Pekingese
Compiled and researched by Izelle de Klerk (BSc) - Dodgy Dogs & Crazy Cats
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Canine & Feline Behaviourist
Pic Pekingese Rescue of SA, contact info below. If you are looking for a Peke, please do consider rescue first. If contact info below not in your area, do search for a rescue closer to you. https://www.facebook.com/pekesa/photos/?ref=page_internal
The Pekingese (also known as the Lion-Dog due to their resemblance to Chinese guardian lions) received their name from the ancient city of Peking, which is now called Beijing. They were considered sacred dogs, regarded as a legendary Foo Dog that drove away spirits and could only be owned by Chinese royalty who favored them as both a lap dog and companion dog. These dogs were seen as semi-divine and people without noble rank had to bow to them, if a dog were to be stolen the person was put to death. When an emperor died, his Pekingese was sacrificed so that the dog could go with him to give protection in the afterlife.
In 1860 the British overtook the Chinese Imperial Palace. The Emperor Xianfeng had fled with all of his court to Chengde but before doing so he ordered the Chinese Imperial Guards to kill the little dogs to prevent them from falling into the hands of the "foreign devils". However, an elderly aunt of the emperor remained. When the troops entered, she committed suicide and was found with her five Pekingese mourning her death. They were removed and brought back to England and it is from these five dogs that the modern day Pekingese descended.
The Pekingese is a small, well-balanced, compact dog. It has a stocky, muscular body that is slightly longer than it is tall with a heavy front and lighter hindquarters. Their wide flat heads have dark, slightly prominent (but not bulging) eyes, flat faces, dark wrinkled muzzles and hanging, heart-shaped ears. The tail is high-set and carried over the back and the legs are noticeably bowed restricting their movement - it is thought that this rolling gait may have been deliberately developed by breeding to prevent the court dogs from wandering in ancient times.
They have a long, thick (especially around the neck) double coat - the outer coat is long and coarse in texture with profuse feathering while the undercoat is soft and thick - that can come in any colors except pure white or liver.
Personality
Pekingese is a very brave little dog, cute, lovable, spunky, proud, protective, jealous, sensitive, independent and extremely affectionate with its master. They are dignified, bold and have a great self-esteem - truly “lion-like” in the way they look and how they carry themselves. They may be small dogs but are not to be considered delicate or dainty; they are hardier than their reputation lets on, and they don't mind going out for a romp in the rain.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
These little dogs are relatively inactive and don't need much space to be happy, they can live contentedly in an apartment or a mansion. They make ideal companions for singles, seniors, apartment or couch potatoes but not for active people as they will rather sit on the couch than run around outside. These are indoor dogs, they are prone to having heatstroke if they are left outside or exposed to high temperature.
This breed makes good watchdogs, they are distrusting of strangers and will bark at unusual noises as well as almost anything else. They love to bark and bark and bark, proper training and socialization can temper this a little… but not that much.
The Pekingese are not active dogs, they have low exercise needs and won’t hassle you for a walk every evening. However they do enjoys walks and a daily walk will keep them slim, healthy as well as mentally and physically fit. Play will also take care of a lot of their exercise needs, and they enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead - such as a large, fenced-in yard. Just be careful when they exercise that they don't overheat; because of the shape of their nose they cannot handle extreme temperatures.
Like a lot of small breeds the Pekingese is prone to developing Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog believes that they are boss and is due to the fact that the owner is too lenient with them and lets them get away with more that they should because they are so small and cute. This can lead to behavioural problems including being obstinate, self-willed, jealous, separation anxiety, guarding, growling, snapping, biting, and obsessive barking. To prevent this you need to give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do; be firm and consistent.
They were bred as lap and companion dog. They are affectionate and sensitive creatures and in spite of their self-important air they need plenty of attention. If they don’t get all the attention they need they have the tendency to become jealous and will compete for attention.
Like other small dogs, Pekingese have “big dog” personalities - brave to a fault. To show dominance they will pick on much bigger dogs or refuse food, games and other offerings; they can also become protective of their owner to the point of being possessive, training and a firm hand is very important to prevent this behaviour.
Your Pekingese will love to show off and will prance around trying to impress you, they can entertain themselves for hours with a toy and take pride in being your favorite companion. However, they do snore, snort, sneeze and snuffle.
