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Some owners and breeders
will tell you that the Pekingese may not be the best
dog for a first time owner. With the right start
from a good breeder and consistent training at home,
this toy dog can be a fine pet. The Pekingese can be
a bit stubborn and self-important, making obedience
and training a challenge. However, this is also a
loyal and courageous little dog that is the only
choice for some who live in apartments and smaller
homes. We have put together 10 of the most common
questions about Pekingese and answers for each.
1. What is the history of the Pekingese?
This tiny breed of dog has been around for hundreds
of years and was a favorite with the royalty of
China. In fact, some considered the dog almost
divine and commoners were expected to bow to the
dog. One of the oldest breeds of dog, the Pekingese
was at one time only owned by those who lived in the
Chinese Imperial Palace. The Pekingese has been in
Europe and the United States since the mid-1860s
through the first years of the 20th century.
2. I have heard the
Pekingese is hard to train, is this true?
Generally, toy dogs are among the hardest to
housebreak and the Pekingese may be a bit stubborn
when it comes to training. Unfortunately, it takes
firm voice commands and a lot of patience to get a
young Pekingese to fit well with a family. The good
news is that the rewards in loyalty are often worth
it. The best of the breed can be groomed and trained
to become excellent show dogs.
3. Is this tiny dog fragile?
The Pekingese is really a solid and muscular dog. In
fact, some people are surprised at how heavy and
strong the animal feels when the dog is picked up. A
Pekingese may weigh as much as 14 pounds, though 10
pounds is more common. This breed can have some
problems with their backs and do not do well with
rough play.
4. Does the Pekingese have problems with
breathing?
Pekingese dogs have small skulls and flat faces that
can cause some problems with breathing. These
problems can be made worse by long exposure to
extremely warm or cold weather. Owners should always
watch for signs of trouble with breathing and the
common “cold.” In addition, the Pekingese usually
does not have a problem with “weeping” eyes. Any
sign of this should be shown to a veterinarian right
away.
5. Is the Pekingese hard to groom?
The answer to this question is not easy. Some owners
and breeders say no, because the Pekingese is an
average shedder and does not spend much time outside
to get the coat dirty and tangled. However, new
owners should be prepared to spend some time
brushing and combing, on a regular basis. This will
keep the long hair from becoming matted.
6. Does the Pekingese’ eyes have special problems
because of the way they are set?
Yes, there can be some problems with the eyes
because they do not sit deeply in the sockets like
other dogs’ eyes. Owners should be careful that the
eyes are not injured by sharp objects or edges of
furniture. This reason is yet another on why you
want to be careful when around children who might
want the dog to play too roughly. In addition, the
eyes can be injured in this way.
7. What will it cost to buy a Pekingese from a
good breeder?
Prices can vary quite a bit. The amount can range
from a few hundred dollars to thousands for a
Pekingese with the right bloodlines and
documentation. This will depend on whether you want
a family pet or a top show dog. One way to get a
fine Pekingese without spending a lot is to get your
dog from a good rescue program. The challenges in
raising an adult dog are different but these animals
can also make fine pets.
8. What color of Pekingese is best?
The color depends on personal preference. The red
sable color of Pekingese is the most common, though
many people prefer blonde, white, or black. White is
sometimes chosen for show purposes but any Pekingese
can be beautiful and well behaved with the right
training and home atmosphere.
9. Is the Pekingese courageous, even fearless, in
spite of its size?
Yes, this breed is very courageous, actually
protecting its owner aggressively. It may take the
Pekingese some time to get comfortable with other
dogs. In addition, this breed is naturally wary of
strangers, sometimes growing close to only one
person. Their temperament leads them to challenge
other dogs and strangers, at least with plenty of
barking.
10. When a Pekingese walks or tries to run, they
seem to trot, why is this?
The Pekingese has naturally short legs, which
contributes to the unique gait. However, the main
reason is that the dogs were bred by Chinese royalty
to be close companions. For this reason, the bowed
legs were encouraged in breeding to prevent the dogs
from running away. The Pekingese will however, be
able to keep up with you quite well.
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