Pekingese
About the Pekingese
Temperament
Physical Characteristics
| Size Category | Small (10-25 lbs) |
|---|---|
| Height | 6-9" |
| Weight | 8-14 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double |
| Coat Length | Long |
| Colors | |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
Care Requirements
Exercise Needs
Low (under 30 min/day)
20 minutes per day recommended
Grooming
High - Daily
Mental Stimulation
★★★★★Low mental stimulation needs
Drooling
★★★★★Living Conditions
Cost of Ownership
| Purchase Price | $1,000-$3,000 |
|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $1,200/year |
Costs vary based on location, breeder, and individual needs. Annual costs include food, veterinary care, grooming, and supplies.
Health Considerations
Like all breeds, Pekingeses may be prone to certain health conditions:
Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help prevent or manage many health issues.
Best For
- Apartment Living
- Seniors
May Not Be Ideal For
- Families with Small Children
- Low-Maintenance Seekers
Guides for your Pekingese
The story behind the Pekingese
The Pekingese comes from China, where small flat-faced lion-like dogs were kept for many centuries in the imperial court and in temples, associated with Buddhist symbolism of the lion and treated as possessions of the ruling household. Ownership by commoners was restricted, and the dogs were bred to an exaggerated small size and profuse coat. Western knowledge of the breed followed the sacking of the Summer Palace in Beijing during the mid-nineteenth century, when a small number of dogs were taken to Britain, one of which was famously given to Queen Victoria. Those dogs and later imports founded the Western population. Kennel Club and AKC recognition followed, and the Pekingese became a popular show and companion breed, with modern breeders and welfare bodies increasingly focused on the health consequences of its flattened face.
Originally bred for: Companion dog, Imperial palace dog, Temple lion dog. You can trace how working roles shaped today’s breeds across our dog guides.
Feeding a Pekingese
A small, low-energy dog needs modest amounts of a good small-breed diet in two meals. Flat faces make picking up food awkward, so kibble shape and a shallow bowl help. Weight gain is easy and adds strain to breathing, so portions deserve real discipline.
Watch for: No breed-specific ingredient allergy is documented. Flat-faced dogs often swallow air while eating, producing wind and regurgitation that can be mistaken for intolerance, and facial fold irritation is a hygiene matter. Discuss persistent vomiting or skin problems with a veterinarian rather than self-treating.
Start with the Pekingese feeding guide, then compare our picks for the best dog food for small breeds.
Mealtime extras: training treats worth keeping in your pocket. Everything else lives in our dog nutrition and feeding hub.
Living with a Pekingese
Day to day, the basics matter most: how much exercise your dog needs, how often to get out for a walk, and how much sleep is normal.
For play and enrichment, browse our favorite dog toys and interactive toys for rainy days.
Gear that fits the breed makes life easier: a well-sized dog bed, a comfortable no-pull harness.
Raising a puppy? Work through crate training and the teething timeline — or see how old your dog is in human years with our dog age calculator.