# Pekingese

Also known as: Pekinese, Peke, Lion Dog
- **Group:** Companion & Toy (FCI group 9)
- **Size:** Small
- **Origin:** China
- **Height:** 15–23 cm
- **Weight:** 3.2–6.4 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–14 years
- **Temperament:** Loyal, Dignified, Stubborn, Affectionate, Independent
- **FCI standard:** No. 207

A compact, flat-faced toy dog with a lion-like mane, the Pekingese was a treasured companion of the Chinese imperial court and still carries itself with regal self-assurance.

## Overview

The Pekingese is a small, sturdy toy dog from China, named for Beijing. It is long in the body, low to the ground and moves with a distinctive rolling gait.

It makes a devoted and dignified companion for owners who do not mind its strong will and its need for careful coat and heat management.

## History

The breed developed in China from small dogs kept by aristocratic families, and was eventually owned only within the Imperial Palace. After the sack of the Old Summer Palace in 1860, a few dogs were brought to England, including one given to Queen Victoria.

It became fashionable in Western countries around 1900 and has won Best in Show at Westminster five times. Its popularity has since declined as the Shih Tzu has taken its place.

## Appearance

The Pekingese has a flat face, large dark eyes, a compact muscular body and bowed front legs. It stands about 15 to 23 cm and weighs 3 to 6 kg; the outline is longer than tall.

A long double coat forms a mane around the neck and feathering on the ears, legs and tail. A smaller sleeve variety exists, weighing about 3 kg or less.

## Temperament

Pekingese are loyal, confident and independent, with a dignified, sometimes stubborn nature. They are affectionate with their own people but tend to be reserved with strangers.

They are generally better suited to quiet households and older children who handle them gently than to rough play.

## Care and exercise

Exercise needs are modest: a couple of short, gentle walks are plenty, and breathing should be watched, especially in heat. They overheat easily, so keep them cool and never shave the coat.

The double coat needs thorough, frequent brushing. Clean the facial folds and eyes daily and keep the area under the tail tidy.

## Health

As a brachycephalic breed, the Pekingese is prone to breathing difficulty (BOAS), heatstroke, and eye problems such as ulcers, dry eye and trichiasis from nasal folds. Neurological and heart conditions occur, and trauma is a leading cause of death.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 2
- Exercise needs: 2
- Grooming: 5
- Shedding: 4
- Trainability: 2
- Barking: 3
- Good with children: 2
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/pekingese
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pekingese · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q38959
Photo: SheltieBoy (CC BY 2.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:1AKC_Pekingese_Dog_Show_2011.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.