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BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION

BIS.CAN.CH. Peke Easy Hot Toddy cgn Photo courtesy of PekeEasy's Pekingese

Breed Registries: Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) - Toy Group American Kennel Club (AKC) - Toy Group United Kennel Club (UKC) - Companion Breeds The Kennel Club [U.K.] (KC) - Toys Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) * - Standard No. 207

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Origin:

China

Weight:

Up to 14 lbs (6.5 kg)

Breed Profile:

Earliest references to the Pekingese date back to the 8th century and it is believed that the breed is a miniature edition of the ancient "Foo Dogs" of China which were used to ward off evil spirits. Ownership of the Pekingese was restricted to members of the Chinese Imperial Court. The breed was first imported into the United States in the early 1900s and, in 1909, the Pekingese Club of America was founded. The breed was first registed in Canada the following year.

The Pekingese is a very dignified dog with an air of self-importance. The Peke, although calm, good-tempered, non-aggressive and fearless, can at times be extremely stubborn. He is naturally aloof with strangers and can be very protective of his home and family. This makes for a good watchdog, however, his protective nature can get to the point of becoming possessive which may require training to ensure that this guarding instinct does not turn into aggression.

The coat is profuse, long, straight and coarse in texture with a mane formed on the neck and shoulders. In movement, he has a distinctive rolling or swaggering motion. The Pekingese is considered a brachycephalic breed (flat-nosed) and, as such, when viewed in profile, the face should be flat with the nose well up between large, round, dark eyes. Because of this, he is also one of the breeds considered to be heat sensitive and great care must be taken in warm weather to ensure that a cool environment is available.

Health Issues

The Pekingese is considered a brachycephalic (flat-nosed) breed and, as previously stated, the breed is heat-sensitive. In addition, because of this flat face, the Peke's eyes are very susceptible to injury. These breeds are also known to be challenging when it comes to anesthetics, due in part to abnormal airways, soft palates, and narrow tracheas. Prior to any surgical procedure, a discussion should be held with your veterinarian regarding anesthetics.

If you are considering the adoption of a Pekingese puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)

Additional Health Resources:

• The Pekingese Charitable Foundation, Inc. (PCF) — "Dedicated to the Well-being of Pekingese Dogs" — The PCF was founded by the Pekingese Club of America with its goal being to foster health research on topics relevant to the Pekingese as well as provide rescue services for homeless Pekingese dogs throughout the United States.
• Collapsed Trachea: The Health Problem Every Owner of a Small Dog Should Understand
• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.

Breed Standards

• CKC Breed Standard
• AKC Breed Standard
• UKC Breed Standard
• The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard
• FCI Breed Standard No. 207
• AKC PEKINGESE DVD
  23 Min. Video Edition, Published by the AKC
  Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
  — Available from Dogwise.com

Grooming Information

The Pekingese sheds some of his undercoat and guard hair on a regular basis. Regular grooming will help minimize shedding and maintain the coat in good condition.

• Grooming — This section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

• Toy Breeds—Housebreaking
• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Little Dogs - Training Your Pint-Sized Companion
by Deborah Wood
Contains all the information essential to the training success of both you and your little dog! Geared specifically toward small dogs 12" and under or 20 lbs. and under.
— Available from Dogwise.com.

Additional Information

• 10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
• Toy Breeds—Selecting the Perfect Pooch
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada's Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.