Pekingese

Pekingese History

The Pekingese (simplified Chinese: 北京 be notified ; traditional Chinese: 北京<0xE8><0x8D><0xB4>犬; pinyin: Běijīng rén cuóng; literally “northern capital small dog”) is an old, ancient and rare breed of small, sturdy and stoutly built dog, developed in China. It is a long haired, square and very compact toy dog with a slightly domed skull and a short, straight and coarse coat. The tail is curled over the back. The skin is loose and elastic and is of a uniform reddish-brown colour. The head is broad, and covered with fine, soft hair. The legs, rump, shoulders and chest are well developed and muscular. The origin of the Pekingese is obscure, but it is thought to be descended from the now extinct recent ancestor of the Shih-Tzu. The Pekingese has a long history of association with China, where it was regarded as a symbol of nobility and status. The breed was carried back to Europe in the 1600s and 1700s in the luggage of diplomats, traders, and travellers. In 1888, the Pekingese was recognized by the Kennel Club of the UK, and first entered the United States in the 1890’s. The Pekingese has since become one of the most popular and recognizable breeds of purebred dog in the world.

Pekingese Physical Characteristics

The Pekingese is a small, toy breed of domestic dogs. They have long, thick, soft coats that may be red, white, blue, or black, depending on the breed standard. They have large, almond-shaped, dark eyes, a vestigial tail, and a flat face. The head is wedge shaped, with broad, flat cheeks. The skull is narrow with rounded contours and a prominent occipital crest. The muzzle is short and blunt. The ears are erect, triangular, and pointed. The legs are short and stout. The Pekingese has a double-coat consisting of a soft, downy undercoat and a harsh, straight, outer coat of shorter hairs. The hair on the legs is usually longer than the hair on the rest of the body and the tail has long, thick fur. The life expectancy of the Pekingese is 12 to 16 years.

Pekingese Health

Description of breed health.

Pekingese Temperament and Behaviour

The Pekingese is a lively, sensitive, and courageous breed of small dog. They are often stubborn and can be difficult to train. However, they are generally playful, loving, and devoted to their owners. They tend to be aggressive toward other small animals and people they don’t know.

Pekingese Activity Requirements

Pekingese are small, elegant-looking dogs that were bred as companions. They have numerous admirers, but their popularity as house pets has eclipsed their original purpose. While they may not require as much as other breeds, Pekingese do need regular exercise. They are best suited to apartment life or homes with small yards. They do well in city environments, provided they have plenty of walks. If you are looking for a smaller dog, a Pekingese might be the one for you. They are playful and affectionate, making them good companions and family pets. However, they are not recommended for families with small children.

Kennel Club Recognition