Pekingese

Temperament and Personality

The pint-sized Pekingese is a large dog in a little body, with a truly unique personality. Renowned for their dignified demeanour and high self-esteem, these ancient dogs have a royal background, and don’t they just know it! 

Often found with their noses held high in the air, Pekingese dogs, or Pekes as they’re affectionately called, are confident, courageous canines, with a reputation for being a bit snooty. 

But behind this regal reserve, they’re loving, affectionate pups that simply demand to be treated like the majestic kings and queens they are.

Known to be ‘one-man dogs’, Pekingeses form strong bonds with a select couple of people who they remain utterly devoted to. They’re fiercely loyal and protective of their pack, making the Pekingese a great watchdog, but it does mean they’re a bit aloof and need time to warm up to new people. However, once you’ve proven yourself worthy, the Pekingese will lavish you with lots of love and licks.

Pekingeses were bred to be companion dogs, so they wouldn’t know what ‘work’ was if it booped them on the snoot! These cuties can often be found on a warm lap or snoozing loudly on the sofa. Their snores, snuffles, and grunts might be adorable (or annoying), but it’s actually a result of them being a brachycephalic breed. Dogs of this nature have flat, squished faces which causes a lot of breathing problems. Short daily walks and gentle, indoor playtime is enough for the petite Peke.

Pekes are an intelligent breed but they’re strong-willed, stubborn, and determined little dogs. They need an assertive owner that means what they say. But underneath this tough exterior, there’s a soft, affectionate, loving doggo that adores spending time with their family.

Their love of human company means they don’t like to be left alone too long and are prone to develop separation anxiety. This causes a dog distress, leading to destructive behaviours like chewing on furniture, whining, or toileting inside the house. 

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a canine companion with lots of character, the Pekingese could be the breed for you.

Pekingese paw-sonality traits

• Confident and courageous

• Charming and dignified

• High self-esteem

• People-oriented

• Independent

• Intelligent

• Can be quite vocal

• Strong willed and determined

• Very loyal to their owners

• Affectionate with their family

• Can be comical and playful

• Stubborn with a mind of their own

• Aloof and wary of strangers

• Snores a lot

• Doesn’t need much exercise

Pekingese pros and cons

Are Pekingeses good family dogs?

Maybe. They can be a great addition to more mature families, and they’re an especially good choice for senior citizens. They’re happy to spend their days lounging around and are sensitive to noise and commotion, so they’d enjoy a quiet, slow-paced household. Pekes also require a lot of grooming and are prone to develop separation anxiety, so they need dedicated owners that want to spend lots of time at home with their pooch. 

Are Pekingese dogs good with children?

Not generally. These dinky dogs don’t like to be crowded and demand respect for their boundaries, which little ones might not understand. They’ll defend themselves against pulling, grabbing, or poking, and they’re possessive over their food and toys. 

They don’t take well to roughhousing either. Toddlers and young children could accidentally hurt a Pekingese through no fault of their own, or end up being hurt themselves if a Peke snaps at them. This breed can also be stubborn and won’t take orders from anyone it sees as beneath them.

The Pekingese is better suited to an adult-only home, or a household with older children who can respect boundaries, play gently and are generally more assertive. 

Are Pekingese dogs good with other pets?

Maybe. They tend to prefer the company of other Pekingese dogs, but if well socialised from a young age, they can learn to get along with other breeds. They have a relatively low prey drive, so they can live with a cat if they’ve been raised together. However, they’ll happily chase the neighbour’s cat if it dares to enter the Peke’s kingdom!

Care Requirements

We all want our doggos to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Pekingese properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Pekingese need?

When fully grown, these little guys and gals need around 30 minutes of physical exercise a day, ideally split into two walks with some off-lead time in between. It’s highly recommended to use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.

Pekes are pretty chilled out dogs and don’t like to be rushed, which is why they’re the paw-fect companion for the elderly. However, they still like to romp about, so letting them out in the back garden or playing with them indoors will ensure you have a happy hound.

Staying active is also essential to help prevent the Pekingese from packing on the pounds. Carrying extra weight not only puts pressure on these pooches’ joints and internal organs, but it makes their breathing problems a lot worse.

As they hate to be left alone and have low exercise needs, they’re an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time at home.

How do you train a Pekingese?

The Pekingese is an intelligent breed, but they’re known to be quite stubborn and strong-willed, making training a challenge. It takes a lot to motivate them and they don’t like doing stuff for the sake of it. Also, like most toy dogs with tiny digestive systems, it can take Pekes a while to become fully housetrained. However, with consistency, patience, and lots of paw-sitivity, you can successfully train your Pekingese dog.

Unleash your Peke’s potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and a delicious treat such as this High Protein Baltic Beef Jerky. Pekes are extremely food motivated, but just be mindful of how many treats you give during training sessions.

2. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can lead to behavioural issues, including aggression. The Peke might try to push the limits of what they can get away with, so set boundaries and consistently enforce them, no matter how much they try to sway you.

