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Pekingese Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Pekingese so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Companion Dogs
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OriginChina flagChina
Common Names & Aliases
What other names is a Pekingese known by? Discover all traditional, regional and informal names used for this breed.
Chinese SpanielLion DogPekePeking PalasthundPelchie DogPeking Lion Dog
Breed Classification
What type of dog breed is a Pekingese? Learn about its genetic classification and breeding category.
Purebred

Pekingese Size and Weight

Size Classification
What size category is a Pekingese? Learn how big the Pekingese breed typically grows.
Small
Weight Statistics
How much does a Pekingese weigh? Discover typical weight ranges for adult males and females of the Pekingese breed.
8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Pekingese?
9 pounds (3.6-4.5 kg)
Height
How tall is the Pekingese? Pekingese height:
6-9 inches (30.4-45 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Pekingese?
7.5 inches (30.24.5 cm)

Pekingese Price and Availability

Price Range
How much does a Pekingese puppy cost? Find current market prices and factors affecting Pekingese costs.
$600-$800
If you choose to purchase the Pekingese, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Pekingese for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Pekingese gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Pekingese? How many Pekingese are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Pekingese is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Pekingese Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligence Rating
How intelligent is a Pekingese? Discover the Pekingese's intelligence ranking and learning capabilities.
Low: The Pekingese is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. You need to work hard if you want to impress people with these dog tricks and commands. They understand and memorize new commands in 80-100 repetitions, and obey the first command 25% of the time or better.
Training Difficulty
How easy is it to train a Pekingese? Learn about the Pekingese's trainability and response to training methods.
Pekingese dogs are easy to train. They find out the association between commands and actions quite quickly.
Watchdog Rating
How good is a Pekingese as a watchdog? Learn about the Pekingese's alertness and guarding instincts.
Pekingese dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, they will alert you, but observation isn't considered their main job.
Territorial Protection
Is a Pekingese protective of its territory? Learn about the Pekingese's guarding instincts and behavior.
Pekingese dogs strongly protect their territory. This breed is a complete security guard, so you don't have to be afraid in case of danger.

Pekingese Personality and Temperament

Personality Traits
What personality does a Pekingese have? Learn about characteristic Pekingese temperament and behavior traits.
StubbornIntelligentAffectionateAggressiveGood-naturedOpinionated
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Pekingese sensitivity:
Pekingese dogs are less sensitive than other dog breeds. They aren't receptive to their owner's emotions and handle soft punishment quite well.

They don't mind an always changing daily routine, a hectic household, young children, a noisy or office environment, and frequent guest visits.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Pekingese a good family dog?
High: Pekingese dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Chinese Spaniel need? Pekingese social needs:
Pekingese dogs need for social interaction is average. This breed likes being around people or other animals, but they don't mind being left alone for a few hours either.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Pekingese to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Pekingese roam?
Pekingese dogs have average wanderlust potential. Sometimes they like to explore the world and they might escape once or twice, but usually, they prefer staying safely at home. Safer to teach them how to get back to you on command.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Pekingese have high prey drive?
Pekingese dogs have a high impulse to chase and catch something. Cats or any other small animals are in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Pekingese dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Pekingese Activity and Playfulness

Barking Frequency
Does a Pekingese bark a lot? Learn about typical Pekingese vocalization patterns and triggers.
Average to High: The Pekingese is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Playful Nature
How playful is a Pekingese? Understand the typical play drive and energy level of the Pekingese breed.
Pekingeses don't really like playing. You need to find another activity to make them happy.
Apartment Adaptability
Can a Pekingese live in an apartment? Learn about the Pekingese's suitability for apartment living.
Very house-friendly dog the Pekingese breed. It's good if you have a small garden where he can go out and do his business, but it's not important at all. You can get enough exercise with one or two walks a day, so keeping them indoors shouldn't be a problem.

