Is a Pekingese the right dog for you?

The Pekingese dog, one of several breeds first bred for Chinese royalty, is named after Peking (now known as Beijing), China’s capital. The breed, known as a lion dog, comes from the legendary woolly dogs of Tibet and has a practically sacred connection to the Tang dynasty.

Nowadays, it is a popular pet, suitable for families since it loves home comforts and becomes attached to its owners. Because the dogs are so small, be sure to supervise their interaction with young children.

Pekingese characteristics

The Pekingese, also affectionately known as a Peke, is a calm dog when it reaches adulthood. It also likes to relax but needs daily walks like any other dog.

Daily walks give the Pekingese:

• Regular potty breaks.
• Opportunities for socialization by interacting with other people and animals.
• Chances to experience their environment by sniffing to receive information from other dogs, people, and events from the area.
• Dedicated time to stay active, which becomes even more important as the Pekinese approach their senior years.
• Time to wear down their nails.

The walks should be short and at the dog’s pace. While larger, more energetic dogs need brisk 20- to 30-minute walks, the Pekingese needs shorter 15- to 20-minute walks. 

Be cautious when walking in extreme cold or heat. The Pekingese is susceptible to heatstroke because of its flattened snout and long coat, so keep walks to the coolest times of the day and carry water the dog can drink.

Feeding and training

The Pekingese dog is considered a toy breed and should have an ideal weight of 10 to 14 pounds. Take care not to overfeed the Pekinese to prevent your dog from becoming overweight. The dogs need a high-protein diet.

Consider feeding your dog a mix of commercial and homemade dog food. If you have concerns about your dog’s diet, consult with your veterinarian. 

To help your Pekinese stay at a healthy weight, consider feeding him naturally healthy treats like carrots. 

Pekes are smart and friendly and tend to bond quickly with their owners. The dogs are alert and make good watchdogs, and although they are eager to please, they also can be stubborn. 

Pekingese grooming

The Pekingese has a long, thick, and silky coat that forms a lion-like mane around its neck. 

Gently brush the dog’s coat daily to keep his coat and skin healthy. Using an undercoat rake will help break up tangles and remove loose hair. Brushing also helps control extreme shedding in the fall and spring.

Regular brushing helps strengthen your bond with your dog, reduces the need for bathing, and provides opportunities to watch for parasites, lesions, or knots. By handling your dog, you’ll make it easier for your dog to go to the vet’s office. 

Plan to bathe your Pekingese once a month using a detangling shampoo. Dry your Peke’s coat and then gently brush it to remove any tangles.

Unless you want to try to cut your dog’s hair yourself, plan to get your Pekinese trimmed every six to eight weeks. Take care to have the hair around the eyes trimmed.

Bianca J. Ward used to be a divorce coach, but now she is a professional essay writer at EssayWriterFree. She is a passionate photographer and traveler who has visited 52 countries. Bianca dreams about creating a photo exhibition to share her images with others.

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