The Pekingese
(Pekes)(Lion Dog)

Dog breed info
Pekingese
(Pekes) (Lion Dog)
Weight: 12 — 14 lbs
Height: 6” — 9”
AKC Rank: 2008 #53
Lifespan: 13 – 15 yrs
Group: Toy
Origin: China

• Health, Dog Illness, Medical Problems

Dog Breed Info — The Pekingese

Breed Overview

Origin: Ancient times. Original function: Lap dog. Today, Companion. This dog snores loudly and wheezes. Also known as Pekes or Lion Dog.

Extensive breeding programs were left up to palace enunuches with no expense spared. At the height of their time, the Tang Dynasty, from a.d 700 – a.d. 1000 many of these lion dogs were treated as royalty. Smaller Pekingese were called “sleeve dogs” because they could be carried in the sleeves of Chinese Masters. In 1860, the Chinese summer palace was looted by the British. Some of the loot included five royal lion dogs which were taken back to England. One of these dogs was presented to Queen Victoria and it, along with the other four, caused such interest among the British, that there was a great demand for more of these dogs. In time they became readily available and suffered from over popularity. It wasn’t long before the dogs came to America. The AKC registered the little Pekes in 1906.

No. This is a difficult breed to train. They can learn the basics, especially if taught when very young. The Peke can benefit greatly from clicker training. This is a method that works well with difficult dogs, is simple to do and dogs like the technique. They can also benefit from strong socialization in puppyhood. Takes patience!

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Pekingese? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

The Pekingese puppy is difficult to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training which will help you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

This adorable Pekingese looks very HAPPY!

The Pekes are courageous little creatures that don’t choose to start fights, but don’t back down either. They are outgoing and loving but not terribly demonstrative. There is a tendency to stick their noses up at strangers and ignore them. The Peke can be quite stubborn.

Pekes are playful with family members, but may not be athletic or playful enough to satisfy children. It will not tolerate rough handling by children and is easily harmed by careless children.

If you happen to have a Peke with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Sometimes. The Pekingese will choose his dog friends. They are a bit fussy as to which dogs they will get along with.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Surprisingly, a Pekingese is capable of sharing the house with a cat and dog. I’ve seen this for myself, otherwise I wouldn’t believe it. Note — the dog I knew did NOT grow up with the other pets in the house. She was brought in as an adult stray.

Friendly Toward Strangers

No, generally not. The Peke’s devotion is toward family only.

Playfulness

Not very playful. The Pekingese is stubborn and independent, living in his own world to a degree and would rather take a nap than get excited over a toy..

Yes, to a degree. Pekingese are loyal to family and do show some affection. They carry a reputation because they are stubborn, but they are loyal, affectionate companions to family members with no room for outsiders.

No. Not tolerant enough. Too independent, strong willed.

Good with Seniors over 65?

Yes. The Peke is a good breed for seniors. Easy to care for. Take care of the face wrinkles and anus, a little walk or indoor play and that’s it. This is a reliable little companion for a senior. If longevity is an issue, find a Pekingese Rescue group and get a 2 or 3 year old dog that is house trained and knows a few commands. This gives the senior a head start.

Living environment

Apartment, flat, anyplace is good. The Pekingese can not tolerate warm weather and can die from excess heat. The dog needs to be kept in air conditioning when the weather is hot.

Energy level

Low. A quiet walk each day or some play in the house is about all the Peke’s need.

Yes. The Pekingese is a good little watchdog, alerting you to everything going on. They can make a lot of noise.

No. Too small to be effective.

Over-nose wrinkles need cleaning daily and must be kept DRY to avoid infection. The coat around the anus must be checked every day for soiling and cleaned as needed. These two items are must-do on the grooming list for the Pekingese owner.

Needs combing and brushing almost every day. The long coat tangles easily. It’s easier if you get a regular cut and leave the show-ring cut behind.

A smart move, if you don’t plan to show the dog in a ring, is to get her a regular doggie haircut. Save a LOT of hassle and time! She does NOT have to look like the photo above! Top

The book on the right is by the American National Red Cross and deals with dog illness, emergencies and injuries. It’s a valuable reference manual for every dog owner. ________________________________________________ Top

In the event you decide to go looking for Pekingese puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Pekingese Breeders with puppies for sale.

Pekingese Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a Peke and are looking for a Pekingese Rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Pekingese Rescue – (Nationwide)
Adopt A Pet Be sure to read the dog breed info sections above and below before adopting a dog and always check closely for dog health issues. This may not be the easiest breed to locate. Go online and look for Pekingese Rescue groups and also kennels. Try local newspaper ads for rescue groups, breeders and kennels. Sometimes breeders have dogs left over that have grown into mature animals and are for sale.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog health and medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Skin fold dermatitis—Area affect normally the folds on the face where moisture and dirt are trapped in the skin folds causing inflammation. The vet will give you a cleansing shampoo to fight the infection and an antibiotic cream of some kind. In severe cases where the problem won’t subside, surgery might be the last resort to remove a few folds. Commonly found in bulldogs, mastiff’s, Pekingese and Pugs.