Pekingese
A flat-faced imperial lapdog bred for centuries in the Chinese court, the Pekingese is dignified, affectionate and confident, content to reign from a cushion. It suits calm homes — flats included — happy to commit to daily grooming of the long coat, and aware of the breathing and eye care a brachycephalic toy breed needs.
Pekingese scorecard
Overview
The Pekingese is one of the oldest companion breeds in the world, a small, dignified toy dog that was bred for centuries to be nothing more demanding than a beloved royal lapdog. Compact and surprisingly heavy for its size, the Peke stands only around 15 to 23 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 3 to 6.5 kg, yet it carries itself with the unhurried self-importance of a breed that once lived in the Chinese Imperial Palace. Its rolling, dignified gait, profuse mane-like coat and flat, wide face give it an unmistakable lion-like silhouette.
Beneath the regal exterior is an affectionate, loyal and often stubborn little dog that bonds closely with its people and is perfectly content in a flat or smaller home. The Pekingese is not a breed for owners who want an athletic, eager-to-please dog; it is opinionated, sometimes aloof with strangers and happiest pottering at its own pace. Its flat face also brings real, ongoing health responsibilities, so prospective owners should go in with their eyes open to the daily grooming and the breathing, eye and skin-fold care that the breed needs throughout its life.
Good to know — a Pekingese is flat-friendly and better with some experience. Every dog is an individual, so meet a few and chat to a good breeder or rescue before deciding.
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History & origins
The Pekingese takes its name from Peking (now Beijing) and was developed in China as a companion to the Imperial court, where for centuries it was so prized that ownership outside the royal family was, by tradition, forbidden. The breed's lion-like appearance carried symbolic weight in Chinese Buddhist culture, and dogs were depicted in art and treated as treasured palace companions long before they were known in the West.
The breed reached Britain in the 19th century. The most commonly cited turning point is the British military expedition to Peking in 1860, after which several of these dogs were brought back to England; one is traditionally said to have been presented to Queen Victoria. The Pekingese was recognised by the Kennel Club in the UK and became a fashionable show and companion dog. Today it is registered with The Kennel Club within the Toy Group, and while no longer a high-volume breed it retains a devoted following among admirers of its history and character.
Temperament & family fit
Pekingese are affectionate and devoted to their families but carry themselves with a notable independence and self-assurance that owners often describe as cat-like. They tend to attach strongly to one or two people, enjoy companionship and lap time, and are generally calm and quiet indoors rather than boisterous. With people they know they can be playful and charming, but they are frequently reserved or indifferent with strangers and will not fawn over visitors to win approval.
This is a courageous, sometimes bold breed that does not always recognise its own small size, so early, positive socialisation matters to keep that confidence from tipping into wariness or guarding. Pekingese can be possessive of food, toys or favourite people, and their dignified streak means they tolerate rough or unpredictable handling poorly. For that reason they are usually better suited to calm adult households or homes with gentle, older, sensible children, and interactions with very young children should always be supervised. Around other dogs they can be aloof or assertive, so steady introductions help.
- Families with older, respectful children
- Owners ready for consistent training
- Flats or houses with daily exercise
Training & intelligence
The Pekingese is intelligent but independent and notably strong-willed, which means training tends to be a negotiation rather than a guaranteed success. They were bred to be companions, not biddable workers, so they have little instinct to take direction and will simply disengage from anything dull or repetitive. Short, upbeat, reward-based sessions using food and praise work far better than firmness, which only makes a Peke more stubborn.
House-training can take patience and consistency, as with many toy breeds, and a settled routine helps. Socialisation from puppyhood is the most valuable investment an owner can make, gently exposing the dog to new people, dogs, sounds and handling so its natural reserve does not become defensiveness. Teaching calm acceptance of grooming, face-cleaning and being examined is especially important given the breed's grooming and health needs, and getting the dog comfortable with handling early makes a lifetime of care far easier.
- Start socialisation & handling early
- Reward-based methods only — no harsh corrections
- Keep sessions short, calm and consistent
Exercise needs
A healthy adult Pekingese typically needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) a day (roughly 30–45 minutes), split across walks, play and a little training. A good sniffy walk, some play and a little training usually keeps them content. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need adjusted amounts — check with your vet.