3. Prioritise potty training. Pekes need consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them. 

4. Establish who’s boss. The smart and confident Pekingese is a strong-willed dog that may try to push the boundaries. Ensure to set clear rules and consistently enforce them. This will help your Peke understand what's expected of them and reduce any unwanted behaviour.

5. Keep the barking at bay. Pekingeses are natural watchdogs who won’t hesitate to raise the alarm, but this could escalate into barking at anything that moves. It’s important to desensitise your Peke to triggers by gradually exposing them to stuff that makes them bark. You should also teach them the ‘quiet’ command, remembering to only reward them when they’re silent.

6. Encourage them to share. Pekingeses tend to be possessive over their food and resources, so it’s essential to get them used to sharing from a young age. 

7. Keep things calm. Pekes are highly sensitive to noise and commotion, so train in a quiet, calm environment with minimal distractions.

8. Socialise from the start. Socialisation is crucial for the somewhat aloof Pekingese. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

9. Keep training sessions short. Pekes can easily lose their motivation for training, so do short 10 minute bursts a few times a day to ensure they stay focused. 

10. Make it fun. Pique your Peke’s interest in training by doing fun activities with them. Fetch, hide-and-seek and scent work can make training seem less of a chore, making it more likely they’ll be motivated to learn new commands.

11. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Pekingeses need?

Known as a lion dog, Pekingeses have a thick, long, double coat with a majestic mane on the neck and shoulders. Their coat sheds moderately throughout the year, especially during spring and autumn, and comes in a variety of colours such as fawn, red, grey, sable, and black. The White Pekingese is considered the most rare colour. The undercoat is soft and thick, while the top coat is straight, shiny and rougher to the touch.

This magnificent coat is the Peke’s crowning glory, but these locks do require a bit of upkeep. Here are some tips for grooming your Pekingese.

• Brush daily or several times a week to prevent their fur from matting and tangling. Use a small bristle brush or a shedding comb. 

• Before brushing, spritz their coat lightly with water to prevent breakage.

• Ensure you brush all the way to the skin to remove dead hairs in the undercoat.

• Focus on problem areas such as the rear end where doggo dingleberries and other dirty bits could be hiding.

• Remove dirt and debris from their muzzle wrinkles and skin folds using a soft, damp cloth. Bacteria loves to grow in these areas, so it’s important to clean regularly.

• Bathe once or twice a month, or as needed, using a dog-friendly shampoo. Don’t overdo it though as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause irritation or allergies to flare up.

• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.

• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.

• Keep your Peke looking paw-fect by scheduling them in for regular professional grooms every 6 to 8 weeks. This will include a bath, haircut, nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.

• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Pekes are prone to dental issues, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste daily to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent pongy dog breath.

• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Pekingese lifespan is between 12–15 years. However, they’re a brachycephalic breed and are prone to a number of health problems.

Common Pekingese health issues

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome. The Pekingese is prone to respiratory issues due to their flat face, squished nose, and narrow airway. Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome causes severe breathing problems for Pekingeses. If you notice heavy or distressed breathing in your Peke, seek immediate veterinary attention. Your vet may recommend surgery to widen the nostrils or correct an elongated soft palate to improve breathing. It’s a routine procedure and can be done at the same time as spaying/neutering. 

• Overheating. In brachycephalic breeds, the structure of the throat and breathing passages limits how much air reaches their lungs. This makes panting less effective and more difficult for the dog to cool down. As such, Pekes are not suited to hot climates and shouldn’t be outdoors in hot weather.

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). This is an inherited condition that causes dogs to go progressively blind, and there’s sadly no cure. It’s strongly advised that breeders screen their breeding stock for this debilitating disease.

• Hydrocephalus. This is a congenital condition that causes a buildup of fluid in the brain. Seizures, disorientation, protruding eyes, weakness, and ataxia (a "drunk" gait) are common symptoms. Mild cases are managed through medication, but severe symptoms might need surgery.

• Mitral Valve Disease. This is where blood builds up in the left atrium of the heart due to a defect in the mitral valve. The heart then struggles to pump blood efficiently around the body. If a heart murmur is detected, your Peke will need to see a cardiologist. 

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). This is a devastating, degenerative condition where compression on the spinal cord causes pain, weakness and paralysis in dogs.

• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from furniture.  

• Distichiasis. This is a condition where the eyelashes grow inwardly, leading to inflammation of the eye, excessive discharge and a lot of pain for your pooch. If left untreated, it can cause corneal ulceration. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms.

• Dry Eye. This occurs when a Pekingese can’t produce enough moisture in their eyes, and their eyeballs rub against the inside of the eyelids. This friction causes inflammation and a thick mucus can develop instead of normal tears. There are medications to help keep the eyes moist, but it’s often a lifelong condition.

• Cataracts. This is a hereditary condition that causes the eye lenses to harden. Cataracts can develop as early as six months old, but it’s treatable through surgery.

• Tracheal Collapse. This condition affects the dog’s windpipe, causing a chronic cough and a reduced ability to exercise. It’s often seen in small dogs, especially those whose lead is attached to just their collar and not a harness. Treatment can include medication, surgery, or both.

