Pekingese Breed Information Puppies and Breeders Australia

Pekingese were bred in China for royal palaces; even the colour of their coat was supposed to match the Emperor’s robes. The Chinese rulers gave them very high status and honour and they were referred to as the Lion Dog, because of their strong noble character, courage and dignity and because of their mane of hair.

The breed was then not owned by commoners at all, especially since their removal from the palace was forbidden and severely punishable. These days, the breed is widely owned, even if Pekingese do retain some of their regal demeanour. It is only relatively recently that their existence became known in the Western world. They were discovered in 1860 during the War of the Arrows, and five of the dogs were taken back to the British Palace.

Since the 1949 revolution they have become almost extinct in China. Pekingese were introduced into Australia in 1903, with the first one (a dog called ‘Yum Yum’) shown at the Sydney Show in 1904.  

Notes on the Pekingese:

Appearance: small but sturdy, 5-5.4kg in weight, moderately long coat with a ‘cape’ around the neck and a thick undercoat.

Temperament: stubborn, strong-willed, independent, loyal, affectionate, aristocratic, sometimes jealous.

Activity: enjoys walks and playing, but also relaxing and playing the ‘lap dog’.

Health: strong and sturdy; prone to eye and breathing problems due to the breed’s flattened face; congestive heart failure is quite common as a cause of death, but can be treated if detected early.

Suitable as: house pet, but not really ideal for a boisterous family household with young children.

Habitat: adaptable; can be happy in a city flat or apartment as well as on country acreage.

Training: due to its tendency towards stubbornness, a good deal of patient training may be required to make it into a good household companion.

Dislikes: hot weather; in the heat of summer a Pekingese will need a cool place to rest.

Requires: frequent grooming of its long coat.

Tips for grooming a Pekingese:

• Check daily for dirt and knots in your dog’s hair. It’s better to gently tease out any knots or tangles with your fingers prior to brushing or bathing.
• Give your dog a bath every 2-3 weeks. Start by teasing out knots, and then bathe him gently without rubbing which may lead to tangles. To dry him, again do not rub but gently wipe him down with a towel. When he is dry, give him an all-over brushing and a trim if necessary.

Grooming a Pekingese this way takes time, so reward him (and yourself!) for his patience afterwards, so that it becomes a more pleasant experience for him.

Pekingese can make great pets with the right owners. With good care they may live 10-12 years, and reward you with much loyalty and affection.