Pekingese
A small, lion-like Chinese companion with a heavy coat, a rolling gait and a dignified, independent mind.
At a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height at the withers
- 15–23 cm
- Weight
- Males 3.5–5 kg · Females 3.5–5.4 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–14 years
- Exercise
- 20–30 min a day
- Grooming
- Every day
- Coat
- Double coat, long
- Colours
- Most colours
- Bred for
- Companionship
- Country of origin
- China
- FCI
- Group 9, no. 207 · Companion & toy dogs
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with other dogs | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with cats | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 1/5 – Very low |
| Playfulness | 2/5 – Low |
| Needs mental stimulation | 2/5 – Low |
| Easy to train | 2/5 – Low |
| Prey drive | 2/5 – Low |
| Watchful and protective | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Barking | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Shedding | 4/5 – High |
| Grooming effort | 5/5 – Very high |
| Drooling | 2/5 – Low |
| Good for first-time owners | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Suits apartment living | 5/5 – Very high |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with heat | 1/5 – Very low |
| Copes with cold | 3/5 – Moderate |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- want a calm, low-energy companion
- live in a flat
- enjoy a dog with a strong, independent character
Think twice if you …
- live in a warm climate
- have young children
- dislike daily grooming
Care
Temperament
Dignified, loyal and independent, often aloof with strangers. It is calm but can be stubborn.
Exercise
Short, gentle walks and some indoor play are enough; never exercise it in heat.
Grooming
The long double coat needs daily brushing and regular cleaning around the face, eyes and rear; it sheds heavily.
Training
Independent and not very food-driven; patience and gentle consistency work best.
Health
Breathing problems from the flat face, eye injuries and ulcers, skin-fold infections and back problems such as disc disease are common concerns. Ask the breeder for breathing and eye assessments and about health in the line.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Breathing (BOAS)
- Eye examination
- Kneecaps (patella)
- Spine
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Pekingese was kept for centuries at the Chinese imperial court, where it was closely guarded. A few dogs reached Britain after the looting of the Summer Palace in 1860, including one presented to Queen Victoria, and the breed developed from there in the West.
The Peke is a self-possessed dog that enjoys company on its own terms. It is calm indoors, needs little exercise and makes a fine watchdog for its size. The flat face and heavy coat make it very sensitive to heat, and grooming is a daily task. It suits adults who appreciate an independent, dignified companion.
Did you know?
A Pekingese named Looty, taken from the Summer Palace in 1860, was given to Queen Victoria.