In a nutshell, a Pekingese is for you if you:
In 1860 the British overtook the Chinese Imperial Palace. The Emperor Xianfeng had fled with all of his court to Chengde but before doing so he ordered the Chinese Imperial Guards to kill the little dogs to prevent them from falling into the hands of the "foreign devils". However, an elderly aunt of the emperor remained. When the troops entered, she committed suicide and was found with her five Pekingese mourning her death. They were removed and brought back to England and it is from these five dogs that the modern day Pekingese descended.
The Pekingese is a small, well-balanced, compact dog. It has a stocky, muscular body that is slightly longer than it is tall with a heavy front and lighter hindquarters. Their wide flat heads have dark, slightly prominent (but not bulging) eyes, flat faces, dark wrinkled muzzles and hanging, heart-shaped ears. The tail is high-set and carried over the back and the legs are noticeably bowed restricting their movement - it is thought that this rolling gait may have been deliberately developed by breeding to prevent the court dogs from wandering in ancient times.
They have a long, thick (especially around the neck) double coat - the outer coat is long and coarse in texture with profuse feathering while the undercoat is soft and thick - that can come in any colors except pure white or liver.
Personality
Pekingese is a very brave little dog, cute, lovable, spunky, proud, protective, jealous, sensitive, independent and extremely affectionate with its master. They are dignified, bold and have a great self-esteem - truly “lion-like” in the way they look and how they carry themselves. They may be small dogs but are not to be considered delicate or dainty; they are hardier than their reputation lets on, and they don't mind going out for a romp in the rain.
Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
These little dogs are relatively inactive and don't need much space to be happy, they can live contentedly in an apartment or a mansion. They make ideal companions for singles, seniors, apartment or couch potatoes but not for active people as they will rather sit on the couch than run around outside. These are indoor dogs, they are prone to having heatstroke if they are left outside or exposed to high temperature.
This breed makes good watchdogs, they are distrusting of strangers and will bark at unusual noises as well as almost anything else. They love to bark and bark and bark, proper training and socialization can temper this a little… but not that much.
The Pekingese are not active dogs, they have low exercise needs and won’t hassle you for a walk every evening. However they do enjoys walks and a daily walk will keep them slim, healthy as well as mentally and physically fit. Play will also take care of a lot of their exercise needs, and they enjoy a good romp in a safe, open area off lead - such as a large, fenced-in yard. Just be careful when they exercise that they don't overheat; because of the shape of their nose they cannot handle extreme temperatures.
Like a lot of small breeds the Pekingese is prone to developing Small Dog Syndrome, this is where the dog believes that they are boss and is due to the fact that the owner is too lenient with them and lets them get away with more that they should because they are so small and cute. This can lead to behavioural problems including being obstinate, self-willed, jealous, separation anxiety, guarding, growling, snapping, biting, and obsessive barking. To prevent this you need to give this dog rules, and limits to what they are and are not allowed to do; be firm and consistent.
They were bred as lap and companion dog. They are affectionate and sensitive creatures and in spite of their self-important air they need plenty of attention. If they don’t get all the attention they need they have the tendency to become jealous and will compete for attention.
Like other small dogs, Pekingese have “big dog” personalities - brave to a fault. To show dominance they will pick on much bigger dogs or refuse food, games and other offerings; they can also become protective of their owner to the point of being possessive, training and a firm hand is very important to prevent this behaviour.
Your Pekingese will love to show off and will prance around trying to impress you, they can entertain themselves for hours with a toy and take pride in being your favorite companion. However, they do snore, snort, sneeze and snuffle.
In a nutshell, a Pekingese is for you if you:
- Don’t want a dog that does not bark
- Are an experienced dog owner and know how to be firm and let the dog know its place
- Want a watchdog but not a guard dog
- Are willing to spend the time and money grooming them
- Want a lapdog that will go anywhere with you
- Are willing to give a lot of attention, these dogs can be quite needy
- Are willing to spend the time training them
Where do I get my pup from?
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Pekingese?
Because Pekingese are fearless and won’t think twice about taking on a dog twice its size, getting a large dog with a challenging/dominant nature (like a Pitbull, Staffie, German Sheperd, etc) can only lead to disaster.
A better choice will be a small breed dog that is not to challenging like a Maltese, Miniature/Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu (just make sure you can give both enough attention), another Pekingese (of course), Pomeranian, etc.
If you are looking for a bigger dog it is best to get a calmer, easy-going breed to prevent any challenges between them. Look at breeds like a Gray Hound, Great Dane, Labrador (once they calm down after their boisterous teen years), Wolfhound, Saint Bernard, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
It is important to keep in mind that these dogs are fearless, brave and courageous and think they are far larger than they really are. If they feel that another dog is a threat they will not think twice about taking them on - no matter what the size of the other dog. They can become dog aggressive to the point of foolhardiness.
