Family:
Breed Group: Herding, AKC Toy
Origin: China
Date of Origin: Ancient
Originally used for: Companion
Used today: Companion
Other Name(s): Peking Palasthund, Fu dog, Lion dog
History of the Breed: An ancient imperial breed from China bred to be palace companion dogs. Originally, these dogs could only by owned
by members of the Chinese Imperial Palace. The breed can be traced as far back as the Tang Dynasty of the 8th century. The Forbidden City was
invaded by allied troops during the Second Opium War (1860). Several dogs were brought back to England during this time frame. The Dowager Empress
Cixi gave several of these palace dogs to influential Americans as gifts in the late 19th and early 20th century.
The AKC first registered the Pekingese in 1906.
General Appearance: The head is large, broad with a flat pushed in face. The round large dark eyes are wide set. The ears are
heart-shaped, set on the front corners of the topskull and lie flat against the head. The ears have considerable feathering and long fringing.
The black nose is broad and short with wide open nostrils. The muzzle is very flat, broad, and well filled-in below the eyes.
The long in body and short in leg pear-shape is heavy in the front and has well-sprung ribs slung between the forelegs. The forechest is
broad and full. The hair forms a mane on the neck and shoulders with long feathering on the toes, backs of the thighs, and forelegs, and even
longer fringing on the ears. The long and well feathered tail is slightly arched and carried over the back.
Height & Weight:
Height 6-9 Inches
Weight 8-14 Pounds
Coat: A double coat, with the outercoat being long, coarse, and straight. The undercoat is thick and soft. The hair forms a mane on
the neck and shoulders with long feathering on the toes, backs of the thighs, and forelegs, and even longer fringing on the ears and tail.
Color: All coat colors and markings are acceptable. The skin color of the muzzle, nose, lips and eye rims must be black.
Grooming needs: High, brushing once a day and professionally grooming every 3 months.
Weekly face cleaning is also recommended to remove dirt in the creases of the face and in the eye pores to prevent hotspots (soars).
Temperament of Breed: This breed attaches to one person and can be jealous. They can be self-centered and
stubborn.
Friendly with children: Yes, if properly socialized starting at an early age.
Friendly with other dogs: Medium, if properly socialized at an early age. Pekingese can demonstrate aggressive behavior with other dogs.
Suitability as a watchdog: Excellent
Exercise Level: Low
Health Issues with the Breed:
Major: Eye ulcers, breathing problems
Minor: Skin allergies, hotspots (soars)
Life Expectancy: 13-15 Years
2006 AKC Ranking: 49
First Registered by the AKC: 1906
Registries: FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, PCA, APRI, ACR
ACR -American Canine Registry
AKC -American Kennel Club
ANKC -Australian National Kennel Club
APRI -American Pet Registry Inc.
CKC -Continental Kennel Club
CKC -Canadian Kennel Club
FCI -Fédération Cynologique Internationale
KCGB -Kennel Club of Great Britain
NKC -National Kennel Club
NZKC -New Zealand Kennel Club
UKC -United Kennel Club
Breed Organizations & Associations:
The Pekingese Club of America
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