Height: 8-9 inches
Weight: 8-14 lbs.
Life Span: 13-15 yrs.
Breed Group: Companion Dogs
Overview
Some Pekes are stubborn and independent, making obedience training a challenge.
They are cautious of strangers and are not fond of children under about
ten years old. While they can be aloof or aggressive with other dogs, they
are usually good with cats.
They can be alarm barkers, alerting the household when visitors arrive.
Pekingese are well suited for apartment life, especially with an adult household.
Appearance
The outercoat is long, straight, and coarse, yet soft; the undercoat is
thick. Feathering on the thighs, legs, tail, and toes is long and bushy;
around the neck is a lion-like mane.
The coat may be red, fawn, black, black and tan, sable, brindle, white,
or particolor. The Peke has a distinctive black mask and a short, broad,
wrinkled muzzle.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The Peke needs to be brushed and combed daily. Rather than exercise, this
short, bowlegged dog likes to lounge on laps.
Origins
Known as the Lion Dog of China, the Pekingese is thought to be an ancient
breed -- for centuries a favorite of the Chinese Imperial Court. In 18th-century
China, stealing a Peke was punishable by death.
Breed-related health concerns: umbilical hernias, eye problems, patellar
luxation, undescended testicles, intervertebral disc protrusion, deformities
of the nose and mouth that can interfere with breathing.
Reference: AKC - American Kennel Club |
