A Comprehensive Guide to the Pekingese: Owning, Training, and Caring for These Regal Companions

The Pekingese: A Guide for Owners

The Pekingese is consistently described as one of the world's most loyal, affectionate, and "regal" dog breeds. Originally bred in Ancient China for the purpose of companionship, this breed continues to serve this capacity in the modern era and is a favorite of family-based households, single adults, and the elderly.

This work examines the Pekingese and provides an overview of the dog's personality traits, temperament, and general characteristics. Included is a discussion of the Pekingese's health concerns, grooming needs, and nutritional requirements.

Is the Pekingese suitable for your home? Let's find out!

Scientific Classification

• Common Name: Pekingese
• Binomial Name: Canis Lupus Familiaris
• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Canidae
• Genus: Canis
• Species: Canis Lupus
• Subspecies: Canis Lupus Familiaris
• Other Name(s): Lion Dog; Peking Palasthund; Sun Dog; Sleeve Dog

History of the Pekingese

• Life Span: 13 to 15 years
• Group: Toy
• Area of Origin: China
• Date of Origin: Ancient period
• Original Purpose: Companionship; Lap Dog; Status Symbol
• Family: Oriental

Origins

The Pekingese (also known as the Peke) is an ancient dog breed that originated in China. According to historical records, the first Pekingese was bred nearly 2,000 years ago through the selective breeding of several small (and incredibly hairy) dogs of unknown origins.

Early breeders aimed to create a breed that resembled a monkey and a lion in its overall appearance. The result of their hard work was the Pekingese that we know and love today.

The Peke quickly became a favorite of Chinese royalty and those within the Imperial Court itself. From here, the Peke served as a companion to aristocratic families in the centuries that followed. Laws were even established to restrict ownership to members of the Chinese Imperial Palace. As a result, the prominence of the Pekingese remained incredibly small until the Second Opium War of 1854.

Following a joint Anglo-French invasion of Beijing, Captain John Hart Dunne (a British military officer) came across a lone Pekingese, which he promptly sent back to England as a gift to Queen Victoria. Other dogs were acquired by Lord John Hay and Sir George Fitzroy, helping the Pekingese to spread beyond China's borders for the first time in history.

How Popular Is the Pekingese Today?

By the start of the Twentieth Century, the Pekingese had quickly become a favorite of dog lovers in Western countries. Many wealthy individuals favored the Peke for their unique and "fashionable" appearance.

Unfortunately, the Pekingese's popularity was short-lived. They were eventually replaced by several small breeds (i.e., the Shih Tzu, Pomeranian, and Yorkie), who enjoyed a steady rise in popularity in the decades that followed.

In the modern era, the Pekingese is currently ranked by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as the 96th most popular breed in the world. This represents a dramatic decline from their more favorable years in the early 1900s.

Function and Purpose

Regarding the Pekingese's original function and purpose, this particular breed was initially developed for companionship and religious functions in Ancient China. In their early years, it was believed that the Pekingese had a sacred connection with Buddha. According to historical records, it was once believed that the Pekingese was a lion who was shrunk by the Buddha to a miniature size.

In the modern era, the Pekingese continues to fulfill its companionship role, as they are a favorite of elderly individuals and family-based homes who adore the breed for its loyal and affectionate demeanor.

Appearance and Physical Traits

• Weight: Less than 14 pounds (male and female)
• Height: 6 to 9 inches (male and female)

The Pekingese is a relatively small breed known for their short and compact appearance. Characterized by experts as a well-balanced and proportionate dog, the Pekingese is renowned for their heavy front, light hindquarters, and "lionlike" appearance. They are regularly cited as one of the smallest dog breeds in the world.

Regarding their overall size, few Pekes exceed 15+ pounds or 10+ inches in total height. Although slight deviations from these rules are considered normal, extreme discrepancies are considered major faults. A qualified veterinarian should evaluate these cases to determine the cause.