However with proper socialization, training - and if they were brought up with them - they can do well with other animals
Only from reputable breeders! One can contact the Kennel Union Of South Africa (KUSA). They have a list of breeders who have puppies available.
Always try and meet both parents of the puppies. This is not always possible as the sire (father) may be an imported dog. Definitely ask to see the mother.
Please read our articles on how to choose a reputable breeder on the Puppies page.
Which other breeds are most compatible with the Pekingese?
Because Pekingese are fearless and won’t think twice about taking on a dog twice its size, getting a large dog with a challenging/dominant nature (like a Pitbull, Staffie, German Sheperd, etc) can only lead to disaster.
A better choice will be a small breed dog that is not to challenging like a Maltese, Miniature/Toy Poodle, Shih Tzu (just make sure you can give both enough attention), another Pekingese (of course), Pomeranian, etc.
If you are looking for a bigger dog it is best to get a calmer, easy-going breed to prevent any challenges between them. Look at breeds like a Gray Hound, Great Dane, Labrador (once they calm down after their boisterous teen years), Wolfhound, Saint Bernard, etc.
Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Most definitely, this is the most ideal situation as they understand each other. Preferably have a male and female. Two females will also get along as long as they are introduced as puppies. An older female will get on with a puppy female but it is not advisable to introduce two fully grown females. Always have only one male unless you have a lot of experience handling dogs.
Should I get two pups together?
This is not a good idea. Most people think that the pups will be happier with a playmate and won’t fight if they are family. The truth of the matter is that your two pups are likely to:
- Bond with each other to the exclusion of you
- Will stress without the other dog being around
- Fight with each other
- Be more destructive and boisterous
- Two pups together often leads to one being more assertive and the other more submissive. This could well end up in a situation where the more submissive dog will never develop its full potential.
- Mature later
Please read ‘Placing Littermates in the same home’ and ‘Double Trouble – (why you shouldn’t get two puppies)’ on our website for more information.
Is it wise to keep same-sex dogs?
To keep two or more same-sex dogs of a rather dominant breed together, is often a recipe for conflict. They can get along fine, until they are ‘triggered’ by a ball or a bone lying on the lawn, when both might want to take possession of it, or by someone delivering mail and when they rush for the gate and can’t get to the ‘intruder’, they go for one another. Additionally, as the pup reaches the adolescent stage, its own position in the canine pack will assume much importance. This can lead to fighting between dogs and especially in the case of two females. The fights can be very serious and may not be able to be solved.
Do they get on well with other animals?
It is important to keep in mind that these dogs are fearless, brave and courageous and think they are far larger than they really are. If they feel that another dog is a threat they will not think twice about taking them on - no matter what the size of the other dog. They can become dog aggressive to the point of foolhardiness.
However with proper socialization, training - and if they were brought up with them - they can do well with other animals
Are they good with children?
Some Pekingese do well with children, others do not - it greatly depends on the individual dog. However, they generally do better with older children that know how to handle them. Because of the dog’s small size toddlers may handle them like toys and they will stand up for themselves if rough-handled - leading to a bite.
They can become wary of strangers, and may become untrustworthy with children and even adults if not properly socialized
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Because they are stubborn and opinionated Pekingese are very difficult to train (especially to house train), they learn new commands slower than most other breeds. You will need a lot of patient to train them; but with consistency, a firm hand and positive reinforcement techniques it is very possible.
Grooming
Keeping the Pekingese coat healthy and presentable requires daily brushing, this will also help keep you house free from hair as they are heavy shedders. Those that are not interested in showing their dogs can keep them in a pet-cut which is less maintenance that the show-cut. They will also need trip to the groomer every 8-12 weeks depending on the cut.
Other important grooming aspects include too clean dirt from their eyes, face wrinkles and ears to prevent infections. Also because they are not very active they don’t naturally wear their nails down, so they need to be trimmed when necessary.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Common health problems for this breed includes:
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
With healthy dogs, about 10-15 years.
