Pekingese breed guide: Care, training and fun facts.
Breed guide overview
About Pekingese
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Pekingese breed
The Pekingese is an ancient and charming breed that originated in China, where they were deeply revered by Chinese royalty. With their distinctive appearance and regal demeanour, Pekingese continue to captivate dog lovers around the world as affectionate and devoted family pets.
This small-sized breed is known for its compact and sturdy build and its luxurious, flowing double coat, which gives them a truly majestic look. Their coat comes in a variety of colours and requires regular grooming to maintain its beauty.
Weight, height & life expectancy
Pekingese typically stand at a height of 15-23 cm and weigh between 3.2-6.4 kg, making them a compact companion suited for a variety of living spaces. Despite their small size, they carry themselves with confidence and dignity, embodying their royal heritage.
The average life expectancy of a Pekingese is 12 to 15 years, provided they receive proper care, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Their unique combination of loyalty, elegance, and charm has made them a beloved breed for centuries.
What is the temperament of Pekingese like?
Pekingese have a delightful and affectionate temperament, forming strong bonds with their families and showing unwavering loyalty. While they can sometimes appear aloof or independent, these dogs thrive on human companionship and enjoy being part of family activities.
They are generally good with older children and adults but may not tolerate rough handling or excessive noise, making them better suited for households with older kids or quieter environments. Pekingese have a confident and dignified nature, which can occasionally come across as stubbornness. Their self-assured attitude, combined with their intelligence, means they need consistent training and boundaries to prevent behavioural issues like "small dog syndrome."
Pekingese are alert and can be vocal, often barking at perceived intrusions, such as people passing by the house. While they may bark more than some breeds, it is typically purposeful. Early socialisation is key to helping them become more comfortable with strangers, other pets, and unfamiliar situations, ensuring they grow into well-rounded and adaptable companions.
Despite their independence, Pekingese are loving and loyal pets who enjoy being the centre of attention, making them a charming addition to the right household.
Our Pekingese Community
"Tyson has quite the personality. He's fun and loving, but doesn't like it if you try steal his toys or go for his food bowl when he's eating."
Tyson's owner, Megan from London
"He’s a very chilled and calmed dog. He doesn’t bark! He likes watching the outside from a window or balcony, or to stay out in the garden all day just watching the birds."
Cooper's owner, Sandra from Loughton
How much exercise do Pekingese need?
Pekingese have relatively low exercise needs, making them well-suited for apartment living or homes with limited outdoor space. They typically require 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day, which can include short walks, indoor playtime, or gentle activities to keep them physically and mentally engaged.
Due to their brachycephalic (flat-faced) structure, Pekingese are more prone to heat sensitivity and respiratory challenges. During warm weather, avoid excessive exercise and ensure they stay in shaded, cool areas. Monitor their breathing during physical activity, provide plenty of water, and take regular rest breaks to prevent overexertion.
Exercise for Puppies
Pekingese puppies have delicate, developing bones and joints, so their exercise should be controlled and gentle. Short play sessions indoors or on soft surfaces, along with light walks, are ideal for puppies. A common guideline is to start with around 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, up to twice daily, but this can vary. Consult your veterinarian to tailor an exercise plan for your specific pup.
As they grow, Pekingese typically reach their full adult exercise capacity between 12 and 18 months of age. While individual energy levels may vary, observing your dog’s behaviour and adjusting their activity accordingly will help ensure they stay happy and healthy.
With the right balance of gentle exercise and mental stimulation, Pekingese can maintain their health while enjoying life as a loyal and relaxed companion.
Do Pekingese need a lot of grooming?
Yes, Pekingese require regular grooming to maintain their luxurious, flowing double coat and prevent matting. Their coat needs to be brushed several times a week using a pin brush or slicker brush to remove loose hair, prevent tangles, and keep it looking its best. Pay close attention to areas prone to matting, such as the chest, armpits, and hindquarters, where tangles are more likely to form.
The facial fur of Pekingese can collect food and debris, so regular cleaning of their face is essential to prevent irritation and maintain hygiene. Their characteristic flat face can also make them prone to skin folds, which should be cleaned and dried regularly to avoid infections.
Some Pekingese owners choose to trim their dog’s coat to a shorter length for easier maintenance, especially in warmer climates, while others prefer the traditional long coat. Regular bathing every 4 to 6 weeks helps keep their coat clean and healthy, although more frequent baths may be needed if they get particularly dirty. Consulting a professional groomer can help you decide whether trimming or specific grooming routines are best for your dog.
