PekingeseCharacteristics, history, training and care

Wikipedia says the breed arose in China from several types of small dogs kept by aristocratic families, but unlike the others it could be kept only by members of the imperial palace. The name comes from the city of Beijing, and in Chinese it is called the “lion dog”.

In 1860, during the Second Opium War, the Old Summer Palace in Beijing was looted by British and French troops. The British captain John Hart Dunne found a Pekingese there and took it to England, the first to survive the journey. He gave it to Queen Victoria, who named it “Looty”.

How the breed developed

• Centuries – The dog of the Chinese imperial palaces.
• 1860 – The first Pekingese reaches England alive and is given to Queen Victoria.
• 3 November 1966 – The FCI recognises the breed.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as having a lion-like appearance, with an alert, intelligent expression: small, well balanced, moderately thickset, with dignity and quality. It should look small but be surprisingly heavy when picked up.

General appearance

The head is fairly large, wider than it is deep. The AKC says the coat is longest on the neck and shoulders, forming the famous “lion's mane”, while the large head with its short muzzle is rectangular, “like an envelope”, with large, dark, lustrous eyes.

The standard says that all colours and markings are equally valued. The AKC says the coat comes in various shades of red, from golden red to darker shades.

The standard describes it as fearless, loyal and aloof, neither timid nor aggressive. The AKC says that, after centuries in palaces, it can be as calmly independent as the emperors who owned it; fans of the breed say it has “a mind of its own”.

It is affectionate and intelligent and bonds very closely with its people. As it is always alert, it is also a good watchdog.

Tips for effective training

• Be patient. It has “a mind of its own”.
• Use rewards. It learns at its own pace.
• Keep it out of the heat. Its short muzzle makes breathing harder.
• Take care of its eyes. It has no long muzzle to protect them.

The AKC says the Pekingese is mostly calm and has modest exercise needs, but it enjoys taking part in dog sports at its own pace. Its purpose in life is to amuse and comfort its people.

Tips for a balanced life

• It suits an apartment very well.
• In summer, walk it only in the morning and evening.
• Keep its eyes away from sharp objects.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says the thick double coat needs a fair amount of care: at least an hour of brushing a week to remove dead hair and prevent mats, and a bath from time to time. It sheds seasonally.

Common health problems

The AKC says that, as in all short-muzzled breeds, easy breathing can be a major issue; you should choose a Pekingese with wide-open nostrils. Because it has no long muzzle to protect its eyes, they must be shielded from knocks.

Other care

• Clean the facial folds and eyes daily.
• Keep it out of the heat.
• Trim the nails regularly.

The AKC says some dogs gain weight easily, so calories and weight should be watched.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give it its food in two small meals a day.
• Treats count towards the daily portion.
• Choose small kibble suited to small breeds.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The lion dog. In Chinese it is called the “lion dog”.
• Looty, the Queen's dog. The first Pekingese in England was given to Queen Victoria.
• Heavy for its size. The standard says it is surprisingly heavy when picked up.
• Only for the palace. Only members of the imperial palace could keep it.
• It barks little. The AKC gives it a low score for barking.

Looty and Queen Victoria

Wikipedia says that in 1860 Captain John Hart Dunne brought a Pekingese from the Summer Palace in Beijing, the first to survive the journey to England. He gave it to Queen Victoria, who named it “Looty”.

Where does the name come from?

From the city of Beijing (Peking), in China.

How much does it weigh?

Ideally under 5 kg for males and under 5.4 kg for females.

Does it need a lot of exercise?

No. The AKC says its exercise needs are modest.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–14 years.