A Pekingese dog poses for a fall photo.

Pekingese

Height
6-9"
Weight
14 lbs
Type
Toy
Life Expectancy
13-15 years
Area of Origin
China
The Pekingese is a toy breed that is believed to have originated in China, though their true origin is unknown. Records indicate that the breed has existed for many centuries, were owned by royalty, and treated with great respect. Pekingese are known to be regal and independent, yet calm and even-tempered. Although they're known for being stubborn, they are also great at providing comfort and companionship to their families.
Energy Level
2
Playfulness
3
Friendliness to dogs
2
Friendliness to strangers
2
exercise requirements
1
affection level
5
friendliness to other pets
2
watchfulness
2
Grooming Requirements
4
Vocality
1

Where Are Pekingese Dogs From?

The Pekingese has been traced to the Tang Dynasty of the 8th century. The breed was created to be a companion dog exclusively for Chinese nobility. They were held so sacred in China in ancient times that their likeness was used for intricately carved Foo Dog idols made of ivory, bronze, and jeweled wood. In the first century AD, emperor Ming Ti even made the Pekingese one of the protectors of the Buddhist faith. By the beginning of the 19th century, they were the toast of the imperial court and reaching the prime of their popularity.

During the invasion of the Imperial Palace in 1860, the British found five Pekingese in the home of the Emperor’s aunt and brought them back to England. Queen Victoria was presented with one in 1893, which was the first time the breed was shown in Europe. The Pekingese arrived Stateside in 1906 and were promptly admitted into the American Kennel Club.

The breed went through many modifications during the 20th century. Up until that point, the Pekingese had shorter ears and longer legs than today’s breed standard, and they currently resemble a dwarfed version of the Tibetan Spaniel. Since being brought down from their pedestals in China, the breed has maintained its personality as a dignified, calm, and charming family pet. They are fearless, yet never aggressive, and give love and loyalty to their owners.

Caring for a Pekingese

Are Pekingese Muscular Dogs?

Are Pekingese Muscular Dogs?

Pekingese are meant to be stocky, muscular dogs with little body fat. They are prone to becoming overweight, so watch those treats!

Do Pekingese Need Grooming?

Do Pekingese Need Grooming?

The Pekingese needs daily combing and brushing to prevent matting. To avoid facial skin fold infections, clean the face and eyes regularly.

Are Pekingese Healthy Dogs?

Are Pekingese Healthy Dogs?

Pekingese have a general lifespan of 13 – 15 years. They are a brachycephalic breed, which makes them prone to heat intolerance, respiratory distress, and gastroesophageal reflux. Along with being brachycephalic, they also have a long, thick hair coat, which makes them even more intolerant to heat. The bold eyes also make the breed prone to many ocular diseases.

Pekingese are predisposed to: urolithiasis, cataracts, entropion, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), distichiasis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), atlantoaxial subluxation, cryptorchidism, chronic valvular heart disease, dermatitis, congenital elbow luxation, and hydrocephalus.

Can You Train a Pekingese?

Can You Train a Pekingese?

Being a naturally stubborn breed, Pekingese are not easily trained. With obedience classes, you can help your Pekingese become the perfect family dog. They are very intelligent and capable of being devoted companions to an owner they respect.

Are Pekingese Heat Sensitive?

Are Pekingese Heat Sensitive?

The short nose, long coat, and small size of the Pekingese make this breed slightly exercise intolerant, especially in hot weather when they can easily overheat. In warm climates, the best time to take your Pekingese for a walk is early or late in the day, when the weather is cooler. Better yet, enjoy playtime indoors!

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What Are the Physical Characteristics of a Pekingese Dog?

What Do Pekingese Dogs Look Like?
The Pekingese has a stocky, muscular body that is surprisingly heavy when lifted. The breed standard weight is 14 pounds and under. The head is large in proportion to the body and they are slightly longer than tall.
How Big Are Pekingese Dogs' Heads?
The skull is large, broad, and flat. The face is also flat and the eyes are wide set and bold, but not bulging. The ears flop down against the sides of the head. The nose is broad and short and, when combined with a flat face, embodies common characteristics of Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds.
Pekingese Body
The body of the Pekingese is stout and wide.
What Do Pekingese Dogs' Tails Look Like?
The high-set tail is arched and held over the back, with hair falling to each side.
Pekingese Front Legs
The shoulders are stocky. They have a broad chest and wide-set forelimbs.
What Type of Coat Does a Pekingese Have?
The Pekingese is double coated; the topcoat is long and slightly rough, and the undercoat soft and thick. All colors and markings are recognized for the breed. Most of the facial coat color is usually black, including eye rims, the nose, and lips.
Pekingese Back Legs
The hindquarters weigh less than the forequarters. The rear legs are closer set than the forelegs.
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Pekingese Facts

In ancient times, the theft of one of the sacred Pekingese owned by the imperial family was punishable by death. This was a way to mandate that the breed maintained its purity.
In the 19th century, there were thousands of Pekingese around the imperial palaces, and thousands of eunuchs had the esteemed duties of breeding, raising, and caring for the dogs.
In 1909, the Dowager Empress gave the following instructions regarding the royal dog: "it was to be fed shark's fin, curlew's liver, quail breast, tea or milk of antelope, and broth from the nests of sea swallows. If the dog became ill, it was anointed with the clarified fat of the leg of a sacred leopard, and give it to drink a throstle's egg shell -- full of the juice of the custard apple in which has been dissolved three pinches of shredded rhinoceros horn..."
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Other Breeds to Explore

Japanese Chin
Shih Tzu
Brussells Griffon
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References

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