Interesting Facts
o The Duchess of Wellington, wife of Henry Wellesley, 3rd Duke of Wellington - named them Schloff and Hytien
o The Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon
o Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom - named Looty
o John Pierpont Morgan
o Alice Lee Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt - named Manchu
o Dr. Heuston established smallpox vaccination clinics in China and in gratitude, the Chinese minister - Li Hongzhang - presented him with a pair of Pekingese which he named Chang and Lady Li. Dr. Heuston founded the Greystones kennel.
o One says a lion and a marmoset fell in love. But the lion was too large. The lion went to the Buddha and told him of his woes. The Buddha allowed the lion to shrink down to the size of the marmoset. And the Pekngese was the result.
o A second says a lion fell in love with a butterfly. But the butterfly and lion knew the difference in size was too much to overcome. Together they went to see the Buddha, who allowed their size to meet in the middle. From this, the Pekingese came.
o Another legend says that the breed resulted from the mating of a lion and a monkey, getting its nobleness and coat from the former and its ungainly walk from the latter.
Some Pekingese do well with children, others do not - it greatly depends on the individual dog. However, they generally do better with older children that know how to handle them. Because of the dog’s small size toddlers may handle them like toys and they will stand up for themselves if rough-handled - leading to a bite.
They can become wary of strangers, and may become untrustworthy with children and even adults if not properly socialized
Training requirements and grooming
Training
Because they are stubborn and opinionated Pekingese are very difficult to train (especially to house train), they learn new commands slower than most other breeds. You will need a lot of patient to train them; but with consistency, a firm hand and positive reinforcement techniques it is very possible.
Grooming
Keeping the Pekingese coat healthy and presentable requires daily brushing, this will also help keep you house free from hair as they are heavy shedders. Those that are not interested in showing their dogs can keep them in a pet-cut which is less maintenance that the show-cut. They will also need trip to the groomer every 8-12 weeks depending on the cut.
Other important grooming aspects include too clean dirt from their eyes, face wrinkles and ears to prevent infections. Also because they are not very active they don’t naturally wear their nails down, so they need to be trimmed when necessary.
As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early.
Health concerns
Common health problems for this breed includes:
- Corneal ulcerations and other eye problems,
- Breathing problems and difficulty regulating their body temperature due to their tiny skull and flattened face
- Obesity
- Catch colds very easily
- Very difficult births
- Joint and back problems
- Trichaiasis (lashes growing inwards toward the eyeballs).
- Heart problems
- Skin allergies and hotspots
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
Life expectancy
With healthy dogs, about 10-15 years.
Interesting Facts
- Famous people who owned Pekingese:
o The Duchess of Wellington, wife of Henry Wellesley, 3rd Duke of Wellington - named them Schloff and Hytien
o The Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon
o Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom - named Looty
o John Pierpont Morgan
o Alice Lee Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt - named Manchu
o Dr. Heuston established smallpox vaccination clinics in China and in gratitude, the Chinese minister - Li Hongzhang - presented him with a pair of Pekingese which he named Chang and Lady Li. Dr. Heuston founded the Greystones kennel.
- There are a couple of stories about the origin of the Pekingese.
o One says a lion and a marmoset fell in love. But the lion was too large. The lion went to the Buddha and told him of his woes. The Buddha allowed the lion to shrink down to the size of the marmoset. And the Pekngese was the result.
o A second says a lion fell in love with a butterfly. But the butterfly and lion knew the difference in size was too much to overcome. Together they went to see the Buddha, who allowed their size to meet in the middle. From this, the Pekingese came.
o Another legend says that the breed resulted from the mating of a lion and a monkey, getting its nobleness and coat from the former and its ungainly walk from the latter.
- Because the Pekingese was believed to have originated from the Buddha, he was a temple dog. As such, he was not a mere toy. He was made small so that he could go after and destroy little demons that might infest the palace or temple. But his heart was big so that he could destroy even the largest and fiercest.
Do`s and Don`ts of this breed
Do’s
Don’ts
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/Pekingese.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pekingese
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pekingese.htm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/pekingese/index.cfm
http://www.justdogbreeds.com/pekingese.html
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Pekingese
Do’s
- Give them as much attention as you can
- Start training and socialization when they are still puppies
- Make them part of the family
Don’ts
- Leave them outside where they are exposed to high/low temperatures. Due to their abundance of fur and flat faces they struggle to regulate their body temperature.
- Let them run the house, be firm and let them know their place
- Over exercise them
Reference
http://www.petsplace.co.za/Pekingese.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pekingese
http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pekingese.htm
http://www.akc.org/breeds/pekingese/index.cfm
http://www.justdogbreeds.com/pekingese.html
http://www.dogster.com/dog-breeds/Pekingese