Pekingese

The Pekingese is a unique and distinguished breed celebrated for its charming lion-like appearance and rich historic background. Originally bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty, these small yet confident dogs have captivated dog lovers worldwide with their affectionate and dignified nature. Today, they are treasured as loyal companions who bring joy to many households, especially those of older adults who value a calm but engaged pet.

This breed excels as a companion dog thanks to its moderate exercise needs combined with a playful and sometimes mischievous spirit. While not overly demanding in physical activity, Pekingese enjoy engaging in canine sports such as mini agility, which challenges their intelligence and keeps their minds sharp. Their temperament blends loyalty, independence, and a touch of humour, making them endearing family members.

Perfect For

The Pekingese thrives in homes where companionship and gentle exercise fit a quieter lifestyle. Ideal owners include elderly individuals or those living in apartments who want a devoted dog without overly taxing exercise requirements. Their adaptability and moderate grooming needs also appeal to those willing to invest time in regular coat care.

Key Considerations

Potential owners should be prepared for grooming demands, as the Pekingese's long coat requires daily maintenance to prevent matting and skin issues. They must also understand the breed699s susceptibility to brachycephalic-related health problems like breathing difficulties and eye issues. Early socialisation and consistent training are essential to manage their sometimes stubborn and independent nature.

The origins of the Pekingese trace back many centuries in China, making it one of the oldest dog breeds documented by DNA testing. Chinese folklore speaks of their creation as a blend of the lion's majesty and the marmoset's size, giving birth to the "Lion Dog" or "Fu Lin," the ancestor of today's Pekingese. Historically, they were revered within the Imperial Courts of the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), where only royals were permitted to own these small lap dogs as symbols of status and protection.

Early Development

Throughout their early history, Pekingese were selectively bred to maintain their small size and lion-like appearance. The breed was carefully guarded by imperial decree, forbidding ownership by commoners, and were often referred to as "sleeve dogs" due to their convenient size for carriage in the sleeves of robes. The unique physical traits including flat faces, broad skulls, and thick coats were purposefully developed to embody the symbolism of lions.

Modern Recognition

The breed was introduced to the West in 1860 during the British expedition to China, when five Pekingese were taken from the Imperial Summer Palace. Notably, "Looty," a Pekingese gifted to Queen Victoria, established the breed's royal connections in Britain. Two bloodlines, the Goodwood line originating from the Duchess of Richmond and Gordon and another line from the Duchess of Wellington, formed the foundation for modern breed development. The Kennel Club formally recognised the Pekingese in 1910, solidifying its status as a cherished pedigree breed across the UK. Today, the Pekingese remains a popular companion, admired for its historic legacy and distinctive appearance.

Size and Build

The Pekingese is a compact toy breed, measuring 15 to 23 cm in height at the withers for both males and females. Weight varies between 3.5 and 6.5 kg. Their body is square and sturdy, with a short back and a well-defined waist. The front legs are heavily boned and slightly bowed, while the hindquarters are muscular yet lighter in build. Their broad chest with well-sprung ribs supports a dignified and upright posture, conveying strength despite their diminutive size.

Coat and Colours

Pekingese have a long, flowing double coat with a distinctive thick mane around the neck that does not extend beyond the shoulders. The topcoat is straight and coarse, contrasting with a soft and dense undercoat. Their ears, legs, tail, and toes boast profuse feathering, contributing to their majestic lion-like appearance. Accepted colours include black, black & tan, black & white, brindle, cream, fawn, grey brindle, red, silver, white, and various combinations featuring black masks and brindle patterns, highlighting the breed's diverse and vibrant colour palette.

Distinctive Features

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

Gender Differences

Males and females are similar in size, with males potentially slightly heavier. Males can sometimes show a more dominant or independent temperament, though individual personality varies widely. Both sexes demand equal grooming and care to ensure health and maintain the breed's characteristic appearance. The Kennel Club advises that dogs outside the height and weight ranges should be assessed carefully for health reasons rather than excluded solely on measurements.

The Pekingese displays a complex temperament that blends a playful nature, dignified demeanor, and a keen sense of humour. Often described as a "big dog in a small body," they exhibit an independent streak and a protective guarding instinct, especially over their possessions like toys. This guarding behaviour is a distinct and defining trait of the breed.

Typically, they form strong bonds with one primary person in the home, showing affection to other family members and cautious acceptance of strangers once comfortable. Their preference for human company means they thrive best in households where someone is frequently present. Left alone for long periods, Pekingese may develop separation anxiety, which can cause destructive behaviours if not managed.

Social by nature, Pekingese enjoy interaction but can initially be wary of strangers, opting to alert with barking rather than aggression. Early socialisation is crucial to prevent small dog syndrome behaviours, helping puppies grow into confident, well-mannered adult dogs. Given the right environment, they entertain themselves and participate in activities like mini agility, showcasing their lively and playful side.

This breed is best suited to quiet households and older adults, as they require gentle handling and respect. They are generally not ideal for young children due to their fragile 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 possess intelligence and a willingness to please, though often coupled with a stubborn, independent streak which requires owners to adopt patient and gentle training approaches. They learn best at their own pace, and pushing too hard or using harsh methods can hinder progress.

Consistency and early training are key, with a focus on clear, concise commands to reduce confusion. Socialisation forms a vital part of early training to ensure balanced adult behaviour and to mitigate any fearfulness or excessive protectiveness towards strangers or other animals.

Puppy Training Priorities

The first six months should concentrate on 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 essential to build confidence.

Training Methods That Work

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.

Advanced Training Potential

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 Mistakes

Inconsistent commands, impatience, or overindulgence can create behavioural 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 stature and delicate constitution. Toddlers and excitable young children may inadvertently cause stress or injury to the dog, which can lead to defensive behaviours 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 important 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 problems largely due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) anatomy. The primary concerns include brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), causing breathing difficulties and respiratory distress common in short-muzzled breeds. Their prominent eyes are vulnerable to corneal ulcers, injuries, and progressive retinal atrophy, which can impact 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 reported. Responsible breeders conduct thorough health screening for progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and patellar luxation to minimise hereditary risks in puppies.

Frequent veterinary check-ups, prompt treatment of eye or respiratory symptoms, and weight management are essential to maintain 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 demands close attention to its physical and health needs, especially regarding 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 non-negotiable to maintain their luxurious coat and skin health, while balanced nutrition and weight management underpin overall well-being. Owners should remain alert to behavioural changes that may indicate discomfort or health decline, adapting care as the dog ages.

Grooming a Pekingese requires daily commitment to maintain 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 afterwards 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 requires 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 UK from a reputable licensed breeder typically costs between £1,800 and £4,000, depending on lineage, breeding quality, and pedigree. Individual sellers may offer lower prices, ranging from approximately £700 to £1,400. 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 socialisation activities. Owners can expect monthly expenses ranging from £75 to £120.

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 Pets4Homes browse current listings and connect with reputable breeders and owners across the UK.

When seeking to buy a Pekingese, sourcing from a responsible and ethical breeder is essential to ensure the health, temperament, and authenticity of the dog. Verify that the breeder carries out essential health testing 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 socialisation, and meeting the puppy's parents to assess temperament and health. Avoid breeders who produce puppies without proper health guarantees or who appear to prioritise 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 behaviour for socialisation and temperament, asking about vaccination history, and ensuring a written contract protecting buyer and seller rights. Warn against rapid decisions without thorough evaluation, and be cautious of suspiciously low prices.