![\"So](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/pekingese-dog-breed-700x525.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nPekingese are small, sturdy dogs who love their families. But they are an independent breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Before making your decision, you need to learn about them, including potential health problems and grooming needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
This is not a wash-and-go breed. They are high maintenance and require regular grooming and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I\u2019ve trained numerous Pekes over the years. They are charming, independent dogs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To successfully work with them, I keep the training sessions short and fun. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you lead him to think that learning a new cue was his idea,<\/em> a Peke should learn whatever he\u2019s physically capable of doing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are sturdy, small, compact dogs with a rolling gait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although they are very independent dogs, they can be fine with novice owners as long as you can meet their needs (discussed below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n They were bred as companions and don\u2019t require much physical exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes can be traced to the eighth century Tang Dynasty in China. The lines were kept pure then and theft of the valued dogs was punishable by death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The breed was bred down from larger dogs by Chinese Emperors and their courtiers. They bred flat-faced lap dogs such as Pekes, shih tzus, and pugs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When British troops invaded Beijing (Peking) in 1860 to loot and burn the Emperor’s magnificent summer palace, the royal family killed the Pekes so that they didn\u2019t fall into enemy hands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A British captain discovered five surviving Pekes that were hidden behind drapery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The dogs were brought to Queen Victoria as a gift. And the breed quickly caught on amongst her subjects. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes arrived in America by the late 1890s and were registered by the AKC in 1906.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes were bred to resemble Foo dogs, a mythical guardian lion in China. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Smaller Pekes (of four to five pounds) were valued in the Imperial City for their ferocity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although they\u2019re small, they\u2019re mighty and fearless. They were mini watch dogs who were hidden in large, flowing sleeves of their owners. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When they sensed danger, they would fly out at intruders, snarling and snapping all the way. Of course, this was a shock to the intruder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes who weigh less than six pounds are still called \u201csleeves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n This protective trait is still evident in the modern Peke, who is vocal against intruders or perceived dangers.<\/p>\n\n\n Pekes don\u2019t require a lot of exercise. A short walk and some play sessions should keep him fit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They can make great lap dogs and couch potatoes while you binge-watch Netflix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for your next canine athlete, a Peke definitely isn\u2019t for you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They don\u2019t have the stamina to keep up on such treks. With their short legs and long bodies, they couldn’t keep up. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And a Peke would overheat on such ventures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their body conformation, Pekes also don\u2019t generally swim very well<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They are attached and loyal to their families. But they are generally aloof with and wary of strangers and can sound the alarm when presented with intruders\u2013or even new situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Despite their diminutive size, Pekes are very brave. So it\u2019s especially important to properly socialize them<\/a> to people and all that they will face during their lives. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Otherwise, they can develop \u201csmall dog syndrome\u201d and become overly aggressive and protective. They have to learn to distinguish friend from foe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although they\u2019re very intelligent, Pekes can be a challenge to train. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s an independent breed that many call stubborn. Peke people often call them \u201copinionated.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Train basic cues<\/a> and add some fun tricks too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You must use positive reinforcement<\/a> and make training fun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Peke will easily tune out repetitive drills. Instead, use yummy small treats<\/a>, praise, and play when rewarding desired behaviors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep the sessions short to keep the dog\u2019s attention. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, Pekes don\u2019t have a ton of stamina, so you don\u2019t want him to wear out or overheat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Harsh training methods shouldn\u2019t be used with any breed. But if such methods are used with a Peke, he will probably become defensive and aggressive and may bite.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A bored Peke can become destructive. It\u2019s an intelligent breed and can easily become bored. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So teach your dog tricks. Provide enrichment activities<\/a> and puzzle toys<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n They are loyal, dedicated, and playful with their families. They often bond especially to one family member. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Peke will tolerate respectful children who he knows if he was properly bred and socialized.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But care has to be taken with babies and toddlers and other dogs. They can potentially inadvertently injure a Peke. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And, if necessary, a Peke may attempt to defend himself if roughly handled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I rescued a Peke named China many years ago. She was slated to be euthanized for being aggressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n I rescued her but couldn’t keep her myself, as I already had seven dogs at the time. It turned out that she was just defensive in the setting she was in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But China was actually a very sweet dog with everyone when she was treated properly. And she lived a long life with my friend who adopted her. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes are regally aloof and wary of strangers, but they shouldn\u2019t be aggressive. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In fact, they are described as being \u201ca good natured, opinionated, and affectionate companion to those who have earned its respect.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes must be socialized with other friendly dogs so that they\u2019ll accept them later in life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You have to watch that a Peke isn\u2019t injured, so playing with much larger dogs or dogs with rough play styles isn\u2019t recommended. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Peke will stand his ground against other dogs, so you need to be sure that other dogs that he meets will accept his brave confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if you\u2019re looking for a dog who welcomes everyone or who enjoys rough play, a Peke isn\u2019t for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although training a Peke to perform complicated behaviors may be challenging, some have proven that they can compete in more than just conformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes love to be with you and love to play. So they may enjoy the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Teach him fun tricks, like speak\/quiet, dance, beg, wave, and roll over<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you get the right Peke and train and socialize him properly, you can compete in obedience. