The
Pekingese has an extravagant, long, straight-flowing
coat that has profuse feathering and comes
in all colors. It has a broad head that
is wide between their large, dark, lucid
and slightly prominent eyes. The face is
flat with a dark, wrinkled muzzle, and drooping
heart-shaped, long feathering ears. Their
necks are short and thick. When their mouth
is closed, neither teeth nor tongue should
show. These tiny, heavy boned dogs have
a characteristic rolling gait.
Temperament
Pekingese
are very brave little dogs, courageous to
the point of foolhardiness! They are
sensitive, independent and extremely affectionate
with their master, but are wary of strangers.
They are obstinate, self-willed and may
be difficult to feed and are sometimes known
to refuse to eat as much to show dominance
over its owner as to lack of appetite. If
overfed, Pekingese will quickly become overweight.
They are loving to the point of jealousy.
They tend to bark a lot and make good watchdogs.
Not recommended for young children who are
too rough. This breed may be difficult to
housebreak.
Height,
Weight
Height:
6-9 inches (30.4-45cm.), Weight: 8-10 pounds
(3.6-4.5kg.)
Any Pekingese under 6 pounds is called a
sleeve Pekingese. It is the smallest member
of the Pekingese family, and the most popular
size during the breeds development in China.
To be a sleeve it must be 6 pounds (2.7
kg) or under, anything over that is not
a considered a sleeve. In-between 6 and
8 (2.7-3.6 kg.) pounds is considered a Mini
Pekingese.
Health
Problems
Pekingese
tend to catch colds very easily. Very difficult
births. Prone to herniated disks and dislocated
kneecaps. Trichaiasis (lashes growing inwards
toward the eyeballs). Breathing problems
and heart problems are also common.
Living
Conditions
The
Pekingese are good for apartment life. They
are relatively inactive indoors and will
do okay without a yard.
Exercise
Pekingese
need a daily walk. Play will take
care of a lot of their exercise needs, however,
as with all breeds, play will not fulfill
their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who
do not get to go on daily walks are more
likely to display behavior problems. They
will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open
area off lead, such as a large fenced in
yard. Get your Pek accustomed to the leash
when they are still a puppy. Some owners
have told me their Pek will walk up to 4
miles on a nightly walk.
Life
Expectancy
With
healthy dogs, about 10-15 years.
Grooming
Daily
combing and brushing of the very long, double
coat is essential. Take extra care around
the hindquarters, which can become solid
and matted. Females shed the undercoat when
in season. Dry shampoo regularly. Clean
the face and eyes daily and check the hairy
feet for burrs and objects that stick there.
These dogs are average shedders.
Origin
Pekingese
where regarded as manifestation of the legendary
Foo Dog that drove away spirits. They were
venerated as semi-divine by the Chinese.
Commoners had to bow to them; you were punished
by death if you stole one, and when an emperor
died, his Pekingese were sacrificed so that
they could go with him to give protection
in the afterlife. In 1860 the Pekingese
reached the West. British and French troops
over ran the Summer Palace during the Second
Opium War. Imperial Guards were ordered
to kill the little dogs to prevent them
from falling into the hands of the "foreign
devils," but five Pekingese survived and
were taken to Queen Victoria, who named
it appropriately, "Looty." It is from
these canine spoils of war that the modern
Pekingese is descended. In 1893 the breed
was first shown in Britain. It was recognized
in the US in 1909.
