The Pekingese: A Complete Guide to the "Lion Dog" of China

Introduction

The Pekingese, also affectionately known as the "Lion Dog" of China, is an ancient breed that has graced the lap of emperors and nobles for centuries. Its distinctive appearance, playful personality, and unwavering loyalty have made it a popular companion for dog lovers worldwide.

History and Origin

The Pekingese is believed to have originated in Beijing, China, during the Qing Dynasty (1644-1912). Archaeological evidence suggests that similar breeds existed in China as early as the 8th century AD. The breed was highly valued by the imperial court and was only allowed to be owned by members of the royal family.

Physical Characteristics

Size and Weight: The Pekingese is a small breed, with males typically weighing between 7 and 14 pounds and females weighing between 6 and 11 pounds. The average height is around 6 to 9 inches at the shoulder.

Coat: The Pekingese has a luxurious double coat that comes in a variety of colors, including sable, black, white, red, and fawn. The outer coat is long and straight, while the undercoat is soft and dense.

Head and Face: The Pekingese is characterized by its distinctively flat face with a short muzzle, large eyes, and a deep forehead. The eyes are round and black, giving the dog an adorable and expressive look.

Body: The body of the Pekingese is compact and sturdy, with a short neck, a broad chest, and a slightly arched back. The tail is held high and curved over the back.

Temperament and Personality

The Pekingese is a highly intelligent and affectionate breed. It is loyal to its family and makes an excellent companion. However, it can also be stubborn and independent, making it challenging to train.

Playfulness: Pekingese are known for their playful nature. They enjoy chasing toys, playing with balls, and engaging in other interactive games.

Loyalty: Pekingese are fiercely loyal dogs that will fiercely protect their family members. They make excellent watchdogs and will bark loudly at strangers.

Independence: Pekingese have a stubborn and independent streak. They may not always listen to their owners and can be difficult to train.

Health and Care

Life Expectancy: Pekingese have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

Common Health Issues: Like all breeds, Pekingese are prone to certain health issues, including:

• Brachycephalic Syndrome: This condition is caused by the Pekingese's short muzzle and can lead to breathing problems, snoring, and overheating.
• Hip Dysplasia: This condition is caused by the abnormal development of the hip joint and can lead to pain and lameness.
• Eye Problems: Pekingese are prone to a number of eye problems, including cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye.
• Dental Problems: Pekingese have a small mouth and teeth, which can make them prone to dental disease.

Grooming: The Pekingese's long, double coat requires regular grooming to prevent mats and tangles. Brushing should be done several times per week, and baths should be given as needed.

Feeding

Pekingese are small dogs with a moderate energy level. They should be fed a high-quality diet that is specifically formulated for small breeds. The amount of food will vary depending on the dog's age, weight, and activity level.

Training

Training a Pekingese can be challenging due to the breed's independent nature. However, with patience and consistency, it is possible to teach them basic obedience commands.

Tips for Training:

• Start early: Begin training your Pekingese as a puppy.
• Use positive reinforcement: Reward your dog with treats, praise, or play when they follow your commands.
• Be patient: Pekingese can be stubborn, so it is important to be patient during the training process.
• Offer variety: Keep training sessions short and fun to keep your dog engaged.

Stories and What We Learn

Story 1: A Pekingese named Max was left alone at home for several hours and became bored. To entertain himself, he started chewing on the furniture. When his owner returned home, she was shocked and upset to find her sofa in ruins.

What We Learn: Pekingese are active dogs that need regular exercise and stimulation. If they are left alone for long periods of time, they may become destructive.

Story 2: A Pekingese named Lily was walking with her owner in the park when she suddenly ran off after a squirrel. Her owner chased after her but lost sight of her in the dense bushes. Lily was eventually found several hours later, unharmed.

What We Learn: Pekingese are curious and adventurous dogs that can get lost if they are not properly supervised. It is important to keep your Pekingese on a leash when walking in public areas.

Story 3: A Pekingese named Charlie lived with an elderly couple who adored him. Charlie was a constant companion to the couple and would always sit on their laps or sleep at their feet. When the couple passed away, Charlie was heartbroken. He refused to eat or move and died a few days later.

What We Learn: Pekingese are deeply loyal and affectionate dogs that form strong bonds with their owners. The loss of a loved one can be devastating for a Pekingese.

Tips and Tricks

• Socialize your Pekingese: Pekingese can be shy and reserved around strangers. It is important to socialize your Pekingese early on to help them become comfortable meeting new people.
• Provide plenty of exercise: Pekingese are active dogs that need regular exercise. Take your Pekingese for walks, play fetch, or run in the park.
• Trim their nails: Pekingese's nails grow quickly and can become overgrown if not trimmed regularly. Trim their nails every two to four weeks.
• Brush their teeth: Pekingese are prone to dental problems. Brush their teeth two to three times per week to help prevent plaque and tartar buildup.
• Keep them cool in the summer: Pekingese are brachycephalic dogs, which means they have a short muzzle. This can make them prone to overheating in the summer. Keep your Pekingese cool by providing them with plenty of shade and water.

How to Step-by-Step Approach

How to Introduce a Pekingese to a New Pet:

1. Start by keeping the animals separated. Keep them in different rooms for the first few days.
2. Let them sniff each other through a door. This will help them get used to each other's scent without being face-to-face.
3. Gradually introduce them to each other. Once they are comfortable sniffing through the door, let them see each other for brief periods of time.
4. Supervise all interactions. Make sure there is no aggression between the animals. If there is any aggression, separate them immediately.
5. Be patient. It may take time for the animals to become comfortable with each other.

FAQs

1. Are Pekingese good with children?
Yes, Pekingese can be good with children, but it is important to supervise interactions between them. Pekingese can be protective of their family members, so it is important to teach children how to behave around the dog.

2. Are Pekingese hypoallergenic?
No, Pekingese are not hypoallergenic. They shed a moderate amount of hair, and their saliva can cause allergic reactions in some people.

3. How much exercise do Pekingese need?
Pekingese are active dogs that need regular exercise. They should be taken for walks or runs for at least 30 minutes per day.

4. Are Pekingese good apartment dogs?
Yes, Pekingese can make good apartment dogs. They are small and relatively inactive, so they do not require a lot of space. However, it is important to make sure they get enough exercise each day.

5. How long do Pekingese live?
Pekingese have an average life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

6. What are some common health problems in Pekingese?
Some common health problems in Pekingese include brachycephalic syndrome, hip dysplasia, eye problems, and dental problems.

7. What are some tips for caring for a Pekingese?
Some tips for caring for a Pekingese include:
* Provide them with plenty of exercise.
* Groom them regularly.
* Feed them a high-quality diet.
* Take them to the vet for regular checkups.

8. What are some fun facts about Pekingese?
Some fun facts about Pekingese include:
* They are nicknamed the "Lion Dog" of China.
* They were once only allowed to be owned by members of the Chinese imperial family.
* They are known for their playful and affectionate nature.

Tables

Table 1: Physical Characteristics of the Pekingese

Table 2: Health Issues in the Pekingese