Pekingese

Pekingese was originated in China over 1000 years ago and was owned only by the members of the Chinese Imperial Palace.

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Pekingese Breed overview

Pekingese are a small, affectionate breed that make great companions and watchdogs. They have an independent personality and may require patience and persistence when it comes to training and socialization. Pekingese have moderate exercise needs and do well in apartment living, but they can become prone to health issues due to their short snouts and thick coats. Daily grooming, regular vet checkups, and a healthy diet are essential in keeping Pekingese healthy and happy. Overall, Pekingese are loyal, loving pets that thrive on human companionship.

Height:
6-9 inches
Weight:
7-14 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-15 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Pekingese

Exercise

Although Pekingese are not very active, they still require daily exercise to maintain their health and prevent obesity. They enjoy short walks and indoor playtime.

Owners should also be mindful of their breathing difficulties, especially in hot weather. They can overheat quickly due to their flat faces.

Nutrition

Pekingese should be fed a high-quality diet that suits their age, activity level, and size. They should also have access to fresh water at all times.

Owners should avoid giving them table scraps and stick to a regular feeding schedule to prevent obesity and other health problems.

Training

Pekingese are intelligent but stubborn dogs, and they require patient and consistent training. They respond well to positive reinforcement techniques such as treats and praise.

Socialization is important for Pekingese, and owners should expose them to different people, animals, and environments from an early age.

Health

Pekingese are generally healthy dogs, but they can suffer from various health issues such as eye problems, breathing problems, back problems and allergies.

Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet can prevent some of these problems. Their life expectancy is around 12 years.

Grooming

Pekingese's long, dense coat requires daily grooming to prevent matting and tangling. They should also be bathed regularly, and their eyes, nose, and ears should be cleaned frequently.

Pekingese shed seasonally, and owners should be prepared for the increase in grooming needs during that time.

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Pekingese Traits & Characteristics

Pekingese's height ranges from 6-9 inches and weight from 7-14 pounds. They have a stocky, muscular body with a massive, flat, and wrinkled head. They have straight front legs and slightly bowed hind legs, and their tails curl over their hindquarters.

Their fur is long and dense, creating a lion-like mane around their necks. The coats come in various colors including black, fawn, and red. According to the AKC, Pekingese should have a head that is "large in proportion to the body, yet well-balanced and in good scale with the dog's size."

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Pekingese is a breed that loves to be around their owners and bond strongly with them. Their affectionate nature makes them great companion dogs. They tend to follow their owners wherever they go and always seek attention and affection from them. Pekingese are known to be cuddly and affectionate dogs.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