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But, as I said, be aware that they don\u2019t like repetitive drills as a border collie or Aussie may. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And some Pekes may enjoy therapy work. Each dog\u2019s an individual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you find that yours is standoffish with strangers, you should participate in events that he enjoys instead.<\/p>\n\n\n They are affectionate and love to be with their people. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So a Peke would be happy engaging in play with you\u2013or even just relaxing on the sofa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They can be beggars. So don\u2019t give in, even though their large, pleading eyes are hard to resist. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes aren\u2019t very active dogs and will tend to put on too much weight quickly if overindulged. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes adapt to where you live. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But be aware that, because of their watch dog heritage, they are alert and may bark and sound the alarm when strangers approach or if there are strange noises. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, an apartment or attached dwelling may be a challenge. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to train them from the time that they are puppies to be quiet and not bark excessively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because they tend to be watch dogs who will bark at strangers and strange noises, they can bark too much. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So train them from puppyhood to be quiet and redirect them to a desired activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes are a brachycephalic breed. Their flat face makes them prone to heat exhaustion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So, if you live where it gets very hot, make sure that your Peke isn\u2019t taken outside except for a quick potty break during the hottest part of the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Have him remain in air conditioning, relaxing. After all, they were bred as treasured companions who lived in Imperial palaces. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They do better in cooler than in warmer climates. Pekingese are an arctic breed by nature who originated in the coldest climate of China. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So they tolerate the cold extremely well, but not the heat. But don\u2019t leave him out in the cold for longer than for a short play session or walk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In cold weather, you can put a coat<\/a> or sweater<\/a> on your Peke, especially if he is in a puppy clip.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Like some other toy dogs, Pekes are known to be difficult to house train<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also choose to train the dog to use potty pads<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have a healthy Peke, patience and persistence will pay off to have a reliably house trained dog.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes are compact, stocky dogs. They stand at six to nine inches at the shoulder and weigh up to 14 pounds. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They love new adventures. So, as long as your Peke isn\u2019t exposed to temperature extremes, he will be a great travel buddy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Get him used to traveling when he\u2019s young so that he doesn\u2019t become car sick<\/a>. Then you can take him with you on your adventures. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many car seats<\/a> for small dogs that will be perfect for him. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And there are small kennels<\/a> and soft travel bags<\/a> to transport him. You can even carry him in a pouch made for that purpose<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Peke is a solid, muscular dog with a heavier front and lighter hindquarters. He is slightly longer than he is tall. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The dog\u2019s head is in proportion to his body. A Peke\u2019s topskull is massive, broad and flat. And he has wide set, round eyes and a broad lower jaw.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though they can weigh only up to 14 pounds, they are surprisingly heavy when lifted. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though a Peke is sturdier than some toy breeds, he can suffer tracheal damage if he pulls or is pulled in a collar. So I advise walking him in a well-fitted harness<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking for a canine companion who will be with you on numerous adventures, a Peke fits the bill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.<\/p>\n\n\n They are a brachycephalic breed, which means that their head is both broad and short, resulting in small nostrils, long palates, and a narrow trachea. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This can lead to brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome, which can result in severe respiratory distress. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You have to be especially careful that they don\u2019t over-exercise. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They are also at risk in extremes of temperature and humidity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n A Peke can also have a reverse sneeze, in which he will snort and gag to remove mucus, for a minute or two at most. Although not harmful, hearing a reverse sneeze can be frightening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re a light sleeper, be prepared to sleep with ear plugs. Because of their flat muzzles, Pekes tend to snore.<\/p>\n\n\n All breeds can have some health problems. Because of their long back, short legs, and flat muzzle, Pekes are prone to certain health issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n So be careful that your Peke doesn\u2019t jump on or off furniture that\u2019s too high. If you want him to be on the furniture, teach him to use stairs<\/a> or a ramp<\/a> made for that purpose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their conformation, some Pekes aren\u2019t able to even navigate stairs safely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that you get your Peke from a reputable breeder or rescue group<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Because of their very prominent eyes, they tend to easily suffer eye injuries. So make sure that everyone interacting with your Peke is careful, even in play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Potential health issues include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Their thick double coat requires a lot of maintenance. Brushing at least one hour per week will help prevent matting and remove loose hairs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Mats and tangles can be worked out gently by using a slicker brush<\/a> and metal comb<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Daily brushing is best to keep his skin and hair in great condition. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, regularly clip nails<\/a> for comfort and to not compromise the dog\u2019s structure. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Also check and clean a Peke\u2019s facial folds daily to be sure that they are clean and dry and there are no hot spots or infection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You can keep your Peke in a puppy clip\u2013also known as a lion clip or summer clip\u2013for easier care. This would require a cutting every eight to 12 weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Professional groomers are expensive\u2013but worth it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because a Peke requires so much handling, it\u2019s important to get him used to handling and grooming when he\u2019s a puppy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They shed seasonally. Bathe as necessary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The standard markings are a black mask, parti-color, or white markings. They can also have a black face or mask with white markings. Or a black muzzle with or without white markings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As is true of many brachycephalic breeds, they tend to have dental problems. So brush their teeth<\/a> regularly and have a vet check them.