Should You Get a Pekingese?
The Pekingese is a small dog with a very large sense of self. Bred for royalty, they are affectionate with their people, naturally dignified, and often surprisingly stubborn. Their charm is undeniable — but this is a breed that expects patience and understanding rather than constant activity.
Before choosing a Pekingese, it’s important to know what life with one actually looks like. Their flat face makes them sensitive to heat and overexertion, their long coat demands consistent grooming, and their independent nature means training requires calm persistence. In return, you get a deeply loyal, entertaining companion with a personality far bigger than their size.
Pekingese at a Glance
Temperament: Affectionate, independent, dignified
Breed Type: Toy companion dog
Height: 6–9 inches
Weight: 7–14 pounds
Lifespan: 12–14 years
Shedding: Moderate to heavy
Exercise Needs: Low to moderate
Good for Families: Yes (best with gentle handling)
Best for Owners: Patient, attentive owners
Origin: China
Pekingese Origin
The Pekingese was bred in ancient China as a cherished companion to Chinese royalty, revered as sacred guardians of the palace. These small but noble dogs were believed to ward off evil spirits and were so prized that stealing one was punishable by death. With a history spanning over 2,000 years, written records of the breed date back to the Tang Dynasty (618–907 AD). The breed is named after Beijing (formerly Peking), the imperial city where they flourished as lapdogs of emperors and nobles. Legend even claims they were created by Buddha, shrinking a lion down to miniature size!
Pekingese Dog Traditional Uses
Pekingese dogs were cherished as royal lapdogs in ancient China, exclusively owned by the imperial court-commoners caught with one faced severe punishment. Bred to resemble the sacred Foo Dog, a mythical guardian lion, these small but noble companions were believed to possess mystical powers, warding off evil spirits and bringing good fortune. Their loyalty and affectionate nature made them highly prized, even gifted as diplomatic treasures to foreign dignitaries. Legend claims their flat faces and flowing manes mimic the lions that accompanied Buddha, further cementing their divine status in Chinese history.
Pekingese Dogs Go West
The Pekingese first entered the West under dramatic circumstances-when British and French forces looted Beijing’s Summer Palace during the Second Opium War (1860). Five Pekingese were discovered hiding near the body of a deceased imperial aunt, who had taken her own life rather than face capture. These “lion dogs,” once reserved solely for Chinese royalty, were brought to Europe as spoils of war. One, named Lootie, was gifted to Queen Victoria, sparking a craze among European aristocracy. The breed’s official recognition by the American Kennel Club in 1906 cemented its global appeal, transforming these ancient imperial companions into cherished pets worldwide.
Pekingese Dogs Cloeset DNA Relatives
In Landmark Research on Modern Dog Breed development, the Pekingese has been shown to share the most DNA with an ancestor of the following breeds:
Shih Tzu
Tibetan Spaniel
Lhasa Apso
Pekingese Exercise Needs & Signature Strut
True to their imperial roots, Pekingese dogs are low-energy companions—a daily 20-minute walk is usually enough to keep them content and healthy. But don’t mistake their modest exercise needs for laziness! These little aristocrats move with a proud, rolling gait, as if still parading through palace halls. Their distinctive strut—head held high, body swaying side to side—exudes the confidence of a breed that once walked beside emperors. Indoors, they’re just as dignified, preferring leisurely naps or perched observation from their favorite throne (aka your couch).
Pekingese Size and Coat Colors-AKC vs FCI
Weight & Size
AKC: Max 14 lbs (6.4 kg), height up to 9 inches (23 cm).
FCI: Ideal weight under 5 kg (11 lbs), with a preference for smaller dogs (“the smaller the better, provided type and quality are preserved”).
Coat Colors
AKC: All colors and markings are permitted (including rare blues/merles).
FCI: All colors allowed except albino or liver (considered faults). Parti-colors must have evenly distributed patches.
Tail Carriage
AKC: Tail set high, “lightly curled” over back.
FCI: Tail must lie flat on the back (tight curls penalized).
Nose & Eyes
FCI: Explicitly requires a black nose (no pink patches).
AKC: Allows lighter noses in lighter-colored dogs (e.g., whites/fawns).
Temperament
Both stress boldness and dignity, but the FCI adds “never shy or aggressive,” while the AKC focuses on “regal independence.”