Pekingese are not well-suited for children as they can be easily injured due to their small size. Also, they can be snappy with children if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Due to their independent nature, Pekingese may not be very interested in playing with children, preferring to watch them from a distance.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Pekingese tend to be reserved and aloof towards other dogs. They may not be very interested in playing with other dogs, but they usually don't show any aggression towards them either. Socialization from puppyhood can help improve their sociability with other dogs, but it's important to supervise them when interacting with other dogs.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Pekingese can be reserved and wary of strangers, and they may bark or growl at unfamiliar people. However, with proper socialization and training, they can learn to be more tolerant of strangers and may even become friendly towards them. Early exposure to different people and environments is key to improving their sociability.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Pekingese are generally not very playful dogs. They have an independent nature and may prefer to nap or lounge around rather than engage in playtime. However, they can enjoy short walks and light exercise with their owners. Due to their small size, it's important to be mindful of their exercise limitations.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Pekingese are known for their alertness and watchful nature. They make great watchdogs as they are quick to bark at any potential threat or suspicious activity in their surroundings. Their loyalty and protectiveness towards their owners make them excellent guard dogs, despite their small size.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Pekingese can adapt well to different living situations, whether it's a small apartment or a larger house. However, they may not cope well with extreme temperatures and require protection from cold weather. Pekingese are also sensitive to changes in their routine and may become stressed if their environment changes significantly.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Pekingese have a thick, double coat that requires daily grooming to keep it tangle-free and healthy. During shedding season, they can shed a moderate amount of hair, which can be problematic for allergies or maintaining cleanliness in the house. Regular grooming can minimize shedding and keep the coat healthy.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Pekingese require a lot of grooming to maintain their long, luxurious coat. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent matting and tangling of their coat, especially around the ears, hindquarters, and legs. Regular bathing, trimming of the coat, and care of the eyes and ears are also needed to keep them clean and healthy.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Pekingese do not drool as much as other breeds, making them good pets for people who are concerned about drool-related issues. As a brachycephalic breed, they may be prone to respiratory problems, which can cause snorting, snoring, and wheezing, but these issues are not related to excessive drooling.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Pekingese are a small breed, weighing between 7-14 pounds and standing only 6-9 inches tall. Their small size makes them great for apartment living and easier to handle and transport than larger breeds. It's important to handle them with care due to their delicate and sometimes fragile nature.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Pekingese have low exercise needs and don't require a lot of physical activity to stay healthy. Short walks and indoor playtime are sufficient to keep them in good shape. However, they can become overweight or obese if they're not given enough exercise and if their diets aren't monitored closely.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Pekingese have low exercise needs and do not require a lot of physical activity to stay healthy. Short walks and indoor playtime are sufficient to keep them in good shape. However, they can become overweight or obese if they're not given enough exercise and if their diets aren't monitored closely. It's important to keep them active and maintain a healthy weight to prevent health issues.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Pekingese are not a working breed and do not have any specific working functions. They make great companion dogs and watchdogs, but they are not bred for any particular jobs or tasks.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Pekingese are not a hunting breed and do not have any particular hunting abilities. They are primarily kept as companion dogs and watchdogs and are not bred for any specific hunting tasks.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Pekingese have moderate physical stamina and endurance, but they may tire quickly during strenuous exercise or long walks. Due to their small size and respiratory issues, it's important to monitor their activity level and adjust their exercise routine accordingly. Short walks and light exercise are suitable for keeping Pekingese in good shape.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Pekingese are prone to several health issues, including breathing problems, heart and eye diseases, and dental problems. Their flat faces can also make them more susceptible to respiratory issues, such as snoring and snorting. Regular visits to the vet, proper nutrition, and daily grooming can help keep Pekingese healthy.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Pekingese can be prone to obesity if their diet is not monitored closely and if they are not given enough exercise. Obesity can lead to other health issues in Pekingese, such as joint problems, heart disease, and breathing difficulties. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential in preventing obesity in Pekingese.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Pekingese are not very tolerant of cold weather and may require extra warmth and protection during the winter months. Due to their small size and respiratory issues, they may be prone to cold-related health issues such as hypothermia, so it's important to monitor their tolerance of cold temperatures and provide them with adequate protection.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Pekingese are not very tolerant of hot weather and may require extra cooling and protection during the summer months. Due to their short snouts and respiratory issues, they may be prone to heat stroke and other heat-related health issues. It's important to provide them with shade, water, and proper ventilation to prevent overheating.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Pekingese are well-suited for apartment living as they have low exercise needs and can adapt to smaller spaces. However, it's important to provide them with a comfortable and safe living environment, particularly when it comes to managing their thick coat and respiratory issues that may arise in smaller apartments.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Pekingese are not prone to wandering as they are generally attached to their owners and prefer to stay close to home. However, they are a small breed and can be easily injured outside if they are not supervised or if they wander too far from their owners. It's important to provide the necessary protection and supervision when taking Pekingese outside.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Pekingese can be sensitive dogs that may not respond well to harsh training methods or criticism. Positive reinforcement and praising their good behavior can go a long way in making them feel comfortable and respected. They may also require additional comfort and care during times of stress or anxiety.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Pekingese can become anxious or destructive when left alone for extended periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and may develop separation anxiety if they're left without human interaction for too long. It's important to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation and a comfortable environment to minimize anxiety.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Pekingese are known to be quite vocal and can bark excessively if they feel threatened or if they're trying to get their owner's attention. Early training and socialization can help reduce excessive barking, but it's important to acknowledge that barking is a natural trait of the breed.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Pekingese are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation and enrichment to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive playtime with their owners can provide the mental stimulation they need to stay alert and engaged. Boredom can lead to excessive barking and other behavioral issues.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Pekingese can be challenging for novice dog owners due to their stubbornness and independent nature. They require patience and persistence when it comes to training and socialization. Also, their grooming needs can be quite demanding and require considerable time and effort. However, with the right approach and dedication, they can make great companions for novice dog owners.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Pekingese can be challenging to train due to their independent nature and stubbornness. They may not be very motivated to please their owners and can be easily distracted during training sessions. Positive reinforcement and patience are essential when training Pekingese, as harsh methods can lead to anxiety and aggression.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Pekingese is a breed that loves to be around their owners and bond strongly with them. Their affectionate nature makes them great companion dogs. They tend to follow their owners wherever they go and always seek attention and affection from them. Pekingese are known to be cuddly and affectionate dogs.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

