Pekingese Characteristics: The faithful and loving Pekingese is a breed of small dog classified as a member of the Toy Dog Group (AKC:1906). The Pekingese, is characterized by its dignified, graceful appearance with a long, straight, cape-like, trailing coat and aristocratic but mischievous expression. Other characteristics include bright, lustrous, round eyes; heart-shaped, feathered ears; a long feathering tail that curls up and over its back and a slow, rolling gait. The temperament of the Pekingese can be described as Affectionate, Stubborn, Loyal. The coat type of the Pekingese is described as very long double coat in assorted colors. Due to its characteristics and qualities, the Pekingese demonstrated the desired traits of a Companion and Lapdog and is known by its nick name the "Lion Dog of Buddha" or simply the "Peke". The origin of the Pekingese dog breed was in China where it was developed in the Ancient Times. Fast Facts about the Pekingese: The following facts provide fast information about the Pekingese breed. Size: Small *** Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1906) *** Nick name: "Peke" *** Origin: China *** Male Height: 6 - 9 inches (30.4 - 45 cm) *** Female Height: Slightly Less *** Male Weight: 8 - 10 pounds (3.6 - 4.5 kg) *** Female Weight: Slightly Less *** Coat Type: very long double coat *** Coat Colors: assorted colors *** Litter Size: 2-4 puppies *** Health Problems: Skin Problems, Patellar Luxation *** Lifespan: 13-15 years *** Hypoallergenic: No Pekingese Breed Group and Dog Type - Toy Dog Group (AKC:1906): The Pekingese is one of the many breeds of dogs that belong to the Toy Dog Group. The Pekingese was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1906. Other names for the Pekingese: The Pekingese is known by the nickname of the "Peke". Other names for this breed of dog include the Peke, Chinese Spaniel, Peking Palasthund, Sleeve and the "Lion Dog of Buddha". Origin of the name: The origin of the name "Pekingese" derives from its place of the Chinese capital, formerly Peking, now Beijing. Pekingese History and Origin: The country of origin of the Pekingese breed was in China during the Ancient Times. The Pekingese descended from the ancient Chinese Happa Dog, as does the Pug and Shih Tzu. The Pekingese therefore shares its ancestry with both the Shih Tzu and the Pug breeds. The Happa dog had a wide stance in the front legs but were narrower in the rear legs and dates back to at least the Han dynasty of China (206 BC–220 AD). The Pekingese, a Chinese Lion Dog or Foo Dog: The Pekingese was a "Foo Dog" or "Lion Dog" that was one of the sacred dogs of the Imperial Court of Peking, known as the Forbidden City. The Forbidden City served as the imperial palace for 24 emperors during the Ming and Qing Dynasties (1368 - 1911) was famous for its symbolic statues of Imperial guardian lions. The Pekingese, or Foo Dog, was revered as one of the sacred dogs because it resembled the Chinese idea of a lion, which was a sacred Buddhist symbol and only Chinese Emperors and courtiers were allowed to own a Pekingese. Buddhism forbids the trade of living animals so the Pekingese was only given as a gift. Chinese emperors used the Pekingese as symbolic body guards. Two Pekes would precede the emperor, barking to announce his arrival and two more Pekes were trained to hold the hem of the royal robe in their mouths. Commoners and peasants had to bow to the dogs, and anyone caught stealing a sacred Pekingese was put to death. The tiny, majestic Pekingese was deemed to be a symbolic guardian of the imperial palace, and its royal inhabitants, who used them as lapdogs. The Pekingese was the original "Sleeve dog" because their Chinese owners were able to carry the tiny dogs around concealed in the sleeves of their silk robes. According to Chinese mythology, the Pekingese was said to be a cross between a lion and a marmoset, a tiny monkey. Pekingese History and Origin: The Pekingese was practically unknown in the west until the 1800's. The Opium War (1839-1842) forced China to open China to foreign trade and a few Pekingese dogs found their way to Europe and the United States. During the late 1800's the Dowager Empress Cixi (1835 - 1908) kept breeding kennels for her pampered Pekingese dogs and gave some of her Pekingese dogs as gifts to the westerners. Following the death of Empress Cixi, China became a republic, the Forbidden City was sacked, the Imperial kennels were shut and the Pekingese