The Mini Pekingese dog is a beloved companion for many families. They are a toy breed that originated in China over 2,000 years ago.
Mini Pekingese dogs are known for their distinctive flat face and short snout, which can make breathing and eating challenging. Their average weight is around 7-14 pounds.
These dogs have a long, flowing coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. A daily brushing is essential to keep their coat in good condition.
Their calm and gentle nature makes them an excellent choice for families with children or for people who want a low-maintenance pet.
What is a Mini Pekingese?
The Miniature Pekingese is a petite but well-balanced compact breed of dog.
It has a large head proportion to the rest of its body, with the top of the head being flat, broad, and massive.
Its front face is flat with a broad muzzle, thicker under the eyes, which separate lower and upper parts of its face.
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Miniature Pekingese has a coarse texture long coat with profuse feathering.
The breed has a thick and short neck and short, thick as well as a heavy-boned leg.
It has a high-set tail that is arched as well as carried over the back.
The Miniature Pekingese is regarded as a lap dog.
This breed was bred for keeping British and Chinese royals company.
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Physical Characteristics
Miniature Pekingese dogs have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other breeds. They are long-bodied, low dogs with a sturdy build despite their small size.
Their gait is distinct, with a rolling motion due to their build. A Miniature Pekingese's muzzle is shortened, with a V-shaped nose and prominent big eyes.
Their ears are long and hang off their round head, while their tail is carried regally over their back. A profuse crowning glory is a notable feature of this breed, with a coat that hangs long and straight.
The coat has a harsh texture and an abundant soft undercoat, with lots of fringe hair on their limbs, tail, and ears. All colors are acceptable, but a black outlining to their eyes, black mask, and black on ears is desirable.
They typically weigh between 7 to 14 pounds, with some individuals weighing as little as 3.2 kilograms.
What Does It Look Like?
The Miniature Pekingese has a sturdy body despite its small size, and its build adds to a rolling gait.
They have a long-bodied, low dog shape with a limb somewhat curved.
Their shortened muzzles and V-shaped nose are quite distinctive.
Prominent big eyes are a characteristic feature of this breed.
Long ears hang off their big round head.
The tail is carried regally over their back.
A profuse crowning glory is a notable feature of the Miniature Pekingese, with a harsh texture and an abundant soft undercoat.
Lots of fringe hair is on their limbs, tails, and ears.
All colors are acceptable, but a black outlining to their eyes, black mask, and black on ears is desirable.
They generally weigh 14lbs or below.
How Big Do They Get?
When considering the size of a Miniature Pekingese, it's essential to note that they can weigh from 7 to 14 pounds.
They typically stand about 6 to 9 inches tall at the withers.
Male and female Pekingese generally reach the same height, which is a full-grown miniature Pekingese height of six to nine inches.
A smaller version of the Miniature Pekingese is known as the Sleeve Pekingese.
Grooming and Shedding
Grooming a Miniature Pekingese requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. This breed sheds moderately to heavily, especially during seasonal changes.
To manage shedding, brush your Miniature Pekingese's coat at least a couple of times a week. Pay special attention to areas prone to matting, such as behind the ears and around the armpits.
Frequent brushing also helps prevent dental issues by reducing the buildup of tartar on the teeth. You can manually brush your Miniature Pekingese's teeth with pet-safe toothpaste.
Bathing your Miniature Pekingese is crucial, but overdoing it can damage their fur. Limit full baths to about twice or thrice a year, and use a warm moist cloth to wipe their underbelly, genital area, and paws in between baths.
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Do Dogs Shed?
Dogs shed to some extent, but the amount varies greatly between breeds. Some dogs shed heavily, while others shed minimally.
Pekingese, for example, have a straight, long outer coat and a thick and soft undercoat, which sheds a moderate to heavy amount yearly. They require regular brushing to keep shedding to a minimum.
Shedding is a natural process for dogs, and it's essential to understand that some breeds shed more than others. Pekingese, in particular, shed about the same year-round, but more profusely during specific times of the year as they prepare for climate changes.
If you're not a fan of regular grooming, you might want to consider a breed that sheds less. But if you're willing to invest time in brushing, a Pekingese can still make a great companion.
Stopping Dog Shedding
Stopping dog shedding is a must for Pekingese owners, as they have a thick and soft undercoat that sheds a moderate to heavy amount yearly. Regular brushing is essential to manage this shedding.
Pekingese have a straight, long outer coat and a thick undercoat, which sheds a lot, especially during specific times of the year. They shed as a way of preparing for the change in climate.
To stop dog shedding, you should brush your Pekingese regularly, ideally 2-3 times a week. This will help prevent tangles and mats from forming, especially behind their ears and around their armpits.
In addition to regular brushing, you should also pay attention to your Pekingese's bathing schedule. They only need a full bath about twice or thrice a year, as frequent bathing can dry and damage their fur.
You should also wipe their underbelly, genital part, and paws with a warm moist cloth every week in between baths. And after a bath, carefully blowdry their hair to prevent damage.
By following these simple grooming tips, you can help reduce your Pekingese's shedding and keep their beautiful coat looking its best.
Health and Allergies
Miniature Pekingese dogs can live up to 12-14 years, which is a relatively long lifespan for a small breed.
Their typical lifespan is 12-14 years.
However, they can be prone to certain health issues due to their physical characteristics.
Miniature Pekingese dogs have a flattened face, which can cause breathing issues and make anesthesia tricky to administer.