<\/p>\n\n\n Because their eyes are so prominent, make sure to check them daily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If they squint, appear red, or show any other irregularity, an immediate vet visit is in order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes aren\u2019t the most popular breed. So if you want a dog who will stand out, a Peke is certainly showy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekes often need to have cesarean births, which can be very expensive. And they have small litters. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Reputable breeders will only breed the best specimens and not breed them too young or too often. <\/p>\n\n\n\n This makes Pekes expensive, usually costing from $1,500 and up depending on location and whether the puppy is pet or show quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Puppy mill<\/a> and back-yard breeders should be avoided.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may decide to get a Peke from a reputable breed or rescue organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For rescue information about Pekes, contact the Pekingese Charitable Foundation<\/a>, the Pekingese Rescue Network<\/a>, Pekingese Rescue<\/a>, or the Potomac Valley Pekingese Club<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For breeder referrals, contact the Pekingese Club of America<\/a> or the AKC<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Probably not. Pekes are not high-energy, active, canine athletes. Although they enjoy a short walk and play sessions, they don\u2019t have the endurance for those activities and can easily overheat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n No. Pekes can easily be injured by toddlers and won\u2019t tolerate rough handling. So a Peke isn\u2019t the best choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sure\u2013as long as you meet his grooming and other needs. Pekes love to be with their people. And, if properly bred, trained, and socialized, a Peke should accept your friends, especially after he gets to know them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pekingese can be great companions for the right family. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Although they don\u2019t require much physical exercise, they still require a lot of attention from their people, including play. <\/p>\n\n\n\n They need regular grooming and are susceptible to some health issues, including eye injuries. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But if you\u2019re looking for a bold, unusual-looking travel buddy with personality to spare, a Peke may be in your future.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Are you still thinking about getting a Pekingese?<\/p>\n\n\n\n If so, why? If not, why not?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Did this blog post help you make your decision<\/p>\n\n\n\n Please tell us about it in the comments section below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So you want a Pekingese but wonder whether the breed\u2019s a good fit for your family. If you\u2019re an active family looking for a hiking…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":35401,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1897],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-35270","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-breeds"],"yoast_head":"\n31 Facts About Pekingese: What\u2019s Good About Them and What\u2019s Bad About Them<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1. Pekingese Are Classified as Toy Dogs by the American Kennel Club (AKC)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2. They Are Fine for Novice Owners<\/h3>\n\n\n
![\"Peke](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-21.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n3. Pekingese Are an Ancient Breed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4. They Were Known as Lion Dogs, Sun Dogs, and Sleeve Dogs and, Though Small, Are Known To Be Fearless<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Peke](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-28-700x525.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n5. Pekes Hit the Big Time: Famous Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
6. They Don\u2019t Require Much Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
7. They Aren\u2019t Jogging, Running, Hiking, or Swimming Companions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
8. Socialization Is Required<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
9. Make Training Fun! <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
10. They Require Mental Stimulation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Peke](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-22-700x525.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n11. Pekes Love Their Family and Are Aloof With Strangers and Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
12. Not Just Another Pretty Face: Pekes Can Perform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
![\"Peke](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-25-700x933.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n13. Pekes Are Great Lap Dogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
14. They Can Tend To Become Obese<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
15. They Adapt Well To New Places<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
16. Pekes Can Be Noisy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
17. They Don\u2019t Do Well in Temperature Extremes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
18. They Can Be Difficult To House Train<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
19. They Are Small, Portable Traveling Companions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
20. Pekes Are Surprisingly Heavy for Their Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
21. Walk Him on a Well-Fitted Harness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
22. Pekes Have Long Lives<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Peke](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-29-700x394.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n23. Pekes\u2019 Flat Faces Cause Them To Be Prone To Certain Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Peke](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/image-26-700x700.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n24. Pekes Are Prone To Many Other Health Problems To Be Aware Of<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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25. Pekes Require Regular Grooming, and It Can Be Expensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
26. Pekes Come in a Wide Variety of Colors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
27. They Tend To Have Dental Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Peke](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/peke-700x933.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n28. Check Their Eyes Regularly To Avoid Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
29. They Rank 96th in Popularity of 284 AKC Breeds<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
30. A Well-Bred Peke Isn\u2019t Cheap<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
31. There Are Valuable Resources To Find a Great Pekingese<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
I love how cute Pekingese are! But I\u2019m pretty active and love to run and hike when I\u2019m not working. Can a Peke be a good fit? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
We have three children. Two are under five years old, and the third is eight. Do you recommend a Peke for our family? <\/h3>\n\n\n\n
I want a dog that I can take with me while I shop and visit friends. Can you recommend a Peke?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Save To Pinterest<\/h2>\n\n\n
![\"So](\"https:\/\/puppyintraining.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/so-you-want-a-pekingese-700x1050.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"