PEKINGESE
APPEARANCE
The Pekingese is a small, fragile dog that resembles a cuddly toy. They have large, very dark, round, lustrous and set wide apart. The look is bold, not bulging. The coat of the Pekingese is long and straight, with a coarse topcoat and a dense undercoat. This breed has a somewhat flat face due to its short muzzle, the mane formed by its coat around the shoulders is its main similarity to a lion, and has earned it the old nickname of “lion dog.” and he also has a beautiful plumed, feathered tail. The weight of the Pekingese is around 6-14 pounds, and the height around 8-10 inches.
PERSONALITY
The Pekingese is sensitive, loving, and extremely affectionate when they choose to be. However they can be stubborn and jealous. They are childlike and can be opinionated at times. The Pekingese is generally a one-person dog. They are loyal and tend to be very protective of their owner. This dignified, courageous, and confident toy dog, the Pekingese is the ideal pet for inexperienced dog owner as well as the more experienced. These dogs have a very sensitive personality, and do not take kindly to being handled roughly or being shouted at. This is not the right choice for impatient people or for those with little time for their pets.
TRAINING
The somewhat proud, over confident, and self-centered personality of the Pekingese can make this breed difficult to train. The crate method is recommended for housebreaking. They will not respond to a harsh, loud, or overly bossy master. They respond best to gentle, consistent, and patient guidance. The Peke requires short sessions of basic obedience and socialization.
EXERCISE
The Pekingese needs very little exercise, although regular activity, even short walks, should help keep it healthy.
SOCIALIZATION
They make excellent watchdogs, as they will give alarm to any unusual noise. They are wary and suspicious of strangers. The Pekingese will get along with children but is best suited to older and gentler children, as he does not like to be roughly treated and could sustain injury easily due to his small size. This breed tends to be polite with strangers, although some can be very suspicious of them. They typically do not get along with other pets.
LIVING CONDITIONS
Although the Pekingese may be recommended for apartment living, future owners must be aware of its low heat tolerance. It may not survive in warmer regions, and must be kept indoors with air conditioning during warm spells. It’s best to have it sleeping indoors, though an occasional outdoor trip in cool weather is fine.
GROOMING
The Pekingese requires diligent daily brushing to prevent tangles, knots, and mats. They need to be dry shampooed regularly. Their faces and eyes must be cleaned daily with a damp, soft cloth. Also, to avoid infection, the wrinkle above its nose must be inspected and cleaned daily. The Pekingese is a high shedder, and is therefore not suitable for those with allergies.
HEALTH ISSUES
The life expectancy of the Pekingese is around 12-15 years, and although generally a healthy breed there are some health issues to look out for. This includes spinal problems, luxating patella, dry eye, and heatstroke in very hot conditions. It is a good idea to ensure that the parents of the Pekingese puppy have been screened for luxating patella.
HISTORY
Originally from China, the Pekingese were once hailed as royal beings because of their resemblance to the lion, which was a glorified symbol of Buddhism in those days. They were introduced to England in the 1800s after being taken during an attack on the Imperial Palace by the British and the French. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1915.
