Pekingese

The Pekingese, a breed that stands out with its royal bearing and lion-like visage, has a storied past deeply rooted in Chinese history. Initially bred as companions for Chinese emperors, these diminutive yet self-assured dogs have won over canine enthusiasts around the globe with their loving and dignified personalities. They are cherished today as devoted pets who bring happiness to many homes, particularly those of seniors who appreciate a serene yet interactive pet.

This breed thrives as a companion animal due to its moderate need for exercise paired with a playful and occasionally cheeky demeanor. Although they do not require extensive physical activity, Pekingese enjoy participating in dog sports like mini agility, which stimulates their intellect and keeps their minds active. Their character is a mix of loyalty, independence, and a touch of humor, making them beloved members of the family.

Ideal Living Situations

Pekingese are well-suited for households where companionship and light exercise complement a quieter lifestyle. They are perfect for older individuals or apartment dwellers seeking a loyal dog without demanding exercise needs. Their adaptability and moderate grooming requirements also attract those ready to commit to regular coat maintenance.

Important Considerations

Prospective owners should be prepared for the grooming demands of a Pekingese, as their lengthy coat needs daily care to avoid tangles and skin issues. They should also be aware of the breed's vulnerability to brachycephalic-related health concerns such as breathing challenges and eye conditions. Early socialization and consistent training are crucial to manage their occasional stubbornness and independent streak.

The Pekingese has an illustrious history that stretches back over two millennia in China, recognized as one of the oldest dog breeds verified by genetic testing. According to Chinese legend, they were created by merging the grandeur of a lion with the size of a marmoset, resulting in the "Lion Dog" or "Fu Lin," the predecessor of the modern Pekingese. These dogs were highly esteemed within the Imperial Courts during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), where they served as symbols of status and guardianship, exclusively owned by royalty.

Initial Development

In their early days, Pekingese were meticulously bred to preserve their compact size and lion-like features. They were closely protected by imperial edict, prohibiting commoners from owning them, and were often called "sleeve dogs" due to their convenient size for being carried in the wide sleeves of robes. Their distinct physical characteristics, such as flat faces, wide skulls, and dense coats, were intentionally cultivated to embody the symbolism of lions.

Western Introduction

The breed made its way to the Western world in 1860, during the British incursion into China, when five Pekingese were taken from the Imperial Summer Palace. Among them, "Looty," a Pekingese gifted to Queen Victoria, established the breed's noble connections in Britain. Two prominent bloodlines, the Goodwood line from the Duchess of Richmond and Gordon, and another from the Duchess of Wellington, laid the groundwork for the breed's development in the West. The Kennel Club officially recognized the Pekingese in 1910, cementing its status as a prized pedigree breed across the UK. Today, the Pekingese is celebrated for its rich heritage and distinctive look.

Dimensions and Structure

The Pekingese is a small toy breed, standing between 5.5-9 inches tall at the shoulders for both genders. Their weight ranges from 8-14 pounds. They are compact and robust, with a short back and a defined waist. The front legs are heavily boned and slightly bowed, while the back legs are muscular yet lighter. Their broad chest with well-rounded ribs supports a proud and upright stance, exuding strength despite their small size.

Fur and Coloration

Pekingese feature a long, luxurious double coat with a distinctive thick mane around the neck, stopping at the shoulders. The outer coat is straight and coarse, contrasting with a soft and dense undercoat. Their ears, legs, tail, and toes are adorned with abundant feathering, enhancing their regal lion-like appearance. Accepted colors include black, black & tan, black & white, brindle, cream, fawn, gray brindle, red, silver, white, and various combinations with black masks and brindle patterns, showcasing the breed's diverse color spectrum.

Unique Characteristics

Their head is disproportionately large compared to the body, with a broad flat skull and pronounced stop. The muzzle is short but wide, complementing the brachycephalic facial structure. The black nose has wide nostrils, and the face is richly wrinkled, creating an inverted "V" pattern from the cheeks to the nose. The eyes are large, round, and dark with a clear, shining luster, while the ears are heart-shaped, heavily feathered, and lie close to the skull. The tail is set high and heavily plumed, carried elegantly over the back or to the side, accentuating the breed's dignified gait.

Gender Variations

Males and females are similar in stature, with males potentially being slightly heavier. Males may sometimes display a more dominant or independent nature, although individual personalities can vary widely. Both genders require equal grooming and care to ensure their health and maintain the breed's iconic appearance. The Kennel Club suggests that dogs outside the typical size and weight ranges should be evaluated for health reasons rather than excluded based on measurements alone.

