Pekingese is an ancient breed of small decorative lap dog originating from China. This intelligent and loyal breed is known for its bold and domineering personality. They often have a long, flowing double coat and a signature high-pitched bark.
Pekingese has a long history as companion dogs, dating back to 1100 BCE in the Chinese Imperial courts. They were initially bred to be companions to Chinese nobles and were considered a good luck charm.
The breed is quite hardy, but they can be prone to severe skin conditions, such as dermatitis and demodectic mange. They are also intolerant to heat, so keeping them in cool environments is important.
The name “Pekingese” comes from Peking, the former English name of what is now Beijing, the capital of China. The breed is also known as a “lion dog” due to its lion-like appearance.
Pekingese have a distinctively bold and domineering temperament and require firm and consistent training during their early years. It’s essential to provide good socialization and stimulation to prevent them from becoming bored.
This breed sheds moderately throughout the year, usually more heavily during autumn and spring. They require regular brushing and grooming to keep their coats clean and look their best.
The breed typically stands 23–30 cm tall and weighs 3–6 kg, with females slightly smaller. Despite their small size, they are sturdier and more muscular than they appear.
Pekingese are known to be very loyal and dedicated to their family and can often be affectionate with their owners. They also have very high levels of intelligence, making them easy to train consistently and persistently.
This breed can have a stubborn reputation and sometimes be naughty or difficult. This is often due to them needing to be more supervised and trained appropriately.
Pekingese have a lifespan of between 10 and 15 years and are generally healthy dogs. However, they can be prone to diseases or medical problems such as patellar luxation, intervertebral disc disease, and heart disease.
Due to their ancient origins, Pekingese are often referred to as living antiques and are considered quite expensive. They require an experienced owner to care for them and prevent behavioral issues properly.
