Pekingese Prices in 2024: Purchase Cost, Vet Bills, and More!

Pekingese puppies vary significantly in price depending on the dog’s quality and their source. Typically, a pet-quality dog is between $800 to $2,000. However, a show-quality puppy often costs much more, ranging from $2,000 to $5,000. Pekingese prices can be even higher than $5,000 in some cases.

Of course, the puppy’s purchase price is often the least expensive part of owning a Pekingese! You must also pay for the dog’s food, health care, and other supplies.

We’ll look at all the costs you need to consider below.

How Much Does a Pekingese Puppy Cost?

The price of a Pekingese puppy can vary greatly depending on several factors. Here’s a quick breakdown of what to expect:

• Pet quality: $800 to $2,000
• Show quality: $2,000 to $5,000
• Top-quality: $5,000+

You must remember that show-quality dogs don’t make better pets than pet-quality dogs. They’re more expensive because their physical traits may allow them to perform better in shows – not because they’re “better” dogs.

Pekingese are pretty rare. Adoption is sometimes possible if you’re willing to wait for one of these dogs to become available. Pekingese-specific rescues sometimes focus on rescuing these dogs specifically, which may give you a higher likelihood of adopting a Pekingese.

The adoption fee for one of these dogs is usually around $200 to $400. However, prices can vary widely.

While puppy mills and backyard breeders may be even cheaper, we cannot recommend these sources of puppies. They tend to produce lower-quality puppies, and they may not even be purebred Pekingese at all!

Other Factors that Influence the Purchase Price of a Pekingese

Several factors affect the price of a Pekingese. The most significant factor is the specific breeder you’re purchasing from. Different breeders will charge different prices, and this variety can depend on several factors.

Breeders that get their puppies more health care and do more health testing tend to charge more. While these practices produce higher quality, healthier puppies, the puppies cost more. These extra costs are typically added to the puppy’s purchase price.

Quality breeders will charge more than backyard breeders simply due to all these extra services. Plus, you’re also paying for the breeder’s experience.

Puppies from champion bloodlines tend to be more expensive. These dogs have a chance of performing well themselves, which would make their puppies worth more. Therefore, they’re seen as an investment.

The location can also affect the price. If Pekingese are rare in your area, you can expect a higher price.

Cost of Vaccination and Other Medical Expenses for Pekingese

Pekingese require the same vaccinations and puppy care as other canines. However, because they are smaller, some of these services are cheaper. For instance, all surgeries tend to be more affordable, as Pekingese require less medication.

The biggest factor in vet fees is your location, though. Rural vets charge far less than urban offices. If you live in an area with a higher cost of living, you can expect your vet fees to be more expensive.

Plus, urban offices also have higher rent, which adds to the cost of each service.

Puppies typically require tons of care in their first year. Their growth needs to be monitored, and they require several vaccinations. Therefore, you’ll pay more in vet costs during their first year than you will afterward. After the dog’s first birthday, most only require a yearly checkup, which may run from $50 to $200, depending on the services needed at each appointment.

Often, the most expensive vet services are those needed for accidents and injuries. These emergency vet costs can easily reach thousands and are impossible to plan for. Therefore, having an emergency fund or pet insurance is vital. Dogs with chronic illnesses, like allergies, respiratory problems, and eye issues, will have higher vet costs. These illnesses may require regular treatments, which increases cost. Pekingnese can develop Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), which may involve costly treatments, especially in an emergency.

There is some routine care that every dog needs, such as flea and tick prevention. Expect to pay several hundred a year, typically spread over several months.

Neutering or spaying your dog is also recommended. These surgeries can cost anywhere from $200 to $500, but it is a one-time cost.

Cost of Food and Supplies for Pekingese

Food and supplies will be a considerable cost, but you’ll typically only need to pay a little at a time. A high-quality food suitable for your Pekingese will likely cost around $20 to $70 monthly. Luckily, these dogs are smaller and don’t eat as much as other breeds.

Puppies and active adults often require more food. Plus, bags for puppies are usually smaller, so you may need to restock frequently. Puppy food is often more expensive, as it must be more nutritionally dense than Pekingese.

Some dogs will need special food due to health conditions, even though Pekingese are considered pretty healthy. These diets are often more expensive, but the odds of your dog needing one are rare.

Pekingese also need plenty of supplies. For instance, leashes, harnesses, beds, grooming tools, and toys are all necessary. These will be the most expensive initially when you purchase many supplies upfront. Expect to pay anywhere from $150 to $400 when you bring your new puppy home.

These items will need to be slowly replaced, as well. Expect to spend around $150 yearly replacing toys, beds, and grooming tools as required.

How Much Does it Cost to Insure a Pekingese?

The cost of dog insurance depends mostly on where you live. Location dictates vet costs, and insurance companies know this. Therefore, the price largely depends on your zip code – not the breed of dog you own.

You can also adjust the details of your plan to impact coverage costs. For instance, higher deductible amounts lower your monthly payment. However, a higher deductible will also increase the money you spend when your dog has an accident.

The coinsurance percentage will also affect the premium cost, as well. This percentage dictates the percentage of the medical bill you must pay. The higher it is, the less you’ll pay. However, your premium will go up.

Generally, you can expect your monthly premium to be around $20 to $60. However, the average is probably somewhere around $35.

How Much Does It Cost to Train a Pekingese?

Pekingese require training, even though they are smaller dogs. You can train your dog for free using free resources at home. However, new dog owners should take their dogs to training classes.

If you can afford them, training classes are always better than training at home, as they provide socialization that is hard to get elsewhere.

Group training classes typically cost $100 to $300 for several weekly classes. We recommend going through at least two levels of these classes to ensure your canine is well-behaved and understands all the basic commands.

Private classes often cost $50 to $150 an hour. They’re usually much more expensive than group classes. Furthermore, they don’t provide socialization, either. Therefore, we only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive to be around other dogs. Preferably, the goal should always be to work up to group classes.

While higher training options are available, Pekingese aren’t the most trainable dogs. They typically do okay in obedience, but they aren’t going to win any awards. Therefore, you don’t see many Pekingese in advanced classes.

If you decide to go on with advanced training, expect prices to be slightly more expensive. Typically, it costs around $500 to $1000 per course for more advanced training.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © GlobalP/iStock via Getty Images