Pekingese Dog Breed Guide
📍 Origin: China
The Pekingese is an ancient toy breed originating from imperial China, prized for centuries as a companion to Chinese royalty. Compact and dignified, this breed carries itself with a characteristic rolling gait and a confident, almost aristocratic bearing.
| Breed | Pekingese |
| Size | Small (7–14 lbs) |
| Height | 6–9 inches |
| Lifespan | 12–14 years |
| Temperament | Affectionate, Loyal, Independent |
| Energy Level | Low●●○○○ |
| Good With Kids | ❌ Not ideal |
| Grooming | Very High |
| Training | Fair |
| Shedding | Heavy |
| Best For | Experienced Owners |
🐕 Pekingese Overview
The Pekingese is a small but sturdy dog that combines a regal personality with deep loyalty to its chosen person. Despite its low exercise requirements and suitability for apartment living, this breed demands significant grooming commitment due to its long, flowing double coat. Pekingese tend to be independent and somewhat aloof with strangers, forming strong bonds with one or two family members rather than being universally sociable.
📜 History & Origin
The Pekingese has a recorded history spanning over 2,000 years in China, where it was kept exclusively by members of the imperial court in the Forbidden City and known as the Lion Dog. The breed was virtually unknown in the Western world until 1860, when British and French troops looted the Summer Palace during the Second Opium War and brought several dogs back to Europe. Queen Victoria received one of these dogs, named Looty, which helped launch the breed's popularity in Britain and eventually worldwide.
👀 Size & Appearance
🐶 Male
- Weight: 7–14 lbs (3–6 kg)
- Height: 6–9 inches (15–23 cm)
🐕 Female
- Weight: 7–14 lbs
- Height: 6–9 inches
Coat type: Long, double coat with a thick undercoat and a coarse, straight outer coat that forms a distinctive mane around the neck and shoulders
🧠 Temperament & Behaviour
With Children
Pekingeses require careful supervision around young children. Early socialisation is essential. Best suited to families with older children.
With Other Dogs & Pets
Can show aggression toward other dogs or animals. Early socialisation is important, but this breed may need careful management in multi-pet households.
🏃 Exercise Needs
Pekingeses have relatively low exercise needs — around 30 minutes of gentle daily exercise is usually adequate. They adapt well to quieter lifestyles but still benefit from fresh air and mental stimulation.
✅ Apartment living: Possible with adequate daily exercise commitment.
🍗 Food & Diet Guide
🐶 Puppy (8 weeks – 12 months)
- Feed a large/medium breed puppy formula
- 3–4 small meals per day up to 6 months
- Reduce to 2–3 meals from 6 months onward
- Look for AAFCO "complete and balanced for growth" statement
- Avoid overfeeding — controlled growth prevents joint issues
🐕 Adult (Pekingese)
- Daily amount: 0.5 to 1 cup split across 2 meals of quality dry kibble
- Split into 2 meals per day
- Choose AAFCO-compliant food for adult maintenance
- Monitor weight monthly — adjust portions as needed
- ⚠️ High obesity risk — measure portions carefully
Always consult your veterinarian for a feeding plan specific to your dog's age, weight, and health status.
🏅 Training Guide
Basic Commands
Start sit, stay, come, and leave it from day one. Positive reinforcement with treats works best. Keep sessions to 5–10 minutes.
Toilet Training
Take puppy outside every 2 hours and immediately after meals, play, and sleep. Reward immediately after they go outside.
Leash Training
Start with a flat collar and short sessions. Reward loose-leash walking. A front-clip harness helps dogs that pull.
Socialisation
Expose to different people, sounds, and environments between 8–16 weeks. This is the critical window for confident adult behaviour.
✂️ Grooming
Brushing
Daily brushing required to prevent matting and tangles.
Bathing
Bath every 4–6 weeks or when dirty. Over-bathing strips natural coat oils.
Nail Trimming
Trim nails every 3–4 weeks. If you hear clicking on hard floors, they are too long.
Ear Cleaning
Check ears weekly for redness, odour, or discharge. Clean gently with a vet-approved ear cleaner.
🩺 Health Problems
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Regular veterinary screening is recommended. Discuss breed-specific testing with your vet.
Preventive Health Tips
- Annual vet checkups (twice yearly for dogs over 7)
- Keep vaccinations and deworming up to date
- Maintain a healthy weight — obesity worsens most conditions
- Ask your breeder for OFA/PennHIP health clearances on parents
⏱ Lifespan
The average Pekingese lifespan is 12–14 years. Smaller breeds often live longer than larger breeds. Individual lifespan depends heavily on genetics, diet, exercise, and veterinary care.
