Black Pekingese Dog Complete Guide

The Black Pekingese dog is a unique and fascinating breed. They have a long history dating back to ancient China, where they were bred as companions for royalty.

The Black Pekingese dog is a small dog with a big personality. They typically weigh between 7-14 pounds and stand between 6-9 inches tall.

Their short, smooth coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners. Regular brushing can help reduce shedding and prevent matting.

With proper care and attention, Black Pekingese dogs can live up to 12-15 years, making them a loyal companion for many years.

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The Pekingese's flat face and large eyes are some of the breed's most obvious characteristics. They have a compact and low-to-the-ground body, with a muscular and durable build.

The Pekingese's unusual rolling gait may have been deliberately developed through selective breeding, to prevent the court dogs from wandering in ancient times. This unique gait is a distinctive feature of the breed.

The Pekingese weighs from 7 to 14 pounds and stands about 6-9 inches tall at the withers. However, they can be smaller, and these smaller Pekingese are commonly referred to as "sleeve" Pekingese or just "sleeves".

The Pekingese is a compact breed with a low-to-the-ground body, weighing in at 7 to 14 pounds.

Their stocky, muscular body is heavy for their size, making them a sturdy companion.

Standing at about 6-9 inches tall at the shoulder, they're quite small but mighty.

In ancient times, Pekingese that weighed less than six pounds were called "sleeve dogs" and rode in the sleeve cuffs of the robes worn by members of the imperial court.

Pekingese that exceed 14 pounds are actually disqualified in the show ring, making the smaller ones the preferred choice.

The Pekingese is a stunning breed with a wide range of coat colors, including gold, red, and sable, as well as cream, black, white, and tan. They can also have a unique blue or slate grey coat, although this can sometimes come with poor pigment and light eyes.

Their coat is double-layered, with a thick, soft undercoat and a long, coarse topcoat that stands away from the body like a furry halo. Regular grooming is a must to prevent mats and tangles, especially since they shed heavily.

You can brush your Pekingese at least once a week to keep their coat looking its best, and use a detangling spray if you encounter any pesky tangles. Professional grooming is usually needed every six to eight weeks to keep their coat in top condition.

The Pekingese has a distinctive mane on the neck and shoulder area, with longer fringing on the ears and tail, but their coat should not obscure their body shape. They can have any color or marking, including black and tan, fawn or red brindle, and particolor, which is white with another color.

Regardless of coat color, the exposed skin of the muzzle, nose, lips, and eye rims is always black. To keep their coat clean and healthy, brush all the way down to the skin, and use a metal comb on the feathering and fringing areas daily.

You should also clean the face and around the eyes daily with a damp cotton ball to prevent skin fold problems. Keep skin folds clean and dry to prevent infections, and bathe your Pekingese once or twice a month as needed.

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The black Pekingese dog is a beloved breed, but like all dogs, it's not immune to health issues. A 2024 UK study found that the breed has a life expectancy of 13.3 years, which is slightly higher than the average for purebreeds.

The leading cause of death for Pekingese dogs is trauma, and primary health concerns include neurological and cardiovascular defects. This is why it's essential to keep your black Pekingese safe and secure.

Other potential health concerns for the breed include brachycephaly, which can lead to breathing problems and eye issues. This is due to the breed's tiny skull and flattened face.

The Kennel Club (UK) changed the breed standard in 2008 to address potential breathing difficulties caused by the breed's flat face. This change was made in response to public opinion following a BBC programme.

The typical Pekingese lifespan is 12-14 years, which means you can expect to have your furry friend by your side for many years to come. With proper care and attention, many Pekingese dogs live happy and healthy lives.

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Here are some specific health issues that can affect black Pekingese dogs:

It's essential to be aware of these potential health issues and take steps to prevent them. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and plenty of exercise can all help keep your black Pekingese dog healthy and happy.

The black Pekingese dog requires daily brushing to keep its coat healthy and prevent matting. This breed has a beautiful, thick, and shiny double coat that's found in various colors, including black.

To prevent overheating, it's essential to keep your black Pekingese cool, especially in hot climates. Due to their abundance of fur, they can easily overheat, so make sure to provide plenty of water and a cool place to rest.

Exercise needs for black Pekingese are minimal, with a maximum of 30 minutes per day. However, it's crucial to monitor their breathing while exercising, especially in the heat, and cease immediately if they start wheezing.

To keep your black Pekingese's coat looking its best, you'll need to brush it at least one hour each week. Use a detangling and de-matting spray-on conditioner to remove pesky tangles, and consider professional grooming every six to eight weeks.

Here's a quick grooming checklist for your black Pekingese:

By following these care tips, you'll be able to keep your black Pekingese dog happy, healthy, and looking its best.

A Black Pekingese dog's nutritional needs are unique, and it's essential to provide them with a balanced diet.

Feeding your Black Pekingese a commercial kibble or wet food approved by the AAFCO is a great way to ensure they receive all the necessary nutrients.

Pekingese puppies require a food formulated specifically for puppies or designated for all life stages to support their growth and development.

Adult Pekingese should be fed a measured amount twice a day to prevent overeating and maintain a healthy weight.

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Adding omega-3 fatty acids to your Black Pekingese's diet can provide numerous health benefits, including supporting their skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart.

The recommended daily amount of food for an adult Black Pekingese is 1/2 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food, divided into two meals.

It's crucial to monitor your Black Pekingese's weight and adjust their food intake accordingly, as they can easily become overweight if overfed.

You should be able to feel but not see your Black Pekingese's ribs without having to press hard, which indicates a healthy weight.

The Pekingese breed is known for being alert and having a strong bark, often using it to alert their owners to potential threats. They can be a bit wary of new people and experiences, but early socialization can help reduce this tendency.

Pekingese are intelligent dogs that can be trained, but they can be stubborn and independent, making training a challenge. To succeed, use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and pets.

With consistent training and socialization, Pekingese can learn to be well-behaved and loyal companions.

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The Pekingese is an affectionate companion that's loyal to a select group of people. They're generally confident and opinionated, but a happy Pekingese is pretty laid-back at home.

Pekingese are alert dogs and have a strong bark for such a small pup. They might use this insistent bark when they think something is a threat—even if it's just a neighbor grabbing their mail.

Pekingese puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them. Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or the one who's hiding in the corner.

Pekingese can develop separation anxiety when their favorite humans aren't around, so it's essential to provide them with plenty of attention and interaction. They thrive on being part of the family.

They're intelligent dogs, but they often don't follow orders unless they see a good reason to do so, making training a bit of a challenge. Consistency and positive reinforcement are key to successful training.

The Pekingese is a stand-up character who's tougher and braver than his appearance suggests. He's loyal to and protective of his people, barking in warning when strangers appear.

The Pekingese has a regal background that can influence their behavior. They Were Royal Pups, bred for the Chinese Imperial family.

This heritage may contribute to their independent nature. They are not as easily trainable as some other breeds.

Their origins also suggest a strong sense of self-importance, which can be both a positive and a negative trait. They Were Royal Pups, after all.

As a result, consistent and patient training is essential. Consistency is key when dealing with a breed that values tradition.

Their royal upbringing may also make them more sensitive to criticism. They can be prone to mood swings if not handled carefully.

Despite these challenges, the Pekingese can make wonderful companions for the right owner. They are loyal and loving, just like any royal pup.