Pekingese

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Size: Small
Other Names: Lion Dog, Foo Dog, Fu Dog, Peking Palasthund, Peke, Sleeve
Country of Origin: China
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Toy
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Toys
United Kennel Club (UKC): Companion Dog
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Toys
The Kennel Club (KC): Toy
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Toy
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Toy

The Pekingese is a small, stocky, muscular dog, with his head large in proportion to his body. He may be best known for his adorable, flattened face, and his large, prominent, round, lustrous, dark eyes, and a broad, very short, flat black nose. He is slightly longer than tall when measured from the forechest to the buttocks, and is profusely coated. He is lion-like in appearance, with an alert, intelligent expression. His short legs are bowed, which makes his walk, run, or trot quite striking.

A small palace companion who fits an apartment; a long coat that is daily work, a modest voice, and short strolls rather than heat or long runs.

The Pekingese is an ancient breed of toy dog, originating in China. They were the favored pet of the Chinese Imperial Court; the Chinese bred them to be companions to the Emperor of China, and his ladies and eunuchs. Smaller Pekingese were commonly referred to as "Sleeve" Pekingese or just "Sleeves". The name is taken from ancient times, when emperors would carry the smallest of the breed in their sleeves.

Height: 6-9 inches
Weight: 7-14 pounds
Color: Any
Coat: Double; outer coat is long, straight, rather coarse; undercoat is soft and dense
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Litter size: 2–4 puppies

Temperament

The Pekingese is generally a one-person dog. They are loyal and tend to be very protective of their owner. A combination of regal dignity, intelligence, courageousness, and self-importance make for a good natured, opinionated and affectionate companion to those who have earned its respect. At times, he can stubborn and jealous. He is not recommended for households with young or boisterous children, as he just does not enjoy being handled roughly, or to tear around the house in play.

Training

Pekes can be properly socialized with dogs, and other types of pets, to become fast friends.

Care and grooming

Despite his appearance, the Pekingese is a very athletic breed of dog, and requires consistent, daily exercise for his health and well-being. The Pekingese's long back, relative to his legs, makes him vulnerable to back injuries. Care should be taken when picking him up, to give him adequate back support. This is provided by placing one hand under the chest, and the other under the abdomen. Pekes should never be kept outside, as their flattened faces and noses can develop breathing problems, making it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature in overly hot or cold weather. The Peke requires brushing once a day, and to be groomed once every three months. However, he can be kept in a puppy cut, which is much more low maintenance. It is important to remove dirt from his eye pores daily, and from the creases on his face, to prevent sores, called "hot spots". Due to his abundance of hair, it is important to keep the Peke cool in warmer weather. Pekes are indoor dogs, and they are prone to having heatstroke when exposed to high temperature.

Shedding

Moderate; the long double coat holds loose hair and needs regular brushing.

Health

Pekingese commonly have brachycephalic airway trouble, eye injuries, and intervertebral disc disease. They overheat easily; use a harness and keep the face folds clean.

Crosses that include the Pekingese

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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