Pekingese Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Pekingese?

The Pekingese has been identified, using DNA evidence, as one of the old dog breeds in existence. There is evidence of this prestigious breed of dog existing over 2000 years ago in ancient China. They were highly respected and were the companions of royalty and other people who held a high status at the time.

Their name came from the capital which was Peking at the time and they were closely guarded and it was made that they were never allowed to leave the grounds of the palace. However, in 1860, there was an Opium war that brought the British military to an imperial palace in China. Here British army took 5 of the lion dogs from the palace as a prize from their campaign. A lot of those living in the palace took their own life as well as their sacred dogs to avoid capture.

The Pekingese was also known as sleeve dogs due to being so small that they could fit into the large sleeves of Chinese robes and were carried around like this. One of the stolen dogs was given to Queen Victoria who named it "looty".

The Pekingese breed remained rare in England for some time however they began to be smuggled out of the country and it wasn't long until they started popping up in places like America. In 1906, the American kennel club registered the first Pekingese dog known as Rascal. And in 1909, the American Pekingese club was formed which gave global recognition to the Pekingese dog breed.

Nowadays, Pekingese puppies are highly sought after and have found great success at dog shows but you won't find them participating in many dog sports any time soon.

Who are Pekingese dogs best for?

The Pekingese is quite a laid-back character and enjoys sitting on the sofa and looking over its kingdom. They don't require attention at all hours of the day making them ideal for those looking for a furry companion but aren't around all day to appease them.

They are very loyal dogs that tend to select one person to be their master. They don't have as much patience as other dogs when it comes to children. This means that it might be best to opt for a different breed of dog if you do have children running around your house. The Pekingese won't react kindly to being messed with and they are usually quite protective of toys and food.

Because the Pekingese are small, they don't need a lot of physical activity. This makes them a perfect dog for the elderly who want a friend to keep them company during the boring and lonely hours of the day.

One important thing to keep in mind for Pekingese owners. You have to not mind your dog barking quite often. Perhaps this makes them even more perfect for those that are hearing impaired.

How much grooming does a Pekingese need?

The Pekingese has a thick double coat. On the outside, they have a long, rough coat that hangs off the body. Underneath this coat, there is another soft and thick undercoat. They require their coat to be brushed around once a week using a bristle brush or a metal comb. It's also good to know that Pekingese shed seasonally.

A good tip before brushing their coat is to use spray some water onto it. This helps reduce the chance of hair breaking whilst you are grooming your furry friend. It is important to brush right down to the skin otherwise there will be a build-up of dead hair that will mat underneath the first coat.

Because the Pekingese are part of the short-faced breeds of dogs, you have to take special care in cleaning their face and eyes. To do this, use some damp cotton to clean the skin folds and remove any muck from the eyes and ears.

It's also a good idea to bathe your dog around once a month using dog shampoo and remember to keep on top of their dental hygiene. This means brushing their teeth at least once a week to prevent gum disease which is one of the common health problems that can occur with smaller dogs.

Do Pekingese bark much?

Pekingese do have a strong tendency to bark often. They can bark for several reasons from alerting their owner to strange noises they hear, people walking outside, and even just if they are annoyed or want something.

Do Pekingese bite?

If they are agitated and have not been trained properly. They can display antisocial behaviour when upset which can include growling and even biting.

The best way to avoid this occurring is to have the dog trained properly at an early age with early socialization with people and other animals.

What is the temperament & personality of a Pekingese?

On the outside, the Pekingese tend to look like a cute ball of fluff but this doesn't necessarily translate into their personality. They can be quite stubborn with a strong sense of self-importance. However, they are also extremely loyal and will show affection to those they decide are important in their life.

If you are kind but stern with your Pekingese from an early age then they will be pleasant to have as a pet as an adult dog.

What is the weight & size of a Pekingese?

The Pekingese stands, on average, 6 to 9 inches tall and weighs somewhere between 7 to 14 pounds.

How much training does a Pekingese need?

This breed of dog needs proper training at an early age to avoid antisocial behaviour. They need to be taught who is boss and what isn't acceptable. The secret to successful dog ownership is to never let them think that they decide what's allowed.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Pekingese?

In general, if looked after properly, they are quite healthy little dogs. However, like a lot of smaller dogs, they are susceptible to some health conditions. Some problems to look out for include patellar luxation, brachycephalic syndrome, and cleft palate.

Find someone that has a good history of breeding dogs and can provide health clearances for both parents. For more information, reach out to the national breed club.

What is the lifespan of a Pekingese?

On average, this breed of dog has a lifespan of somewhere between 13 and 15 years.

How much should you feed a Pekingese?

This dog will need approximately half to a full cup of dry food a day. You can split this up into two separate meal times and the food should be of high quality to maintain your dog's health.

What is the price of a Pekingese in Australia?

The price range for a Pekingese can vary quite a lot from $700 to $3000. Factors affecting the price are mainly how good the bloodline of the breed is.