Grooming & coat
The Pekingese has a long, thick double coat with a profuse mane, and it needs frequent grooming — ideally daily brushing and combing — to prevent painful matting, particularly behind the ears, on the legs and around the rear. The breed also has prominent facial features and skin folds that need routine attention: the eyes should be checked and gently cleaned, and any facial folds wiped to keep them clean and dry and prevent skin infection. Eyes, nails, ears and the hindquarters all need regular care, and many owners use a professional groomer periodically to keep the coat manageable. This is a high-maintenance coat, and grooming should be treated as a non-negotiable part of daily life with the breed rather than an occasional chore.
- Brush several times a week
- Bathe every few weeks or as needed
- Check ears, nails and teeth weekly
Feeding a Pekingese
Pekingese should be fed a complete, good-quality diet appropriate to their age, size and activity level, divided into measured meals rather than fed free-choice. Because they are a small, low-energy breed it is very easy to overfeed them, and excess weight is especially harmful in a flat-faced dog, where it worsens breathing difficulty and places extra strain on the joints and heart. Owners should weigh portions, keep treats to a small fraction of daily calories and regularly body-condition-score their dog, adjusting food to keep a visible waist and easily felt ribs. Some Pekingese can be a little fussy, and their short muzzle can make eating from certain bowls awkward, so a shallow, wide dish often helps. Any sudden change in appetite is worth a vet check.
A toy breed
An adult Pekingese typically weighs 3–6.5 kg, so a healthy Pekingese eats a small amount — often under 100g of dry food a day compared with other breeds. Every feeding guide on a bag is written per kilo of body weight, not per breed — start there, then adjust to the dog in front of you.
Life stage
A toy breed is usually done growing at 10–12 months, which is roughly when a puppy food has finished its job. With a typical lifespan of 12–14 years, there is a long adult stretch in the middle; switch to a senior food when your vet thinks it is worth it rather than on a birthday.
Small mouths, crowded teeth
Smaller breeds get dental disease more often than big ones, largely because the same number of teeth are packed into a shorter jaw. Kibble size is worth checking, and a dental chew counts towards the daily 10% of calories from treats.
A shallow, wide bowl suits a flat face
A flat-faced dog cannot reach into a deep bowl without pressing its nose into the sides, which is uncomfortable and makes it gulp air. A shallow bowl, and food that does not have to be chased around it, is the easier arrangement.
How much should a Pekingese weigh?
Adult 3–6.5 kgfully grown at 10–12 months
| Age | Stage | Typical weight | Of adult size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 weeks | Just home | 0.5–1.2 kg | 18% |
| 3 months | Young puppy | 0.9–1.9 kg | 30% |
| 6 months | Growing fast | 1.8–3.8 kg | 59% |
| 10–12 months | Fully grown | 3–6.5 kg | 100% |
A guide, from the same rule of thumb our puppy growth predictor uses — each age is that share of the way to maturity for a toy breed. Puppies grow fastest early, so a real puppy usually sits a little above the middle rows. Weigh yours and ask your vet if the number worries you.
Complete dog foods that suit a Pekingese
Complete foods from our range, matched to a Pekingese's size band and what the breed typically needs. Stock levels and delivery dates are live on each product.
