Pekingese

Hailing from China in 2,000 B.C., this charming lap dog is one of the oldest breeds around. It has been a longtime favorite of royalty and the social elite. In fact, the Pekingese was originally bred as a companion dog for the Emperor of China and his royal ladies.

Commonly referred to as “Pekes,” the breed was introduced to the U.S. in 1898.

A 4-year-old Pekingese named Malachy won the Best in Show title at the 2012 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. It was the fourth Best in Show win for the breed.

Personality

Faithful, regal, intelligent and self-possessed, with an air of royalty
Very similar to the poise, self-regard and mischief of a domestic cat
Quite possibly the most stubborn breed known to man

Size

6-12 pounds
6-9 inches at the withers (shoulder)

Lifestyle

Tend to be one-person dogs, but will learn to devote themselves to an entire family or household with time
As prototypical lapdogs they are well-suited to living in small spaces
These jealous dogs do not take well to fellow household pets – they expect to be the one and only dog of the house
Great watchdogs – they will alert pet parents to strange noises, but will not bark without reason
Not for the house-proud as they are big-time shedders and their coats tend to pick up loads of mud and muck

Training

Notoriously difficult to train; they like to do what they want when they want, and usually train their pet parents to fall in line
Not combative, but tend to only cooperate with training if there’s something in it for them; therefore, a reward-based method is the surest route
Since they like to show off, they respond well to breed competitions and even obedience shows

Exercise

Thoroughly enjoy daily walks, but will let their pet parents known the length and time of the walk they prefer
Walks should be kept extremely short in hot weather to prevent overheating

Coat

Colors include fawn, black, white, cream, red or brindle, while they typically have a black muzzle
Their beautiful but extremely dense coat needs daily grooming from top to bottom with a metal brush as well as a bristle brush to prevent mats and tangles
Professional grooming is suggested every six to eight weeks
Their coat is often cut short to prevent overheating and reduce grooming needs

Care

Daily swipe with a pet wipe to clean wrinkles above nose

Health

Like all short-faced dogs, they may have difficulty breathing
Genetically prone to congestive heart problems, eye injuries, back problems, kneecap dislocation, tear gland defects and tenderness in the wrinkles on their nose

Lifespan

12-14 years

Rescue

Visit the Peke Rescue Network to find a Pekingese in need of a home

PHOTO: Pleple2000

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i Love Dogs, Inc.’s three websites – ilovedogs.com, ilovedogfriendly.com and findavet.us – provide information and up-to-the-minute news to keep pet parents aware of all things dog. A premium canine vitamins and lifestyle company, i Love Dogs is famous for its line of diamond dog collars. The name says it all — at i Love Dogs, we are committed to the health and happiness of our canine companions.