Spotlight Breed: Pekingese  

Welcome to our Spotlight Breed article of the week. This is where we feature a fun and unique dog breed from around the globe! Today we are excited to spotlight the Pekingese. This breed was bred for centuries to be the cherished companions of the imperial family of China. Today they are still cherished family companions and show dogs who greet everyone they meet with dignity and grace. The Pekinese is truly a one-of-a-kind breed, and we are here to tell you why!

The Pekinese is a member of the toy group, ranging in height from six to nine inches and in weight from six pounds for the tiniest to 14 pounds at the heaviest. They are long bodied, low dogs with bowed limbs. The Pekinese are readily recognized by their shortened muzzles, prominent large eyes and “v” shaped nose wrinkle between their muzzle and eyes. Their hair hands long and straight, ideally with a harsh texture and abundant soft undercoat.

Let’s talk about the personality of the breed. They seem to be aware that they are a dog of the royal ancestry! The Pekingese are amazing little watchdogs and will sound an alarm bark much bigger than their size. They are generally good with other dogs and pets, but they should be socialized early on to accept most people. They can be a little give or take with strangers, although they are devoted to their families.

While quite smart, these are independent little dogs. You will need to use positive reinforcement in your training sessions as these dog’s love to take full control. Always remember that patience and creativity go a long way, especially with the Pekingese. They can be stubborn about learning new things but once you get them to learn, they are very intelligent and will adapt well. This is a breed which needs plenty of human companionship to be happy. They thrive on attention and will bark and attempt to protect their homes and families.

If you are looking for a loyal companion who loves life, the Pekingese may be for you! We will leave you with our favorite quote about the breed: “Attitude is a little thing that makes a BIG difference. Just ask a Pekingese!”