Peke-A-Tese

by Mary Simpson

Published: November 2nd, 2017

About Peke-A-Tese

Weight

7-12 lb

Height

10-13 inches

Lifespan

12-16 years

Group

Not Applicable

Best Suited For

Experienced dog owners, families with children and other pets, those looking for a watchdog

Temperament

playful, loving, independent, loyal

Comparable Breeds

Maltese, Pekingese

Peke-A-Tese Basics

This adorable little family dog is the Peke-A-Tese. He bring the independent, spirited nature of the Pekingese together with the playful, fun personality of the Maltese for a spunky little pooch that gets along well with kids and pets alike.

The spunky little Peke-A-Tese brings the spirited nature of the Pekingese together with the fun personality of the Maltese.

Origin

Considered a Designer Dog, the Peke-A-Tese likely originated in the 1980’s when various mixes of pure-bred dogs were used to create smaller, hypo-allergenic or gentler variations of one of the more popular breeds.

Pedigree

The Peke-A-Tese is not a member of the American Kennel Club (AKC) because he lacks pure-bred status. Both parents however are long-term members; the Maltese joined AKC’s “toy” group back in 1888 while the Pekingese joined the same group in 1906.

Food / Diet

This boy loves his food and can have a tendency to gain weight easily so plan to serve him 2 to 3 small meals throughout the day versus allowing him to free-feed. Joint issues common in the Maltese can come back to plague an older, overweight pooch. Also related to your dog’s Maltese DNA is the potential of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar) so care should be taken to keep to a set feeding schedule.

The Peke-A-Tese is the product of two independent little dogs so training will require lots of patience.

Training

The Peke-A-Tese is the product of two independent little dogs so training will require lots of patience and possibly the skills of a professional trainer to get the results you want. Socialization is important for this pooch to avoid small dog syndrome so take a firm, consistent approach from day one. All dogs respond best to a rewards based approach to training which means lots of praise and treats of your choice, when earned.

Weight

Your Peke-A-Tese will weigh between 7 to 12 pounds.

Temperament / Behavior

The fun-loving Peke-A-Tese displays both the feisty, independent nature of the Maltese and the often stubborn personality of a Pekingese. While he can be quite wilful and opinionated, he is playful and affectionate with children and other pets, is highly loyal to his family and a protective nature means he holds great potential as a great watchdog.

Common Health Problems

Designer dogs are lucky to bypass many of the health issues that can present with their pure-bred parents however you should always read up on what your new pup may inherit. Peke-A-Tese tend to lead healthy lives that are considered exceptionally long – even for a small breed dog – however can inherit eye, nose and dental issues that are common in the flatter-faced Pekingese as well as liver shunt, hypoglycemia and patellar luxation from the Maltese.

Life Expectancy

The Peke-A-Tese has a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years – which is considered long, even for a small dog breed.

Exercise Requirements

The Peke-A-Tese is a playful little dog and while he doesn’t need an extensive amount of activity, you will want to keep him fit and mentally stimulated. Because he gets along well with kids and other animals, regular visits to the dog park or a little interactive backyard playtime will be ideal to augment his daily walks.

The Peke-A-Tese is affectionate with children and other pets in spite of a wilful personality.

Recognized Clubs

Also known as the Maltipeke and Pekeatese, the Peke-A-Tese is recognized by the the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA) American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC), Designer Breed Registry (DBR), Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).

Coat

In spite of being a low-shedding dog, the Peke-A-Tese is considered high-maintenance given his long, dense coat. Although he’s a great choice for those who hate to vacuum daily and is classed as hypo-allergenic, he will need regular daily brushing to keep his coat mat- and tangle-free. And because small dogs can run into dental issues, daily brushing should be an important part of his maintenance regimen.

Puppies

In spite of their adorable little features, the Peke-A-Tese pup can grow into a feisty, stubborn little pooch that becomes overly protective of his humans, food and toys. Be sure to begin his socialization early on to ensure he is comfortable with new faces. His tendency toward joint issues means that exercise should build gradually so as to not overtax tiny joints and cause problems later in life.

Photo credit: Beetroot Studio/Shutterstock.com; ssputnik/Shutterstock.com; Annette Shaff/Shutterstock.com

Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

Caring for and managing a reactive dog can be incredibly frustrating. Your dog may be a sweet angel at home, but they suddenly evolve into a barking, growling, lunging whirlwind when out in public.Luckily, there is hope!Overcoming reactivity is a process that will not happen overnight. However, dog trainers and behaviorists have seen great success with positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning.This article will explore how counterconditioning works, the steps involved in the process, realistic timelines and expectations, and tips for a successful journey toward a calmer, more confident dog. Get started today!What is Counterconditioning for Dogs?Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is counterconditioning, and why is it recommended for managing and treating reactive dogs?Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on changing your dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus.For example, some dogs feel fear and anxiety at the sight of another dog. This could be due to a lack of socialization, meaning they weren’t taught that other dogs can be friendly. It could also be a reaction to a past trauma, like having been attacked by another dog. In these situations, counterconditioning can be used to teach your dog that the sight of another dog leads to a positive experience.Why is this an effective approach for addressing reactivity? Reactivity, by definition, is an overreaction to a trigger. While this is often associated with fear or anxiety, some reactive dogs become overly excited. An overexcited dog may jump all over strangers not because they are trying to cause harm but because they are so excited to see them that they can’t control their response.If you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can use this training approach to teach them to respond in a new (and better) way.What Can Counterconditioning Be Used to Treat?Reactivity isn’t the only behavioral condition that can be treated with counterconditioning. This technique can be used to address a wide spectrum of situations in which a pet may be responding to a situation or trigger in an unwanted way.Some situations where it is commonly recommended include helping dogs overcome specific fears or phobias as well as managing or overcoming behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.Common fears that may be addressed with counterconditioning include: Fear of car ridesAnxiety when visiting the vetNoises (fireworks, thunder)Babies (especially the sound of crying)Strangers or other dogs in publicAllowing guests to enter their homePhysical triggers like cars or bicyclesDogs who dislike grooming, like brushing or having their nails trimmedIf you believe this approach may be helpful in your dog’s unique situation, we recommend speaking with a behaviorist.You can find professionals in your area by browsing the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website list or the Animal Behavior Consultants Directory by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

What is Red Light Therapy for Dogs?

When your dog gets injured or is recovering from a routine surgery, it can be difficult to keep them comfy and to help heal their injuries faster at the same time. However, innovative red light therapy for dogs proved to be a safe and efficient treatment for a variety of ailments, from skin inflammation to wound healing, and much, much more.Red light therapy is also known as photobiomodulation therapy, and it involves the use of red or near-infrared light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. The reason for its effectiveness is the specific wavelengths that are absorbed by the mitochondria in cells, which are considered the cell’s powerhouse. As the mitochondria absorb the “red light”, the absorption stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is popularly called the “energy currency of cells”. The entire process then increases blood flow to the treated area, stimulating faster healing, and pain relief. What’s so great about red light therapy is that it is not invasive, and all that is needed is a specialized device that emits specific wavelengths of light.Red light therapy treatment sessions usually last from a few minutes to around 20 minutes, depending on the condition being treated and the specific device used. The frequency of sessions may vary, with some dogs benefiting from daily treatments initially, followed by less frequent “maintenance” sessions. Of course, your veterinarian can advise you on the appropriate treatment procedure for your dog's needs – if you’re unsure if red light therapy is the right choice for your dog, be sure to consult an expert before taking any steps.Of course, while you shouldn’t do anything without your vet’s approval, a great thing about this treatment is that it is entirely safe. When used appropriately, it has no risks for your dog. The secret is in the light energy that does not generate heat at all, eliminating any risk of burning or tissue damage. Naturally, it goes without saying that you should closely follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for the specific device you are using. 

A Small Cat Family Was Found Living in the Ceiling of a Restaurant

Cats choose their homes in the unlikeliest of places! And a recent event from Massachusetts, when a momma cat and her four newborn kittens were discovered living in the ceiling of a New Bedford restaurant, definitely confirms this.The  Animal Rescue League of Boston said that they received a call from the employees of a local New Bedford restaurant. It was no ordinary call, however, as the employees said that they were “hearing kittens meowing from the ceiling”. The momma cat, however, was no stranger at the premises. The staff noticed her around the place before but did not suspect that she was pregnant – or that she was living in the ceiling. But hearing the distinct sound of kittens meowing, the employees were quick to understand what happened. The animal rescue team quickly responded to the call, and their field service agents soon spotted the tiny kittens through a small slit between the restaurant wall and a hole in the ceiling. With a little bit of patience and work, the rescue team managed to retrieve all four kittens from the ceiling space, and safely transport them to the rescue shelter. Rescuing the momma cat, however, was not as easy. Cunning and careful, the cat evaded all the efforts of the team, including artificial kitten sounds, and tasty cat food. Ultimately, the team employed a humane cat trap that they placed within the ceiling. The next day, they reported that the momma cat entered the trap at around 11 p.m. at night, which allowed them to reunite her with her children at the Animal Rescue League's Boston Animal Care and Adoption Center. There, they were all treated and given veterinary care."Community cats are incredibly resilient, and have a knack to find shelter for themselves and their offspring," the animal rescue league said in a subsequent statement for  NBC Boston. "However, kittens born this time of year are incredibly vulnerable to the elements and other potential dangers and ARL urges the public that if a cat with offspring are discovered, to contact ARL Field Services for assistance." In the meantime, the happy momma cat and her babies are resting and growing, until the time comes when they can be put up for adoption and find forever homes and each their own happy ending to this unusual story.

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