Appearance of the Japeke
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The Japeke is a mix of two Chinese breeds and may lean more towards one or the other, but this hybrid is a toy-sized dog with long, soft hair. The Japanese Spaniel adds a little more height and delicacy to the Japeke, whose stocky, compact Pekingese relative is low to the ground. However, the Japeke is not as delicate as the Japanese Spaniel. Both parents have brachycephalic skulls, and the nose will be on the same plane as the forehead for the Japeke. The eyes are large for its size and dark brown to black, and the nose is black. The nose can sometimes appear brown in brown-coated varieties. The Japeke's coat may or may not have an undercoat, depending on which parent the mix most closely resembles. The Japanese Spaniel has only a soft, silky outer coat, while the Pekingese has a dense double coat. Regardless of the coat, a Japeke's hair is soft and long, with extensive feathering on the tail, which is often curled over the back. |
Temperament of the Japeke
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The Japeke is a cheerful, alert hybrid that's excellent for the family. As a toy-sized dog, this hybrid is much better suited to families with older children, but the Japeke displays affection for children of all ages. Despite its small size, the Japeke is a good watchdog that will alert the family to strangers and threats. This hybrid much prefers to be the only dog in the house and is not particularly friendly to other pets. However, with early and consistent socialization, the Japeke can adapt to a multi-pet household. Training can be a little tricky as this hybrid tends to be stubborn, but a calm, consistent and gentle voice will help the Japeke learn. The Japeke prefers the quiet life of a pocket dog and generally has low energy levels. As an indoor hybrid, the Japeke can usually get all its exercise needs in a short time, indoors. |
Needs and activities of the Japeke
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The Japeke is not very active and has low energy levels. However, daily exercise is still necessary, as this hybrid has a moderate tendency to gain weight. Given the low energy levels, the Japeke doesn't need high-intensity activity and shouldn't be pushed to exercise hard or long. This is partly due to the hybrid's size, but even more so to the Japeke's respiratory problems. The brachycephalic face means that the airways are more restricted than in other dogs, and intense exercise can lead to respiratory problems, including overheating. |
Maintenance of the Japeke
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No parent breed is considered hypoallergenic, so the Japeke is not a hypoallergenic hybrid. What's more, the Japeke is a moderately shedding dog with a thick, dense coat. Weekly brushing with a small bristle brush is ideal, but giving the coat a little water before brushing will prevent breakage. The Japeke drools very little, but given its flat face, this hybrid gasps more often than others due to breathing difficulties. Keeping teeth clean with twice-weekly brushing will also help keep the Japeke's breath fresh, although daily tooth brushing is recommended. Owners should avoid frequent bathing and use grooming techniques to keep the coat clean and free of debris. The long hairs on the Japeke's hind legs and rear require special attention, as do the ears, which are often hidden under thick, long hair. |