Pekingese

Appearance:

Body: Short, compact, pear-shaped, well-balanced and carried low to the ground with a wide chest, well-sprung ribs, and level backline; heavier in the front than the rear.

Coat: Long, coarse, thick, and straight with a dense, wooly undercoat.

Color: All colors including red, sable, fawn, white, black and tan, and brindle.

Ears: Heart-shaped, set high and forward on the head, and nicely feathered.

Eyes: Large, round, dark, wide set, and radiant.

Feet: Large, flat (not round); forefeet are turned slightly outward and hind feet point straight ahead.

Head: Rectangular with a massive skull that is wide and flat between the ears, deep stop, wide, flat muzzle, and short, wide, black nose set well up near the eyes.

Legs: Forelegs are wide set, short, dense, somewhat bowed, and well-boned. The hindquarters are lighter than the forequarters with moderate angulations of the stifle and hock.

The Pekingese were bred to have bowed front legs to keep them from wandering to far from home.

Neck: Short, long, and thick with a long, thick mane.

Size:
Weight: 7 - 14 pounds
Height: 6 - 9 inches

Tail: High set, slightly arched, carried upward over the back and falling to one side.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers
Not fond of long walks
Best suited to one owner
Good with children and other small pets if raised with them

The Pekingese is a small dog with a big ego but willing, at times, to stoop to the level of others. He is calm, affectionate, very stubborn, independently-minded, and comical. His tenacity is such that, although quiet and even-tempered, he fears nothing.

AKC Standard says, "A combination of regal dignity, intelligence and self-importance make for a good natured, opinionated and affectionate companion to those who have earned its respect."

He is a possessive dog best suited to one owner. His disposition is gentle and good-natured but he is unlikely to accept having other dogs and children around to compete for affection unless they were raised with him.

Bruce Fogle, author of The new Encyclopedia of the Dog, says "the Pekingese is stubborn as a mule and slow as a snail with bowed legs."

The Pekingese were purposely bred with bowed legs to keep them from wandering to far from home.

Obedience training is easy as long as, with each command, he thinks it was his idea. Use positive training methods, treat him with the respect he deserves, and praise him profusely for agreeing to work with you.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Toy Group

Bred for companionship and once considered sacred by the Chinese Tang dynasty.

The International Encyclopedia of Dogs says, "the Pekingese was once a dynasty dog and well protected from the outside world. If caught trying to smuggle them out you would likely end up being stoned to death for punishment."

Care and Grooming

Exercise: Moderate exercise and play is suffecient.

Grooming: Brush two times weekly to prevent matting; daily during shedding season. Keep ear canals clean and dry. Clean eyes regularly with a clean cloth or cotton swab dampened in warm water. Keep the nose wrinkles clean to avoid skin irritations.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 14 Years

Possible Problems:
Breathing difficulties
Colds
Disc problems Eye probems - corneal Ulcers, infections, lacerations, and eyelid defects
Heat Stroke
Luxating Patella - dislocation of the knee cap
Pinched nostrils
Respiratory problems
Umbilical hernia - weakness in the abdominal wall

Country of Origin

China