Pekingese Cavalier Mix

The Pekingese Cavalier mix, also called a Pekalier, is a small companion dog created by mixing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a Pekingese. This crossbreed often has a fluffy coat, a flat face like the Pekingese, and long, soft ears from the Cavalier. Colors can be solid or a blend, making each dog’s look unique.

Pet owners are drawn to the Pekalier for its sweet nature and friendly attitude. It’s known for being gentle, easy to live with, and typically gets along well with people and other pets.

This mix is a good choice for families, singles, or seniors who want a laidback dog that fits well into most homes. Their size and moderate need for activity make them suited for apartment living or houses with small yards.

Origins and History

The Pekalier is a mixed breed dog that combines the Pekingese and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. This hybrid, also called a designer dog, was created to blend the traits of two breeds with royal backgrounds and loving personalities.

Pekingese and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Background

The Pekingese is a small, ancient breed from China. It was once a favorite of Chinese emperors and royal families, prized for its lion-like mane and dignified look.

In contrast, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comes from England. Known for its gentle nature and affectionate temperament, this breed was popular among British nobility, especially during the time of King Charles II.

Both parent breeds have a long history tied to royalty and companionship. They share traits like a loving personality, loyalty, and a refined appearance, making them excellent family dogs.

Development of the Pekalier Hybrid

The Pekalier appeared in the United States about 20 to 30 years ago. Breeders wanted to create a hybrid that keeps the sweet nature of the Cavalier and the proud look of the Pekingese.

This mix comes in a variety of colors and coat types, usually blending the fluffy coat of both breeds. Pekaliers are usually small to medium in size.

They began to attract families who liked the idea of a companion dog with a gentle yet playful side. The Pekalier is not a purebred dog but a deliberate crossbreed, sometimes called a designer breed.

Designer Dog Recognition and Registries

Pekaliers are not recognized by major purebred registries like the American Kennel Club. However, several organizations list and track designer dogs and hybrid breeds.

Key registries include:

• Designer Dogs Kennel Club (DDKC)
• Dog Registry of America (DRA)
• International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR)
• American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC)

These registries keep records and sometimes offer pedigree paperwork for mixed breed dogs like the Pekalier. This growing popularity helps ensure better health tracking, breeding standards, and reliable information for new owners.

Physical Characteristics and Appearance

The Pekingese Cavalier mix, also known as the Pekalier, has a distinctive appearance influenced by both parent breeds. These small dogs can show a mix of facial features, coat types, and colors, making each one unique in look and grooming needs.

Size and Build

Most Pekaliers are considered toy-sized dogs. On average, they weigh between 8 and 14 pounds and stand about 10 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. Some may be slightly smaller or larger, depending on which parent breed they take after more.

Their bodies are usually sturdy but compact, making them easy to handle for most people. Pekaliers can inherit a flat face from the Pekingese or a longer muzzle like the Cavalier.

Ears are often floppy and feathered. Their legs are short, fitting their small and manageable frame. This makes them well-suited to apartment living and families who want a lap dog.

Coat Texture and Grooming Needs

Their coat is typically soft, straight, or slightly wavy, often silky to the touch. Some Pekaliers may have a double coat, inherited from the Pekingese side, which adds to the thickness.

Grooming depends on the exact coat type. Most need to be brushed a few times a week to keep their fur tangle-free and to remove loose hair. Regular brushing also helps to control shedding.

They may sometimes require trimming around the face and ears. Bathing every few weeks is enough for most dogs, but owners should check and clean their ears to prevent infection. Professional grooming might be helpful for those with longer fur or for those who need help with trimming.

Common Colors and Markings

Pekaliers can come in a wide range of colors. Common coat colors include:

• Blenheim (chestnut and white)
• Black and tan
• Ruby (solid red)
• Tricolor (black, white, and tan)
• Cream
• Fawn
• White

Some dogs may have a mixture of markings, such as a mask or blaze on the face. Patches or spots on the body are common, reflecting their mixed heritage.