Scroll to Continue

Hidden History Of Christmas: Pagan Origins of Babylon

Jiayun Han: Editing for a Modern World

Tarot Card Meanings: Minor Arcana - Wands

Head

The Pekingese's head is relatively large, broad, and flat in its overall appearance. Likewise, their skulls are wider than they are deep. In general, this breed has broad jaws, flat muzzles, whiskers, and black-colored lips.

The ears on the Pekingese should be heart-shaped in their appearance and are usually set on the front sections of the skull (lying close to the head). Completing the head is a pair of large, round, and very dark eyes that are set wide apart.

Forequarters

Forequarters on the Pekingese are usually short and heavy-boned, with slightly bowed forelegs being a common feature amongst this breed. Chests should be relatively broad, with the forelegs set wide apart. Likewise, shoulders usually sit further back on the body, with the elbows following suit. Completing the forequarters is a pair of turned-out feet that are well-padded.

Hindquarters

Hindquarters of the Pekingese are slightly lighter than the front (in terms of bone), with moderate angulation present within the stifle and hock. When viewed from behind, the rear legs should be close together and follow a parallel appearance.

In contrast to the front, feet should point relatively straight when standing or moving forward. The feet should also follow the same features as the front, being rounded and well-padded.

Tail

Tails on the Pekingese are set high and follow a slight "arch" that carries over the back. Tails should also be free of kinks or curls. Deviations from these rules are considered major issues that should be evaluated by a qualified veterinarian, as excessive "curling" can be a cause for concern with this particular breed.

Coat and Coloration

In terms of their coats and fur, the Pekingese possesses a long, course-textured coat renowned for its straight and luxurious quality. Undercoats, in contrast, are thick and soft to the touch, providing ample coverage to the dog along much of its body. Taken together, the outer coat and undercoat give the Peke a unique "lionlike" appearance.

Regarding coloration, the Pekingese comes in various colors, including red, brindle, fawn, black, white, or parti-color. Liver or albino coloration, however, is considered a major defect in this particular breed and is grounds for disqualification with the AKC.

Is the Pekingese Right for Your Home?

• Energy Level: 1/5
• Exercise Needs: 1/5
• Playfulness: 1/5
• Affection Towards Owners: 2/5
• Friendliness Towards Other Animals: 3/5
• Training Difficulty: 4/5
• Grooming Level: 5/5

Temperament and Personality Traits

Despite their size and stature, the Pekingese is an incredibly tough and brave little dog that is confident, even-tempered, and loyal to family members. Often described as a highly-affectionate and sensitive breed, the Pekingese is extremely friendly towards its owners and requires a lot of attention to feel loved and appreciated.

In spite of this, it is important to note that the Peke is also remarkably aloof. Many of these dogs are also wary of strangers. While this latter trait makes them excellent watchdogs, it can also result in unpleasant situations, as the Peke can become “snappy” towards individuals they are unfamiliar with. Nevertheless, early socialization with other people and animals can help to remedy this issue over time.

Is the Pekingese Good With Children?

Yes! The Peke does exceptionally well in family-based settings as they crave attention from their owners and are always willing to show affection in return. Although the Pekingese tends to attach itself to a single individual within the home—similar to the Chihuahua—Pekes raised with families can easily become attached to every household member over time.

As a smaller breed, though, homes with toddler-aged children are not recommended for the Pekingese. This is because younger children tend to be too rough with smaller animals. This can result in severe injuries for your Peke over time, as improper handling and roughhousing can be detrimental to a dog of this size and stature.

As with all animals and pets, owners should teach their children how to approach and handle their Peke companions. This includes teaching kids not to approach a dog that is sleeping or eating and forbidding children from touching or pulling on their dog’s ears or tails.

Failure to heed this warning can (and will) result in the development of negative behaviors, as your Pekingese may interpret these actions as a "threat" to their safety and well-being. This may result in barking, growling, or even biting.

Ensuring that proper handling is followed will go a long way towards establishing a loving relationship between your Peke and children that will last a lifetime.

How Smart Is the Pekingese?

The Pekingese is a moderately intelligent breed within the canine world. As of July 2023, this breed is ranked #73 amongst the world’s smartest dogs. This places the Pekingese alongside the Beagle, Basset Hound, and Bloodhound in regard to their overall intelligence level (Coren, 182).

