Pekingese

Pekingese, also known as a “lion dog,” are toy dogs and are fairly compact in their build. They usually weigh up to 14 pounds and have long fur coats all over their bodies. Their ears are large and rounder (in comparison to their bodies), and their eyes are dark and sparkly.

They are particularly known to create a bond with people whom they like. However, they are also very well known for being independent and alert, and often make good watchdogs.

Origin

Pekingese are an ancient breed of dog, originally bred as companions to the royal Chinese family during the Tang dynasty, and are considered sacred or lucky in China to this day. Legend also says that they were originally lion-sized, as they are often depicted outside temples and other important Chinese buildings, but were reduced to their now-known size by the Buddha. Because of this, they are also referred to as the lion dog. There are two different varieties of Pekingese: mini and “sleeve.” Sleeve Pekingese get their name from legends of Chinese emperors hiding them in the sleeves of their robes as attack dogs.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Pekingese Dog

Size and Weight

Pekingese are small toy dogs that are covered in fur that falls the longest from their heads. Male and female Pekingese weigh around 6 to 12 lbs. Meanwhile, both males and females are approximately 6 to 9 inches in height.

Common Health Issues

Pekingese dogs are prone to several health issues. Intervertebral disc disease, for example, occurs when the discs in the spine begin to break down, putting the dog in great pain along its back and neck. The legs may also be affected.

Brachycephalic airway syndrome is another common health issue due to the naturally flat face of the Pekingese. If breathing becomes difficult, a veterinarian may be able to perform surgery to improve airflow.

Pekingese dogs are also prone to heart murmurs and syringomyelia. While a heart murmur can be a symptom of a separate problem inside the heart, syringomyelia is a broad term that simply means that the spine has a cyst. However, this condition is far from benign; if left untreated, the dog’s spinal cord can deteriorate and lead to paralysis, muscle stiffness, and weakness.

Temperament and Behavior

Pekingese dogs are loyal and have very friendly behavior within their human families. They are known to be fearless and independent despite being tiny in size. They love their owners’ laps, and it is said that they are also used as companion pets, which eventually serve as status symbols.

These dogs are considered to be one of the most stubborn and are awfully hard to train. They love a few favorite humans in the family. However, their affection is usually with all the members.

These dogs are also great with children. However, it is not recommended to keep them if you have young children at home, as these dogs are very fragile and vulnerable.

These dogs are not very suitable for busy people. They are ideal for retired people, usually. These dogs also require a lot of maintenance as their thick fur needs to be groomed and untangled very regularly. Being aggressive is also a rare personality trait of Pekingese dogs.

How to Take Care of a Pekingese Dog

Taking care of a Pekingese dog is usually a time-consuming task as these tiny creatures require a lot of maintenance and grooming, especially as a puppy. Therefore, it is particularly important to consider several factors if you are thinking of adopting a Pekingese dog as your pet. Use the tips below to create a comfortable and safe space for them.

The Best Dog Food

Pekingese dogs require only balanced and small portions of food. However, they might behave as if they need a lot more, which could eventually make them sick. Usually, their diet includes protein-rich items like pork, fish, and chicken. You can combine this with soy items, rice, and green vegetables to give them a comprehensive diet.

At regular vet appointments, keep an eye on signs of a heart murmur. Also, look into the link between dog food with legumes and heart failure in dogs, because you may prefer a legume-free dog food.

A Pekingese puppy also has a similar diet except for the fact that it should be fed more often in comparison to the adults, since they have smaller stomachs and can only take very small quantities at a time, which may or may not be sufficient for their nutritional needs.

Best Insurance

Since these dogs suffer from a host of health problems, it would only be safe for you as an owner to get your dog appropriate insurance that would have you covered in times of need. Find pet insurance that covers regular visits, as well as emergency coverage. Also, many veterinarians offer payment plans or special coverage packages at their offices, so it is best to speak with a local vet to learn more.

Maintenance and Grooming

Pekingese dogs are generally high-maintenance. Their very thick coat requires proper grooming. Owners will have to brush the coat of their Pekingese dog daily, though they should not be surprised by the amount of shedding. Brushing will remove this extra fur, reducing the tangles for a smooth and shiny coat.

Training

These dogs are known to be very stubborn and are usually difficult to train. You will need a lot of effort and patience to train your Pekingese dog. It would usually take six months to a year for your dog to start following the training protocols.

Exercise

Pekingese dogs require a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise every day, which is much less than more active and larger dogs. However, exercise should not be overdone to prevent breathing issues. During breaks, a few shorter walks would be great for your dogs. They won’t need much space to run around in a yard, making them an ideal pet for owners in apartments or with limited yard space.

Puppies

The care needed for Pekingese puppies is similar to that of full-grown ones. However, they require a little extra care. You would also have to feed them more often because their stomachs are small and can’t hold much food at a time. Always provide adequate water to ensure that they are hydrated.

Pekingese Dogs and Children

Pekingese dogs are great with children. They are considered to be loyal family dogs and are especially affectionate towards children. However, these dogs are sensitive, fragile, and vulnerable. Therefore, they should not be kept with infants.

Similar Breeds

Some dogs are similar to the Pekingese. Some of them are:

• Japanese Chin: Much like the Pekingese, this one is also known to be a loyal companion dog. These dogs are also alert and independent.
• Maltese: These dogs are also covered in thick fur and are very friendly. However, they can also turn out to be deceiving.
• Affenpinscher: This dog is intelligent, but also prone to health risks. Bred with toy dogs like the Brussels Griffon, the majority of their health risks are self-imposed, due to their high energy and innate curiosity. They share the same loving nature for their family as the Pekingese.

Famous Pekingese Dogs

Due to their beautiful fur and small stature, it should come as no surprise that the Pekingese dog has found a place in the hearts of many famous personalities. When Shirley Temple was in the 1936 film “Stowaway,” she was gifted her character’s Pekingese dog, naming it “Ching-Ching” (formerly “Mr. Woo”).

Jennifer Grey and Elizabeth Taylor have also owned Pekingese dogs. The breed has also served as an inspiration for an animated dog in the Walt Disney series “Pluto”.

As fancy as these dogs may be, they are also resilient. It is said that this breed was one of the dogs that survived the tragic Titanic sinking in 1912.