Pekinese
Temperament:
The Pekinese originates from China. He was there as a social dog reserved for the Chinese imperial family. He is sometimes called Pekingese or Pekingese palace dog. Nowadays, the Pekingese, with its lion-like appearance, delights owners all over the world with its clever nature.
Characteristics
Legends say that the Pekinese is a cross between a monkey and a lion. In any case, a certain lion-like appearance can not be denied the little dog.
The Pekinese is a small dog. Its shoulder height is about 20 - 25cm, but this is not specified as a breed standard by the FCI. The FCI has a maximum weight of 5 kg for males and 5.4 kg for females. However, only a few specimens become so heavy, usually the weight is between 3-5 kg. The compact dog has a life expectancy of 12 - 15 years.
Pekinese may be of all coat colors. Excluded are albino and liver colored dogs, which are not typical for the breed. Carriers of these colors may not be used for breeding. A mask pattern is desirable in the Pekinese. This is a clearly darker coat marking around nose, lips and eyelid edges.
The breed, like pugs or bulldogs, belongs to the so-called "brachycephalic breeds". This means that the animals should have a round and short head. The lower jaw should be clearly pronounced. Unfortunately, this characteristic often leads to health problems. These include respiratory distress and frequent respiratory infections. Fortunately, there is increasing emphasis on the health of the animals, even at breed shows. Breeding standards are slowly being relaxed to provide the best possible quality of life for the animals.
Typical for the Pekinese breed is its dense coat. On the head, neck and tail, the hair is longer and leads to the characteristic lion-like appearance of the dogs.
The Pekinese was bred in its country of origin, China, as a social dog. This is still the task of the lovable dog today. He is suitable as a companion for virtually all people. However, families with small children should pay attention to a correct handling of the dog.
The character of the Pekingese is characterized by a clever, self-confident nature. Despite their size, the dogs are fearless and courageous. With good training, the Pekinese does not bark excessively. However, they do indicate unfamiliar events or people loudly.
Despite its clever and self-confident nature, the Pekinese is also affectionate and cuddly. Although he is in principle compatible with all people and other animals, the dog usually has a reference person. To this he is strongly fixed and loyal.
Due to its compact size, the Pekinese is well suited for keeping in the apartment. He needs regular walks, but not excessive activity.
Due to its dense coat, the Pekinese overheats quickly. Especially in the summer, you should therefore have a special eye on your darling. Sufficient opportunity to stay in the shade or in cool indoor rooms should be available.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
When it comes to nutrition, the Pekinese is a relatively uncomplicated dog that is not prone to allergies. Due to its compact size, it is also cheaper to feed than many of the larger dog breeds. However, it is important to choose high quality food. Your Pekinese should be fed regularly. Feeding 1 or 2 times a day is ideal.
High-quality ready-made food mixtures are in principle well suited for the Pekinese. Since the Pekinese is prone to tartar, dry food should be given regularly. The solid pieces will loosen the tartar.
From time to time the menu may be supplemented with offal or some cheese. These provide iron and calcium and are therefore important minerals for a healthy dog.
You should also keep in mind that your dog's needs may change depending on his age and stage of life. Especially for puppies and seniors, there are food mixtures that are tailored to the special needs of these age groups.
The Pekinese is not prone to obesity. However, it is better to refrain from giving excessive treats or regular table food. And that even if the dog's look is still so heartwarming. Your dog will thank you much more for a balanced, healthy diet! Even with occasional treats, be sure to include high-quality, healthy ingredients.
Although the Pekinese is a relatively uncomplicated dog in terms of food, there may be exceptions. In this case, it is advisable to discuss the ideal diet with a veterinarian.
Pekingese care
Pekinese have dense, sometimes long fur with a dense undercoat. They must therefore be brushed regularly, otherwise they can become heavily matted. Daily grooming should be done against the direction of hair growth, as this is the only way to reach the undercoat.
Although daily brushing of the dog is indispensable, bathing should be done only in absolutely exceptional cases. Due to the dense undercoat of the Pekinese, it takes a long time to dry completely. Skin and coat can be damaged, and colds can also occur.
If it is absolutely necessary to wash your dog completely, there are a few things to keep in mind. Make sure that the dog is in a warm and draft-free place until its coat and undercoat is completely dry.
Your dog's eyes and ears should also be checked regularly and gently cleaned. If the Pekinese has pronounced skin folds, these must also be cleaned and checked for inflammation.
The claws of the Pekinese must be shortened to an appropriate length. Especially quickly grow the claws, if the dog is much on soft ground. Dirty paws after walks can be easily cleaned in the shower.
Typical of the breed, the Pekinese also has fur on the paws and between the toes. In some dogs it may be necessary to shorten this in order not to hinder the dog when walking.
Suitable accessories
For regular coat care is absolutely necessary for the Pekinese a brush. Otherwise, there are no special features as far as the inventory is concerned.
In any case, the standard equipment in the apartment or house should include food and water bowl. Each dog should have its own dog bed as a place of retreat. For walks, a collar or a chest harness and a leash are recommended. For transportation in the car should be a fixation suitable for dogs or a transport box.
Origin & History
The country of origin of the Pekinese is China. There he may have originated from a mixture of two dog breeds. However, legends say that the so-called "lion dog" is a cross between a lion and a monkey.
Breeding and keeping in ancient China was destined to the imperial family alone, which is why the dog is also called the Pekingese palace dog. Some breeders of the breed speak fondly of the fact that because of their imperial past, Pekingese still have their elegance, dignity and, above all, great self-confidence.
The Pekinese only came to Europe in the course of the 19th century. In the course of the second Opium War between Great Britain and China, Chinese palaces were plundered by the British. In the course of this looting, some specimens of the Pekinese kept there were taken. This is how the compact dogs reached Great Britain. One of the Pekinese, a bitch named "Looty", was given as a gift to Queen Victoria in 1861.
The origin of today's purebred Pekinese breed is also believed to be in Great Britain. The five specimens that came from China to Great Britain are considered to be the founders of the Pekinese known today.
It was only years later that the Pekinese was recognized as a breed by the British Kennel Club. At the beginning of the 20th century, the dog finally gained fame and popularity in other countries.
