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Description:
The Pekingese has an extravagant, long, straight-flowing coat that has profuse feathering and comes in all colors. It has a broad head that is wide between their large, dark, lucid and slightly prominent eyes. The face is flat with a dark, wrinkled muzzle, and drooping heart-shaped, long feathering ears. Their necks are short and thick. When their mouth is closed, neither teeth nor tongue should show. These tiny, heavy boned dogs have a characteristic rolling gait.
Origin:
Pekingese where regarded as manifestation of the legendary Foo Dog that drove away spirits. They were venerated as semi-divine by the Chinese. Commoners had to bow to them; you were punished by death if you stole one, and when an emperor died, his Pekingese were sacrificed so that they could go with him to give protection in the afterlife. In 1860 the Pekingese reached the West. British and French troops over ran the Summer Palace during the Second Opium War. Imperial Guards were ordered to kill the little dogs to prevent them from falling into the hands of the "foreign devils," but five Pekingese survived and were taken to Queen Victoria, who named it appropriately, "Looty." It is from these canine spoils of war that the modern Pekingese is descended. In 1893 the breed was first shown in Britain. It was recognized in the US in 1909.
Temperament:
Pekingese are very brave little dogs, courageous to the point of foolhardiness! They are sensitive, independent and extremely affectionate with their master, but are wary of strangers. Because of this, early socialization is necessary to make them the most trusting and outgoing. They are obstinate, self-willed and may be difficult to feed and are sometimes known to refuse to eat as much to show dominance over its owner as to lack of appetite. If overfed, Pekingese will quickly become overweight. They are loving to the point of jealousy. They tend to bark a lot if they are not trained from early on not to do this excessively, They make good watchdogs.
Size:
Height: 6-9 inches (30.4-45cm.), Weight: 8-10 pounds (3.6-4.5kg.)
Any Pekingese under 6 pounds is called a sleeve Pekingese. It is the smallest member of the Pekingese family, and the most popular size during the breeds development in China. To be a sleeve it must be 6 pounds (2.7 kg) or under, anything over that is not a considered a sleeve. In-between 6 and 8 (2.7-3.6 kg.) pounds is considered a Mini Pekingese.
Living Conditions:
The Pekingese are good for apartment life. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do okay without a yard.
Exercise:
Pekingese need a daily walk. Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area off lead, such as a large fenced in yard. Get your Pek accustomed to the leash when they are still a puppy. Some owners have told me their Pek will walk up to 4 miles on a nightly walk.
Life Expectancy: 10-15 years
Colors:
All colors and markings are permissible. They are often red, fawn, black, black and tan, sable, brindle, gold, white and parti-colored. Black masks and "spectacles" (rings around the eyes of different coloring), and lines on the ears are desirable in the show ring.
Good With Children:
Yes, but not suited for young children as they do not like to be disturbed while sleeping. More suited for older, quieter, children.
Guard Dog:
Very Low. If threatened or the one they love is threatened, the Pekingese will fight to the death, but otherwise this breed should never show aggression.
Learning Rate: High.
Obedience - Very Low.
Problem Solving - Low.
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