Pekingese Breed Information

The Pekingese is a Toy dog breed, with a starting weight of 7 lbs for females, and can reach 14 lbs for males. It is officially part of the Toy group and recognized by the ACR, AKC, ANKC, APRI, CKC, DRA, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, UKC. Some critical information for potential owners. The Pekingese breed has a typical lifespan of 9 to 15 years, Very Long hair, and an average price of around $418. Breeders interested in the Pekingese should know that the average litter size is between 2 to 5 puppies.

Coming to age as the laptops of ancient Chinese kings and queens 2000 years ago, the Pekingese is used to having its way. Its confidence is frequently much closer to arrogance, but once you understand the way they work you grow to love it. One of the only 2 dogs to survive the wreck of the Titanic was a Pekingese! Its unique lion-esc appearance although attractive, does not come without its disadvantages. Pekingese which are less than 6 or 7 lbs do exist, but they are classified as Sleeve Pekingese. Be aware that if you purchase or own one of these dogs, there are a handful of health concerns to look out for.

Pekingese live in a world where everything revolves around them. Deep down they have a deep love for their owner, but they like to pretend they’re calling the shots, and always need to be the center of attention. They’re the perfect dog to spoil if that’s your style. The Peke can be jealous and stubborn, and will hold a grudge. If you know your pet well you’ll be able to give it what it needs to snap out of it, but know that they can frequently be temperamental.

If you’re an inactive apartment dwelling type person, the Pekingese suits you well. Simple house play is generally enough exercise, and a yard is not mandatory. The breed should stay indoors as it tends to have issues regulating temperature and breathing outdoors. Depending on the age and energy level of your specific dog, the Peke is frequently more than happy calmly sitting on the arm of the couch next to you as you relax in front of the television all day and night, although somtimes it may expect some playtime before this happens!

The Pekingese is prone to many health concerns, the most serious being heart problems, mainly congestive heart failure. Be sure to have your Pekingese checked early and often when they reach the age of about 6. If diagnosed early, there may be medication to help ensure a healthy and lengthy life for your pup. Their flat face has been known to cause breathing problems, and their small skull may cause issues with their large eyes. The long and short shape of the dog can cause back problems like spinal disk ruptures, and sometimes make it difficult to climb stairs unassisted. Other specific concerns include Stenotic Nares, Skin Fold Dermatitis, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), Disticiasis, Trichiasis, Patellar Luxation, and sometimes Urolithiasis. Be sure to clean the exposed skin properly to prevent hotspots. If you plan on breeding your bitch, know that the Pekingese frequently requires Caesarean section because of their small size, so plan to have a veterinarian available for assistance just in case.

The Pekingese grows a double coat, the outer layer being long straight and coarse with extreme feathering, and the undercoat thick and soft. The Peke grows a sort of mane similar to that of a horse or lion. For a show dog a long coat is desirable to the point that it doesn’t affect the shape of the body. For all practical purposes this may not be ideal for a house pet, so trimming the coat is common. Also be aware that the coat length does vary depending on the breeding of the individual pup.

The Peke requires daily brushing, especially on its underside and hindquarters to prevent knots and tangles. The coat length may vary depending on if you chose to clip it or not; obviously the puppy cut will be easier to maintain than the show cut. A regular dry shampoo is recommended. Clean the Pekingeses eyes daily, and also the wrinkles and folds in its skin to prevent hot spots and sores from forming.

ACR, AKC, ANKC, APRI, CKC, DRA, FCI, KCGB, NKC, NZKC, UKC

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