Pekingese Grooming
True to their imperial heritage, the Pekingese sports a luxurious double coat fit for royalty-but such grandeur demands dedication. Daily brushing is ideal (especially during shedding seasons) to prevent tangles and mats from forming in their thick mane and feathery hindquarters. Their fur, particularly behind the ears and under the legs, acts like velcro for debris. Neglect turns their regal cloak into knotted chaos, so regular grooming isn’t optional-it’s essential to their comfort and health.
Growing Up Pekingese
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How Fast Can a Pekingese Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Pekingese is about 10 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Pekingese was by a dog named They Call Me Mister! at 18.63 mph!
Are Pekingese Good Watch Dogs?
Don’t let their royal demeanor fool you-the Pekingese is a fiercely alert watchdog, ever loyal to their domain. Though barely taller than a footstool, these little lions will bark with conviction at approaching strangers, doorbells, or suspicious leaves blowing past. Historically bred to alert palace guards (while lounging on silk cushions), they still take their patrol duties seriously.
Pekingese Temperament and Personality
The CBARQ dog temperament research study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Pekingese ranks 7 out of 124 breeds in displaying dog rivalry. They may act hostile or threatening towards other dogs in the house and tend to be very “competitive” with them. They may require training and supervision to lessen this trait.
Are Pekingese Aggressive?
In this same research the Pekingese ranks VERY high (12 out of 124 breeds) in displaying aggression towards other unfamiliar dogs. They also rank very high in showing aggression towards unfamiliar people. Aggression is defined as a dog’s reaction when another person or canine enters their personal space/territory. It can be trough barking, growling, bearing teeth or, in extreme cases, lunging or biting.
Pekingese Humor!
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Pekingese Intelligence
In the landmark book entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Pekingese ranks 73 out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 80 to 100 repetitions and obey first commands less than 25% of the time. This puts them in the “lowest working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
Pekingese Health and Lifespan
With an average lifespan of 12–14 years (and many thriving into their late teens), the Pekingese proves that good things come in small, lion-maned packages. But like all royalty, they have a few vulnerabilities:
Proptosis
Their prominent eyes can dislocate (“pop out”) from trauma—like a hard bump or overly enthusiastic collar tug. Act fast: Gently cover the eye with a damp cloth and rush to the vet. Most recover well with prompt care!
Patellar Luxation
A fancy term for a trick knee (when the kneecap slips out of place). Signs include sudden limping or a “bunny hop” gait. Weight management and joint supplements help prevent this.
Fun fact: The oldest recorded Pekingese lived to 23 years—proof that imperial genes run strong!
As a Brachycephalic breed
That squished face and pushed-in nose give Pekingese their signature “imperial frown”—but their brachycephalic (short-skulled) structure comes with comic and medical quirks.
The Charming Side:
Symphony of sounds: Expect snorts, snores, and reverse sneezes (that hilarious honking noise).
Sneeze storms: Their tiny noses turn even a minor tickle into a full-body spectacle.
The Serious Side:
Brachycephalic Syndrome: Narrow airways can cause breathing struggles, especially in heat or stress.
Heat hazards: Their inefficient panting makes them overheat dangerously fast.
How to Keep Them Safe:
✔ Avoid midday walks in summer
✔ Use a harness (never a collar) to protect their trachea
✔ Watch for blue gums or excessive panting—signs of overheating
Pro tip: Their snores may sound like a tiny chainsaw, but it’s music to a Peke lover’s ears!
Check Your Pekingese Facts and Take a Fun Pekingese Quiz!
Final Thoughts: Why the Pekingese is a Royal Companion Like No Other
The Pekingese is a small dog with a lion’s heart—a perfect blend of regal charm and spunky personality. Known as the original “lion dog” of ancient Chinese emperors, this toy breed packs surprising strength in its muscular, compact body, crowned by a luxurious double coat and that iconic flat face.
Beyond their adorable looks, Pekingese are:
🔹 Fearless watchdogs – Always alert, they’ll sound the alarm with comedic bravado.
🔹 Clever and devoted – Their intelligence shines in problem-solving (and selective listening!).
🔹 Low-energy but high-love – Thrive on mental stimulation like puzzle toys or short training games.
Ideal for apartment living yet big on personality, these affectionate companions demand considerable grooming and heat safety but repay it with unwavering loyalty. Whether snoring like a tiny dragon or strutting with imperial pride, the Pekingese proves that great things come in small, lion-maned packages.
