Pekingese

Origins and History

The Pekingese originated in Imperial China, where it was prized as a companion to the royal court. Records of the breed date back to the Tang Dynasty (7th–10th centuries), but the modern type was refined during the Ming and Qing dynasties. After the Second Opium War (1856‑1860) several dogs were taken to Europe, where the breed was introduced to the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1889 and the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1889. The Pekingese was officially recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) in Group 9 (Companion and Toy Dogs) under Standard #219.

General Characteristics

• Compact, sturdy toy with a lion‑like mane and a distinctive flat face.
• Affectionate, dignified, and often described as “independent” or “stubborn”; bonds closely with its family.
• Originally bred as a lap companion and a status symbol, not for work or sport.

Note: While this information reflects current breed standards and common health concerns, individual dogs may vary.

Physical Specifications

• Height: 6‑9 inches (15‑23 cm) at the withers for both males and females.
• Weight: 7‑14 lb (3‑6 kg); the breed should appear compact yet well‑boned.

Coat and Color

• Long, flowing double coat; outer coat is straight, silky, and abundant, while the undercoat is soft and dense.
• Accepted colors include solid black, solid white, fawn, red, gold, brindle, black and tan, and parti‑colours (any combination of the above). The coat may be solid, parti‑coloured, or have a mask; merle is not accepted.

Temperament Considerations

Pekingese are confident and often exhibit a dignified aloofness. Their independent nature can make them appear stubborn, so training should be patient, consistent, and reward‑based.

Training Essentials

• Early socialization is critical – expose the puppy to a variety of people, sounds, and environments between 8‑16 weeks.
• Exercise needs are modest; short daily walks and play sessions (15‑30 minutes) are sufficient.
• Common challenges include pulling on the leash due to a strong desire to be close to the handler and a tendency to become possessive of toys or space.

Daily Grooming

• Brush the coat at least once daily with a slicker brush or metal comb to prevent matting, especially around the mane and tail.
• Clean the facial folds and ears daily to prevent moisture buildup and infection.
• Bath as needed (typically every 4‑6 weeks); use a mild dog shampoo and thoroughly dry the folds.
• Trim nails every 3‑4 weeks and brush teeth several times per week.

Show Preparation

• Begin a grooming schedule 2‑3 weeks before the show: weekly trimming of the mane to the desired length, hand‑strip any excess undercoat, and a final full brush‑out 24 hours prior.
• Ensure the coat is free of debris, the ears are clean and free of hair, and the facial folds are dry and smooth.
• During the ring, present the dog in a calm, collected gait; the handler should keep the dog’s head elevated to showcase the breed’s characteristic profile.

Common Health Issues

• Brachycephalic airway syndrome – prone to snoring, heat intolerance, and respiratory distress.
• Ocular problems: corneal ulceration, entropion, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
• Patellar luxation (grade I‑III) and occasional hip dysplasia.
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to a short, deep ribcage.
• Skin fold dermatitis in the facial wrinkles.

General Care

• Provide moderate exercise to maintain a healthy weight and support joint health.
• Feed a high‑quality, age‑appropriate diet; monitor caloric intake to prevent obesity, which exacerbates brachycephalic and orthopedic issues.
• Regular veterinary screenings: annual eye examinations, cardiac auscultation, orthopedic evaluation, and at least one DNA test for PRA if available.
• Typical lifespan: 12‑15 years, with many individuals living beyond 15 years when health issues are managed proactively.