They also have a higher risk of herniated disks and dislocated kneecaps.
Regular eye exams can help prevent and diagnose eye problems, such as severe dryness and corneal abrasions, which are common in this breed.
Daily physical examination can also help identify any potential health issues early on.
Are Hypoallergenic?
The idea of a hypoallergenic dog breed is a bit of a myth. No breed of dog is truly hypoallergenic.
The phrase "hypoallergenic" is often misused, but it's actually a misleading term. It's not the dog's fur that causes allergies, but rather the dead skin and dried saliva.
Even hairless dogs can still trigger allergies. The allergens don't come from the coat itself, but rather from the skin and saliva.
Heavy shedding dogs like miniature Pekingese can spread allergens more easily than low shedding breeds.
Health Issues in Small Breeds
Small breeds like the Miniature Pekingese are prone to various health issues due to their unique characteristics.
Their flat faces can make it difficult for them to tolerate anesthesia, so it's essential to find a veterinarian with experience in anesthetizing this breed before any surgery.
Daily physical and eye examinations can help prevent and diagnose potential medical problems in these dogs.
They're also more susceptible to catching colds quickly and may experience hereditary eye issues, such as severe dryness and corneal abrasions.
Some common health issues in small breeds include dental disease and obesity.
A Pekingese's typical lifespan is 12-14 years, but they can be prone to brachycephalic syndrome, dry eye syndrome, and mitral valve disease.
Here's a list of some health issues that can affect small breeds:
- Dental disease
- Obesity
- Brachycephalic syndrome
- Dry eye syndrome
- Mitral valve disease
It's worth noting that investing in pet health insurance prior to a diagnosis can make treatment more accessible for these breeds.
Care and Maintenance
Pekingese dogs are short-faced, so they can easily overheat, making exercise in hot weather a big no-no. Be mindful of this when taking your mini Pekingese out for a walk.
Regular brushing is a must for mini Pekingese dogs with a long coat. Set aside at least an hour each week to brush your pup's coat to prevent matting.
A detangling and de-matting spray-on conditioner can be a lifesaver when dealing with pesky tangles. Use it to make brushing a bit easier and less painful for your dog.
To keep your mini Pekingese's coat looking its best, you'll need to visit the groomer every six to eight weeks. This is a necessary part of their grooming routine.
Excessive barking can be a problem in mini Pekingese dogs, so early socialization and positive training are essential. Be patient and consistent in your training approach.
Exercise and Nutrition
A Pekingese's exercise needs are surprisingly low, making them a great fit for older people or those with health issues. They're happy with short leisurely walks and indoor playtime that includes mentally stimulating activities.
A daily walk is essential, especially for a miniature Pekingese, as they tend to show behavior issues if they don't get enough physical activity. Playing fetch or engaging in playtime is also a great way to get them moving.
Feeding your mini Pekingese high-quality dog food that lists real meat as the first ingredient is crucial. It should be appropriate for their age, and you may want to consider a small breed food, especially if your vet recommends it.
Weight
To determine the right exercise and nutrition plan for your Miniature Pekingese, it's essential to understand their weight categories.
A Miniature Pekingese weighs six pounds or less, qualifying them for this affectionate moniker.
This tiny weight bracket means they require less food and exercise compared to other breeds.
He is referred to as mini Pekingese if he is in the little bigger six to eight-pound bracket.
Their luxurious and fluffy coat sheds more, which can affect their overall weight and health.
Does Need Exercise?
The Pekingese is a low-maintenance breed when it comes to exercise. They don't require a lot of physical activity to stay happy and healthy.
One thing that's great about Pekingese is that they can adapt to a variety of lifestyles, including those of older people or individuals with health issues. They can thrive with short leisurely walks and indoor playtime that includes mentally stimulating activities.
A regular walk is a must for Pekingese, as they tend to show behavior issues if they don't get to go on walks regularly. This is especially true for miniature Pekingese.
Playing with your Pekingese is a great way to get them the exercise they need, but it's not enough to fulfill their primal urge to stroll. They also love to run around in a secure, open field or a big, fenced-in backyard off the lead.
Food Requirements
When choosing a food for your Pekingese, look for a commercial kibble or wet food approved by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) to ensure a complete and balanced diet.
Feed your Pekingese high-quality dog food that lists real meat like chicken or beef as the first ingredient.
Pekingese puppies need a food formulated specifically for puppies or designated for all life stages, so be sure to choose a puppy-friendly food.
Omega-3 fatty acids can be beneficial for your Pekingese, particularly if they're added to their diet through supplements, fish oil, or specially formulated dog foods.
A dental-focused diet may be recommended by your veterinarian to help prevent dental disease in adult Pekingese.
Regularly check with the FDA for any recalls on the brand you're using or considering, especially if it contains chemical preservatives or artificial colors.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long do mini Pekingese live?
Mini Pekingese typically live for 12 to 14 years, making them a long-term companion.
Sources
- Miniature Pekingese | What's Good and Bad About 'Em? (puppiesclub.com)
- Pekingese Club of America (pekingeseclubofamerica.com)
- dog-specific toothpaste (chewy.com)
- dog-specific shampoo (chewy.com)
- dog-specific ear cleaner (chewy.com)
- https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pekingese/ (akc.org)
- A post shared by Max the peke-a-chon (@max_pekeachon) (instagram.com)
- A post shared by Peek-a-Pom (@peekapomdog) (instagram.com)
- Pekingese Dog Breed Information and Pictures (dogbreedinfo.com)
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