In addition to coat care, dental hygiene is important for Pekingese. Aim to brush their teeth with dog-specific toothpaste at least a few times a week—or ideally twice daily—to prevent plaque buildup and maintain overall health.
With consistent grooming and occasional professional care, Pekingese can maintain their iconic appearance and stay comfortable and healthy.
Are Pekingese easy to train?
Pekingese are known for their independent and sometimes stubborn nature, which can make them more challenging to train compared to some other breeds. However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, Pekingese can learn to follow commands and become well-mannered companions.
Early socialisation and basic obedience training are vital for their development. Introducing your Pekingese to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age helps them become well-rounded and confident. Socialisation also reduces their tendency to be overly cautious or reserved in unfamiliar situations.
When training, keep sessions short and engaging to match their limited attention span. Use rewards, praise, and treats to motivate them and reinforce positive behaviours. Repetition and consistency are essential for helping them grasp commands and routines effectively.
Pekingese may exhibit a strong protective instinct toward their owners, sometimes leading to possessive behaviours. Early exposure to different people and situations can help minimise overprotectiveness and teach them to remain calm and accepting in new environments.
While training a Pekingese requires more time and patience, their loyalty and affectionate nature make the effort worthwhile. By starting early and using positive, reward-based methods, you can guide your Pekingese toward becoming a confident and well-behaved companion.
What Do Pekingese Eat?
Proper nutrition is essential for the health and well-being of Pekingese. Both puppies and adults have specific dietary needs that should be met with a high-quality, balanced diet tailored to their size and life stage.
For Pekingese Puppies:
Puppies should be fed a high-quality puppy food formulated for small breeds, as these diets are designed to support their growth and development. Follow the manufacturer’s feeding guidelines and consult your veterinarian for personalised advice based on your puppy’s age, weight, and activity level.
- Feed puppies 3–4 meals a day until they are about 6 months old, then reduce to twice daily.
- Transition to an adult small-breed dog food around 10–12 months of age, depending on your vet’s recommendations.
For Adult Pekingese:
Choose a high-quality commercial dog food that meets their nutritional needs. The quantity will depend on factors such as age, activity level, metabolism, and overall health. Monitor their weight regularly to avoid obesity, as Pekingese can be prone to weight gain. Divide their daily food intake into two meals to aid digestion and maintain energy levels throughout the day.
General Tips:
- Treats should be given in moderation and account for no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
- Consult your vet for guidance on portion sizes and specific dietary needs based on your dog’s health and lifestyle.
Are Pekingese Healthy?
Pekingese are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to specific health conditions. Awareness of these potential issues and regular veterinary care are key to maintaining their health.
Common Health Concerns in Pekingese:
Eyes:
- Corneal Ulcers: Open sores on the cornea caused by injury or irritation.
- Distichiasis: Extra hairs growing on the inside of the eyelid, which can irritate the eye.
- Dry Eye: A condition where the tear glands produce insufficient tear film, leading to dryness, infections, and discomfort.
- Ectropion: The eyelid rolls outward, exposing the eye to dryness.
- Entropion: The eyelid rolls inward, causing eyelashes to rub against the cornea, which can lead to irritation and damage.
Respiratory:
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS): A condition caused by their flat-faced (brachycephalic) structure, leading to narrow airways, breathing difficulties, and challenges with temperature regulation.
Skin:
- Skin Fold Dermatitis: Inflammation and potential infection of the skin between folds, a common issue in Pekingese due to their facial structure.
Care Recommendations:
- Eye Care: Check their eyes regularly for redness, discharge, or irritation, and consult your vet if any issues arise.
- Weight Management: Avoid obesity by monitoring food portions and ensuring regular, appropriate exercise.
- Respiratory Health: Be cautious during hot weather and avoid strenuous exercise, as their flat-faced structure makes them prone to overheating.
- Skin Care: Keep skin folds clean and dry to prevent irritation and infection.
If you’re considering a Pekingese or have concerns about your dog’s health, regular check-ups and consultations with your veterinarian are essential. With proper care, Pekingese can lead long, happy, and healthy lives.
Vet top tip
Pekingese are prone to respiratory issues due to their flat-faced structure (brachycephalic), so always monitor their breathing during exercise and in hot weather. Avoid strenuous activity, provide plenty of water, and ensure they have access to cool, shaded areas. Regular check-ups with your vet can help identify and manage any breathing or temperature regulation challenges early, keeping your Pekingese comfortable and healthy.
