Appearance

Body: Short, compact, pear-shaped, well-balanced and carried low to the ground with a wide chest, well-sprung ribs, and level backline; heavier in the front than the rear.

Coat: Long, coarse, thick, and straight with a dense, woolly undercoat.

Color: All colors including red, sable, fawn, white, black and tan, and brindle.

Ears: Heart-shaped, set high and forward on the head, and nicely feathered.

Eyes: Large, round, dark, wide set, and radiant.

Feet: Large, flat (not round); forefeet are turned slightly outward and hind feet point straight ahead.

Head: Rectangular with a massive skull that is wide and flat between the ears, deep stop, wide, flat muzzle, and short, wide, black nose set well up near the eyes.

Neck: Short, long, and thick with a long, thick mane.

Legs: Forelegs are wide set, short, dense, somewhat bowed, and well-boned. The hindquarters are lighter than the forequarters with moderate angulations of the stifle and hock.

The Pekingese were bred to have bowed front legs to keep them from wandering to far from home.

Size:
Height is 6 – 9 inches
Weight is 7 – 14 pounds

Tail: High set, slightly arched, carried upward over the back and falling to one side.

Behavior

Recommended for novice dog handlers.
Not fond of long walks.
Best suited to one owner.
Good with children and other small pets if raised with them.

The Pekingese is a small dog with a big ego but willing, at times, to stoop to the level of others. He is calm, affectionate, very stubborn, independently-minded, and comical. His tenacity is such that, although quiet and even-tempered, he fears nothing.

AKC Standard says, “A combination of regal dignity, intelligence and self-importance make for a good natured, opinionated and affectionate companion to those who have earned its respect.”

He is a possessive dog best suited to one owner. His disposition is gentle and good-natured but he is unlikely to accept having other dogs and children around to compete for affection unless they were raised with him.

Bruce Fogle, author of The New Encyclopedia of the Dog, says “the Pekingese is stubborn as a mule and slow as a snail with bowed legs.”

The Pekingese were purposely bred with bowed legs to keep them from wandering to far from home.

Obedience training is easy as long as, with each command, he thinks it was his idea. Use positive training methods, treat him with the respect he deserves, and praise him profusely for agreeing to work with you.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Toy Group

Bred for companionship and once considered sacred by the Chinese Tang dynasty.

The International Encyclopedia of Dogs says, “the Pekingese was once a dynasty dog and well protected from the outside world. If caught trying to smuggle them out you would likely end up being stoned to death for punishment.”

Exercise: Moderate exercise and play is sufficient.

Grooming: Brush two times weekly to prevent matting; daily during shedding season. Keep ear canals clean and dry. Clean eyes regularly with a clean cloth or cotton swab dampened in warm water. Keep the nose wrinkles clean to avoid skin irritations.

Life Expectancy: 12 – 14 Years

Possible problems:

Breathing difficulties
Colds
Disc problems
Eye problems – corneal ulcers, infections, lacerations, and eyelid defects.
Heat Stroke
Luxating Patella – dislocation of the knee cap.
Pinched nostrils
Respiratory problems