Pekingese

Temperament:

Smart, Confident, Stubborn
Size: Small
Height: 20-25 cm
Weight: 5-5,4 kg
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Coat: Longhair
Colors: All colors
FCI Group: Companion and Toy Dogs

The Pekingese originally comes from China. There it was reserved for the Chinese imperial family as a social dog. Sometimes it is also called the Pekinese or Pekingese palace dog. Today, the lion-like Pekingese delights owners all over the world with its intelligent nature.

Pekingese
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Characteristics

Legend has it that the Pekingese originated from a cross between a monkey and a lion. A certain lion-like appearance can certainly not be denied to the little dog.

The Pekingese is a small dog. Its shoulder height is approx. 20 - 25 cm, but is not defined as a breed standard by the FCI. The FCI stipulates a maximum weight of 5 kg for males and 5.4 kg for females. However, only a few specimens reach this weight, usually between 3 and 5 kg. The compact dog has a life expectancy of 12-15 years.

Pekingese dogs can come in all coat colors. Exceptions are albino and liver-colored dogs, which are not typical of the breed. Carriers of these colors may not be used for breeding. Mask markings are desirable in the Pekingese. This is a distinctly darker coat pattern around the nose, lips and eyelid rims.

Like pugs and bulldogs, the breed belongs to the so-called "brachycephalic breeds". This means that the animals should have a round and short head. The lower jaw must be clearly pronounced. Unfortunately, this characteristic often leads to health problems. These include breathing difficulties and frequent respiratory infections. Fortunately, increasing attention is also being paid to the health of the animals at breeding shows. Breeding standards are slowly being relaxed in order to offer the animals the best possible quality of life.

The dense coat is typical of the Pekingese breed. The hair is longer on the head, neck and tail, which gives the dogs their characteristic lion-like appearance.

In its country of origin, China, the Pekingese was bred as a companion dog. This is still the role of this lovable dog today. It is suitable as a companion for almost all people. However, families with small children should ensure that the dog is handled correctly.

The character of the Pekingese is characterized by an intelligent and self-confident nature. Despite its size, it is fearless and courageous. If well trained, the Pekingese will not bark excessively. However, unusual events or people are loudly indicated.

Despite his intelligent and self-confident nature, the Pekingese is affectionate and cuddly. Although he is generally compatible with all people and other animals, he usually has a caregiver. He is very affectionate and loyal to this person.

Due to its compact size, the Pekingese is well suited to being kept indoors. It needs regular walks, but not excessive activity.

Due to its dense coat, the Pekingese overheats quickly. You should therefore keep an eye on your pet, especially in summer. Sufficient space in the shade or in cool indoor areas should be available.

Coat care:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Shedding:

Little
Medium
Intensive

Energy level:

Little
Medium
High

Trainability:

Little
Medium
Good

Children suitable:

Less
With supervision
Perfect

The right food

When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.

Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.

Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.

Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.

Health & Care

The Pekingese has a dense, sometimes long coat with a thick undercoat. It must therefore be brushed regularly, otherwise it can become very matted. Daily grooming should be carried out against the direction of hair growth, as this is the only way to reach the undercoat.

Although daily brushing of the dog is essential, bathing should only be done in absolutely exceptional cases. Due to the Pekingese's dense undercoat, it takes a very long time for it to dry completely. Skin and coat can be damaged and colds can occur.

If it is absolutely necessary to wash the dog completely, there are a few things to bear in mind. Make sure that the dog lies in a warm, draught-free place until the coat and undercoat are completely dry. Make sure that no water gets into the ears when bathing.

Your dog's eyes and ears should also be regularly checked and carefully cleaned. If your Pekingese has pronounced skin folds, these must also be cleaned and checked for inflammation.

The claws of the Pekingese must be shortened to an appropriate length. The claws grow particularly quickly if the dog walks a lot on soft ground. Dirty paws after a walk can easily be cleaned in the shower.

Typical for the breed, the Pekingese also has fur on the paws and between the toes. In some dogs it may be necessary to trim this so that it does not hinder the dog when walking.

Suitable accessories

A brush is absolutely essential for regular grooming of the Pekingese. Otherwise, there are no special features in terms of equipment.

The standard equipment in the apartment or house should definitely include a food and water bowl. Each dog should have its own dog bed as a place to retreat to. A collar or harness and a lead are recommended for walks. For transportation in the car, a dog-friendly attachment or a transport box should be available.

You will also need tick tweezers, claw clippers, a mild dog shampoo, a toothbrush and toothpaste for dogs and a first aid kit. It's best to ask your vet what should be in the first aid kit.

Origin & History

The Pekingese originated in China. It is said to have originated there from a cross between two dog breeds. Legend has it, however, that the so-called "lion dog" was a cross between a lion and a monkey.

In ancient China, breeding and keeping were reserved exclusively for the imperial family, which is why the dog is also known as the Pekingese palace dog. Some breeders of the breed speak lovingly of the fact that the Pekingese still retains its elegance, dignity and above all its great self-confidence due to its imperial past.

The Pekingese only reached Europe in the course of the 19th century. During the Second Opium War between Great Britain and China, the British plundered Chinese palaces. In the course of this plundering, some of the Pekingese kept there were also taken. This is how the compact dogs ended up in Great Britain. One of the Pekingese, a bitch called "Looty", was presented to Queen Victoria as a gift in 1861.

The origin of today's purebred Pekingese breed may also lie in Great Britain. The five specimens that came to Great Britain from China are considered to be the founders of the breed we know today.

It was only years later that the Pekingese was recognized as a breed by the British Kennel Club. At the beginning of the 20th century, the dog finally became known and popular in other countries.