Their unique combinations of colors and markings add to their appeal. No two Pekaliers look exactly the same, but most share expressive eyes and a soft, charming look.

Temperament and Personality

The Pekingese Cavalier mix is known for being loving, gentle, and even-tempered. This mix often shows reliable affection, enjoys spending time with people, and acts as a true companion dog.

Affectionate and Good-Natured Traits

Pekaliers are highly affectionate and good-natured, making them excellent family pets. They form strong bonds with their owners and like to stay close, often seeking a warm lap or a gentle cuddle.

This breed is known for its sweet and loyal character. While they enjoy affection from multiple family members, they may become especially attached to one person. They are typically friendly with both adults and children who treat them kindly.

Key traits:

• Loyal to their families
• Enjoy being involved in daily activities
• Sensitive to their owner’s moods
• Lower tendency to show aggression when compared to some other small breeds

Pekaliers want to be where the family is. This affectionate nature means they do not do well when left alone for long periods.

Playfulness and Energy Levels

The Pekingese Cavalier mix often displays moderate energy. They are playful, especially as puppies, but tend to have a calmer energy as adults.

This mix likes playing with toys, gentle games, and short walks. They are not overly boisterous but enjoy short bursts of activity. Their playfulness makes them fun companions, though they are not considered highly energetic dogs.

A typical day for a Pekalier includes:

• Indoor play
• A couple of short walks
• Resting with their family

Because both parent breeds enjoy relaxing, this mix is happy to lounge around after playing. They do best with regular activity that is not too intense.

Compatibility with Family and Other Pets

Pekaliers are usually well-suited for families. They are friendly with adults, teenagers, and older children who respect their space. However, they might be less patient around toddlers or children who are too rough.

This breed can do well with other pets, especially if socialized early. They get along with other companion dogs and sometimes with cats. Early training and gentle introductions help prevent any problems.

Their easy-going and gentle temperament makes them good choices for multi-pet households. Families should supervise interactions with small animals to make sure everyone stays safe and comfortable.

Training, Socialization, and Exercise

The Pekingese Cavalier mix, also called the Pekalier, is a small companion dog that benefits from gentle, consistent training. They are best suited to families who can provide early socialization and regular, low-impact activity.

Intelligence and Trainability

Pekaliers are intelligent, picking up basic commands quickly when motivated. They respond well to positive reinforcement, such as treats, praise, and gentle encouragement. Owners should keep training sessions short and upbeat to maintain attention.

House training may require patience, as some Pekaliers inherit a stubborn streak from their Pekingese side. Clear, consistent routines work best. Training should start early, focusing on name recall, sit-stay, and polite manners.

Exposing them to different people, places, and sounds sets the foundation for a well-rounded temperament. Avoid harsh methods, as these can damage trust and cause fear.

Socialization Strategies

Socialization is important for Pekaliers. Introducing new situations early helps prevent fearfulness or shyness. Owners should gradually expose the dog to children, adults, and other pets in a calm, positive way.

Scheduled puppy classes or group walks give Pekaliers opportunities to learn social cues from other dogs. Meeting friendly dogs and visitors at home helps build confidence. Monitor all interactions to prevent stress and correct unwanted behaviors gently.

To avoid anxiety, reward calm behavior and provide breaks from stimulation if needed. Continued exposure to new experiences is important throughout puppyhood and into adulthood.

Exercise and Activity Recommendations

Pekaliers need daily activity but do not require intense exercise. A typical routine includes a couple of short, easy walks each day, along with indoor playtime. Ball games, fetch, or gentle tug-of-war work well.

These dogs enjoy exploring the yard or visiting parks but are not suited to long hikes or running due to their small size and sometimes brachycephalic (flat-faced) traits. Too much exercise can stress their joints, especially as puppies.

Mental stimulation, like treat puzzles or short training games, keeps them from becoming bored. Matching activity levels to the dog’s age and health ensures their well-being.

