Pekingese
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Pekingese are ancient Chinese palace dogs bred to be carried in Imperial sleeves. These dignified, independent dogs are devoted to their families but aloof with strangers, and their long coats require extensive grooming while their extremely flat faces cause serious breathing problems requiring careful management.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Toy
Life Expectancy
12-14 years
Height
6-9 in
Weight
14 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 3 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #87
Toy context: Toy breeds were developed mainly for companionship in small bodies. They are often people-focused and adaptable indoors.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Pekingese
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Pekingeses are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Pekingeses in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Pekingeses, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps this breed settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games improve behavior and sleep quality through the week.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routine and enrichment are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Expect about 60 minutes of daily activity, with a mix of walking, enrichment, and short training blocks. Consistency matters more than occasional intense sessions.
Moderate
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, preventive care, and condition-specific screening based on known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Crowded teeth and plaque buildup can lead to periodontal disease.
A slipping kneecap can cause intermittent limping and discomfort.
Valve degeneration can lead to cough, fatigue, and heart enlargement.
Boarding complexity and cost are driven by size, exercise demand, and any special handling needs.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Pekingeses generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
High
~4h alone capacity
Moderate
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Moderate
Moderate
High
Moderate
Training & Behavior
Moderate
High
High
Moderate
Maintenance & Care
Moderate
Moderate
Very Low
Very Low
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
Moderate
Low
High
Grooming & Coat
Moderate
Moderate
Very Low
Very Low
Coat care depends on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Curly, silky, wire, and long coats usually need more frequent grooming support.
Shedding level varies by coat and season, but routine brushing keeps loose hair and skin debris manageable.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Pekingese originated in China.
Original Purpose
Pekingese lines were developed for companion. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Toy. Toy breeds were developed mainly for companionship in small bodies. They are often people-focused and adaptable indoors.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Pekingeses were bred in China as lap dogs for emperors, and they were so exclusive that stealing one could result in death—seriously.
The breed nearly went extinct after the British invaded the Imperial Palace in 1860, but some dogs were smuggled out and bred by European nobility.
Pekingeses have extremely short muzzles (brachycephalic structure) that makes them physically incapable of thermoregulation and prone to breathing difficulties.
The breed's long, flowing coat requires professional grooming every 4–6 weeks, and many owners keep them in 'puppy cuts' to reduce maintenance.
Pekingeses are prone to hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and brachycephalic syndrome requiring corrective surgery.
Famous Pekingese Dogs
Companion superstars
This group is heavily represented in celebrity households and pop-culture media.
Social-media favorites
Many famous Toy dogs are modern internet personalities rather than historical working dogs.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Continue consistent training - patience is key with this breed. Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Pekingeses
- • Gradual alone-time training (high separation anxiety risk)
- • Patient, consistent training - this breed needs extra time
Recommended Products
Grooming Kits
Professional-quality grooming supplies to keep your dog looking and feeling great.
Shop Grooming →Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Pekingese right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Pekingese compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Pekingese are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pekingese/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pekingese/