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Pekingese
moderateApartment FriendlyGood with Pets
Regal, loyal, and affectionate. Pekingese are compact companions with a lion-like mane and dignified, confident demeanor.
Weight3-6.5 kg6.5-14.5 lbs
Height15-23 cm6-9"
Lifespan12-14 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
RegalLoyalAffectionateConfidentIndependent
Height
15-23 cm6-9"
Weight
3-6.5 kg6.5-14.5 lbs
Lifespan
12-14 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Tiny - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Couch potato - content with short walks and lounging
Trainability
Strong-willed - needs an experienced handler
Grooming
High maintenance - daily brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Pekingese15-23 cm6-9"Compatibility
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Things to Consider
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Exercise
Activity requirements for Pekingese
low energy20-40 min/day
Pekingeses have modest exercise needs. Short walks and light play sessions are typically sufficient to keep them happy and healthy.
Short walks daily, avoid heat and overexertion
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Short Walks
Gentle strolls around the neighborhood at a relaxed pace.
15-20 min
Low intensity
Indoor Play
Light play sessions with toys indoors.
10-15 min
Low intensity
Sniff Walks
Leisurely walks focused on mental stimulation through sniffing.
15-20 min
Keep in Mind
- Avoid overexertion, especially in hot weather
- Watch for signs of fatigue during exercise
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Pekingese
High Maintenancefur coat
Pekingeses require significant grooming commitment. Daily maintenance prevents matting and keeps their coat healthy and beautiful.
Daily Brushing
Daily brushing is essential to prevent painful matting and tangles. Use appropriate brushes for the coat type.
Daily
Regular Bathing
Bathe every 2-4 weeks with quality products. Proper drying is crucial to prevent skin issues.
Every 2-4 weeks
Professional Grooming
Regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks for thorough coat maintenance. Trimming needs vary by breed.
Every 4-6 weeks
Mat Prevention
Pay special attention to areas prone to matting: behind ears, under legs, and around the collar.
Daily check
Ear Cleaning
Check and clean ears weekly to prevent infections, especially in breeds with heavy ear furnishings.
Weekly
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to a comfortable length. Long nails can cause pain and affect gait.
Every 2-3 weeks
Training
Training approach for Pekingese
Strong-Willed
Pekingeses have a strong will and may resist training. Success requires patience, experience, and understanding that stubbornness often indicates intelligence.
Best Approach
Never force or punish - it will backfire. Find creative ways to make them think compliance was their idea. Consider professional training help if needed.
Training Tips
Essential
Extreme Patience Required
Progress may be slower than with other breeds. Celebrate small wins and don't get discouraged.
Essential
Get Creative
Standard training methods may not work. Be willing to try unconventional approaches.
Essential
Firm, Fair Boundaries
Set clear boundaries consistently, but always with positive methods. Never use punishment.
Recommended
Consider Professional Help
A professional trainer experienced with this breed can provide valuable techniques and support.
Recommended
Set Realistic Expectations
They may never be perfectly obedient, and that's okay. Focus on essential commands and safety.
Common Challenges
- May refuse commands they know perfectly well
- Can be manipulative - knows how to get what they want
- Training sessions may require multiple approaches
- May need experienced handlers
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Pekingese
Tiny Breed3-4 small meals$12-29/month
Tiny breeds have fast metabolisms and small stomachs. They need frequent, small meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Feeding Tips
Frequent Small Meals
Feed 3-4 small meals throughout the day to prevent hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Appropriately Sized Food
Choose small-breed or toy-breed formulas with smaller kibble sizes that are easier to chew.
Calorie-Dense Food
Tiny breeds need more calories per pound than larger dogs. Choose nutrient-dense formulas.
Monitor Weight Carefully
Even a small amount of extra weight puts strain on tiny frames. Keep them lean.
Important Considerations
- Risk of hypoglycemia if meals are skipped
- Prone to dental issues - consider dental-focused foods
- Small stomachs can lead to digestive upset if overfed
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Pekingese
2
High Risk
2
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Pekingese
Monthly costs
Food
$12-29
Insurance
$30-70
Supplies
$11-21
Grooming
$52-63
Monthly total
$105-183
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$372-612/yr
Parasite prevention
$216/yr
Annual total
$588-828/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Pekingese's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
5 references for Pekingese
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Canine Health Information Center - Pekingese
Health·OFA-CHIC
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Eye Problems in Cats
Veterinary·VCA Animal Hospitals
Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs
Veterinary·VCA Animal Hospitals
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research