The Pekingese is known for its multifaceted temperament, which combines a playful disposition, dignified demeanor, and a sharp sense of humor. Often described as a "big dog in a small body," they have an independent streak and a protective instinct, particularly over their toys and belongings. This guarding behavior is a hallmark of the breed.

They typically form strong attachments to one primary person in the household, while also showing affection to other family members and cautious acceptance of strangers once they feel comfortable. Their preference for human companionship means they thrive best in homes where someone is frequently present. If left alone for extended periods, Pekingese may develop separation anxiety, potentially leading to destructive behaviors if not addressed.

Social by nature, Pekingese enjoy interaction but may initially be wary of strangers, opting to alert with barking rather than aggression. Early socialization is key to preventing small dog syndrome behaviors, helping puppies mature into confident, well-behaved adults. Given the right environment, they enjoy entertaining themselves and participating in activities like mini agility, displaying their lively and playful side.

This breed is most suitable for quiet households and older adults, as they require gentle handling and respect. They are generally not ideal for young children due to their delicate size and tendency to snap if mishandled. Their moderate prey drive means they coexist fairly well with other dogs and pets but may chase smaller animals like squirrels or local cats.

Pekingese dogs are intelligent and eager to please, though they often exhibit a stubborn, independent nature that requires owners to adopt patient and gentle training techniques. They learn best at their own pace, and pushing too hard or using harsh methods can hinder their progress.

Consistency and early training are essential, focusing on clear, concise commands to minimize confusion. Socialization is a vital part of early training to ensure balanced adult behavior and to mitigate any fearfulness or excessive protectiveness towards strangers or other animals.

Initial Training Focus

The first six months should emphasize basic obedience commands such as come, sit, stay, down, leave it, and quiet. Once vaccinations are complete, broad social exposure to various environments, people, and animals is crucial to build confidence.

Effective Training Strategies

Positive reinforcement with treats and praise in short, engaging sessions suits the Pekingese’s attention span and temperament well. Maintaining consistent rules prevents the development of small dog syndrome, where the dog may try to dominate household routines.

Potential for Advanced Training

Despite their size, well-motivated Pekingese can participate successfully in canine sports like mini agility and obedience trials, providing excellent physical and mental stimulation.

Common Training Pitfalls

Inconsistent commands, impatience, or overindulgence can create behavioral issues in this breed. Harsh correction should be avoided, as kindness and structured training yield the best results.

The Pekingese is generally not recommended for homes with young children due to its small size and delicate nature. Toddlers and energetic young children may unintentionally cause stress or injury to the dog, leading to defensive behaviors such as snapping or growling. Calm, older children who understand gentle interaction can develop strong, affectionate bonds with the breed, provided supervision is maintained to ensure respectful treatment.

It is crucial to teach children how to approach and handle the Pekingese properly, respecting its boundaries and fragility. The breed’s size and moderate energy level require that play is conducted calmly and safely. Constant adult supervision is recommended to prevent accidental harm to the dog or the child.

Owners should provide a safe retreat area for the Pekingese to withdraw when feeling overwhelmed, fostering a stress-free environment and promoting positive interactions.

Pekingese are predisposed to specific health issues primarily due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy. The main concerns include brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), which causes breathing difficulties and respiratory distress, common in short-muzzled breeds. Their prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal ulcers, injuries, and progressive retinal atrophy, potentially impacting vision over time.

Additionally, their short backs increase the risk of intervertebral disc disease, while joint problems like patellar luxation and cardiac issues such as heart murmurs are also noted. Responsible breeders conduct thorough health screenings for progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation to minimize hereditary risks in puppies.

Regular veterinary check-ups, prompt treatment of eye or respiratory symptoms, and weight management are essential for maintaining quality of life for Pekingese owners. Owners should be vigilant for signs of breathing difficulties, coughing, or eye discomfort, seeking veterinary advice early.

Caring for a Pekingese requires attentiveness to its physical and health needs, especially concerning respiratory and eye health. Owners should avoid exposing them to high temperatures or excessive physical exertion, given their susceptibility to breathing difficulties. Providing cool, shaded environments in summer and avoiding strenuous play are crucial.

Eye care is integral, requiring regular cleaning to prevent dryness or injury, as well as timely veterinary intervention if irritation develops. Facial skin folds require gentle cleaning to avoid infection or dermatitis. Additionally, dental hygiene is vital, with regular brushing and professional cleaning to prevent periodontal disease. Routine veterinary visits support early detection and management of common health issues.