Pekingese Adaptability and Independence

Lifestyle Adaptability
How adaptable is a Pekingese to lifestyle changes? Learn about the Pekingese's flexibility to new situations.
Pekingese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Alone Time Tolerance
Can a Pekingese be left alone? Learn about the Pekingese's tolerance to solitude.
Just like every puppy, they are prone to panic, cry, bark, whine when they left alone by their owner. With proper socialization and quality time with the dog can solve this problem.

Pekingese Bite Characteristics

Bite Risk Assessment
What is a Pekingese biting potential? Learn about the Pekingese's bite risk factors.

Low 🔽

The Pekingese has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthing Tendency
Is a Pekingese mouthy? Learn about the Pekingese's tendency to use mouth during play.
Pekingese dogs have an average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Pekingese dogs need to be taught a good attitude.
Bite Strength Rating
How strong is a Pekingese bite? Learn about the Pekingese's bite force measured in PSI.

Between 100 and 200 PSI 🔽

Pekingese bite force: Weak. The Pekingese bite force is considered weak when compared to other dog breeds. The bite force Pekingese measurements usually fall below 200 PSI, making them one of the breeds with the weakest bite force. The bite force of a Pekingese may be weak, but it's important to remember that any dog's bite can still be dangerous if not managed properly. Despite the bite force of Pekingese being lower, it does not make them any less lovable or enjoyable as pets.

Pekingese bite wounds might not be as severe, but it is still essential to be cautious and prevent any biting incidents.

They are usually not aggressive and very friendly towards children and other animals. To ensure a well-behaved dog, it's essential to learn how to train a Pekingese puppy not to bite from an early age. With proper training and socialization, a Pekingese can be a wonderful addition to any family, providing love and companionship for years to come.

Pekingese Health and Lifespan

Average Lifespan
How long does a Pekingese live? Learn about the typical lifespan of the Pekingese breed.
13-15 years
The average lifespan of Pekingese: 14 years
Climate Tolerance
How well does a Pekingese handle different weather? Learn about the Pekingese's climate adaptability.
Prefers average to cold weather conditions
The Pekingese can adapt to well to cold weather conditions, some dogs even can be a good mountain dog.
Health Concerns
What health issues are common in a Pekingese? Discover typical conditions affecting the Pekingese breed.
Pekingeses are commonly healthy dogs. Vet costs aren't expensive with this breed.
Vet Care Frequency
How often does a Pekingese need vet visits? Learn about the Pekingese's veterinary care requirements.
Rare
The Pekingese should have a complete physical check-up at least every 12-18 months (but preferably once per year). If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Pekingese breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Pekingese breed? Most common health risks of Pekingese:
CataractsPatellar LuxationProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)EntropionIntervertebral Disk DiseaseExposure Keratopathy SyndromeDistichiasisMitral Valve DiseaseCryptorchidismEctopic CiliaCleft PalateBrachycephalic SyndromeHydrocephalusKeratoconjunctivitis Sicca

Pekingese Energy and Activity

Energy Rating
How energetic is a Pekingese? Understand daily activity needs of the Pekingese breed.
Pekingese dogs have a lower energy level than other dogs. If you live a chilled life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Pekingese need? How much exercise do Pekingese dogs require per day?

Do Pekingese dogs need a lot of exercises?

Pekingese dogs exercise need is very minimal. If you live a lazy life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Pekingese breed need?
Pekingese dogs like sleeping so they do sleep a lot. They're not the most active dog breed. If you live an active life, this breed can be a bad choice for you.

Pekingese Diet and Weight Management

Obesity Tendency
Is a Pekingese prone to weight gain? Learn about the Pekingese's obesity risks.
Average: The Pekingese has an average risk for obesity. Daily walks should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Pekingese weight regularly.

Food Consumption
How much food does a Pekingese need daily? Learn about the Pekingese's feeding requirements.
1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.

Pekingese Allergies and Grooming

Allergy Friendliness
Is a Pekingese hypoallergenic? Learn about the Pekingese's suitability for allergy sufferers.
No
Pekingese dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Coat Colors
What colors does a Pekingese come in? Discover all possible Pekingese color variations.
BlackGray Red Cream White Fawn
Grooming Requirements
How much grooming does a Pekingese need? Learn about Pekingese coat maintenance requirements.
Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition. The Pekingese requires grooming on a daily basis.

Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer is essential. Everyday brushing of the dog's coat is necessary to reduce shedding.

Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections. Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath should be on a weekly schedule.

Taking good care of your Pekingese is time-consuming and requires excellent grooming skills. If you don't have the time and skill search for the best dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.
Drooling Tendency
Does a Pekingese drool a lot? Learn about the Pekingese's drooling habits.
The Pekingese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency. If you're disgusted by slobber spots on your clothes, the Pekingese could be a perfect choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool minimum compared to others, just like the Pekingese.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Stinkiness Rating
Does a Pekingese smell bad? Learn about the Pekingese's natural odor levels.

High 🔼

The Pekingese has a high chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Coat Characteristics
What type of coat does a Pekingese have? Learn about the Pekingese's fur characteristics.
Dense
Bathing Needs
How often does a Pekingese need baths? Learn about the Pekingese's bathing requirements.
4-6 weeks
Average. Experts recommended at least every 4-6 weeks for this family pup. According to a study, 56% of pet parents don’t bathe their dogs as frequently as they should, and 60% use the sniff test when deciding when it’s bath time.

Bathing your dog is beneficial to them in more ways than just one. It’s also a good time to look for unusual scratches, bumps, fleas, and other irregularities. When their hair is wet and flat against their body, these details are more visible.

Shedding Level
How much do Pekingese dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Chinese Spaniel? Do Pekingese dogs shed a lot?
Pekingese dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.

Pekingese Good With

Child Compatibility
Is a Pekingese good with children? Learn about the Pekingese's behavior around kids of different ages.
Pekingese dogs are not kid-friendly dogs. This breed is not recommended for families with children.
Pet Compatibility
How well does a Pekingese get along with other pets? Discover the Pekingese's compatibility with other animals.
Pekingese dogs are one of the friendliest dog breeds.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Pekingese temperament with other people:
Pekingese dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Cat Friendly
How well do Pekingese dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Pekingese breed live with a cat?
Pekingese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Pekingese good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Pekingese dogs get along with other dogs?
Pekingese dogs are average friendly towards other dogs.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Pekingese breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Pekingese breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Pekingese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Pekingese dogs good office canines? Do Pekingese dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Pekingese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Pekingese dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Chinese Spaniel temperament with senior people? Are Pekingese dogs good for elderly owners?
Pekingeses are not recommended for elderly people.

Pekingese As a Working Dog

Service Dog Capability
Can a Pekingese be a service dog? Learn about the Pekingese's service work potential.

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Pekingese is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Work Suitability
Is a Pekingese good as a therapy dog? Learn about the Pekingese's therapy work aptitude.

Not really

This breed is generally not used as a therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Pekingese is not the best breed for therapeutic purposes.

Scent Detection Ability
Is a Pekingese good at detection work? Learn about the Pekingese's scenting abilities.

Not really

They are not typically employed for this type of work, but there may be exceptional cases. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Pekingese is not the best breed for detection purposes.

Search & Rescue Potential
Can a Pekingese do search and rescue? Learn about the Pekingese's SAR capabilities.

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Pekingese is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Maritime Work Ability
Is a Pekingese good on boats? Learn about the Pekingese's maritime capabilities.

Not really

Pekingese breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Draft Work Capability
Can a Pekingese pull carts? Learn about the Pekingese's drafting abilities.

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Pekingese is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Military Service Background
Was a Pekingese used in military service? Learn about the Pekingese's military history.

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Pekingese Reproducibility

Puppy Litter Size
How many puppies does a Pekingese usually have? Learn about typical litter sizes.
2-4 puppies
Pregnancy Duration
How long is a Pekingese pregnant? Learn about the Pekingese's gestation period.

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Pekingese: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Breeding Frequency
How often can a Pekingese have puppies? Learn about safe breeding intervals.

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.

