Pekingese

- 1 OVERVIEW OF THE PEKINGESE
- 2 ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE PEKINGESE
- 3 PEKINGESE FOOD AND HEALTH
- 4 HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
- 5 TOP-RATED CRATES, BEDS, AND DOGHOUSES FOR A PEKINGESE
- 6 LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR A PEKINGESE
- 7 BEST TOYS FOR A PEKINGESE
- 8 GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR PEKINGESE OWNERS
- 9 BEST ACCESSORIES FOR A PEKINGESE
OVERVIEW OF THE PEKINGESE
Bred to be the perfect lap dog and companion, the Pekingese has been a symbol of royalty since the times of ancient China. This highly intelligent, devoted, and affectionate breed boasts a majestic lion’s mane that adds to its regal look, besides being a dog of petite stature. Although the Pekingese have a reputation for being very aloof towards strangers, they are one of the most loyal breeds to their family.
ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE PEKINGESE
Like other short-nosed breeds from China, the Pekingese has a long history of royalty that goes as far back as 200 BC. However, according to research by the Pekingese Club of America, although this breed has been found to date back to 200 BC, active breeding of this toy breed became popular in 800 AD.
Bred as “sleeve dogs,” these canines were the number one companions of Chinese emperors, where their short stature allowed them to house themselves within the sleeves of their master’s royal garments. With the Pekingese’s vicious disposition towards strangers and their devotion to family, they also served as concealed guard dogs and an element of surprise to their owner’s foes.
As the breed’s popularity grew, they made their way to Great Britain in 1860, when five Pekingese were brought to England, which was their entry into the western world, and by 1906, they sailed the Atlantic Ocean and found a forever home in the United States.
PEKINGESE FOOD AND HEALTH
With an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years, these canine companions might look fragile but are incredibly resilient to illnesses. Most of this resilience is due to their strict, high-nutrition diet that requires high-quality food. The amount of food your Pekingese dog needs depends on its weight, so it is always highly recommended to consult your veterinarian for a beneficial diet. Pekingese dogs can have a significant variation in weight, typically up to 14 pounds, that can be considered healthy. However, they are known for becoming overweight because of their low energy levels and exercise requirements, so it is important not to go overboard with treats.
HEALTH PRECAUTIONS
Although these pups are incredibly resilient, they are susceptible to some diseases most commonly found in short-nosed breeds, including:
- Patellar Luxation
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Cataracts
- Cleft Palate
- Cryptorchidism
- Distichiasis
- Ectopic Cilia
- Entropion
- Fold Dermatitis
- Hydrocephalus
- Intervertebral Disk Disease
However, you won’t have much to be concerned about as most of these diseases are quickly identified, can be cured through antibiotic treatments or minor surgeries, and pose no threat to the dog’s life.
TOP-RATED CRATES, BEDS, AND DOGHOUSES FOR A PEKINGESE
Pekingese are indoor dogs who love to shower their owners with love and affection. Although these small canines are naturally lazy, they are descendants of royalty and are incredibly picky when it comes to their sleeping arrangements. As a result, it is best to provide a spacious crate that allows them to move around, despite their petite build, and their bedspread should also be comfortable. Given that your dog is provided with an appropriate level of physical stimulation, the Pekingese typically do not indulge in chewing and destroying their bedding, so you can opt for a more delicate and plush fabric for them to nestle.
As far as doghouses are concerned, this breed generally does not like to stay outdoors. However, suppose you have a secured backyard where your Pekingese can exercise and play. In that case, we recommend opting for a traditional doghouse with a roof to protect them from the sun and enough space to store their toys.
LEASHES AND COLLARS FOR A PEKINGESE
Although Pekingese are indoor dogs, they absolutely love going on walks, so it would be best if you invest in a high-quality dog collar and leash to keep you both comfortable and, more importantly, safe. Since Pekingese are known to be very calm and collected when going on walks, you can focus more on reliable safety features than ultra-durability.
However, we recommend using a harness over a traditional collar while going on your walks to avoid any potential critical neck injuries. Using a harness will also allow them to express themselves more freely without the need for excessive tugging and pulling on the leash.
BEST TOYS FOR A PEKINGESE
Pekingese are very intelligent and require a certain level of mental stimulation to be happy and exert themselves properly, making them a challenging breed to train. Still, it isn’t an impossible task with suitable toys and care. Some of the best toys you can get for your Pekingese are:
- Squeaky toys in different colors and shapes will keep your canine entertained for hours. These toys will also help limit your dog’s destructive behavior, as most of it will be directed towards playtime.
- Getting your dog a ball, regardless of its breed, will leave them eternally grateful. This timeless toy makes for hours of fun while helping develop good motor skills and quality bonding between you and your dog.
- Puzzle treat boxes will provide your dogs with much-needed mental stimulation, as they love to exercise their brains, especially while being rewarded with treats!
GROOMING INSIGHTS FOR PEKINGESE OWNERS
Pekingese is a double-coated breed with long, coarse hair creating a lot of volume and high risks of becoming matted if not regularly groomed. As a result, you should brush your dog at least twice a week to avoid tangles and promote a healthy coat.
Although the Pekingese isn’t a very outgoing breed, it is still necessary for you to bathe them twice a month, or as needed, to get rid of all the dirt buildup and to ensure that the coat doesn’t get dried out. Although this breed is perfect to be kept in smaller living spaces like an apartment as they rarely venture out, it is suggested that you trim the hair around the feet of your Pekingese dogs to avoid matting and the development of foreign bacteria.
BEST ACCESSORIES FOR A PEKINGESE
Being an indoor dog with a soft and gentle nature allows you to dress up your Pekingesee with sweaters and hair barrettes. The only limit is your imagination and your access to different accessories.