Pekingese

One of the world’s oldest companion breeds, the Pekingese (from imperial Beijing) was treasured by Chinese royalty for centuries as a sacred palace dog. Legends tied them to lions; commoners once bowed to them. After the 1860 capture of the Summer Palace, a few dogs reached Britain, where the breed was established and later spread worldwide. Today’s Pekingese retains its dignified, brave spirit and distinctive “lion dog” look.

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A compact, heavy-boned toy with a broad head, large eyes, and a long, abundant coat forming a mane.

• Weight: Typically 8–14 lb (some smaller “sleeve” type; health-first sizing recommended)
• Height: ~6–9 in at the shoulder
• Coat Type: Long, straight outer coat with thick soft undercoat; profuse mane, feathering on ears, legs, tail
• Coat Colors: All colors and markings (fawn, red, gold, sable, black, cream, white, parti-colour, black & tan, etc.); black mask common
• Distinctive Physical Traits: Large round eyes, flat/brachycephalic face, short legs, heavy front, high-set tail over back, rolling dignified gait

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The glorious double coat needs routine care to prevent mats and skin issues.

• Brushing: 3×/week (daily during seasonal shed); line-brush to the skin
• De-matting: Check friction zones (behind ears, armpits, ruff, breeches, tail base) weekly
• Bathing & Drying: Every 4–6 weeks; fully dry to the skin to prevent hotspots
• Face & Folds: Wipe eyes/skin folds 3–5×/week; keep face clean and dry
• Ears/Teeth/Nails: Clean ears weekly; brush teeth 3×/week; trim nails every 3–4 weeks
• Professional Grooming: Tidy feet/sanitary/feathering every 6–8 weeks (avoid shaving the coat to skin)

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Low to moderate needs; avoid heat and overexertion due to brachycephalic anatomy.

• Daily Duration: 20–40 minutes total (split gentle walks + indoor play)
• Ideal Activities: Sniff walks, short fetch indoors, puzzle toys, trick training
• Climate Care: Walk in cool hours; provide shade/water; winter coats/booties as needed
• Suitability: Excellent for apartments/condos and seniors with consistent short outings

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Bright but independent; short, upbeat sessions work best.

• Method: Positive reinforcement; keep sessions 3–8 minutes with variety
• House Training: Frequent, scheduled outdoor breaks; reward immediately
• Handling Skills: Desensitize to face/eye/ear cleaning and blow-dryer early
• Bark Management: Teach “quiet” cue; enrich daily to curb boredom barking
• Socialization: Gentle exposure to people/dogs/surfaces to avoid timidity or bossiness

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Feed measured portions to prevent obesity and protect joints/airway health.

• Food Type: High-quality toy-breed kibble or balanced fresh diet
• Daily Quantity: ~½–1 cup total, split into two meals (adjust to size/activity)
• Feeding Schedule: Twice daily; use slow bowls if gulping
• Diet Advice: Keep lean (BCS 4–5/9); add omega-3s (EPA/DHA) for skin/coat; dental chews + brushing for oral health

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A generally long-lived toy breed with some brachycephalic and eye/skin considerations.

• Common Issues: Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BOAS), heat intolerance, corneal ulcers/dry eye (KCS), proptosis risk, dental crowding disease, patellar luxation, intervertebral disc disease (some), skin-fold dermatitis, heart murmur (some lines)
• Anesthesia Note: Increased risk in brachycephalics—seek experienced vets
• Life Expectancy: 12–15 years
• Recommended Testing (breeders): Patellas, ophthalmologist (CAER), cardiac exam; discuss BOAS awareness and dentition

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Choose health-focused sources and ensure support for grooming/health routines.

• Breeders: CKC-affiliated preservation breeders offering eye/patella/cardiac results and lifetime take-back
• Adoption: Toy-breed and Pekingese rescues; local shelters (ask about airway/eye history)
• Canadian Resources: Canadian Kennel Club breeder directory, Pekingese Club of Canada, regional toy-dog clubs (ON/BC/QC)

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