Pekingeses 101

Toy group

The palace dog of Imperial China, the Pekingese maintains a dignified air to this day. The breed does adore family, though, and can be very playful with those in their inner circle. They are not particularly keen on strangers, however, and will stand up to those perceived as threats. They are intelligent and would rather you see things their way than the other way around. They require families who can protect them from heat and overexertion.

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The Peke sports a mane a lion would envy.

Energy level
Energy LevelEnergy Level
Bark level
  • bark-very-vocalVery vocal
  • bark-talkativeTalkative
  • bark-as-neededAs needed
Size
6 to 9 inches tall
Group Size Toy
Lifespan
12 to 14 years
020
Weight
12 to 14 lbs
0150

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Mature adult Pekingese

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Pekingese conditions

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Intervertebral disc disease

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Urinary bladder stones

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Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

Senior Pekingese

9+ years

Risk level for common Pekingese conditions

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Intervertebral disc disease

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Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

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Corneal (eye) ulcer

Pekingese puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Pekingese conditions

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Gastroenteritis

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Foreign body ingestion

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Conjunctivitis

Young adult Pekingese

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Pekingese conditions

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Intervertebral disc disease

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Corneal (eye) ulcer

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Luxated patella

Mature adult Pekingese

5 years to 8 years

Risk level for common Pekingese conditions

risk-level-bar

Intervertebral disc disease

risk-level-bar

Urinary bladder stones

risk-level-bar

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

Senior Pekingese

9+ years

Risk level for common Pekingese conditions

risk-level-bar

Intervertebral disc disease

risk-level-bar

Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)

risk-level-bar

Corneal (eye) ulcer

Pekingese puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Pekingese conditions

risk-level-bar

Gastroenteritis

risk-level-bar

Foreign body ingestion

risk-level-bar

Conjunctivitis

Young adult Pekingese

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Pekingese conditions

risk-level-bar

Intervertebral disc disease

risk-level-bar

Corneal (eye) ulcer

risk-level-bar

Luxated patella

2-Pekingese laying down GettyImages-140093852

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3-Fun fact-Pekingese GettyImages-178781921

A Pekingese named Sun Yat Sen was one of the few animals on board the Titanic that survived its sinking.

Pekingese coat care and colors

The long, double coat of the Pekingese requires daily combing and brushing to keep it in top shape. Being low to the ground, they tend to collect dust as they move. Because of these challenges, most Pekes are kept clipped short.

How often should I bathe my Pekingese?

Pekingese can be bathed monthly, weekly or as needed (if they roll in mud, for example!). Use a pet-specific shampoo and conditioner or an all-in-one product. If your dog’s coat or skin isn’t looking healthy, check with your veterinary healthcare team to see what might be causing the problem.

Does my Pekingese need haircuts?

Most pet Pekingese are clipped short for ease of maintenance. In between professional groomings, weekly combing and brushing will keep the coat free of mats and debris.

How often should I brush my Pekingese?

If your Pekingese is kept clipped, weekly brushing should keep the coat in good shape. If not, keeping the long double coat of the Peke free of mats and debris requires more frequent (often daily) attention.

Pekingese exercise & training

Loves walks

Exercise level

The Pekingese is a dog not used to much activity. Short walks in cool weather suit them best, as do indoor fun and games.

Independent study

Trainability

No one expects royalty to follow the desires of the common folk. You'll get more cooperation from your Peke with early socialization and positive training.

Pekingese fun facts

Top girl names for Pekingeses

100%

of Pekingeses are female

0%

of Pekingeses are male

Top boy names for Pekingeses

Nationwide loves Pekingeses of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Other breeds like Pekingeses

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