The Pekingese Dog, one of the world's most recognisable breeds, was once the sacred dog of China. The Pekingese Dog derives its name from the Tang Dynasty (619 - 907 AD) and their regal lineage is reflected in the Peke's modern day character. For the Pekingese, exercise is a leisurely affair; short strolls will suffice.
Conversely, grooming the Pekingese Dog is anything but leisurely. Dedicated and regular attention is essential to avoid a knotted ball of fluff with a humourless constitution.
The Pekingese Dog is a breed for dog devotees. The grooming can be laborious, but the benefits can be great. The Peke's occasional flirtations with humour and its attentiveness to his master can conquer the hearts of even the most reluctant groomer.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Pekingese Size
Variations: Ranges between 4 and 20 pounds
Pekingese
Colors:
Apricot Pekingese
Black Pekingese
Buff Pekingese
Chocolate Pekingese
Cream Pekingese
Red Pekingese
Silver Pekingese
White Pekingese
Pekingese Height: 7 inches (18 cm)
Pekingese Weight:
11 lbs (5 kg) for males
12 lbs (5.5 kg) for female
Pekingese
Exercise Needs: Minimal
Pekingese
Grooming Needs: Demanding
Pekingese Life Expectancy (Lifespan):
10 to 15 years
Are Pekingeses Child-Friendly? Yes
Pekingese Training:
Medium Difficult
Breed Group:
Toy
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
The Pekingese dog breed originated in United States of
America. The Pekingese Dog finds its roots in Tang Dynasty China about 1500 years ago. For centuries, the Peke was highly prized in China's Imperial Court. In fact, for centuries, only members of the Chinese Imperial Palace were permitted to own the Pekingese Dog.
Interestingly, the Peke is one of the oldest breeds of dog in the world with its genetics still closely linked that of the Asian Wolf. Some historians claim that the modern appearance of the Pekingese Dog was dictated by Her Imperial Majesty, Empress Dowager Cixi (1835 - 1908)and the dogs were bred to meet her exact specifications. The dogs were sometimes called "Sleeve Pekingese" as it became fashionable to carry the Pekes in the voluminous sleeves of robes worn by the members of the Chinese Imperial household.
By the 1860's, the Pekingese Dog's population had exploded. After being introduced to England and to America in the early 1900's the Pekingese Dog became a much beloved pet.
The Pekingese Dog is characterized by a broad head and very short muzzle and flat nose. While this feature is the Peke's facial trademark, it can lead to serious breathing problems. To ensure a healthy Pekingese Dog, be sure to choose a responsible breeder.
The under jaw of the Pekingese Dog is strong, the muzzle wrinkled and the eyes are lustrous, large and round. The ears are large and pendulous with a thickish hair in varying lengths.
The coat will be long, but it should not impede walking. The undercoat is thicker than the outercoat which feathers nicely on the ears, feet and tail. The coat can be virtually any hue except liver and albino.
The Peke's neck and body are short, but with a broad chest. The legs are short with the hind legs being slightly lighter. The tail, also a predominant feature, is feathered and curled. It tends to fall slightly over one side of the back.
The Pekingese Dog, while at times aloof, can be loyal and charismatic. They are typically fearless which can be at odds with their diminutive stature. The Peke can be affectionate and fiercely loyal to its owner but there is also an unmistakable element of self importance with this breed. Power struggles can occur and the Pekingese can refuse food during one of these episodes.
This breed interacts well with children, although older children are better and always under supervision.
The Pekingese Dog can be wary of strangers and will bark, so it can make a competent watchdog. In keeping with its immodest disposition, the Peke does not like to be disturbed during sleep (when it can snore)or during feeding. The Peke does not suffer fools lightly!
The Pekingese Dog is not one for vigorous exercise or long hikes through the country. Rather, the Peke prefers leisurely strolls and short walks. Sometimes the Pekingese Dog may refuse a leash and a harness makes a more agreeable choice. Overexertion is to be avoided, as common difficulties with breathing and with heat can lead to grave consequences. Because of its languid nature, be sure to not overfeed the Peke.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
To keep the Pekingese Dog in top condition, the coat needs regular, daily grooming. This regiment should minimize matting. It is important to dry shampoo the coat regularly paying special attention to the hindquarters. Be sure to clean the wrinkles above the nose as these areas are prone to infection.
Training your Pekingese Dog can be an exercise in patience. The key is to be firm and consistent. Some experts suggest that your Pekingese puppy should be brought outside every hour or so until a regular habit is established. While this does require a sizable commitment from the owner, the alternative, a secret indoor facility behind a bed or sofa, is considerably less appealing.
Others swear by crate training and the notion that the Pekes will strive to keep their 'den' clean. The Pekingese will go immediately when brought from the crate to the outside.
The thing to remember is that Pekes, like all dogs, like to please their owners. Proper socialization and choosing a breeder who spends time with the puppies can make the world of difference. Finally, the Pekingese Dog will test limits to gain control. A responsible owner will use tone of voice, a firm grip and establish solid alpha-dog positioning. Don't let your Peke's cute and feisty behaviour make for an unruly, unmanageable pet.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
As with any purebred breed of dog, the Pekingese is not without potential health problems that can be passed on from generation to generation - or skip a generation and show up in offspring from healthy parent dogs. It is extremely important to choose your Pekingese breeder carefully! You want a breeder who is very knowledgeable in the Pekingese dog breed and an expert on health issues that can affect the breed. Your breeder should follow a highly selective breeding program that focuses on the health, temperament and longevity of her puppies, in an attempt to produce healthy, attractive and temperamentally sound Pekingese pups, while improving and proliferating the breed.
