Pekingese Dog Breed Information

Group

Toy

Weight

3-6.5 kg

Height

15-23 cm

Lifespan

12-15 years

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About the Pekingese

Reviewed by:

Dr. Liza Cahn

Veterinarian

The Pekingese breed is not like other dogs – their origin traces back to Chinese royalty. This makes sense with their gracious and dignified personality.

The Pekingese dogs you see nowadays are capable of living in small environments and get on well with new pet owners. They are the perfect four-legged friend for people who want a cute and loyal furry addition to their household and don’t mind a bit of barking.

Once you have read through this comprehensive guide, you should have enough information to decide if this unique breed of dog is right for you.

What is the history & origin of the Pekingese?

The Pekingese has been identified, using DNA evidence, as one of the oldest dog breeds in existence. There is evidence of this prestigious breed existing over 2000 years ago in ancient China, where they were highly respected companions of royalty and even named after the capital (Peking at the time). The Pekingese were also known as sleeve dogs due to being so small that they could fit into the large sleeves of Chinese robes, and were often carried around like this.

These dogs were closely guarded and never allowed to leave the grounds of the palace. However, in 1860 an Opium war brought British military to an imperial palace. Many of those living there took their own lives, as well as those of their sacred dogs, to avoid capture. However, five of the lion dogs were captured and returned to Britain. One of the stolen dogs was given to Queen Victoria, who named it “Looty”.

In 1906, the American kennel club registered the first Pekingese dog, and in 1909 the American Pekingese club was formed, giving global recognition to the breed. Nowadays Pekingese puppies are highly sought after and have found great success at dog shows and as family companions.

What is a Pekingese breed?

The Pekingese is one of the more well-known toy breeds, originating from ancient China. They are quite small dogs and were considered companions and lapdogs as they liked to be close to their owner at all times.

Some of the more unique characteristics of the Pekingese include their short muzzle, big dark eyes, and the wrinkle in the shape of a V between their nose and mouth. They have noticeably long ears that drape down their head and a luscious tail that lies on their back and bounces as they walk.

Perhaps their most distinguishing feature is their lion’s mane, a thick ruff of fur that encircles the neck and chest, reminiscent of the majestic lion. This mane, combined with their broad, flat face, gives the breed its regal and distinctive appearance, drawing a symbolic connection to the Chinese guardian lions and reinforcing its storied history with Chinese royalty.

Because the Pekingese have some extremely desirable characteristics, they have been crossbred with a variety of different dog breeds. For example, they have been bred with a poodle to make a Peekapoo and with a Maltese to make a Peke-a-tese.

Who is a Pekingese 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 and have low exercise needs.

They are very loyal dogs that tend to select one person to be their master. But they may not have as much patience as some other dogs when it comes to children. As with all dogs, supervision is essential when Pekingese interact with young children who might not understand how to handle a small dog gently. The Pekingese won’t react kindly to being messed with and may even be quite protective of their toys and food.

One important thing to keep in mind for Pekingese owners – they can be vocal and are moderate barkers.

Pekingese Grooming & Shedding

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 generally require their coat to be brushed around once a week using a bristle brush or a metal comb. Potential owners should also be aware that due to their thick double coat they can shed quite a bit, and might require more frequent grooming during shedding seasons.

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 gently 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 daily if possible to prevent gum disease, which is one of the common health problems that can occur with smaller dogs.

Do Pekingese bark a lot?

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

What is the average weight & height of a Pekingese dog?

The Pekingese is a toy breed with the following average height and weight:

Height:

6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm) at the shoulder.

Weight:

7 to 14 pounds (3 to 6.5 kg).

Are Pekingese easy to train?

This breed of dog needs proper training at an early age to avoid antisocial behaviour, especially as they can be wary of strangers. They are highly intelligent, but can be independent and stubborn when it comes to training. Keep sessions engaging, short, and fun, and never use harsh punishments.

How do Pekingese behave? A look at their temperament and personality

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.

Does the Pekingese have any common health issues?

Pekingese, with their distinctive appearance, also come with a set of breed-specific health concerns. Their brachycephalic (short-nosed) structure can cause respiratory challenges known as Brachycephalic Syndrome. Their prominent eyes make them vulnerable to Corneal Abrasions and Dry Eye. Other concerns include liver shunt, a condition affecting the liver’s detoxification process, and dermatitis or skin infection often seen in their skin folds.

Due to their body structure, they can also suffer from intervertebral disc disease affecting their spine, and patellar luxation. Like other small breed dogs Pekingese are prone to dental crowding, leading to tartar buildup and periodontal disease.

Regular check-ups and preventative care are essential to ensure these dogs live a healthy life. Also important is finding a breeder with a good history who 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 12 and 15 years.

How much does a Pekingese need to be fed?

You should work together with your trusted veterinarian or a canine nutritionist to decide the most appropriate food for your pup.

When choosing a diet, look for WSAVA and AAFCO seals of approval, indicating that the food is complete and balanced. Avoid boutique diets such as raw and grain-free, as these have been linked to infection and heart disease.

Most owners feed two meals per day after puppyhood, with the amount depending on your dog’s diet, size, and activity level. You can give your dog quality treats in moderation, especially during training, but avoid feeding table scraps as this could be unhealthy and also result in unwanted begging behaviour.

Fresh water should always be available.

Toy breeds have delicate knees and should not become overweight as this can cause or exacerbate health issues. If their weight starts to become a problem their food should be cut down.

How much can you expect to pay for a Pekingese in Australia?

The price range for a Pekingese can vary quite a lot, from $1000 to $3000. Be sure that you find a breeder who follows responsible breeding practices and utilizes appropriate testing and veterinary care to contribute to the health and temperament of their puppies.

It’s essential to recognize that the initial cost of the puppy is only a small part of the total expenses. Ongoing costs for food, veterinary care, grooming, training, and other necessities should also be factored into your budget.

Breed-specific rescues or animal shelters are another great way to find your new furry family member. It will be considerably cheaper to adopt a dog from a rescue organisation, but you may struggle to get a puppy.

Pekingese FAQs

What is the difference between a Shih Tzu and a Pekingese?

The Pekingese and Shih Tzu are both ancient Chinese breeds, but they differ in appearance and temperament. Pekingese have a broader, flatter face with a lion-like mane and a more independent demeanor, while Shih Tzus have a longer face, flowing coat, and a friendlier, outgoing nature.

Do Pekingese dogs like to cuddle?

Yes! If you are their owner, they will be loyal and demand affection which includes plenty of cuddles.

Do Pekingese’s eyes pop out?

Because of their flat and short face, their eyes are susceptible to popping out, known as proptosis. This is a medical emergency requiring immediate veterinary care.

Do Pekingese suffer from separation anxiety?

As mentioned above, the Pekingese form a strong attachment to their owner. This means that if they are left for long periods on their own they can develop separation anxiety.