Daily grooming is necessary to maintain their luxurious coat and skin health, while balanced nutrition and weight management underpin overall well-being. Owners should remain alert to behavioral changes that may indicate discomfort or health decline, adapting care as the dog ages.

Grooming a Pekingese demands daily commitment to keep its long, flowing coat free from mats and tangles. A thorough brushing routine using pin brushes and metal combs helps remove loose hairs and prevent painful matting, particularly around the thick mane, feathered ears, legs, and tail. Areas prone to tangling need extra attention to avoid skin irritation.

Bathing every three to four weeks is advised, with careful drying afterward to protect the skin. Facial wrinkles demand frequent cleansing and drying to prevent infections. Additional grooming tasks include regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and daily teeth brushing to support overall health.

Given the breed's high grooming demands, professional grooming every six to eight weeks is typical, with costs to be considered by prospective owners. Common challenges include preventing matting, managing seasonal shedding, and safeguarding sensitive skin areas.

The Pekingese needs moderate daily exercise consisting of gentle, short walks and play sessions to maintain physical health without overtaxing their delicate respiratory system. Owners should avoid strenuous activities and hot weather conditions to prevent overheating and breathing distress.

Suitable activities include short indoor games and mini agility which provide both mental stimulation and light physical exercise. Monitoring for signs of fatigue or respiratory difficulty during activity is necessary, adjusting intensity as needed to ensure well-being.

A sample weekly schedule might involve two 15-minute gentle walks daily alongside several short playtimes focusing on enrichment and interaction. This balance supports overall fitness while respecting the breed's physical limitations.

The Pekingese requires a carefully balanced diet tailored to its size, age, and activity level to avoid obesity and other health issues. Feeding high-quality commercial dog food formulated for small breeds ensures appropriate nutritional content and digestibility. Alternatively, a home-cooked diet can work if guided by a vet or canine nutrition expert.

Portion control is critical as Pekingese have a tendency to overeat if allowed, increasing the risk of weight-related problems. Regular feeding schedules with fixed portion sizes help maintain an ideal body condition. Fresh water should always be available, and treats used sparingly during training sessions to avoid excess calorie intake.

Supplements may be beneficial for joint and skin health but should only be given on veterinary advice. Weight management is integral to prolonging the breed's quality of life and preventing exacerbation of respiratory issues.

Purchasing a Pekingese in the United States from a reputable breeder typically costs between $1,000 and $2,500, depending on lineage, breeding quality, and pedigree. Individual sellers may offer lower prices, ranging from approximately $900 to $1,800. Show-quality puppies and those from well-known bloodlines usually command higher prices. Seasonal demand may cause some price fluctuations, with higher costs during peak buying times such as early spring.

Initial setup costs include vaccinations, microchipping, basic equipment like bedding and leads, and an initial supply of quality food. Grooming tools and arrangements, especially if professional grooming is used, should also be factored into the budget.

Monthly ongoing costs encompass food, routine grooming, regular vet visits including preventative treatments like vaccinations and parasite control, and occasional training classes or socialization activities. Owners can expect monthly expenses ranging from $100 to $160.

Lifetime ownership costs also include insurance, which can range considerably based on health and coverage levels, and potential veterinary bills related to breed-specific health challenges. Setting aside a contingency fund for unexpected health issues is prudent.

To find Pekingese for sale on Lancaster Puppies browse current listings and connect with reputable breeders and owners across the USA.

When considering purchasing a Pekingese, it is crucial to find a responsible and ethical breeder to ensure the dog's health, temperament, and authenticity. Verify that the breeder performs essential health tests for hereditary issues common to the breed, including Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) screening, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) testing, Hip Dysplasia evaluation, and Patellar Luxation assessment. Request access to health certificates and breeding records.

Visiting the breeder's facilities allows inspection of the living environment, puppy socialization, and meeting the puppy's parents to assess temperament and health. Avoid breeders who produce puppies without proper health guarantees or who appear to prioritize profits over welfare.

Alternatively, consider breed-specific rescue groups as a means of adopting a Pekingese in need of a loving home. These rescues typically ensure health vettings and temperament assessments, providing a valuable option for prospective owners.

Key checklist criteria include confirming health clearances, observing puppy behavior for socialization and temperament, asking about vaccination history, and ensuring a written contract protecting buyer and seller rights. Be cautious of making quick decisions without thorough evaluation, and wary of suspiciously low prices.