
The Pekingese dog is a small, compact breed with a distinctive appearance. They typically weigh between 7-14 pounds and stand between 6-9 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their short, fine coat can be a variety of colors including red, fawn, black, and blue, often with a black mask on the face. The coat is relatively easy to maintain, requiring only occasional brushing to prevent matting.
Pekingese dogs have a flat face with a short, pushed-in muzzle and a pronounced stop at the eyes. Their eyes are large and dark, often almond-shaped and slanted upwards.
Take a look at this: Black and White Pekingese Dog
Physical Characteristics
The Pekingese has a small compact body, somewhat shaped like a lion or a pear. It's bigger at the front than in the back, with a broad chest.
A Pekingese's body shape can be accentuated by its short, trimmed hair, which makes it appear lean and muscular.
The legs are short, with the front legs bowed.
Body
The Pekingese has a distinctive body shape, often compared to a lion or a pear. It's bigger at the front than in the back, with a broad chest.
Its compact body is a notable feature, giving it a lean and muscular appearance when its coat is short and trimmed.
A Pekingese with a trimmed coat will show off its physique, but it's worth noting that show dogs should not have their coats altered or trimmed.
Additional reading: Pekingese Dog Show
Legs

The legs of this animal are quite unique. They are short and have a distinct feature - the front legs are bowed.
The knees are positioned close to the body, which is an interesting aspect of their anatomy.
Coat and Appearance
The Pekingese's coat is one of its most distinctive features. It's a double coat, consisting of a shorter, softer undercoat and a longer, straight outercoat that flows liberally.
Their outercoat is the main attraction, with a coarse texture that's a joy to behold. It's worth noting that a long and bountiful coat is desirable, as long as it doesn't obscure the pup's shape.
A Pekingese's ears are heart-shaped and lie flat against their head, heavily feathered and fringed to frame the face and accentuate its shape.
Their eyes are large, round, and dark, with a bold but not bulging expression that's unmistakable.
Pekingese Coloration
The Pekingese is a dog with a unique and varied coat. One of the most distinctive features of the Pekingese is its coloration, which comes in many different variations.
The Pekingese comes in gold, a rich and vibrant color that's sure to turn heads.
Sables are another common color variation for the Pekingese, featuring a mix of black and brown hues.
White Pekingese are also a possibility, with a pure and snowy coat.
Black and tan Pekingese are a striking combination of two classic colors, creating a beautiful and eye-catching effect.
On a similar theme: Black Pekingese Dog
Face
The Pekingese's face is one of its most distinctive features, with a flat and black face that's mostly black on the bottom half around the mouth and nose.
The chin, nose, and forehead form a straight line when viewed from the side, giving the face a unique shape.
A melanistic mask often extends upward from the eyebrows, adding to the face's striking appearance.
The face is also wrinkled, with a main fold of fur-covered skin positioned diagonally between the eyes and nose, resembling an upside-down letter 'V' above the nose.
Coat
The Pekingese's coat is truly one of its most distinctive features. It's a double coat, consisting of a soft and thick undercoat and a long, straight outercoat that flows liberally.

The undercoat is shorter, while the outercoat is long and flows freely, giving the Pekingese its signature look. This unique coat requires regular maintenance to prevent matting and tangling.
The Pekingese's coat can be quite long, especially around the neck and shoulders, where it forms a distinctive "mane." This longer coat is desirable, but it's essential to ensure it doesn't obscure the pup's shape.
Here are some key characteristics of the Pekingese's coat:
- Double coat with a soft and thick undercoat and a long, straight outercoat
- Longer coat around the neck and shoulders, forming a distinctive "mane"
- Outer coat is coarse in texture, while the undercoat is softer
- Long feathers on the thighs, forelegs, and toes
Overall, the Pekingese's coat is a beautiful and unique feature that requires regular care and attention.
Size and Weight
A Pekingese's size and weight are quite unique. They top out at 14 pounds, which is a pretty compact package.
Their smaller cousins, the Sleeve Pekingese, are actually even lighter, with a maximum weight of 7 pounds.
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