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Pekingese

Small Breed

Like a lot of small dogs, the Pekingese has been described as a big dog in a small dog's body. Despite its size, its a brave breed in threatening situations.

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Breed standards

Country of origin

China

Weight

Males up to 5kgs / 11lbs;

Females up to 5.4kgs / 12lbs (standards may vary)

Height

Average 20 cm / 8in (standards may vary)

Coat

Long and straight, the top coat is coarse and thick with a soft undercoat.

Markings

All colours are found apart from albino and liver. Some markings are found.

Lifespan

Average, 10-12 years

The Pekingese has a long and very beautiful coat. It is a loyal breed that is naturally well-behaved and loves to be around people and lavishes any affection that is given to it.

Temperament

As a breed, the loyal Pekingese is much braver than its small stature suggests. Affectionate and loving towards their master, they can be wary around strangers. They naturally have a very dominant personality and it is important to train them from a young age to ensure that this does not become a problem. The socialisation and training of this breed are very important as the Pekingese has been known to love to the point of jealousy.

  • Poor
    Children
    Good
  • Very
    Combativeness
    Not very
  • Very
    Dominance
    Not very
  • Not very
    Friendliness
    Good
  • Not very
    Independence
    Very
  • Loud
    Noise
    Quiet
  • Not very
    Trainability
    Very

Good to know

The Pekingese is a beautiful-looking dog with a long flowing coat, worthy of its royal lineage. Devoted and protective of its owner, the breed is a wonderful companion.

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  • Makes a loyal and affectionate companion
  • Less exercise required than many other breeds
  • Is a good watchdog
  • Relatively inactive indoors
  • Good for apartment living
  • Does not require trimming or stripping
  • Good for novice owners
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  • Large amounts of grooming needed
  • Prone to putting on weight
  • Prefers cooler climates
  • Can be a picky eater
  • Can be prone to eye, spine and respiratory problems