Pedigree Can in Jelly Puppy 6 Pack
Complete Pedigree puppy food in jelly with chicken, lamb and poultry recipes
£10.15
Forthglade Cold Pressed Natural Turkey
Cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs from 2 months, soft enough to mix with water for young pups
£45.99
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Chicken
Cold-pressed grain-free chicken food with fruit and botanicals, in three bag sizes
From£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Chicken
A grain-free complete dry food for adult dogs, lightly baked and built on 50% chicken
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Small Dog Turkey
Cold-pressed grain-free dry food for small dogs and puppies, built on turkey
£16.99
Forthglade Complete Meal Lightly Baked Lamb
A lightly baked complete dry food, 50% lamb, for adult dogs of any breed
From£12.49
Forthglade Cold Pressed Grain Free Turkey
Grain-free cold-pressed turkey kibble for dogs, gentle on sensitive stomachs
£69.69
Forthglade British Classics Chicken Family Lunch
Complete Forthglade wet dog food with 75% chicken in a 395G tray
£2.45
Harringtons Puppy Turkey & Rice
Complete turkey puppy food with 30% protein and feeding bands by adult weight
£6.49
Harringtons Adult Dog Turkey Veg
Complete dry food for adult dogs with turkey, chicken and salmon oil, 21% protein
From£3.39
Harringtons Just 6 Dry Dog Food Lamb
Grain-free lamb dry dog food in 2KG and 12KG sizes, with size-specific formulas
From£13.99
Pekingese health & costs
Before bringing a Pekingese home it pays to budget for the whole picture — food, insurance, grooming and routine vet care all add up. The figures below are typical UK estimates for a healthy adult; your real costs vary with where you live, your dog's health and the cover you choose.
Food
£200–300 / year
Complete food sized to weight & life stage
Insurance
£12–28 / month
Lifetime cover — varies by age, breed & area
Grooming
£400–700 / year
Regular professional grooming
Routine vet care
£200–450 / year
Vaccines, flea/worm, annual check
The Pekingese is a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, and the most significant welfare concerns relate directly to that conformation. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) — a combination of narrowed nostrils, an over-long soft palate and other airway abnormalities — can cause noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, sleep disruption and a serious risk of overheating. The flat face also predisposes the breed to a range of eye problems, and the heavy coat and skin folds bring their own infection and overheating risks. These are not rare quirks but recognised, conformation-linked issues, and they are a central reason to buy only from breeders who prioritise health and to keep a Peke lean and cool.
The UK Kennel Club and breed clubs recognise these risks, and responsible breeding aims to select for more open nostrils and better airways. Prospective owners should ask breeders about the health of the parents, including any eye testing, and choose puppies with the most open nostrils and least exaggerated faces. With careful management — weight control, gentle exercise, heat avoidance, daily grooming and routine eye and fold care — many Pekingese live comfortably to a typical age of around 12 to 14 years. Lifelong vet support and, ideally, insurance that covers brachycephalic-related conditions are sensible.
Common health conditions to be aware of
- Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) — the flat face can cause narrowed airways, noisy or laboured breathing, exercise intolerance and a high risk of overheating; severe cases may need surgery.
- Eye problems — the prominent, exposed eyes are prone to corneal ulcers, injury, dry eye and exposure-related damage, and any redness, cloudiness or discomfort needs prompt veterinary attention.
- Skin-fold dermatitis — warm, moist facial and body folds can become inflamed or infected without regular cleaning and drying.
- Heat intolerance — as a short-faced, heavily coated breed the Pekingese overheats easily and is at real risk of heatstroke in warm weather or during exertion.
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — the long-backed, short-legged build can predispose some dogs to back and spinal problems.
- Patellar luxation — slipping kneecaps occur in many small breeds and can cause intermittent lameness.
These reflect typical, size- and coat-related risks for dogs like the Pekingese; individual breeds carry their own predispositions. Always buy from health-tested parents and speak to your vet — this isn't a diagnosis.
Protect against surprise bills
A single emergency can run into thousands. Lifetime insurance spreads the risk.
Estimate insurance →How pet insurance works →Puppy & senior care
Bringing home a Pekingese puppy
Puppies need controlled exercise (a rough guide is five minutes per month of age, twice a day) to protect growing joints, little-and-often meals of a complete puppy food, early socialisation, and a calm routine for toilet training and sleep. Book first vaccinations, microchipping and a vet check early.
New puppy checklist →Caring for a senior Pekingese
As they age, watch weight, joints and teeth, switch to a senior diet if your vet advises, keep exercise gentle but regular, and consider orthopaedic bedding and ramps. Twice-yearly vet checks help catch issues early.
Orthopaedic beds & mobility →Pros & cons
The good bits
- Dignified, affectionate and content in flats
- A loyal little companion
Things to consider
- A flat-faced breed prone to breathing and eye problems
- Long coat needs daily grooming and they can be stubborn
Compare the Pekingese
See how the Pekingese measures up against similar breeds before you decide:
More breeds like the Pekingese
Same breed group
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
A gentle, affectionate lap dog that’s wonderful with children and adapts happily to flat or house living.
