Dog breed profile
Pekingese
A detailed profile covering characteristics, everyday care and linked health conditions.
Quick facts
Typical guide only; individual needs vary.
Profile description
The Pekingese is a small companion breed originating from China, where it was historically associated with the imperial court. Most adults stand around 15 to 23 centimetres tall and weigh approximately 3 to 6 kilograms. The breed has a compact, heavy body, short legs, broad head, shortened muzzle, large eyes and a long, abundant double coat.
The tail is heavily feathered and carried over the back. Pekingese occur in many colours and markings. They are typically confident, dignified, affectionate and strongly attached to their owners. Many are reserved with strangers and may dislike rough handling or excessive physical attention. Despite their small size, they are often independent and may resist commands when training is repetitive or forceful. Their shortened skull, prominent eyes, heavy coat and compact body create important health and welfare concerns, including restricted breathing, heat intolerance, eye injury, skin-fold irritation, dental crowding and spinal or joint problems. A functionally built Pekingese should show balance and comfortable movement rather than an exaggerated interpretation of the physical features for which the breed is known.
Pekingese can adapt well to apartments and quieter homes but still require daily activity and socialisation. This breed generally suits gentle owners who can provide careful grooming, strict heat management, weight control and prompt veterinary attention for breathing or eye problems. The Pekingese's typical affectionate, confident, gentle qualities are most constructive when household rules are predictable and desirable behaviour receives regular reinforcement.
When assessing a Pekingese, owners should look beyond puppy appeal and consider the mature dog's requirements. Living space alone does not determine suitability for a Pekingese; access to companionship, purposeful activity, rest and consistent handling is more important than the size of the property.
First-time dog owner tips
Practical preparation for welcoming this breed into your home.
Care requirements
The Pekingese benefits from several short, controlled walks and gentle play sessions each day rather than strenuous exercise. Activity should be reduced during warm or humid weather because the shortened muzzle and heavy coat can interfere with cooling. A well-fitted harness is generally preferable to pressure from a collar. Increase duration and impact gradually in a young or previously unfit Pekingese; fatigue, altered gait or reluctance should prompt rest and assessment instead of forced completion. Swimming can suit the Pekingese, but access should be supervised, water quality and currents assessed, and the coat and ears dried appropriately afterwards.
The long double coat should be brushed and combed thoroughly several times a week and preferably daily when kept at full length. Particular attention is needed behind the ears, beneath the legs, around the tail and under collars or harnesses. Facial folds should be cleaned gently and dried thoroughly. Use each grooming session to examine the Pekingese's skin, feet, ears and body outline, making the process cooperative enough that subtle changes are noticed early. Introduce brushing, foot handling, mouth examination and quiet restraint to the Pekingese in brief rewarded steps before any of those procedures becomes urgent.
The prominent eyes should be checked for redness, squinting, cloudiness, discharge or injury. Teeth should be brushed daily or as frequently as possible because dental crowding and periodontal disease are common. Nails require regular trimming and ears should be checked for irritation.
Food portions must be measured carefully because excess weight worsens breathing and joint stress. Regular veterinary examinations should monitor airway function, eyes, heart health, knees, spine, skin and dental condition. The dog should be protected from falls, rough children, extreme heat and unsupervised interaction with much larger animals. Swimming requires close supervision because many Pekingese are poor swimmers.
Conditions linked to this breed
Brachycephalic Syndrome
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Cataract [Cloudiness of the Lens of the Eye]
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Congenital Portosystemic Shunts
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Congenital Renal Disease [Hereditary Nephropathies]
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Copper Hepatopathy
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Distichiasis [Extra Eyelashes]
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Ectropion and Entropion
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Endocardiosis
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Exposure Keratopathy (Corneal Ulcers)
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Hydrocephalus
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Intervertebral Disc Disease IVDD
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Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca KCS, Dry Eye
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Luxating Patella
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Progressive Retinal Atrophy Generalised
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General dog health conditions
These conditions can affect dogs generally and are not presented as conditions specifically associated with this breed.
Diabetes Mellitus
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Hypothyroidism
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Otitis Externa (Ear Infections)
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Pancreatitis
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