Experts tend to characterize the Peke as a “sixth tier” breed. This means that most Pekes will learn a new command after 100 repetitions of an action. Some may learn faster than this, while others require more time. Likewise, the Peke will typically obey a new command (after mastering it) 30 percent of the time.

As such, owners can expect a great deal from their Pekingese, as they are capable of learning a number of new tricks and commands throughout their lifetime. For this particular breed, though, it is important to note that successful training will likely require a great deal of patience, practice, and repetition.

Grooming Requirements

• Grooming Difficulty: Hard
• Coat Type: Long and straight with harsh texture.

Brushing Requirements

The Pekingese has a long and dense coat that requires daily grooming. Failure to brush your Peke regularly will result in both matting and excessive tangles over time.

Experts recommend using a long-bristled brush (or comb) that can reach through the hair to your dog's skin. When brushing, pay particular attention to the arms and ears, as these areas are prone to infections when dead skin and hair accumulate.

Due to the Peke's wrinkled appearance, owners should also spend additional time cleaning the inside of wrinkles and breeches, removing excess dirt and grime. Prompt removal of debris from these areas is vital to the health and well-being of your Pekingese.

Nail Trimming

Owners should also pay attention to the length of their Peke's nails and trim them regularly. Failure to do so can result in serious injury to the Pekingese's paws (as well as yourself and others). Why? Longer nails can become snagged on objects and debris, resulting in painful tears. These injuries are debilitating to your Peke companion and can result in bleeding and infection if not treated promptly.

To prevent this, owners should plan to trim their Pekingese's nails on a weekly basis, ensuring that the nails are both short and well-rounded with no jagged edges. Trimming is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed in the comfort of your own home. All you will need is a dog-specific nail trimmer and file.

Due to their small size, a guillotine-style clipper is best suited for this breed. You can even purchase a nail grinder. If you choose to go with the latter option, though, be sure to select one that is quiet, cordless, and low-vibration. This is because louder grinders have a tendency to scare pets who aren't accustomed to their strange sound.

For individuals uncomfortable with trimming their Peke's nails, your veterinarian or a professional groomer can also perform the procedure. These latter options, however, can incur significant costs over the long term, as a nominal fee will be required for the service.

Dental Health

Finally, and critically, owners should also pay extra attention to their Peke's dental health. Owners should inspect their dog's mouth regularly, ensuring their teeth are clean and free of debris. Unfortunately, dental hygiene is an area of grooming that owners often ignore. This is unfortunate, as dental hygiene is a critical component of your dog's health and well-being.

Although it's best to brush your Peke's teeth daily, most experts agree that two to three times a week is sufficient. All you will need for this procedure is a dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste. If you are unsure, ask your dog's veterinarian for help in purchasing the right ones. Also, never use human toothpaste on your Peke's mouth, as its ingredients can be toxic to your pet.

Maintaining a clean mouth that's free of food particles and debris will go a long way toward preventing periodontal disease, plaque buildup, tooth decay, and bad breath.

Exercise and Training Needs

Providing your Pekingese companion with the right amount of exercise is a crucial aspect of pet ownership. Likewise, you probably have questions about how to train your pet. Let's take a look at some of the most common concerns.

How Much Exercise Does a Pekingese Require Each Day?

The Pekingese generally requires 30 minutes to an hour of exercise (daily) to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This can include brisk walks, short jogging sessions, or simple playtime in the backyard.

For best results, experts suggest breaking your Peke's exercise regimen into two separate sessions to lessen the strain of exercise on your pet. For most dogs, this would translate to two 15-minute sessions a day. Likewise, strenuous and more vigorous activities (such as extended walks and runs) should be avoided with this breed due to their small size.

As a long-haired breed, owners should pay particular attention to their Pekingese's breathing during training sessions as they tend to overheat quickly. This is particularly true during the summer months (Coile, 240). The flat nature of their nose also makes it incredibly difficult for the Peke to breathe at times. This can make strenuous exercise dangerous if not supervised properly.