Pekingese are not well-suited for children as they can be easily injured due to their small size. Also, they can be snappy with children if they feel threatened or uncomfortable. Due to their independent nature, Pekingese may not be very interested in playing with children, preferring to watch them from a distance.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Pekingese tend to be reserved and aloof towards other dogs. They may not be very interested in playing with other dogs, but they usually don't show any aggression towards them either. Socialization from puppyhood can help improve their sociability with other dogs, but it's important to supervise them when interacting with other dogs.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Pekingese can be reserved and wary of strangers, and they may bark or growl at unfamiliar people. However, with proper socialization and training, they can learn to be more tolerant of strangers and may even become friendly towards them. Early exposure to different people and environments is key to improving their sociability.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Pekingese are generally not very playful dogs. They have an independent nature and may prefer to nap or lounge around rather than engage in playtime. However, they can enjoy short walks and light exercise with their owners. Due to their small size, it's important to be mindful of their exercise limitations.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Pekingese are known for their alertness and watchful nature. They make great watchdogs as they are quick to bark at any potential threat or suspicious activity in their surroundings. Their loyalty and protectiveness towards their owners make them excellent guard dogs, despite their small size.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Pekingese can adapt well to different living situations, whether it's a small apartment or a larger house. However, they may not cope well with extreme temperatures and require protection from cold weather. Pekingese are also sensitive to changes in their routine and may become stressed if their environment changes significantly.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Pekingese have a thick, double coat that requires daily grooming to keep it tangle-free and healthy. During shedding season, they can shed a moderate amount of hair, which can be problematic for allergies or maintaining cleanliness in the house. Regular grooming can minimize shedding and keep the coat healthy.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Pekingese require a lot of grooming to maintain their long, luxurious coat. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent matting and tangling of their coat, especially around the ears, hindquarters, and legs. Regular bathing, trimming of the coat, and care of the eyes and ears are also needed to keep them clean and healthy.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Pekingese do not drool as much as other breeds, making them good pets for people who are concerned about drool-related issues. As a brachycephalic breed, they may be prone to respiratory problems, which can cause snorting, snoring, and wheezing, but these issues are not related to excessive drooling.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Pekingese are a small breed, weighing between 7-14 pounds and standing only 6-9 inches tall. Their small size makes them great for apartment living and easier to handle and transport than larger breeds. It's important to handle them with care due to their delicate and sometimes fragile nature.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Pekingese have low exercise needs and don't require a lot of physical activity to stay healthy. Short walks and indoor playtime are sufficient to keep them in good shape. However, they can become overweight or obese if they're not given enough exercise and if their diets aren't monitored closely.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Pekingese have low exercise needs and do not require a lot of physical activity to stay healthy. Short walks and indoor playtime are sufficient to keep them in good shape. However, they can become overweight or obese if they're not given enough exercise and if their diets aren't monitored closely. It's important to keep them active and maintain a healthy weight to prevent health issues.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Pekingese are not a working breed and do not have any specific working functions. They make great companion dogs and watchdogs, but they are not bred for any particular jobs or tasks.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Pekingese are not a hunting breed and do not have any particular hunting abilities. They are primarily kept as companion dogs and watchdogs and are not bred for any specific hunting tasks.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Pekingese have moderate physical stamina and endurance, but they may tire quickly during strenuous exercise or long walks. Due to their small size and respiratory issues, it's important to monitor their activity level and adjust their exercise routine accordingly. Short walks and light exercise are suitable for keeping Pekingese in good shape.