PEKINGESE — BREED DESCRIPTION & INFORMATION Breed Description / Health Issues / Breed Standards / Grooming / Training / Additional Information Breed Description
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
Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America. * — The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:	China
Weight:	Up to 14 lbs (6.5 kg)
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 Peke coat is profuse, gloriously 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. For additional books, gifts & merchandise, CLICK HERE TOP 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. Health and Nutrition — Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section on several health and nutrition related issues. Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip) Collapsed Trachea: The Health Problem Every Owner of a Small Dog Should Understand QuickCare Pet Insurance Programs TOP Breed Standards: CKC Breed Standard AKC Breed Standard UKC Breed Standard The Kennel Club (U.K.) Breed Standard FCI Breed Standard No. 207/ 22. 11. 2004 / GB AKC PEKINGESE VIDEO 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 TOP 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 Canada's Guide to Dogs includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada. TOP Training Resources: Training — For information on training your Pekingese, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada. Toy Breeds—Housebreaking Training Tools & Equipment Choose from a wide variety of items from Dogwise.com TOP Additional Information: 10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog Toy Breeds—Selecting the Perfect Pooch Clubs, Sports & Activities — This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information on several dog sports and activities as well as listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For breed specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.) Working Dogs — Dedicated to the working dog. This section includes tributes, information on various dog jobs, and listings of organizations from across Canada. COMPLETE PEKINGESE by Liz Stannard Traces the ancient origins of the Pekingese gives advice on choosing a puppy, training and feeding, grooming and showing, more. — Available from Dogwise.com For Additional Titles, please see the Books & Merchandise section.