For these reasons, owners should let their Peke set their own pace when walking or running. Failure to heed this warning can result in serious injury to your pet.

How Difficult Is the Pekingese to Train?

The Pekingese is an intelligent breed that loves to please. Due to their stubborn nature, however, it is often said that Pekingese prefer to train their owners rather than being trained themselves.

For these reasons, early obedience training is necessary for Pekes to prevent bad behaviors from becoming habits down the road. This form of training can be performed at home or by a professional dog trainer in your area (for a nominal fee).

Despite their stubbornness, though, owners who exhibit patience and kindness can expect their Pekingese to learn a wide array of tricks and commands in their lifetime. To aid in the training process, experts suggest incorporating "rewards" into your regimen (such as "snacks" and "treats"). This helps to ensure that training is fun for your Pekingese, thus, aiding in their receptivity to training. This, in turn, helps to increase the retention of new items learned.

How Difficult Is the Pekingese to Housetrain?

Generally speaking, the Pekingese is a relatively difficult dog breed to housetrain. This is due to their stubborn and headstrong nature. For best results, owners should begin training their Peke as soon as possible (during their puppy stage of development). This helps ensure that good habits are established as early as possible since bad habits are difficult to break in the later stages of your dog's life.

As with many breeds, repetition is crucial for housebreaking your Peke. On average, most owners can expect their Pekingese to be fully housetrained after 12 to 24 weeks of training (Coile, 240). Some dogs will catch on much faster than this, while others may take longer. Just remember to be patient!

Nutritional Needs

As with most breeds, a high-quality dog food should always be the number one priority for your pet. These meals can be prepared by a manufacturer or at home, following the guidance and supervision of your dog's veterinarian.

Although many owners are tempted to provide their Pekingese companions with table scraps or leftovers from a meal, this should be avoided at all costs. Why is this the case? Many human foods contain toxic substances that are harmful to your pet's overall health. This includes fats, preservatives, oils, and sharp objects (such as bones) that can cause serious health problems if ingested (Mehus-Roe, 551).

The following list shows 10 of the most dangerous foods for dogs. It is important to note that this list is in no way comprehensive. When in doubt about the toxicity of a particular food, always consult with your dog's veterinarian before providing it to your Pekingese.

How Much Food Should a Pekingese Eat Per Day?

As with all dog breeds, feeding requirements vary significantly with every pet and depend on your dog's weight, energy level, and age. For this reason, owners should work closely with their dog's veterinarian to establish a feeding cycle that fits their pet's specific needs.

Generally speaking, the Pekingese requires approximately 0.5 to 1.0 cups of dry dog food daily (minimum). This should, in turn, be divided into two separate meals of roughly 0.25 to 0.5 cups, respectively.

More active dogs will require slightly more food each day, whereas less-active animals will need only the minimum standards described above. It is also worth noting that higher-quality dog foods will dramatically affect feeding guidelines. This is because these foods contain more calories and nutrients than lower-quality products on the market.

To prevent obesity and excessive weight gain in your Pekingese, it is vital for owners to accurately measure their dog's food before serving. This helps ensure that nutritional goals are reached and that a strict feeding schedule is followed. This, in turn, minimizes the possibility of weight issues in the future.

Prospective owners should also note that "free-feeding," which involves leaving food out all day for your Pekingese (and refilling it regularly), is not recommended. This practice can result in serious weight gain for your pet over time, as most Pekes are incapable of "self-control" regarding their eating habits.

How Much Water Does a Pekingese Need Each Day?

Maintaining proper hydration is also extremely important for the Pekingese. Nearly 70 percent of a dog's body is comprised of water. Therefore, owners should pay close attention to their dog's water needs throughout the day, as their requirements can change in response to outside temperatures and daily activity levels.

As with most breeds, water requirements are usually determined by your dog's weight. For every 7 pounds of weight, a Pekingese should consume approximately 6 ounces of water per day. For example, a 14-pound dog requires at least 12 ounces of water daily.