Pekingese Recognition

AKC Classification
What AKC group is a Pekingese in? Learn about the Pekingese's AKC classification.
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1906 as a Toy breed.
FCI Classification
What FCI group is a Pekingese in? Learn about the Pekingese's international classification.
Recognized by FCI in the Companion and Toy Dogs group, in the Japan Chin and Pekingese section.
Kennel Club Recognition
Which kennel clubs recognize a Pekingese? Learn about the Pekingese's official recognition.
American Canine RegistryAmerican Kennel ClubAmerica's Pet RegistryCanadian Kennel ClubDog Registry of America Inc.Federation Cynologique InternationaleKennel Club of Great BritainNorth American Purebred Registry, Inc.American Canine Association, Inc.Australian National Kennel CouncilNational Kennel ClubNew Zealand Kennel ClubUnited Kennel ClubPekingese Club Of America

Pekingese Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Training Difficulty: Pekingese dogs are easy to train.
  • Health Concerns: Pekingeses are commonly healthy dogs.
  • Apartment Adaptability: Very house-friendly dog the Pekingese breed.
  • Drooling Tendency: The Pekingese is a perfect example of a very low drooling tendency.
  • Lifestyle Adaptability: Pekingese dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Cat Friendly: Pekingese dogs are very cat-friendly dogs.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Pekingese dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Cons
  • Intelligence Rating: Low: The Pekingese is one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence.
  • Allergy Friendliness: Pekingese dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Grooming Requirements: Professional: This breed needs a lot of work to keep in good condition.
  • Stinkiness Rating: The Pekingese has a high chance of bad smell.
  • Child Compatibility: Pekingese dogs are not kid-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Pekingese is not the best dog breed for office environment.
  • Senior Citizens Friendly: Pekingeses are not recommended for elderly people.

Pekingese History

An ancient Chinese legend suggests that a lion once fell in love with a marmoset monkey. To wed this strange love, the lion begged Buddha to shrunk him down to the size of a small dog yet preserve his lion heart and character. As Buddha consented, a union was born, and from their love, the lion dogs of China are descended. That is the reason why the breed was known in the past, according to this legend, as Lion Dogs and Sun Dogs.

From a more realistic point of view, the Pekingese is a very ancient breed, DNA evidence confirms them as one of the oldest breeds. The Peke is presumed to have existed in China for over 2000 years. The breed got its name after the capital city, Peking (now named Beijing). The earliest known record of the Pekingese is traceable back to the 8th century, to the Tang Dynasty, back then they were companions to princes, nobles, only held by members of the imperial families, where they were kept pure. They were held sacred in ancient times; Foo Dog idols existed of the Pekingese and have been handed over through generations in a noble family. Another reference for the Pekingese was Sleeve Dog, for the reason that they were carried in voluminous sleeves of imperial households. Another interesting fact is that the violation or the theft of this sacred dog was a serious crime punishable by death in China.

As being a sacred animal, the Pekingese was closely guarded and never allowed to leave the palaces let alone the town or the country, thus the breed was rather unknown and rare in the Western world. The breed came into attention in the Western world in 1860 as a result of the Opium War between 1839 and 1860. When British troops invaded China and entered the imperial summer palace after occupying Peking with the intention of looting and burning it, the soldiers discovered that five Pekingese dogs bravely guarded their owner’s body who committed suicide in order to avoid capture, during the invasion. Later the dogs were taken by the Brits to England as prizes and gifts to Queen Victoria, to the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon, and to the Duchess of Wellington.

In spite of these events, the breed had remained rare, although by the 1890s they were smuggled out of China. In 1894, a dog named Pekin Peter was the first Pekingese to be exhibited at a dog show in England. In the late 1890s, the breed arrived and gained popularity in America. A Pekingese, named Rascal was the first to be registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1906. Three years later, in 1909 the Pekingese Club of American was founded. After the tragedy of the Titanic in 1912, the breed even made the headlines when a Pekingese was one of the three dog survivors of the sinking of the majestic Titanic.

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Pekingese Comments, Reviews and Questions

  • ItzVdogs!

    May 9, 2023, 4:13:24 PM:

    Flöfy so much!