Pekingese
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Find Pekingese BreedersGet to Know Pekingeses
- Bred for royalty: Pekingese were exclusively bred for Chinese emperors and royal families. Commoners couldn’t own one, and they were treated as sacred, often living in luxury within palace walls.
- Rolling “Peke strut”: They have a distinctive rolling gait due to their unique body structure—short legs and a broad chest—which gives them a dignified, almost pompous walk often called the "Peke strut."
- Lion-like origins: Their appearance was deliberately bred to resemble the Chinese guardian lion (Foo Dog)—a symbol of protection and power in ancient Chinese culture.
- Courageous despite size: Pekingese have a bold, fearless attitude, often described as having the heart of a lion. They won’t hesitate to stand their ground, even against much larger dogs.
- Survivors of the Titanic: A Pekingese named Sun Yat Sen was one of only three dogs to survive the Titanic disaster in 1912, escaping with his owner in a lifeboat.
Breed History
The Pekingese has a rich and ancient history that dates back over 2,000 years to imperial China, where they were bred as companion dogs for Chinese royalty. Revered as sacred and believed to have spiritual powers, they were considered so noble that commoners were required to bow to them. The breed was closely guarded within the imperial palace, and stealing one was punishable by death. Pekingese first came to the West in the mid-19th century, when British troops looted the Imperial Palace during the Second Opium War and brought several dogs back to England. Their exotic looks and aristocratic bearing quickly made them a favorite among European nobility, and they were officially recognized by kennel clubs in the early 20th century. Today, Pekingese remain cherished for their distinctive appearance, loyalty, and storied heritage.
Personality and Behaviour
- Independent and Proud: Pekingese are known for their self-assured, dignified nature. They often display a strong sense of independence and enjoy doing things on their own terms, which can come across as aloof or stubborn.
- Deeply Loyal and Affectionate: While reserved with strangers, they are extremely loyal and loving toward their owners. They tend to bond closely with one or two people and often prefer a calm, familiar environment.
- Alert and Protective: Pekingese have a natural guarding instinct and are quick to bark if they sense anything unusual. Despite their small size, they are brave and protective, often acting as vigilant watchdogs.
Care
- Grooming: Pekingese have a long, thick double coat that requires daily brushing to prevent matting and tangles, especially around the neck and behind the ears. Regular professional grooming and eye care are also important due to their facial folds.
- Exercise: While not highly energetic, Pekingese benefit from short daily walks and light play to maintain a healthy weight and prevent boredom. They’re well-suited for apartment living but should not be overexerted due to their flat faces and short legs.
- Training: Though intelligent, Pekingese often have a strong-willed and independent streak, which can make training a challenge. They respond best to positive reinforcement and gentle consistency, and early socialization is key to preventing territorial or defensive behavior.
Pekingese Summary
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GroomingHow Much Does It Cost to Own a Pekingese Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Pekingese is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Pekingese
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Pekingese puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Pekingese, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Pekingese is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