More active dogs will require slightly more water (in the vicinity of 23 ounces for a 14-pound Peke), whereas less active pets will need only the minimum requirement discussed above. Likewise, hotter weather conditions (and environments) will result in higher water requirements, whereas colder conditions will have the opposite effect.

The best way to handle water requirements is to keep your Peke's bowl filled with fresh water throughout the day. According to experts, you should never restrict your dog's water intake. The guidelines mentioned above were provided to show what's "average" for the Pekingese and should only be used for monitoring purposes.

When in doubt about your Peke's water needs, or if you notice they are drinking excessively, always consult your dog's veterinarian.

What Type of Home Is Good for a Pekingese?

The decision to adopt a Pekingese is a major life decision that should never be taken lightly. In fact, spur-of-the-moment decisions to adopt pets are the number one reason for pet abandonment in the United States (Mehus-Roe, 58). This is because owners quickly find themselves incapable of providing for the basic needs of their new pet.

Caring for a pet requires a great deal of commitment in order to provide your dog with the best lifestyle possible. For these reasons, great care should be taken when deciding to adopt a Pekingese.

Generally speaking, the Pekingese is a highly adaptable breed that is capable of living in nearly any living situation. From apartments in the city to homes in the country, the Peke’s main prerogative in life is to feel love, attention, affection, and devotion from their owner. This can be provided in any living environment.

Are You Ready to Adopt a Pekingese?

To aid in the decision-making process, the following list has been prepared for prospective owners. Before adding a new Pekingese to your home, ask yourself these 10 basic questions in order to determine your suitability for a new dog:

1. Is my home properly equipped for a new dog?
2. Am I ready (emotionally) for the ups and downs of dog care?
3. Can I afford a new pet at this stage of my life?
4. Does the Peke fit my personality and lifestyle?
5. Is my home suitable for a puppy?
6. Am I prepared for potential behavioral issues?
7. Can I provide a Peke with adequate grooming each week?
8. Will this dog get along with my other pets?
9. Are my reasons for adopting a Pekingese legitimate?
10. Do I have time for a new dog?

If you are incapable of answering any of these questions in the affirmative, have specific and troubling doubts, or lack the resources (or patience) to undertake a new pet, ownership of a Pekingese may not be suited for you.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Best Type of Owner for a Pekingese?

Regarding personality type, the Pekingese is best suited for a calm, respectful, affectionate, and loving owner. In addition to these basic requirements, prospective owners should also be patient and "understanding" toward their newfound companions (Mehus-Roe, 351). This is important, as the Peke is incredibly sensitive and doesn't enjoy being scolded or yelled at.

Is the Pekingese Good With Other Pets?

Yes and no. Generally speaking, the Pekingese often does well with other pets in the home. Due to their laid-back nature, they even get along with most cats (assuming they are socialized at an early age).

As with all dogs, though, the Peke should always be supervised by their owner when in the presence of another animal, as their small size makes them prone to injuries. This is especially true when they are around larger dogs. Failure to heed this warning can result in serious injuries to your Peke.

Is the Pekingese a Good Guard Dog?

No. Due to their small size and stature, the Pekingese is a poor choice for guardianship roles, as they are wholly incapable of stopping would-be intruders. Although these dogs are remarkably courageous and will actively protect their families when danger arises, the Pekingese is limited to loud barking or inflicting small bites on intruders.

Despite this, the Peke is a remarkably alert breed that is well-attuned to their surroundings. As such, they often make for an excellent watchdog since they will actively alert owners to the slightest sound or disturbance inside (or outside) the home.

Owners seeking a dog for protection will be better served by a larger (more aggressive) dog breed such as the German Shepherd, Pitbull Terrier, or Doberman Pinscher.

How to Select a Pekingese Puppy

As mentioned above, adopting a Pekingese is a major life decision that should never be taken lightly. This also applies to the selection of puppies, as great care should be taken when adopting a new dog from a breeder.

Questions to Ask Yourself

The following list provides several items (and questions) for individuals to consider when selecting a new puppy:

• How social and interactive is the Pekingese puppy you are interested in?
• Does the puppy try to sniff your hand or cower in fear when approached?
• Does the puppy play well with their brothers and sisters?
• Is the Pekingese puppy prone to roughhousing and more aggressive behaviors? Do they growl or try to cover you in kisses when you are near?

