Pekingese Dog Breed Profile

by Luke Blaise

AKC Group: Toy Group

The Pekingese dog, originally from China, was bred to look like a regal lion. A toy breed dog, this dog can be opinionated and difficult to potty train, but usually make a great family dog.

History

Chinese art over the ages, beginning with the Tang Empire of the eighth century, show pictures of Pekingese dogs. They got their name from the old town of Peking, now named Beijing.

Pekingese were kept holy in old China and could just be owned by a royal family. During those times, the penalties for robbing a Pekingese were death. Pekingese eventually arrived in Europe aboard war ships. When the British overtook the Chinese Imperial Palace in 1860, they came back home with some of the dogs.

Physical Features

The Pekingese, even though a toy breed, is heavy for its size. The normally weigh around 14 pounds. The Pekingese is a bit longer then tall when assessed from forechest to the back. The entire outline is an estimate ratio of three high to five long.

The coat forms a mane on the shoulder and neck area with the coat on the rest of the body fairly shorter in length. All coat markings and colors are permitted and of equivalent merit. A black face is normal. The open skin on the eye rims, lips, muzzle and nose is also normally black.

Personality

Pekingese are extremely fearless little dogs, independent, sensitive and very affectionate to their master. These lovable dogs could make great buddies. If overfed, Pekingese can easily become obese.

This dog makes an excellent watchdog. Can be difficult to housebreak, if you are not firm with them.

Pekingese behavior problems can happen and typically are snapping, biting, and a general bad attitude towards the owners.

Common Health Problems

Pekingese often catch colds quickly. Very hard birth and at risk of dislocated kneecaps and herniated disks. Trichaiasis, difficulty in breathing and heart disease are common.

Return to: Complete AKC Dog Breed List

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