Pug
A charming, comical lap dog that’s content in a flat — but a flat face brings real health considerations.
Bichon Frise
A cheerful, low-shedding companion that’s a popular choice for allergy-conscious, flat-dwelling owners.
Yorkshire Terrier
A tiny, feisty toy terrier with a big personality — ideal for flats but delicate around small children.
Similar temperament
Chow Chow
A dignified, aloof and cat-like Chinese breed — clean and loyal to its family but famously independent, with a thick double coat.
Lhasa Apso
A long-coated Tibetan watchdog — confident and suited to flats, but independent, alert and high-maintenance to groom.
Maltese
A tiny white lapdog with a long silky coat — affectionate, gentle and very low-shedding.
Caucasian Shepherd
An enormous livestock-guardian breed — fiercely protective and devoted, but strictly for very experienced owners.
Similar size, different type
Maltipoo
A Maltese × Poodle cross — affectionate, playful and usually low-shedding, a popular lap-sized companion.
Yorkipoo
A Yorkie × Poodle cross — tiny, lively and usually low-shedding, well suited to flats and smaller homes.
Shih-Poo
A Shih Tzu × Poodle cross — gentle, affectionate and usually low-shedding, a relaxed companion for flat life.
Chorkie
A tiny, bold Chihuahua–Yorkshire Terrier cross with a big personality. Devoted to its owner but can be feisty, vocal and wary of strangers. Coat and temperament vary depending on which parent they take after.
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Frequently asked questions
Where does the Pekingese come from?
The Pekingese is one of the oldest companion breeds in the world, originating in China, where it was bred for centuries as a beloved royal lapdog and once lived in the Imperial Palace. Its rolling, dignified gait, profuse mane-like coat and flat, wide face give it an unmistakable lion-like silhouette. The Kennel Club places it in the Toy group.
How big do Pekingese get?
The Pekingese is a small toy dog that is surprisingly heavy for its size. It stands only around 15 to 23 cm at the shoulder and weighs roughly 3 to 6.5 kg, carried on a compact, thickset frame. Despite its small stature it carries itself with the unhurried self-importance of a breed bred for palace life.
What is the temperament of a Pekingese?
Pekingese are affectionate and devoted to their families but carry themselves with a notable, almost cat-like independence and self-assurance. They tend to attach strongly to one or two people, are calm and quiet indoors, and are often reserved or indifferent with strangers. Courageous and sometimes bold, they don't always recognise their small size, so early positive socialisation matters.
Are Pekingese good with children?
Pekingese have a dignified streak and tolerate rough or unpredictable handling poorly, so they are usually better suited to calm adult households or homes with gentle, older, sensible children. Interactions with very young children should always be supervised. They can also be possessive of food, toys or favourite people, which is worth bearing in mind in a busy family home.
Are Pekingese easy to train?
They are intelligent but independent and notably strong-willed, so training tends to be a negotiation rather than a guarantee. Bred as companions rather than biddable workers, they disengage from anything dull or repetitive. Short, upbeat, reward-based sessions using food and praise work far better than firmness. House-training can take patience, and teaching calm acceptance of grooming and handling early is especially valuable.
Do Pekingese need a lot of grooming?
Yes. The long, thick double coat with its profuse mane needs frequent grooming — ideally daily brushing and combing — to prevent painful matting, particularly behind the ears, on the legs and around the rear. The facial folds and eyes also need routine cleaning to stay clean and dry. Many owners also use a professional groomer periodically. Grooming should be treated as a daily, non-negotiable part of life with the breed.
What health problems do Pekingese have?
As a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, the main concerns relate to that conformation. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) can cause noisy breathing, exercise intolerance and a serious risk of overheating, and the flat face predisposes the breed to eye problems, while the coat and skin folds bring infection risks. Buy only from breeders who prioritise health and select for open nostrils, and keep your Peke lean and cool.
How long do Pekingese live?
