chase after smaller animals, but due to their small size, they are fragile and will need to be supervised during all kinds of interactions, especially with younger children.
These affectionate dogs can be more patient with older children when they’re handled with care but can get nippy if they’re hurt. When given proper training and socialization at an early age, they can grow into well-balanced adults without behavioral issues such as aggression, excessive timidity, and small dog syndrome. Many dog owners have reported their Cheeks to be a good family dog that brings joy and laughter into their homes.
Cheeks Dog Breed Care
When you’re sure that you want to take one of these dogs home, be sure to follow the guide below to give them the proper care and nutrition they deserve.
Nutrition
When you want to keep your Cheeks dog happy and healthy, giving it proper nutrition is paramount. Just like any dog, they will require a balanced diet but because they’re so small, they will do well with a grain-free diet using a small breed formula that’s packed with protein and without any filters. Be sure to give them high-quality food that’s appropriate for their size, age, and physical activity — at the same time, they will benefit from Omega 3 supplements for a thick and shiny coat.
It’s also important to give your Cheeks are regular feeding schedule and to implement strict portion control to prevent obesity and overeating. Make sure to divide their meals into 2 to 3 equal meals to keep them full and to protect them from digestive issues. You should avoid feeding your puppy human food and table scraps since this can result in digestive upset or nutritional imbalances.
Be sure to consult with your veterinarian to get the right diet and portions for your dog based on its health status and individual needs.
Grooming
In terms of grooming, the Cheeks dog is relatively low-maintenance compared to other breeds; they have short and silky coats that need regular brushing to protect them from tangles and matting. Using a grooming mitt or a soft bristle brush is the best way to keep their coat healthy and shiny while removing dirt and loose fur at the same time. Apart from frequent brushing, they will also need occasional baths to keep them clean and fresh — just use dog shampoo and warm water.
Avoid using hair dryers when drying them since excessive heat can damage their skin and coat; instead, just let them dry naturally. Don’t forget to include your dog’s ears and nails in your grooming routine, so check their ears for signs of irritation or infection, and trim their nails as needed. Finally, their dental hygiene should also be given top priority since their teeth and gums can be prone to tartar and plaque buildup.
Exercise
Despite its status as one of the smaller dogs, this breed is a highly energetic and playful dog that needs regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Daily short walks, playtime, interactive toys, and even agility training are a few things you can do with your pup to keep it physically and mentally stimulated. They won’t need a lot of exercise but they will also enjoy activities such as fetch and obedience classes, which can act as a channel to spend their energy positively.
When exercising these dogs, consistency is the key, and they will strive when given routine and structure so be sure to establish an exercise routine that will keep them engaged and stop boredom. This can include a walk around an off-leash dog park or a tiring game of tug-of-war in your backyard, but no matter what you do, it should burn off your dog’s excess energy while strengthening your bond. Just keep in mind that these are small dogs with delicate bones, so try not to do anything too strenuous and avoid high-impact activities that may cause injuries.
Training
Giving your canine companion gentle training will go a long way toward creating and encouraging good behavior; it also helps to develop a stronger bond with your pooch. Fortunately, Cheek dogs are intelligent and are highly eager to please their owners, making them easier to train compared to other dogs when given the right positive reinforcement techniques. However, patience and consistency are the keys to success when you want to get started with dog training, and it’s also a good idea to start while they’re young.
When training your furry friend, the first thing you need to do is establish clear expectations and boundaries from the get-go. Your Cheek puppy will respond well to positive reinforcement which includes playtime, treats, and praise, so be sure to reward their good work consistently. Try not to give your pup negative reinforcement or harsh punishment during training sessions since this can make them fearful and unwilling to learn.
Cheeks Dog Breed Health Problems
When given proper care, regular vet check-ups, and the right diet, the Cheeks dog can be a relatively healthy breed and enjoy a healthy life with an average lifespan between 12 to 15 years. This is pretty standard for small dog breeds, but they can still be prone to a few health issues that pet owners should know about. Below are just a few health issues that Chihuahua-Pekinese mixes may experience during their lifetime.
- Patellar Luxation: This occurs when the kneecap is dislocated from the original position; the pain level will depend on how severe the condition is.
- Dental Problems: Due to their small jaws, Chihuahua Pekingese mixes can be prone to dental health problems such as tooth decay, misaligned teeth, and over-jawing. As such, it’s important to regularly brush their teeth and have them examined by their vet regularly.
- Elbow Dysplasia: This condition affects the elbow joint, causing pain and lameness. While it’s more common in bigger dog breeds, it can also affect these small dogs.
- Bladder Stones: This is a common issue with small dogs, which cause pain and difficulty when urinating, so they may need to be surgically removed.
- Heart Problems: Some Cheek dogs can be born with congenital heart defects which can then lead to failure and in severe cases, death. As such, you must have your pooch examined by your vet on a regular basis to have it monitored for signs of heart issues.
Finding Your Cheeks Puppy
Because the Cheeks is a hybrid breed, they may not be the easiest dogs to find inside shelters and rescue organizations but keep a look out for them if you’re aiming to get one for a more affordable price. Try to get as much information as possible about their Cheeks dogs while bearing in mind that they may not have all the details you need. Luckily, they’re a relatively popular breed, so your best chance of getting your hands on one of them is through a reputable breeder.
Speak to as many as you can; start by comparing prices, and facility conditions, and ask them questions regarding their puppies. Make sure to meet your Cheeks dog before adopting it and introduce your kids and other pets to it while looking for any signs of aggression before fully transitioning them into your home.
Conclusion
The Cheeks or the Chihuahua Pekingese mix, is a hybrid breed that combines the best traits of the parent breeds. This small dog is adaptable to living in smaller homes and apartments; they can also get along with other dogs, seniors, and even young children. Giving them training and socialization can help turn them into good house pets but they will need a loving family to ensure they live a long and healthy life.
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