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The Pekingese is an ancient toy dog breed, first bred in China for the Chinese Royal Court. These fiercely loyal and affectionate dogs are known best for their long, flowing coats, flat faces, and large, expressive eyes. They have a distinct rolling gait that is thought to be the product of selective breeding back in ancient times to keep the court dogs from wandering away. The Pekingese have a compact, muscular build and are known to be durable as they sit low to the ground. They are also very independent and intelligent, and are known to be stubborn at times. These are dogs that are not afraid to speak their mind. If you’re looking for a companion who is smart, sweet, and loyal, contact Peak Legacy Ranch in Peyton, CO, today to start the adoption process on a Pekingese puppy. You can learn more about this breed here.
History
The Pekingese breed has two origin myths, one stating that they came from a lion and a marmoset falling in love while the other places the lion in love with a butterfly. Whichever one is correct, the Pekingese origins date back to ancient China where they were favorites of the Imperial Family and were known as Sleeve Dogs due to the royal family carrying the small dogs inside the sleeves of their robes as they walked. Anyone who was cruel to these dogs or removed one from the palace was met with death. In 1860, when the British forces looted the Imperial Palace, several Pekingese dogs were found and returned to England where they were presented to Queen Victoria. They became a member of the AKC in 1909 and today thrive as beloved companion dogs.
Temperament
The Pekingese are well aware they’re royalty, yet while they may come off as aloof to strangers, they are fiercely loyal to their family and make excellent watchdogs, utilizing a bark that is much bigger than their size. Pekingese get along well with other dogs and pets but it’s strongly recommended to socialize them early. A brilliant breed, they are also independent and have a stubborn streak that requires patience during training.
Environment
Pekingese do best in a comfortable, cool environment just like their royal ancestors. An indoor living situation is best – this breed is well-suited to apartment living or a house with limited outdoor space. Outdoor time should be limited as they are prone to heatstroke. Air conditioning is their best friend and they also need easy access to furniture or dog steps to avoid any back injuries.
Exercise
The Pekingese breed is prone to breathing difficulties and heatstroke due to their short noses, so it’s best to limit their outdoor exercise time. Short walks are fine as long as they take place in a shady area and the dog has access to plenty of water during and after. Indoor games are ideal like playing fetch with soft toys or puzzle toys for mental stimulation. 30-60 minutes of gentle activity a day is best.
Grooming
With their long silky coat, Pekingese need daily brushing to avoid tangles and mats, especially in their undercoat. It’s suggested to mist their coat with water to help prevent breakage before brushing. Frequent baths with shampoo and a light conditioner should be done once a month, as well as regular maintenance on ears, nails, and teeth.
