Pekingese: temperament, size, care and health

About the Pekingese

The Pekingese is a small, heavy-fronted dog with a broad flat face, a short wrinkled muzzle, large dark eyes and heart-shaped feathered ears. Its body is low and sturdy, with a rolling gait, and a long coat forms a mane around the neck and shoulders so the dog resembles a tiny lion. The tail is carried over the back with a plume of long hair. The head is large for the body, and the chest is broad.

The breed was kept within Chinese imperial palaces as a companion, and it still has the bearing of a dog that expects respect. People keep it today for its character, its small size and its calm indoor habits.

Temperament and family life

A Pekingese is independent, loyal and self-assured. It bonds closely with its household but does not fawn on anyone, and it can be indifferent or suspicious toward strangers. It is more of a watchdog than most toy breeds, and a large bark can come from a small body.

The breed has a low tolerance for handling it dislikes, and it will snap if squeezed or grabbed. For this reason it is a poor match for young children, and it does best in a household of adults or older children who understand its limits. It usually accepts other pets in its own home, though it can be a stubborn rival to other dogs. Despite its size, the Pekingese does not behave like a lap ornament.

Exercise and training

Exercise needs are low. Short, slow walks and some play are sufficient, and the dog spends much of the day resting. It overheats very easily, so exertion in warm weather should be avoided and cool indoor spaces are important. The heavy front and short legs also make stairs and jumps risky.

The Pekingese is intelligent but strongly independent, and it may decide that a request is optional. Training must be patient, short and food-based, as harsh methods only increase stubbornness. House training is often slow. Early socialization to people, handling and other dogs helps to reduce suspicion.

Grooming and shedding

The long double coat sheds heavily, particularly in spring and fall, and brushing several times a week is needed to prevent mats, with daily care during the shed. Special care is needed on the ruff, under the legs and around the pants. Many owners trim the coat shorter for ease, though the traditional look is long.

Wipe the facial folds daily to prevent infection, and keep the large eyes free of debris. Check the ears and trim nails. Brush the teeth often because crowding contributes to dental disease.

Health

The flat face brings the airway problems seen in other short-nosed breeds, including noisy breathing, snoring and poor heat tolerance. The prominent eyes are prone to ulcers and, rarely, to the eye popping from the socket after trauma. The long back and short legs create a risk of intervertebral disc disease, and skin fold infections, heart disease and dental problems are also seen. Many litters are small and delivered by cesarean section.

Responsible breeders choose dogs with open nostrils and sound eyes. This is general information about the Pekingese, and a veterinarian is the person to ask about a particular dog.

History

The Pekingese is one of the oldest breeds of China and was bred in the imperial court of Beijing, where it could be owned only by members of the palace. In 1860, when British and French troops sacked the Summer Palace during the Second Opium War, a few of the dogs were taken to England, and one was presented to Queen Victoria. Those dogs became the basis of the breed in the West. The American Kennel Club recognized it in 1906, and it became a fashionable pet.

Is the Pekingese right for you?

A Pekingese suits a calm adult household in a cool home that wants a small, dignified and fairly quiet companion and is willing to brush regularly. It is comfortable in an apartment.

It is a poor match for children, for hot climates or for people who want an obedient, athletic or outgoing dog. Related choices include the Shih Tzu, which is friendlier and easier, the Japanese Chin, which is more delicate, and the Pug, which is more sociable.