Pekingese Breed Facts and Information

Training: Since they are stubborn and very self-important, Pekingese are notoriously difficult to train. Forceful and negative training systems are no use. If you want to raise a well-behaved Pekingese, you need patience and a firm, friendly approach built on positivity and respect for their intelligence. Pekingese love to play games and they respond well to food rewards and positive reinforcement.

Early socialization and obedience classes will help your Pekingese learn proper behavior and develop good social habits around strangers and other pets. It’s important to invest the time and energy into your companion early on. Failure to do so can result in a misbehaved dog and an unhappy family.

Barking: Honed over time in the halls of Chinese palaces, the Pekingese bark is sharp and loud. It’s the perfect tool to announce the presence of unwanted strangers or even trained assassins in the hallways of ancient Chinese temples and royal houses. These little dogs pack a punch with their bark, and they aren’t afraid to use it as a powerful home alarm system.

The key to understanding your Pekingese is research before you buy or adopt. Many Pekingese end up in shelters and adoption centers – people don’t take the time to learn about the responsibilities of owning this unique breed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and learn more about a particular dog before you make your decision. If you go to a breeder, choose a reputable operation and try to meet the parents to gain insight into their family temperament.

Personality: Pekingese are very loving and affectionate, but they limit their love to the immediate members of the household. These little dogs are very suspicious and wary of strangers, and a Pekingese won’t hesitate to bark at anyone unfamiliar.

Temperament & Behavior: Pekingese are puffy and somewhat funny looking dogs, but they are tough little characters bred for life in Chinese temples and palaces. They are somewhat stubborn and sure-headed, so training can be difficult without the proper approach. Firmness and kindness are the foundations of any good Pekingese trainer. Food rewards and abundant praise will help you build trust and a positive training attitude in your pet.

Behavior with Kids: While they offer abundant affection to their family, Pekingese are likely to be skittish and untrusting of new people in their environment. Small children and pets shouldn’t go unsupervised around your Pekingese.

Protection: When it comes to strangers, Pekingese are always on the look out to announce an outside presence. Early Pekingese dogs were the alarm systems for temples, palaces, and royal homes in Ancient China. These dogs are wary of new people and unfamiliar scents, and they will bark to let you know.

Life span: On average, Pekingese live to be about 12-14 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: The Pekingese has had many health conditions associated with the breed either through methods of genetic inheritance or at an increased frequency. Many of these conditions are related to the Pekingese’s prominent eyes and short muzzle. They may include, but are not limited to, the following: Vasculitis, Cutaneous adverse drug reactions, Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, Atlantoaxial subluxation, Congenital elbow luxation, Patellar luxation, Perineal hernia, Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), Pigmentary keratitis, Cataracts, Distichiasis, Ectopic cilia, Entropion, Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), Macroblepharon, Progressive retinal atrophy, Prolapsed gland of the nictitating membrane, Cryptorchidism, Dystocia and Brachycephalic upper airway syndrome.

Preventive Care: Many of the more common health conditions associated with the Pekingese are related to their conformation of a short nose and prominent eyes. Their short noses can lead to a variety of respiratory conditions that can become quite severe, and are often worse in extremely hot temperatures. Some surgical procedures can be performed to improve the function of the airway by opening the nostrils and shortening the soft palate. These procedures are generally encouraged in more severely affected dogs.

Pekingese eyes are prone to developing a variety of eye conditions. While nothing can be done at home to necessarily prevent these issues, the best thing you can do for your Pekingese is to closely monitor their eyes for changes and have any new findings evaluated by your vet in an urgent manner. Be sure to keep your Pekingese’s facial folds clean by using either baby wipes or veterinary anti-fungal wipes on a daily basis.

Since Pekingese dogs are prone to developing several orthopedic conditions, the best thing you can do is keep your dog at a healthy body weight to prevent the placement of additional strain on these joints. Fish oil supplements can be beneficial for decreasing the inflammation often associated with the arthritis that can develop secondarily to these conditions.

Since Pekingese are prone to developing several orthopedic conditions, be sure to keep your Pekingese at a healthy body weight. The best way to accomplish this is by feeding your dog properly portion-controlled meals of a well-balanced diet.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Peke is 1/4 - 1/3 cup.

Energy Level: Not interested in exercise, would rather doze the day away.

Exercise: Pekingese are very intelligent and proud, and they seem to have an air of dignity and royal blood about them. These little dogs have a lot of swagger and a Pekingese won’t back down easily. They can be a bit aloof with strangers, but Pekingese are very loyal and sweet when it comes to family.

Exercise needs are pretty basic when it comes to keeping your Pekingese healthy. A short daily walk and some playing around at home are plenty to maintain good mental and physical well-being. If you let your Pekingese run around outside, make sure you use a contained dog park or a fenced backyard. These head-strong little wanderers will find the hole in your fence, and then it’s off to find adventure in the neighborhood. Invest in a good fence, long leash, or a dog pen to keep your little one safe from roaming too far.

Climate: Pekingese do well in nearly all climates, but they are susceptible to very cold climates. Their slight frame and short snout make them especially vulnerable to chilling temperatures. If you live in a cool climate, pay close attention to your Pekingese on cold walks outside for signs of distress.