Pekingese make wonderful companions – they are loyal, devoted, protective and good-natured. Not to mention irresistibly cute!

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Pekingese exhibit all the characteristics of a royal – confidence, pride and stubbornness. Pekingese are also affectionate, lively and good-natured. They make wonderful companions if treated with love, respect and dignity.

Loyal and protective of their family, they make great watchdogs and bark incessantly to alert you of strangers. Other than that, Pekingese bark an average amount. Being determined and independent, they can be difficult to house-train. Be firm, assertive and consistent while training them. Let them know who’s boss or you will have a jealous, growling pet with behavioural issues.

Fun fact: Pekingese are associated with Chinese emperors.

They were so loved at one point that they were part of the nobility,

outranking most people in China. If lower members of society met one, they were to bow and show respect.

Full of pride, this button-sized breed does not take any rough handling kindly. Not even from three-year-olds. Pekingese will go into self-defence mode, which may be unsafe for children. They don’t do well with other pets either. Socialise them early and well and maybe your guinea pig will be accepted as part of the royal entourage. Pekingese also tend to put on weight easily, so follow the recommended feeding requirements. They live for 12-15 years.

A Pekingese is suited to an apartment. Give them their daily walks or a long, lively romp in a neighbourhood park and you’ll gain your buddy’s approval. They tend to wander off and go exploring, so keep your Pekingese on a leash. They are sensitive to heat and may need air-conditioning if you live in a warmer climate, especially in summer.

Pekingese have a long, luxurious double coat which needs regular grooming. A weekly brushing and combing as well as a monthly bath is necessary. To avoid hair breakage, wet their coat slightly. Use a metal comb on the fringing of their legs, ears and tail. These areas tangle easily, so comb often. Clean their face and around their eyes with pet wipes. Make sure your pal is thoroughly dry, especially in the folds. Trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly. Pekingese shed moderately.

Scheduled six monthly health checks visits with your vet are important to ensure that your dog is healthy and happy throughout all life stages. Together with your vet, you can determine and maintain a preventative health care program based on the individual needs of your canine companion.

Size

They are a toy-sized breed weighing 3.5-5.5kgs, with a height of 22cm.  

Space

A Pekingese will be happy curled up in an apartment. They prefer to be indoor dogs.

Energy Levels

This is one breed that would rather be a lap warmer than out chasing balls. However, daily walks are essential for good health.

Difficulty Of Training

While intelligent, they are very stubborn and will test your boundaries. Consistent training is the key.

Family Suitability

They are great family pets and loyal companions, however aren’t suited to young children.

Compatibility with other Pets

They love meeting new pets and will befriend other cats or dogs if socialised from a young age. 

Need for Company

Pekingese have a moderate need for company and enjoy spending time with their family.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

No 

Coat and Grooming Needs

This breed is high-maintenance. They have a long coat which comes in various colours. Brush them daily.

Shedding

They shed moderately.

Tendency to Bark

They have a moderate tendency to bark, so expect some conversation.

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