Health and Wellness

Pekingese Cavalier mixes, often called Pekaliers, have specific health needs based on their parent breeds. Their care, medical needs, and suitability for new owners are essential for their quality of life.

Common Health Issues

Pekaliers can inherit health problems from both Pekingese and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Some common issues include mitral valve disease, which is often seen in Cavaliers and can lead to heart problems later in life. Cataracts may also develop, possibly impacting their vision as they age.

They may be prone to breathing difficulties due to the short snout of the Pekingese, especially in hot or humid weather. This mix can have joint issues, such as patellar luxation. Allergies and skin sensitivities are seen in some individuals.

It is important to monitor for signs of discomfort, eye changes, or coughing. Regular veterinary checkups help detect problems early. Owners should also be aware that this breed is not truly hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers may not find relief.

Lifespan and Maintenance

The average lifespan of a Pekingese Cavalier mix ranges from 10 to 15 years with proper care. Their small size means they can thrive in apartments or homes, but they still need daily walks and gentle play to maintain a healthy weight and muscle tone.

Routine care includes brushing their medium-length coat several times a week to minimize shedding and reduce matting. Dental care is important, as small breeds are prone to tooth problems. Regular nail trimming and ear cleaning should be included in their grooming routine.

Feeding a balanced diet and avoiding overfeeding are important because extra weight can worsen heart or joint problems. Scheduled vet visits, vaccinations, and preventative care help manage any hereditary conditions.

Considerations for First-Time Owners

A Pekingese Cavalier mix can be a good choice for first-time dog owners with the right preparation. Their friendly and affectionate nature makes them good family companions, but they require plenty of attention and do not do well when left alone for long periods. Separation anxiety is common, so owners should plan for gradual training and provide toys or activities.

Despite their easygoing manner, new owners should be prepared for regular grooming and possible health challenges. Learning the signs of heart or breathing issues can help catch concerns early. Training should focus on consistency and positive reinforcement.

They may not suit households with people who have severe allergies since they are not hypoallergenic dogs. Early socialization and simple obedience training help ensure a well-adjusted pet.

Comparison to Other Mixed Breeds

The Pekingese Cavalier mix stands out with its compact size and affectionate nature. Some mixes emphasize different traits such as higher energy, unique coat types, or particular health considerations.

Popular Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Mixes

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel mixes are popular for their gentle temperament and charming looks. The Cockalier, which is a mix of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a Cocker Spaniel, is known for being friendly and energetic. The Cavapoo, a Cavalier and Poodle mix, often attracts families because of its low-shedding coat and intelligence.

The Cava-corgi brings together the playful nature of the Cavalier and the herding instincts of the Corgi. The Cavachon mixes a Bichon Frise with the Cavalier, giving a soft, wavy coat and affectionate temperament. The Chilier (Cavalier and Chihuahua) is petite, alert, and known for its big personality in a small body.

Also worth noting are the Cav-a-Jack (Cavalier and Jack Russell Terrier), which is energetic and spirited, and the Cava-Lon, a cross with the Papillon that is active and social. Some mixes, like the Cavapom (Cavalier and Pomeranian) and the Aussalier (Cavalier and Australian Shepherd), highlight the wide range of possible personalities and physical traits in these crosses.

Similar Hybrid and Designer Breeds

The Peekapoo, which crosses a Pekingese with a Poodle, shares some common features with the Pekingese Cavalier mix, such as a small size and affectionate nature. However, it may have a curlier coat from its Poodle parent.

Other hybrids, like the Cavachin (Cavalier and Japanese Chin) and the Beaglier (Cavalier and Beagle), offer different strengths. The Cavachin tends to be quiet and gentle, while the Beaglier is playful and can be very active.

A table below compares some traits:

Hybrid breeds like the Crested Cavalier (with a Chinese Crested) or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel American Eskimo mix may also appeal to those looking for something unique in coat type or appearance. Each mix has its specific needs, so it is important to match breed traits with a family’s lifestyle.