Pekingese
Quick Summary
Regal companion dogs ideal for apartment living. Best suited for owners who appreciate independent personalities and can manage regular grooming needs.
Contents
Weight Range
14-14 lbs
♂ Male: 7-14 lbs
♀ Female: 7-14 lbs
Height Range
15-23 inches
♂ Male: 6-9"
♀ Female: 6-9"
Life Expectancy
12-14 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #76
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Toy Group
Originally bred for Sacred dogs of Chinese Imperial palace during Tang Dynasty, these companions were exclusively owned by royalty and served as temple guardians and lap dogs
Popularity
#92
Moderately popular breed
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 6"-9" |
| Female Height | 6"-9" |
| Male Weight | 7-14 lbs |
| Female Weight | 7-14 lbs |
| Coat Length | 1/5 |
| Drooling Level | 1/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include purchase price ($800-$3000), supplies, and medical checks. Monthly expenses cover premium food, grooming supplies, and regular veterinary care. Consider insurance for health issues.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Dignified and independent with a loyal streak toward family members. Shows moderate energy levels and calm demeanor indoors. Can be aloof with strangers but devoted to chosen people.
Social Needs
Moderately social dogs who form strong bonds with family but can be independent. Generally reserved with strangers and other dogs. Can tolerate alone time well with proper training.
Breed Overview
Pekingese dogs feature a distinctive lion-like mane, flat facial profile, and compact body structure. Their long, flowing double coat comes in various colors, complementing their dignified bearing and regal demeanor. Standing 6-9 inches tall with a sturdy build, these ancient companions combine an independent spirit with devoted loyalty to their families.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Excellent apartment dogs
- ✓ Loyal and devoted
- ✓ Low exercise needs
- ✓ Independent nature
Cons
- ✗ Stubborn and challenging to train
- ✗ Regular grooming required
- ✗ Heat sensitive
- ✗ Can be aloof with strangers
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Regal in Manner |
| Energy Level | Calm |
| Trainability | May be Stubborn |
| Grooming Needs | 2-3 Times a Week Brushing |
| Shedding | Seasonal |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 20-30 minutes of gentle daily exercise, preferring short walks and indoor play sessions. Low-intensity activities suit their calm nature, with careful attention to temperature due to their breathing sensitivity.
Diet & Nutrition
Requires 1/4 to 1/2 cup of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Special attention needed for weight management due to tendency to obesity. Small kibble size recommended.
Feed 1/4 to 1/2 cup high-quality dry food daily, split into two meals. Monitor calorie intake to prevent obesity. Consider special small-breed formulas with appropriate kibble size.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Well-suited to apartment living, requiring minimal space. Thrives in air-conditioned environments due to sensitivity to heat. Ideal for indoor settings with limited stairs.
Minimal space requirements make them perfect for apartment living. Adapts well to indoor environments with climate control. Prefers ground-level access but can manage stairs.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
Revered in ancient China, Pekingese dogs were sacred companions in the Imperial Palace of Beijing. Buddhist monks bred them to resemble tiny lions, symbolic of Buddha. Only royalty could own these precious dogs.
Historical Purpose
Sacred dogs of Chinese Imperial palace during Tang Dynasty, these companions were exclusively owned by royalty and served as temple guardians and lap dogs.
Fun Fact
Ancient Chinese emperors would sentence anyone who stole a Pekingese to death!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Regular grooming essential for coat maintenance. Heat sensitivity requires climate control. Special attention needed for facial wrinkles and breathing issues.