These are just a few of the questions individuals should consider before selecting a Pekingese puppy, as these items reveal a great deal of the dog's personality and temperament that will be dominant for the remainder of their lives.

As one might expect, there are no "right" or "wrong" answers to these questions as they are geared towards ensuring your new puppy possesses a personality that mimics your own. This helps ensure your new companion is a good fit for you and your home. If you have any doubts, don't be afraid to walk away!

Health Clearances

Finally, and perhaps most importantly, always ask breeders for health clearances which helps prove that each puppy has been cleared for various health conditions. Not only does this ensure that you are getting a healthy puppy, but it also helps prove that the seller is a responsible breeder who cares for the health and safety of their animals.

For the Pekingese, prospective owners should request clearances for both of the puppy's parents. You should expect to see clearances from the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), which show scores for hip and elbow dysplasia. You should also receive a clearance from the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF), which certifies that the puppy's eyes are normal.

How Much Does a Pekingese Cost?

Overall costs for a Pekingese vary significantly and depend heavily on the dog's age, location, and availability (i.e., public demand at the time of purchase). In addition, the source of the dog is also critical for price determination, as private individuals, sellers, and breeders will charge additional money, whereas adoption sites will charge significantly less (if anything at all).

As of July 2023, an individual can expect to pay approximately $750 to $3,000 for a Pekingese puppy. Purebred dogs will be slightly more expensive (in the range of $1,500 to $4,000), whereas higher-end breeders tend to charge $5,000+ for their puppies.

In terms of first-year costs, owners should budget for an additional $3,305 in expenses and approximately $1,030 for every year after that. This includes prices for shots, veterinary checkups, grooming supplies, food, and basic snacks. In total, owners can expect to pay approximately $15,660 over the lifetime of their Pekingese. This figure is based on the assumption that no significant medical issues arise during their lives.

For those interested in older dogs, expect to pay slightly less, with the average Pekingese going for approximately $300 to $1,000 (depending on their overall age).

Health Concerns

Recommended Medical Tests and Evaluations for the Pekingese

• Knee Exam
• Retinal Exam
• Eye Exam

Owners should actively work with a qualified veterinarian in their area to develop a nutritional and preventive-care plan for their Pekingese. Proper diet, nutrition, and early detection of health issues can go a long way in helping your dog achieve a happy and healthy life.

Generally speaking, the Pekingese is a relatively healthy breed but does have a propensity for developing a number of potentially serious ailments over time. This includes brachycephalic airway syndrome, hernias, hemolytic anemia, an elongated soft palate, intervertebral disc disease, and heart murmurs.

The Peke is also susceptible to syringomyelia and several different retinal issues. This includes progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), corneal ulcers, dry eyes, and ocular proptosis (Mehus-Roe, 351). Again, early detection of these conditions is the best way to prevent long-term issues, as a number of treatment options exist.

With proper care, owners can expect their Pekingese to live between 13 to 15 years, though it is common for this breed to live several years beyond this.

Pros and Cons of the Pekingese

Are you still wondering if the Pekingese is right for your home? Are you worried that the negatives outweigh the positives for this particular breed? This final section outlines some of the potential pros and cons of the Pekingese.

Although most of these traits were discussed above, this handy guide offers a quick overview of the Peke's basic characteristics.

Pros

• An apartment-friendly dog that does well in smaller spaces.
• Small but extremely tough breed.
• Doesn’t require a great deal of exercise due to their small size and stature.
• Extremely unique dog in regard to their appearance.
• A calm and even-tempered breed that is generally well-mannered and obedient.
• Polite and friendly towards strangers and other animals (for the most part).

Cons

• Extremely stubborn with a mind of their own.
• Prone to wheezing, snoring, and snorting.
• Requires a great deal of grooming on a weekly basis to maintain their coat.
• Prone to excessive shedding throughout the year.
• Can be extremely difficul