Is the Pekingese Right For You?
- 1Pekingese dogs are royal in appearance and attitude.
- 2The Pekingese can make a great friend but they do require a fair amount of grooming time.
- 3Pekingese make good apartment dogs, and love to expend their energy on walks.
HISTORY
Named for the ancient city of Peking (now Beijing), the Pekingese is sometimes referred to as the Chinese Lion Dog because of their boldness and dignity. These dogs trace their origin back to the early 18th century and were brought to England after the British invaded the Chinese Imperial Palace and managed to steal away a few of these treasured creatures. The Pekingese was recognized by the AKC in 1909.
Quick Facts
Size
Toy/Small
Lifespan
13-15 years
Hair Length
Long
Male Height
6-9 inches (15-23 cm) at the withers
Male Weight
7-14 pounds
Female Height
6-9 inches (15-23 cm) at the withers
Female Weight
7-14 pounds
Litter Size
2-4 puppies
Personality
The Pekingese is a tough, brave, independent, and affectionate breed that make fantastic companions and are very loyal to their master. If overfed, the Pekingese will become overweight quickly. Take precaution that your Pekingese does not develop "small dog syndrome" by setting limitations and never wavering in your role as pack leader. If properly socialized and trained, the Pekinese can become a wonderful watchdog, thanks to their powerful bark, or they can just be a wonderful lap dog..
Color
The Pekingese can come in a seemingly limitless array of colors and all coat colors are acceptable in show dogs and considered of equal merit.
Health Concerns
The average lifespan of this breed is 10 to 15 years. Brain and respiratory problems occur most commonly in Pekingese. They are prone to serious health issues like:
- herniated disks
- patella luxation
- ear infections
- trichaiasis (lashes growing inwards toward the eyeballs)
- eye injuries
- respiratory problems (brachycephalic)
Appearance
Earning the nickname Chinese Lion Dog, the Pekingese has a mass of hair that resembles a mane. A compact dog with a stocky, muscular body, the Pekingese still maintains a slow, dignified gait. They have a broad nose with wide nostrils, a flat muzzle, and dark eyes.