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Pekingese are prone to several health issues, including breathing problems, heart and eye diseases, and dental problems. Their flat faces can also make them more susceptible to respiratory issues, such as snoring and snorting. Regular visits to the vet, proper nutrition, and daily grooming can help keep Pekingese healthy.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Pekingese can be prone to obesity if their diet is not monitored closely and if they are not given enough exercise. Obesity can lead to other health issues in Pekingese, such as joint problems, heart disease, and breathing difficulties. A healthy diet and regular exercise are essential in preventing obesity in Pekingese.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Pekingese are not very tolerant of cold weather and may require extra warmth and protection during the winter months. Due to their small size and respiratory issues, they may be prone to cold-related health issues such as hypothermia, so it's important to monitor their tolerance of cold temperatures and provide them with adequate protection.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Pekingese are not very tolerant of hot weather and may require extra cooling and protection during the summer months. Due to their short snouts and respiratory issues, they may be prone to heat stroke and other heat-related health issues. It's important to provide them with shade, water, and proper ventilation to prevent overheating.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Pekingese are well-suited for apartment living as they have low exercise needs and can adapt to smaller spaces. However, it's important to provide them with a comfortable and safe living environment, particularly when it comes to managing their thick coat and respiratory issues that may arise in smaller apartments.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Pekingese are not prone to wandering as they are generally attached to their owners and prefer to stay close to home. However, they are a small breed and can be easily injured outside if they are not supervised or if they wander too far from their owners. It's important to provide the necessary protection and supervision when taking Pekingese outside.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Pekingese can be sensitive dogs that may not respond well to harsh training methods or criticism. Positive reinforcement and praising their good behavior can go a long way in making them feel comfortable and respected. They may also require additional comfort and care during times of stress or anxiety.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Pekingese can become anxious or destructive when left alone for extended periods of time. They thrive on human companionship and may develop separation anxiety if they're left without human interaction for too long. It's important to provide them with plenty of mental stimulation and a comfortable environment to minimize anxiety.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Pekingese are known to be quite vocal and can bark excessively if they feel threatened or if they're trying to get their owner's attention. Early training and socialization can help reduce excessive barking, but it's important to acknowledge that barking is a natural trait of the breed.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Pekingese are intelligent dogs that require mental stimulation and enrichment to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive playtime with their owners can provide the mental stimulation they need to stay alert and engaged. Boredom can lead to excessive barking and other behavioral issues.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Pekingese can be challenging for novice dog owners due to their stubbornness and independent nature. They require patience and persistence when it comes to training and socialization. Also, their grooming needs can be quite demanding and require considerable time and effort. However, with the right approach and dedication, they can make great companions for novice dog owners.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Pekingese can be challenging to train due to their independent nature and stubbornness. They may not be very motivated to please their owners and can be easily distracted during training sessions. Positive reinforcement and patience are essential when training Pekingese, as harsh methods can lead to anxiety and aggression.

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History of the Pekingese

Pekingese is one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. They were bred exclusively for royalty in ancient China, and stealing one was punishable by death.

Pekingese was introduced to Europeans by the British army in 1860, after looting the Emperor’s Summer Palace. It was speculated that a small dog they found was a treasured breed, and the first Pekingese was imported to Europe soon after that. Following that, the breed became extremely popular in Europe and the US

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Pekingese Puppies

Pekingese puppies are born with fluffy coats and flat faces like adult Pekingese, but their personalities develop as they grow.

They require a lot of attention and care from their owners, especially during the first 12 weeks of their life. They should be socialized early on, and owners should train them with positive reinforcement techniques.