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One of the first decisions you should make when
buying a Pekingese is whether to purchase a
puppy or an adult. If you choose to get a grown dog
from a rescue group, you should always ask questions
about the dog’s health and background. Knowing about
the health and family history of your pet can be a
key in preventing future problems. There are
certainly some excellent older dogs available from
these rescue sources and they do need good homes.
Keep in mind that this can bring with it a different
set of problems than buying a puppy from a top
breeder. For an adult, especially one coming out of
a rescue organization, plan on being patient to
break old habits or teach the dog that you are not
going to hurt it, simply give it a good, loving
home.
The Pekingese is an intelligent dog that moves with
an air of self-importance. Because of its
independent nature, the Pekingese may not be the
best choice for a first-time dog owner. The
stubbornness that is part of this breed’s makeup can
be frustrating for some owners, as can the care
needed to keep the long coat clean and mat free. If
you decide the Pekingese is for you, we recommend
visiting at least three breeders so you have a
chance to compare facilities and the way the breeder
cares for the dogs.
With puppies, we strongly recommend you never buy
one younger than 10 weeks of age. A big part of
giving a puppy a good start is the time spent with
the breeder. Puppies need about 8 to 10 weeks of
socialization and care so that they are ready to
live with people and other dogs comfortably. A new
puppy takes a great deal of time and patience. You
will be spending time teaching the dog the areas
that are off limits in the home. Getting a puppy to
the point that it will not be a headache and will be
a good companion takes time.
The next decision has to do with color. Some people
have a strong preference for color with their dog,
though many new owners think this is of secondary
importance. You may be able to find a Pekingese that
is just right for you in red sable, blonde,
black-and-tan, solid black, or white. The Pekingese
will have a black face with any color coat. You
should plan to give your new dog plenty of attention
when it comes to the coat, especially if you value
the luxurious appearance of the long coat that can
be a trademark of the breed.
As you talk with your breeder, ask about both
parents of the litter you are looking at. Make sure
the breeder is able to clear up any doubts you may
have about health problems and that the breeder
gives you documentation that shows the puppy to be
free of serious health problems. It may be difficult
to think about losing a new pet, but you should be
sure to have some guarantees from the breeder, in
writing.
Make sure that, if the dog dies in a certain amount
of time, you get a replacement or have your money
returned. It would be best if you also have some
guarantee if a serious illness or health problem
occurs. Asking many questions and getting plenty of
information is the best way to head off serious
problems in the future. Finally, you need to
determine if American Kennel Club (AKC) registration
and/or pedigree is important. If you plan to breed
or show your new dog, then these certifications
would be invaluable. It is important that you also
check the puppy’s bloodline, looking for Grand
National Champions and tight ancestry. Again, a
reputable breeder would be able to provide you with
this information, if it matters to you.
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