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Pekingese Dogs

Pekingese Dynamics Based on 2,664 Dogster profiles   Energy   sleepy energetic     Intelligence   silly genius     Friendliness   aggressive affectionate     Playfulness   not playful very playful     Disposition   anxious calm

Possible Health Concerns: Stenotic nares Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) Patellar luxation Disticiasis Trichiasis Skin fold dermatitis   Less Common Health Concerns: Urolithiasis Trupanion can give you peace of mind when protecting your pet against these and other health issues. Learn more...

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Weight:	8 - 10 pounds (3.63 - 4.54 kg)
Height:	6 - 9 inches (15.24 - 22.86 cm)

Trademark Traits

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Some Ideal Human Companions

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What They’re Like to Live With

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For centuries, Pekingese sat on the laps of kings and queens and had free reign of imperial palaces—and they still haven’t gotten over it. Combining keen intelligence, dignity and pride, Pekingese have a pleasant self-assurance that can be lovable, admirable and maddening all at once.

Pekingese are affectionate and sensitive creatures. In spite of their self-important air, they need plenty of attention. Without it, they can get, well… peeved. They also have the tendency to become jealous and will compete for attention. Or, they’ll just growl.

Like other small dogs, Pekingese have “big dog” personalities—brave to a fault. To show dominance they will pick on much bigger dogs or refuse food, games and other offerings. Figure out what they really want (without losing your own dignity or spoiling them) and they’ll snap out of it.

Pekes love a little exercise, but they are not the type to hassle you for a walk every evening. In fact, you may come home from work and find them sitting on the couch, right where they were when you left them. They are ideal for the apartment dweller.

Things You Should Know

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Pekingese love to bark. And bark and bark. If you’re looking for a luxurious little companion that will also alert you to intruders, look no further. Proper training and socialization can temper this a little… but not that much.

Try not to overfeed them, and make sure they get regular exercise (though they may protest). Pekingese can quickly put on weight, causing health problems.

Pekingese need to be brushed several times a week to keep their coat under control. They should also have regular, scheduled grooming to keep their long hair in shape. Also, clean their eyes, ears and face regularly. They can live as long as 15 years. Common health problems include corneal ulcerations and other eye problems, heatstroke and pinched nostrils.

Pekingese History

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Dating back to the Tang Dynasty of 8th-century China, Pekingese were beloved pets in the emperor’s court and called Fu Lin, or “the Lion Dogs of China,” because of their regal attitudes and flowing manes. For centuries Chinese royals and nobles carefully bred these dogs. In 1860, British troops raided the imperial summer palace and discovered these dogs. Several “Pekes” were brought back to Europe, where they were given to queens and duchesses, boosting their exposure and popularity. The AKC registered the Pekingese breed in 1906.

The Look of the Pekingese

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Pekingese are compact dogs with long, flowing hair—truly “lion-like” in the way they look and how they carry themselves. Their wide flat heads have dark, slightly prominent (but not bulging) eyes, flat faces, dark wrinkled muzzles and hanging, heart-shaped ears. Their somewhat long bodies have fringes of hair hanging on either side and their arched tails are carried over their backs. They can come in almost any color. Overall, Pekingese are small but heavy boned, resulting in a dignified, rolling gait.

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