Little Pawz -- Pekingese -- Small Dogs -- Small Dog Breed Information -- Toy Dogs -- Miniature Dogs -- Dog Breeds

The Pekingese likes to remind its owners of its regal background, and expects to be petted and pampered. It is not a delicate creature; in fact it is fearless and fun, and loves having toys to play with.

It is an excellent dog for well-behaved children, but comes into its own as an adult's sole companion, being the centre of attention and, preferably, having the run of the house. The restricted and neglected Pekingese is apt to become destructive through boredom. The Peke has a mind of its own and is condescending by nature. But when it decides to offer you its affection, you could not wish for a more loyal and loving companion.

Size
Weight: Dogs: 7 – 11 lbs. (3.2 – 5 kg); Bitches: 8 – 12 lbs. (3.6 – 5.4 kg)
There is not, as is often supposed, a miniature Pekingese, but within a litter may be found 'sleeve' specimens weighing no more than 6 lbs. (2.7 kg). Sleeve Pekingeses are so called because they could be hidden in the flowing sleeves of Chinese mandarins.

Coat and Colour
Coat long, with thick undercoat, straight and flat, not curly nor wavy, rather coarse, but soft; feather on thighs, legs, tail, and toes long and profuse. Mane profuse, extending beyond the shoulder blades, forming ruff or frill round the neck. All colours are allowable. Red, fawn, black, black and tan, sable, brindle, white and particolour well defined: black masks and spectacles around the eyes, with lines to ears are desirable. The colouring of a particoloured dog must be broken on the body. No large portion of any one colour should exist. White should be shown on the saddle. A dog of any solid colour with white feet and chest is not a particolour.

Exercise
The Pekingese will happily trudge across fields with its owner, or be content with a sedate walk.

Grooming
The Pekingese needs daily brushing with a soft bristled brush. Do not bathe the Pekigese frequently, use talcum powder in between baths. Brush the underside of the Pekingese while the dog is lying flat on its back.

Feeding
Recommended would be 6 – 8 ounces (170 – 227 g) name-brand, meaty dog food, with a biscuit. Vitamin supplements are a good practice for this breed. Always provide an ample supply of fresh water for your Pekingese.

Origin and History
This regal little lion dog came to Europe following the Boxer Rebellion when, in 1860, the British invaded the Summer Palace in Peking and five imperial Pekingese were looted from the women's apartments. Previous to this, it had been forbidden for anyone other than the Chinese royal family to own a Pekingese, and their theft was punishable by death.

One of the Pekes taken by the British was presented to Queen Victoria: it was appropriately named 'Looty,' lived until 1872, and was the subject of a painting by Landseer.

Celebrity Owners
Joan Rivers owns a Pekingese named Max.