 Originally from China, Pekingese were once regarded as divine creatures and Chinese commoners had to bow to them. They were regarded as manifestations of Foo Dogs, the sacred, lion-resembling dogs that guard the entrance to Buddha's temple and drive away spirits. When an emperor died his Pekingese were sacrificed so they could follow him and protect him in the afterlife. During the second opium war, French and British troops ordered Imperial Guards to destroy all the dogs in the summer palace so they wouldn't fall into the hands of the "foreign devils." Five of the dogs survived and were taken to Queen Victoria. All modern Pekingese are descendants of these five "spoils of war" and the breed has remained courageously strong.
|
| Height: |
6 - 9 inches |
| Weight: |
8 - 10 pounds |
| Temperament: |
Pekingese are very brave little dogs. They are sensitive and affectionate toward their owners and wary of strangers. They are very independent and self-willed, and may refuse to eat as a way of showing dominance. They tend to bark a lot but make great watch-dogs. They are very protective of their masters, just as the ancient Pekingese were. |
| Color(s): |
Long feathery coat comes in all colors. |
| Grooming: |
The double coat requires daily combing and brushing, especially near the hind quarters, which can become easily matted. Regular bathing is necessary and the face should be wiped daily. Feet and bellies should be checked for burrs and other objects that tend to stick to the long hair. |
| Coat(s): |
The outer coat is long, coarse and straight while the undercoat is soft. Long feathering appears on the backs of the legs and the toes. The coat forms a mane on the neck and shoulder area. |
| With
Children: |
Not recommended as pets for small, rough children. |
| With
Pets: |
Can be aggressive around dogs with which they are unfamiliar. However, after some time and consistent socialization, they can become fast friends with other pets. |
| Training: |
Being a strong-willed breed, the Pekingese needs to know how training is going to benefit. They know they are royalty and expect to be treated as such. Obedience training should begin as early as possible in puppyhood and house-breaking could take awhile. |
| Exercise: |
Don't need much exercise but daily play is beneficial for the dog's health. Some will walk for hours while others prefer to stay home. Leash training should begin early and some dogs do better with a harness rather than a collar, and retractable leash. |
| Health
Issues: |
Pekingese catch cold easily but are relatively healthy dogs. Breathing problems, heart problems, dislocated kneecaps and herniated disks are common. |
| Housing: |
Relatively inactive indoors and can do without a yard. Pekingese tend to be couch potatoes and apartment living is fine. |
| Life
Span: |
10 - 15 years |
| Country
of Origin: |
China |
| Conformation
Group: |
Herding, and the AKC groups the breed as a toy |
