Pekingese

A small companion with a mind of its own

For generations, Pekingese were kept as companions at the Chinese imperial court. Their name refers to Peking, now Beijing. Following the looting of the Summer Palace in 1860, some of these dogs were brought to Britain, where European breeding developed. This background helps explain their close association with life indoors. Walks and shared activities still belong in their daily routine.

Beneath the mane is a compact dog with short legs and a substantial body. The international canine organisation FCI gives ideal maximum weights of five kilograms for males and 5.4 kilograms for females. Long outer hair covers a dense, softer undercoat, and many coat colours are permitted. The breed standard expressly requires free breathing and sound movement.

A Pekingese can be very affectionate with its people. During training, it may first consider whether joining in is worthwhile. A small reward, a friendly voice and a few successful repetitions often help more than pressure. Unfamiliar people should allow it time to approach. With children, an adult should make sure that it is not picked up carelessly or disturbed while sleeping. Rough games or careless lifting can injure it.

Everyday life

A Pekingese needs daily opportunities to explore smells outdoors and move comfortably. Several gentle walks may suit it better than one long outing. Simple indoor searches or learning to settle on a mat can add interest. Its exercise routine should also be discussed in light of how easily it breathes.

Warm weather makes the short face particularly relevant. Dogs release much of their excess heat through panting, which becomes harder when the airways are narrow. Walks should therefore take place during cooler parts of the day, with water and breaks in the shade. A well fitted harness avoids extra pressure on the neck. Loud breathing or repeatedly falling behind should be investigated rather than accepted as an ordinary breed trait.

A flat can provide a suitable home when there is a quiet bed and regular time together. Being left alone should be introduced gradually. Persistent distress calls for suitable care arrangements and help with training. Fellfolio’s cost planner can help you include grooming and a veterinary reserve alongside routine expenses.

Everyday dog training: recall, a loose lead and clear communication ↗

Health

The Pekingese’s short face is a significant health consideration. In some dogs, narrow nostrils and other restricted parts of the upper airway make breathing difficult. This condition is called brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, usually shortened to BOAS. It can cause noisy breathing, poor exercise tolerance, disturbed sleep and dangerous overheating. Even routine snoring should therefore be discussed with a vet. Breathing distress or collapse is an emergency.

Before choosing a puppy, you should ask about professional assessment of its parents’ breathing. In Britain, the Royal Kennel Club has included Pekingese in its standardised breathing function assessment since August 2026. Eye examinations are recommended too. Wide nostrils are a useful visible feature, but do not replace assessment of the rest of the airway.

Knee problems can also occur. A luxating patella is a kneecap that slips out of its normal groove. A dog might briefly lift a hind leg or move with an intermittent skipping step. These changes should be investigated. Fellfolio can keep observations, weight records and veterinary findings together. A short video of an unusual movement may also help at the appointment.