• Dental Issues. Their miniature mouths can lead to overcrowded teeth or teeth growing in at odd angles, leading to abscesses and infections. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Pekingese a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their joints stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Pekingese eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Pekingese will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

It’s generally recommended they’re fed twice a day, but as Pekes are prone to obesity, it’s essential they’re not overindulged. Carrying extra weight puts enormous pressure on their hearts, and makes breathing even more difficult. 

The best food for a Pekingese is one that’s been developed with their medical needs in mind. Dog food made especially for small breeds is also recommended as the size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth!

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips

Feed a balanced diet

Due to their potential health problems, Pekingeses need a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.

Protect their joints

To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t over exercise your Pekingese or allow them to jump up and down from furniture. Also, consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.

Stay out of the sun

Pekes can overheat very quickly due to their brachycephalic head structure, so great care should be taken when it’s hot. Don’t allow them to sunbathe outside and avoid walks in warm weather.

Keep exercise light

Breathing is already an effort for the sweet Pekingese, so make sure exercise is light, fun, and not too strenuous. Simple walks on the lead, some back garden zoomies and indoor playtime is an ideal workout routine. 

Look after their eyes

With their large, protruding eyes, Pekes are prone to a number of eye related problems. Stick to plush toys that can’t scratch their eyes, avoid rough play, and consider a diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) to help support eye health.

Use a harness

Walking your Peke using just a collar can lead to tracheal collapse, so always use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.

Monitor weight

A healthy Pekingese should weigh around 5kg. It’s handy to use kitchen scales to measure their food portions to prevent overfeeding. Some of their daily calories should be allocated to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy, such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats.

Say no to table scraps

Their sad looking expressions can be hard to resist, but it’s important you don’t overfeed your Pekingese. Extra weight on these pooches can impact their quality of life, make it difficult for them to move and exacerbate their respiratory issues. For pudgy Pekes, consider this Slim & Slender Dry Food that’s good for weight management. 

Take them to the vet

It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Pekingese’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Pekingese is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one. 

How much is a Pekingese puppy?

The price of a Pekginese can cost anywhere between £1,000 and £3,000. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Pekingese is around £50.

Set up costs

Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs

When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. This can cost around £20 to £30 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs

As this breed is prone to a number of health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Pekingese should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Pekingese Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Pekingese even more with these tidbits and tales about everyone’s favourite mini lion dog!

• They originated in ancient Peking in China, which is how they got their name. They were bred to resemble the ‘foo dog’, a mythical guardian lion in ancient China.

• Pekes were used as fashion accessories. Dogs were chosen by colour to sit on Emperors’ laps in court and effortlessly match their outfit. 

• They used to be miniature guard dogs in ancient China. Pekes would protect their owners by hiding in their large, wide sleeves, blindsiding potential threats and scaring them away.

• Five Pekingese dogs were stolen when British soldiers invaded and looted China’s Imperial Summer Palace in the mid-1800s. One of these pups was given to Queen Victoria, which was aptly named ‘Looty.’

• They prefer cold climates. With their long, thick coat and brachycephalic faces, these dogs do better when it’s a bit cooler.

• Along with two Pomeranians, a Pekingese survived the 1912 Titanic sinking, proving these pups don’t go down without a fight!

• You can get Pekingese cross breeds. The Pekingese Chihuahua mix is called a Cheeks, the Pekingese Pug cross is called a Puginese, and the Pekingese Pomeranian cross is called a Peekapom.

History and Origin

The Pekingese history is a lengthy one, given that they’re one of the world’s most ancient breeds. It’s believed they originated around 2,000 years ago in the old Chinese capital city, Peking (now known as Beijing). They were bred to be companions for noblemen, princes, and members of the Imperial family, and were treated like royalty themselves. Common folk had to bow down to them – something the Pekingese still expects from its owners to this day – and they weren’t allowed to own one. If caught with a Pekingese, commoners could be sentenced to death!

The Pekingese was like a closely guarded secret, contained to the Imperial palace for centuries. However, the Opium War in 1860 changed everything. The British invaded Peking and ransacked the Imperial Summer Palace, looting everything in sight. This included five Pekingese dogs that were guarding their owner’s lifeless body – their final act of loyalty. 

The dogs were considered prizes of war and were taken back to British soil by Lord John Hay,  Sir George Fitzroy, and General Dunne. The General gifted a Pekingese to Queen Victoria of England, which was named ‘Looty’. Two Pekes, called Hytien and Schloff, were given to the Duchess of Wellington, and the other two, called Guh and Meh, were given to the Duchess of Richmond and Gordon.

The Pekingese remained rare, but as more and more dogs were smuggled out of China, their popularity grew. The first Pekingese to be shown at a British dog show was called Pekin Peter in 1894. The breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1904. 

Ever since, these charming dogs have continued to steal the hearts of many all over the world, thanks to their majestic lion locks and unique personalities.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Pekingese. 

1. Research the breed. Pekingese are a brachycephalic breed and are prone to a number of health problems, so you need to make sure you can look after them properly. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Pekingese puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Pekes and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Pekingese, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Pekes in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home. 

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