Pekingese
Pekingese Temperament
A dignified, courageous, and confident toy dog, the Pekingese is the ideal pet for inexperienced dog owner as well as the more experienced. This breed makes a wonderful companion dog, and his low exercise demands mean that he is also ideal for those that cannot get around much, such as the elderly and the disabled. The Pekingese is a loyal and affectionate dog, and because of his tendency to bark can make an effective watchdog. These dogs have a very sensitive personality, and do not take kindly to being handled roughly or being shouted at. This is not the right choice for impatient people or for those with little time for their pets. He is also not the right choice for those looking for total peace and quiet, as he has a tendency to snore and sneeze because of his short muzzle.
Although the Pekingese does have his playful and energetic moments, he is mostly happy to sit and relax, lapping up any creature comforts that are bestowed upon him. These dogs can sometimes be very willful and strong minded, and many can be possessive when it comes to their belongings and their food. The Pekingese will get along with children but is best suited to older and gentler children, as he does not like to be roughly treated and could sustain injury easily due to his small size. This breed tends to be polite with strangers, although some can be very suspicious of them. They will usually get along well with other animals, although early socialization is recommended. The somewhat proud, over confident, and self-centered personality of the Pekingese can make this breed difficult to train.
Pekingese Appearance
The Pekingese is a small, fragile dog that resembles a cuddly toy. He has prominent eyes, which are prone to injury or infection without proper care, and a sweet if somewhat bewildered expression. The coat of the Pekingese is long and straight, with a coarse topcoat and a dense undercoat. His lustrous mane has earned him the nickname of lion dog, and he also has a beautiful plumed, feathered tail. The weight of the Pekingese is around 6-14 pounds, and the height around 8-10 inches.
Pekingese Grooming
Although the Pekingese has a beautiful dense coat and profuse mane, the grooming requirements for the breed are not overly demanding. You need to brush his coat twice weekly, although this will need to be increased when he is shedding more heavily. The Pekingese is a high shedder, and is therefore not suitable for those with allergies. You should ensure that the hair around his bottom is trimmed for hygiene reasons, and his ears are kept dry and clean to reduce the risk of infection. Also, check his prominent eyes to reduce the chances of infection or injury, and be vigilant that he his eyes do not get injured during play or exercise with children or other family members.
Pekingese Health Problems and Life Expectancy
The life expectancy of the Pekingese is around 12-15 years, and although generally a healthy breed there are some health issues to look out for. This includes spinal problems, luxating patella, dry eye, and heatstroke in very hot conditions. It is a good idea to ensure that the parents of the Pekingese puppy have been screened for luxating patella.
Pekingese History
The Pekingese originates from China, and enjoys a long and rich history, much of which is intertwined with folklore. These little dogs were once considered sacred in their native land. They were introduced to England in the 1800s after being taken during an attack on the Imperial Palace by the British and the French. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1915.
# AKALion Dog, Peking Palasthund
# SizeSmall
# Ease of trainingLow
# GroomingLow/Medium
# SheddingHigh, seasonal
# Exercise neededOccasional walks
# Energy levelLow
# ProtectionMakes an effective watchdog
# Good with childrenYes, with older, gentle children
# Health clearancesNA
# Popularity49/155
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