The Pekingese dog - a breed that's as regal as it is adorable. With their flat faces and fluffy coats, it's no wonder they're a favorite among dog enthusiasts.
Despite their small size, Pekingese dogs are known for their big personalities. They're loyal and protective of their families, but can be wary of strangers.
Pekingese dogs are relatively low-maintenance pets, requiring only short, gentle exercise sessions to keep them happy and healthy. This makes them a great choice for families with smaller living spaces or for people who don't have a lot of time to devote to exercise.
History
The Pekingese has a rich history that's steeped in royalty. The breed was originally created for the Chinese Imperial family.
By the Tang Dynasty, the Pekingese was thoroughly aristocratic, only allowed to be owned or bred within the imperial palace. This exclusivity was taken very seriously, with ordinary people expected to bow if they encountered a Lion Dog.
Emperor Ming, who ruled around 715 CE, was particularly fond of Lion Dogs, even referring to one of his small white dogs as one of his wives. This was likely to the frustration of his human courtiers.
The palace also got creative with breeding, producing smaller and smaller Lion Dogs, some weighing as little as six pounds. These tiny dogs were called "Sleeve Dogs" because they could be easily concealed in the billowing sleeves of silk robes.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your Pekingese looking and feeling their best, grooming is essential. They require frequent brushing to prevent tangles and knots in their long, luxurious coat.
Regular grooming sessions also allow you to check the area around their large eyes for signs of irritation and the ears for signs of wax buildup, irritation, or infection.
If this caught your attention, see: Dog Grooming for Difficult Dogs
Training
Training your Pekingese requires patience and consistency. Starting a routine with your puppy as early as possible is effective.
Keeping training sessions short is key to success. This will help prevent boredom and frustration.
Positive reinforcement is essential in training a Pekingese. Use treats, praise, and pets to keep them interested and motivated.
Starting on time is crucial for a successful training session. This will help your Pekingese learn to respect your schedule.
Worth a look: All about Dogs Dog Training
Grooming
Grooming is essential for your dog's overall health and well-being. Regular grooming sessions can help prevent dental issues by manually brushing your dog's teeth with pet-safe toothpaste.
The frequency of grooming depends on your dog's individual needs, but for Pekingese, their long, luxurious coat requires frequent brushing to prevent tangles and knots. Brushing their coat regularly will keep them looking their best.
Bathing your dog occasionally with a high-quality shampoo is also necessary to keep their coat clean. Make sure to clean the area around their large eyes to prevent irritation.
Regular grooming sessions allow you to detect early signs of issues that may require a trip to the veterinarian. This can be a great opportunity to bond with your dog and ensure they're in good condition.
Check this out: Dog Grooming for Anxious Dogs
Temperament
The Pekingese is a breed that's not for the faint of heart. They're independent and headstrong, with a courageous character that will not back down from a fight.
They can be aloof around strangers, but many are outgoing and loving, making them a great addition to families who are willing to put in the time to socialize them. However, this breed's stubbornness is legendary, and they can be quite challenging to housebreak.
Pekingese puppies are playful, curious, and affectionate, but they require plenty of supervision and puppy-proofing to keep them out of trouble. With patience and consistency, they can form strong bonds with their owners, but they may not be the best fit for families with very young children.
Pekingese
Pekingese are playful, curious, and affectionate puppies that need plenty of supervision and socialization to feel comfortable around other pets, people, and places.
They can be entertaining to watch, but also stubborn, especially when they want to learn more about something. This means they require patient and consistent training.
Pekingese puppies form strong bonds with their owners, but they can be independent and courageous, too. This unique combination makes them great companions for those who are willing to put in the time and effort.
Their long coat comes in many colors, including white, red sable, and black, with various markings and patterns. This makes every Pekingese a one-of-a-kind beauty.
Because of their flattened face, Pekingese are prone to certain illnesses and breathing difficulties. This is something to consider if you're thinking of bringing one of these adorable dogs into your family.
Pet Compatibility
Pet compatibility is a crucial aspect to consider when introducing a new furry friend to your household. The Pekingese often gets along with other pets due to their playful and friendly nature.
However, they can be fiercely confident and won't back down from other animals during a confrontation, which might put them in danger from larger dogs.
Pekingese Temperament
The Pekingese temperament is a unique blend of courage and independence. They're not afraid to stand up for themselves or their family, even if it means going after animals much larger than themselves.
Pekingese are naturally protective of their family, which makes them good watchdogs. However, their small size can sometimes get them into trouble.
They can be stubborn and difficult to housebreak, but with consistent training and a schedule, they can learn to do what's expected of them. Crate training can be particularly helpful in this regard.
Pekingese are generally better with children over five years old, as they can be quite noisy and don't like to be teased or woken up. If you have younger children, you'll need to be patient and gentle when interacting with your Pekingese.
Socialization is key when it comes to getting along with other dogs. If you socialize your Pekingese when they're young, they're likely to get along well with other dogs.
Pekingese make excellent lap dogs, as they were originally bred for companionship. With patience and training, they can be a wonderful addition to your family.
Check this out: Alternative Food for Dogs
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is a full grown Pekingese?
A full-grown Pekingese typically reaches 6-9 inches in height and weighs 7-14 pounds. Regular exercise is crucial to prevent obesity in this breed.
Sources
- History of the Pekingese Dog (thoughtco.com)
- Pekingese Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Pekingese Dog: Breed Info, Pictures, Facts, Traits & Care (dogster.com)
- Pekingese | Dog Breed Facts and Information (wagwalking.com)
- Pekingese Dog & Puppy Breed and Adoption Info (petfinder.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com