Tips for a Longer, Healthier Life
- Feed a balanced, high-quality diet appropriate for age and size
- Maintain a healthy weight throughout life
- Regular exercise matched to age and health status
- Annual vet visits for early detection of health issues
- Dental care — dental disease affects overall health significantly
💷 Puppy Price
United States
Pedigree AKC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Europe
Pedigree FCI-registered puppy from health-tested parents
United Kingdom
Pedigree KC-registered puppy from health-tested parents
Estimated Monthly Cost (UK)
Prices vary by breeder, location, and pedigree quality. Always buy from a health-tested, reputable breeder — never from puppy farms.
⚖️ Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Experienced owners who appreciate independent breeds
- Retired or low-activity individuals
- Single-person households or couples without young children
❌ Cons
- First-time dog owners seeking an easy-to-train companion
- Families with toddlers or very young children
- Active owners wanting a jogging or outdoor adventure partner
- Heavy shedding — regular vacuuming needed
- High grooming maintenance and cost
- Prone to obesity — portion control essential
🆚 Pekingese vs Other Breeds
✅ Pekingese wins at
The Pekingese tends to be more independent and less demanding of constant attention, suiting owners who want a companion without a clingy personality.
✅ Shih Tzu wins at
The Shih Tzu is generally friendlier with children and other pets, making it a better fit for busy family households.
✅ Pekingese wins at
The Pekingese has a lower exercise requirement and is slightly calmer indoors, making it marginally better for very sedentary owners.
✅ Lhasa Apso wins at
The Lhasa Apso tends to be a sharper watchdog with a slightly more robust build and fewer respiratory concerns than the flat-faced Pekingese.
🏠 Who Should Own a Pekingese?
✅ Great Choice If You Are:
- Experienced owners who appreciate independent breeds
- Retired or low-activity individuals
- Single-person households or couples without young children
❌ Consider Another Breed If:
- First-time dog owners seeking an easy-to-train companion
- Families with toddlers or very young children
- Active owners wanting a jogging or outdoor adventure partner
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pekingese good for families?
The Pekingese can be a wonderful companion for the right family, but it is generally not recommended for households with toddlers or very young children. This breed tends to be sensitive and can react sharply if handled roughly or startled, which makes interactions with small children unpredictable. Families with older, respectful children and patient adults will find the Pekingese a loyal and affectionate pet.
How much does a Pekingese puppy cost?
In the United Kingdom, a Pekingese puppy from a reputable breeder typically costs between 800 and 2,000 GBP depending on pedigree and breeder reputation. In Pakistan, prices generally range from 25,000 to 80,000 PKR, while in India buyers can expect to pay between 15,000 and 45,000 INR from established breeders. Rescue and rehoming fees will be considerably lower in all three countries, and adopting from a shelter is always worth considering.
Is Pekingese easy to train?
The Pekingese is not considered an easy breed to train and is often ranked low in obedience and working intelligence assessments. This is not due to low intelligence but rather a deeply independent and stubborn nature inherited from centuries of being treated as royalty rather than working dogs. Consistent positive reinforcement, short training sessions and patience are essential; harsh or repetitive methods will cause this breed to disengage entirely.
What food is best for a Pekingese?
A high-quality small-breed dry kibble with real meat listed as the first ingredient is generally the best foundation diet for a Pekingese. Because this breed is prone to obesity and has a relatively low activity level, portion control is critical and free-feeding should be avoided. Owners should discuss specific calorie targets with their veterinarian, as individual needs vary based on age, weight and activity level.
Does Pekingese bark a lot?
The Pekingese can be a moderate to frequent barker, especially when strangers approach or when it senses something unusual in its environment. Early socialization and consistent training can help manage excessive barking, though some vocal behavior is a natural trait of the breed.
Can a Pekingese live in an apartment?
Yes, the Pekingese is genuinely well-suited to apartment living due to its small size, low exercise needs and calm indoor temperament. Owners should be mindful of the breed's tendency to bark and its sensitivity to heat, as brachycephalic dogs can overheat quickly in poorly ventilated spaces.
🏆 Final Verdict
The Pekingese is best suited to experienced dog owners who understand the breed's specific needs. With a lifespan of 12–14 years, moderate activity needs, and very high grooming requirements, the Pekingese is better suited to adult households or families with older children.
If you can meet their exercise, training, and care needs, the Pekingese will reward you with years of loyal companionship.