With careful management — weight control, gentle exercise, heat avoidance, daily grooming and routine eye and fold care — many Pekingese live comfortably to a typical age of around 12 to 14 years. Lifelong vet support and, ideally, insurance that covers brachycephalic-related conditions are sensible given the breed's flat-faced health needs.
Are Pekingeses good with children?
Best with older, calm children. As a general guide, Pekingeses tend to be better suited to homes with older children or no young children. Whatever the breed, always supervise dogs and young children and teach kids to interact gently.
How much exercise does a Pekingese need?
As a healthy adult, a typical Pekingese needs around 30 minutes (gentle, broken into shorter walks) of exercise a day (30–45 minutes), split across walks plus play. A good sniffy walk plus some play and training usually keeps them happy. Puppies, seniors and dogs with health conditions need less — ask your vet.
Do Pekingeses shed a lot?
Moderate shedding. Coat upkeep is daily / professional — plan on frequent brushing and regular trips to a groomer.
Are Pekingeses easy to train and good for first-time owners?
Better with some experience. Pekingeses are best for owners ready to commit to consistent training and plenty of activity. Reward-based training and early socialisation help any dog.
Do Pekingeses bark a lot?
Quiet. They are usually fairly easy-going about barking, though any dog will bark if bored or under-exercised.
Are Pekingeses good with other dogs?
Can be selective with other dogs. Early, positive socialisation with other dogs from a young age makes a big difference.
Do Pekingeses suit flats or smaller homes?
Flat-friendly. A Pekingese can adapt to flat living as long as it gets its daily exercise and company.
Sources
- The Kennel Club (UK) — Pekingese breed information and breed standard: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/breeds/pekingese/
- PDSA — brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs and their health: https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/flat-faced-dogs
- Royal Veterinary College (RVC) — Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) research and guidance: https://www.rvc.ac.uk/vetcompass
- Blue Cross — choosing and caring for a flat-faced dog: https://www.bluecross.org.uk/advice/dog
Recommended for your Pekingese
Matched to a Pekingese's size and their typical need for regular coat care, dental care, cooling for hot days.
Wooden Pet Deshedding Grooming Brush
An ergonomic wooden grooming brush with a fine-toothed edge that loosens and lifts away dead and shedding fur. The smooth contoured handle sits comfortably in the hand for quick, gentle daily de-shedding.
£14.99
Pet Oral Spray for Dogs & Cats
A 100ml pet oral spray for dogs and cats that helps promote fresh breath and cleaner teeth. Simply spray onto teeth and gums - no brushing needed for daily oral care.
£8.99
Bugalugs Double-Sided Dematting Rake for Dogs & Cats
Two tools in one: tackle stubborn mats with the 9-tooth side, then thin and de-shed with the 17-tooth side — ideal for long or double-coated pets.
£11.99
Smart Choice Cooling Ice Cream Dog Toy
A TPR cooling toy that can be filled with water and frozen, for hot-weather chewing
£3.99
HypaGel Reusable Hot & Cold Gel Pack – Pet First Aid
A reusable gel pack that can be chilled in the freezer or warmed in the microwave — a handy first-aid essential for muscle and joint therapy.
£6.99
Ice-Silk Cooling Dog Bed with Bolster Edge
A breathable ice-silk cooling bed with a soft bolster edge and a cool-touch centre panel that helps your dog stay comfortable through warm weather. No need to freeze or refrigerate, it cools naturally on contact.
From£12.99
Warm Stretch Snood for Dogs, Ear and Neck Cover, S, M and L
A stretch snood that gathers long ears back against the head and out of food bowls, puddles and brambles, knitted in a soft cationic-spandex blend in purple or blue.
£10.99
Ice-Silk Cooling Pad for Pets
A breathable, anti-slip ice-silk cooling mat that keeps cats and dogs comfortable on hot days, no freezing required. It rolls up neatly for travel and the cool-touch surface helps reduce overheating at home or in the car.
From£8.99
Suggestions based on breed traits — always check sizing and suitability for your individual dog.
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Every dog is an individual — temperament and needs vary. Please research thoroughly, meet dogs in person, and consider adopting from a rescue. This is general guidance, not a substitute for advice from your vet or a qualified trainer.