A little look at life together.
Getting to know the Pekingese
The Pekingese is a small, short-faced companion with a profuse coat and a notably self-possessed manner. A full coat needs regular thorough care, and exercise should suit the individual dog's comfort and breathing.
An everyday routine
Plan a daily mix of walks, play, and rest. The amount that works for a particular dog depends on age, fitness, experience, and temperament.
Coat care to plan for
Coat care is a meaningful part of the weekly commitment. Agree on a manageable trim or coat-care method with an experienced groomer and keep up with maintenance between appointments.
Before deciding, meet the individual dog and ask about their history, handling preferences, and current routine. Breed tendencies are a starting point, not a promise about personality.
Pekingese questions
Do Pekingese shed?
Yes. The Pekingese has a thick double coat that sheds seasonally, at a moderate level. At least an hour of brushing a week lifts out loose hair and keeps mats from forming.
How big does a full-grown Pekingese get?
Adults usually stand 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh up to 14 pounds. A Pekingese feels surprisingly heavy for its size when you pick one up, and dogs over 14 pounds are disqualified from the show ring.
How long do Pekingese live?
Pekingese usually live 12 to 14 years. That is a breed-wide figure, not a prediction for one dog.
Are Pekingese good with children?
They can be, with ground rules. Pekes are devoted to their people but tolerate children rather than seek out rough play, and they are not a dog for kids to roughhouse with. A calm home where children know how to handle a small dog gently suits them best.
Do Pekingese bark a lot?
Usually not. Pekingese tend to bark only to alert, and they make alert little watchdogs. Expect to hear about visitors, not a running commentary.
How much exercise does a Pekingese need?
Not much. Pekes are fairly sedate with modest exercise needs, though they enjoy dog sports at their own pace. Breathing can be a concern in short-faced breeds and Pekingese like cool temperatures, so ask your vet what pace and weather are sensible for your dog.
What were Pekingese bred for?
Company. The breed was developed for the imperial court of China as a companion and ornament for emperors and courtiers, with the smallest dogs carried in the wide sleeves of court robes. Pekes were unknown in the West until 1860 and were first registered in the United States in 1906.
Why do Pekingese walk with a roll?
It comes from how they are built. A heavy, broad front, moderately bowed forelegs and a lighter, narrower rear together produce an unhurried gait with a slight roll over the shoulders. It is a hallmark of the breed, not a sign that something is wrong, though any change in how your own dog moves is worth mentioning to your vet.
