Pekingese
RegalLoyalIndependent
China · 12–14 years
About the Pekingese
The Pekingese is an ancient toy breed that was the sacred companion of Chinese emperors for over 2,000 years. Legend claims they were created by Buddha, who shrunk a lion to dog size. Pekes were so revered that stealing one was punishable by death, and they lived exclusively within the imperial palace until the breed reached the Western world in 1860. Pekingese are dignified, confident, and regal dogs with a distinctive rolling gait and a lion-like mane. They are independent, sometimes stubborn, but deeply devoted to their chosen person.
Breed stats
- Height
- 6–9 in
- Weight
- 7–14 lbs
- Lifespan
- 12–14 years
- Group
- Toy
- Coat
- Long, thick, double coat with abundant mane
- Origin
- China
Coat colors
- Gold
- Red
- Sable
- Black
- White
- Cream
- Gray
Temperament & ratings
Compatibility
Exercise & feeding
Daily exercise
20–30 min
per day recommended
Daily food
0.5–0.75 cups
high-quality dry food
Common health issues
- Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Eye problems (proptosis, corneal ulcers)
- Patellar luxation
- Heart murmurs
Not every Pekingese will develop these conditions, but awareness helps with early detection. Regular veterinary checkups and choosing a responsible breeder who health-tests their dogs are the best preventive measures.
Can Pekingeses eat...
- Can dogs eat blueberries?Safe
- Can dogs eat grapes?Toxic
- Can dogs eat bananas?Safe
- Can dogs eat chocolate?Toxic
- Can dogs eat watermelon?Safe
- Can dogs eat cheese?Caution
- Can dogs eat almonds?Caution
- Can dogs eat apples?Safe
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, Pekingese are a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed and commonly experience breathing difficulties. Their shortened skull, compressed airways, elongated soft palate, and narrow nostrils can cause snoring, snorting, wheezing, and exercise intolerance. In severe cases, brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) may require surgical correction. Pekingese are particularly vulnerable to heatstroke because they cannot pant efficiently to cool themselves. Owners should avoid exercising them in hot or humid weather, keep them in air-conditioned environments, and use harnesses instead of collars to avoid putting pressure on their already compromised airways.
- Pekingese are generally not the best choice for families with young children. They are small, fragile, and do not tolerate rough handling, poking, or being picked up carelessly. A Pekingese may snap when startled or handled too roughly by a child. Their prominent eyes are particularly vulnerable to injury from curious toddler fingers. Additionally, Pekingese are dignified, independent dogs that prefer calm environments and may become stressed in a chaotic, noisy household. They do much better with older, gentle children or adults-only households where they can be treated with the respect they demand.
- Pekingese in full coat require extensive grooming — daily brushing and combing to prevent mats, particularly around the chest, behind the ears, and on the legs. Their thick double coat also needs regular bathing every two to three weeks. The facial wrinkles must be cleaned daily to prevent infection. Many pet owners keep their Pekingese in a shorter trim to reduce maintenance, which still requires brushing several times per week and professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Regardless of coat length, daily eye care and facial fold cleaning are essential.
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