dogs were scattered. The political turmoil in China led to the decline of the Pekingese in China and by the time of the Communist revolution in 1949, the Pekingese had become almost extinct in its native country. The Pekingese has now been restored to China where it is at last enjoyed by the ordinary folk of China. Pekingese Modern History: The modern history of the Pekingese moved on and the breed is now used as a loyal pet and fearless companion but can be wary of strangers and jealous of kids and other dogs.. Pekingese Height: The Pekingese breed is classified as a small sized dog. The height to the shoulder of a male dog is 6 - 9 inches (30.4 - 45 cm). The height to the shoulder of a female dog is slightly less. Pekingese Weight: The weight of this small sized dog, in a male dog is 8 - 10 pounds (3.6 - 4.5 kg). The weight of the smaller female dog is slightly less than the male. Pekingese Coat Type: The coat type is described as very long double coat. Pekingese Coat Colors: The colors of this dog breed consist of assorted colors consisting of Black, Cream, Fawn Brindle, Grey, Fawn and Black & Tan. N.B. Brindle is a brownish or tawny color. Pekingese Grooming - HIGH Grooming Needs: The dog grooming needs of the Pekingese are categorized as high in order to maintain a healthy coat and reduce the risk of skin infections. The high grooming needs of the Pekingese is considered to be high-maintenance and requires almost daily brushing and combing. Dog Grooming Requirements should include bathing the dog on a monthly basis and making regular inspections of the nails, teeth, eyes and ears. Pekingese Litter Size: The litter size of this dog breed ranges from 2-4 puppies. Pekingese puppies for sale can be obtained reputable breeders and from rescue centers. The cost of Pekingese puppies varies depending on location, pedigree history and the dog breeder. Pekingese Temperament and personality: The temperament and personality of this popular dog breed is described as Faithful, Affectionate, Stubborn, Loyal and Loving. Pekingese Exercise Requirements - MINIMAL Exercise Requirements: The exercise requirements of this breed of dog is minimal. The Pekingese requires daily exercise consisting of approximately 30 minutes every day. This small dog has a slow, rolling gait with small strides and only requires a fairly slow speed by the owner to meet the dogs exercise requirements. Remember that it would take a lot of extra steps by your dog to keep up with your normal walking pace. Pekingese Diet: A fully grown Pekingese should be fed twice a day. A diet consisting of a premium dog food can be balanced with fresh food eaten by the family. The question is What Can Dogs Eat?. Check out our comprehensive list of what dogs can and what dogs cannot eat. Pekingese Health Problems: Potential health problems of the Pekingese breed include Skin Problems, Patellar Luxation . Resolving health problems can prove to be expensive and it is always wise to obtain pet insurance or dog health insurance when buying a dog. Is the Pekingese dog breed said to be Hypoallergenic? Answer: No. Pekingese Lifespan: The life expectancy of dogs vary according to the size, breed of dog and any serious health problems. The typical lifespan of the Pekingese breed is 13-15 years. Pekingese Male Dog Names: Male Dog names are most often chosen to reflect favorite names of the owner or the strength, size, coloring and country of origin of the Pekingese breed. To give you some inspiration regarding good male Pekingese names our small selection might be of help with naming boy dogs. Our top male dog names are: Lian *** Kong *** Sheng *** Guang *** Dewei *** Fai *** Ho *** Jun *** Chen *** Cheng. Pekingese Female Dog Names: Female Dog names tend to be softer, prettier and reflect the temperament of the girl dog. Our top choice of good female Pekingese names are Ping *** Lixue *** Xia *** Feng *** Ting *** Wan *** Yan Yan *** Mei *** Xue Fang *** Zing. Fast Facts about the Pekingese: The following facts provide fast information about the Pekingese breed. Scientific name: Canis lupus familiaris *** Dog Breed Group: Toy Dog Group (AKC:1906) *** Size: Small *** Country of Origin: China *** History / Date: Ancient Times *** Male Height: 6 - 9 inches (30.4 - 45 cm) *** Male Weight: 8 - 10 pounds (3.6 - 4.5 kg) *** Coat Type: very long double coat *** Litter Size: 2-4 puppies *** Health Problems: Hip dysplasia, thyroid, and joint problems *** Pekingese Lifespan: 13-15 years *** | 