There are no 100% guarantees when it comes to Pekingese health, even in the most careful breeding, but purchasing a puppy from a highly reputable breeder who health screens and offers a reasonable health guarantee on her puppies is your best insurance.
Health issues that can occur in the Pekingese dog breed include;
*Elongaged Soft Palate
*Stenotic Nares
*KCS
*Patellar Luxation
*Disticiasis
*Trichiasis
*Skin Fold Dermatitis
Also of note: The Peke is sensitive to anesthesia and does not tolerate heat well. It is also prone to corneal abrasions.
Choose your breeder wisely, and you can be fairly well assured of acquiring a Pekingese puppy that is healthy and free from genetic disorders that can affect the breed.
The Pekingese dog is a unique and charming breed of dog that is a good match for individuals and families alike. If you are looking for a breed that doesn't need a lot of exercise, and is small enough to do well in an apartment, then this may be the breed for you - provided that you have the time and resources to attend to the rather strenuous grooming needs of this ancient dog breed.
As with all breeds of dog, make sure that you choose your breeder carefully. Make sure you buy a puppy only from a breeder who is very knowledgeable about the Pekingese dog breed and its traits. A responsible breeder will put the health and longevity of her dogs and puppies before all, and will have a highly selective breeding program that aims to produce Pekingese puppies that are free from congenital and other canine disorders.
If you choose the right breeder and acquire a healthy, long lived Pekingese puppy, you can be assured of many years of love and companionship with an adorable and unique canine friend.
Now that you have decided that the Pekingese is the right breed
for you, it's time to start the process of finding a responsible
Pekingese breeder from which to buy a healthy, well-socialized
puppy. Not all breeders are alike; there are good breeders - and bad
breeders. Don't be in a hurry to buy the first Pekingese puppy
you find at the cheapest price available! To buy a puppy from a
responsible Pekingese breeder, you may need to pay more and wait
longer. The additional money and waiting time will be well worth it.
Buy a puppy in haste from a newspaper ad, pet store or "backyard
breeder", and you'll likely also purchase a great deal of additional
expense and heartache, since you will likely end up falling in love
with a puppy with health and behavioral problems that will likely
need special care, plenty of veterinary visits, regular medication -
or even euthanasia. But do your homework and find a responsible,
caring Pekingese breeder who home-raises their puppies with
love, screens their breeding dogs for health problems, offers a
health guarantee and post sale support, and who genuinely loves the
Pekingese breed and is in it for the love of the breed, rather
than profit, and you can be fairly well assured of getting a
healthy, happy, long lived and affectionate family companion that
will provide you and your family with many years of joy, laughter
and companionship.
Further information about choosing a responsible breeder...
Here are a few breeder directory sites that we recommend. These
sites attempt to screen advertisers to ensure that the breeders
listed are responsible and sell healthy, home-raised Pekingese puppies to carefully screened buyers. There are many, many
sites now online that advertise dog breeders - many are a Mecca for
puppy mills and backyard breeders. We recommend that you steer clear
of these resources in favor of sites that are more selective in the
breeders whom they allow to advertise.
We Highly Recommend:
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Choosing a name for your Pekingese puppy can be a daunting
task! There are so many names to choose from that it can take a lot
of thought and research to find just the right name for your
Pekingese. Usually, it's best to get to know your puppy for a
few days or weeks. Often your puppy's personality will help you
decide on just the right name to choose. Does he have a sense of
humor? A serious side? A goofy way of cocking his head to one side?
A strange love of cantaloupe? By observing your new Pekingese
puppy over the first days or weeks, you should at least have a clue
about what type of name you want to give. There are a ton of dog
names and pet names web sites on the internet. Some are wonderful
information resources, while others, unfortunately, are just
"garbage" sites set up with the sole purpose of cashing in on
visitor hits for this popular subject.
We recommend the following sites to assist you in choosing a name
for your new Pekingese puppy. These sites offer inventive,
unique, original and creative pet names suggestions that have helped
thousands of new puppy owners in selecting just the right name for
their new baby!
Pekingese Dog Names
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Pekingeses are a very photogenic dog breed. By looking at
Pekingese pictures, you can usually gain more insight into
what these dogs and puppies are like as a breed, and this can help
you decide if you really want to become an Pekingese owner.
The following sites below offer pictures of Pekingese dogs,
Pekingese puppy photos, funny Pekingese photos and
more. Enjoy!
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
There are a wealth of resources online that can help you learn
more about the Pekingese dog breed. We've compiled a list of
Pekingese information sites to assist you in quickly locating
quality information about the Pekingese dog breed, while
avoiding the "garbage" sites that are nothing more than poor
attempts to capitalize on the popularity of dog breeds in general.
If you know of an Pekingese information site that offers
unique, quality information and photos of the Pekingese
breed, please contact us with the URL and a brief description so
that our editors can consider it for inclusion in our list below.
Breed Brief -
History - Appearance -
Temperament - Exercise -
Grooming
Training - Health
- Is Breed Right For Me? -
Breeders/Puppies For Sale
Dog Names -
Pictures - Further Info -
Clubs/Rescues
Pekingese clubs and rescues web sites can help you learn
even more about the Pekingese dog breed, help you locate a
responsible Pekingese breeder, or help you find an Pekingese dog or puppy in need of a second chance for a loving,
forever home. We've compiled the following list of Pekingese
clubs and Pekingese rescues web sites for your convenience:
Pekingese Clubs -
Pekingese Rescues
