Pekingese

Breed Type: Toy
Common nicknames: Peke, Lion Dog, Chinese Spaniel
Coat: Double
Hypoallergenic: No, they will likely trigger allergies.
Temperament: Affectionate, friendly, strong-willed, loyal
Life expectancy: 10-14 years
Color & patterns:
Hero image
Pekingese - fawn
Pekingese - red
Pekingese - white
The Pekingese may be small, but this fluffy ball of joy has a big personality beneath their adorable wrinkles and lion-like manes. The breed originated in China over 2,000 years ago, where they were kept as companions to the imperial family. Known for their bravery, tenacity, and loyalty, the Pekingese is a wonderful watchdog. They may be stubborn at times, but with patience and consistent training, they can make loving and devoted companions for years to come.

Pekingese characteristics

Learn about about Pekingese basics like their fur colors, shedding levels, how much grooming they need, and other Pekingese facts.

Average height

7-8 inches (17.8-20.3cm)

Average weight

6-15 pounds (2.7-6.8 kg)

Average lifespan

10-14 years

Exercise needs
Low-key activityHigh-demand workouts
Grooming needs
OccasionallyFrequently
Full-grown size
Teeny tinySuper size
Good with cats
Likely to chaseHey, new pal!
Good with kids
Needs lots of supervisionReady to play
Training aptitude
HeadstrongEager to please
Do Pekingese shed?

Yes, Pekingese shed — they are moderate shedders.

How big do Pekingese dogs get?

Pekingese will grow to be about 6 to 9 inches tall and weigh between seven and 12 pounds.

What does a Pekingese look like?

Pekingese are small dogs with a sturdy build. They have a long, flowing double coat that comes in various colors, including black, biscuit, cream, fawn, white, and gray. They are known for their flat, wrinkled faces and large, expressive eyes. They have heart-shaped ears, a high-set, feathered tail, and an often “dignified and noble” expression.

How long do Pekingese live?

Pekingese live to be 12 to 14 years old on average. However, individual lifespans can vary based on factors such as genetics, diet, exercise, healthcare, and overall lifestyle. Providing proper care, regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and maintaining a healthy weight can contribute to helping dogs of all breeds live long and healthy lives.

When is a Pekingese fully grown?

Pekingese are fully grown by the time they are around a year old. It’s important to provide proper nutrition, exercise, and healthcare during their growth stages to ensure they develop into healthy adult dogs. Regular veterinary check-ups can also help monitor their growth and overall well-being.

Are Pekingese and Pugs related?

While both breeds hail from ancient China, Pekingese and Pugs are not directly related. Pekingese have long, flowing coats and distinctly flat faces, while Pugs have short muzzles, wrinkles, curly tails, and other features.

Pekingese history

Learn about where this Pekingese came from!

What were Pekingese bred for?

Originating in ancient Peking, China, the Pekingese was bred to be a companion to the Chinese aristocracy, who were the only ones allowed to have these dogs. They were reportedly bred to resemble the “foo dog,” a mythical guardian lion in China.

Pekingese temperament

Learn about about the Pekingese temperament and how well they fit into your lifestyle, home environment, and family.

Are Pekingese good with kids?

Yes, Pekingese are good with kids. They are friendly, affectionate, and can make fun playmates to active older kids, although they might not be the most responsive to the spontaneous rambunctiousness of younger children.

As with any breed, it is recommended that your child is always supervised when interacting with your dog to keep both the child and dog safe. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to gently interact with children.

Do Pekingese bark a lot?

No, Pekingese don’t bark a lot compared to some other breeds. Despite their small stature, however, they consider themselves guardians of their domain and will bark to alert. As with any dog, they can be discouraged from barking as frequently with proper training and exercise.

Are Pekingese good family dogs?

Yes, Pekingese are good family dogs. They thrive on affection and love their humans. They require relatively little exercise, so make great companions to older families as well as younger ones.

Are Pekingese good with cats?

Yes, Pekingese are known to be very friendly with other animals, including cats. Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, but you can feel fairly confident your Pekingese, if properly socialized to your cat and introduced at a young age, should get along just fine.

Are Pekingese good with other dogs?

Yes, Pekingese are generally good with other dogs as long as they are socialized when they are young.

Are Pekingese smart?

Yes, Pekingese are very smart and strong-willed. They are known for being independent, headstrong, and confident.

Are Pekingese good guard dogs?

Yes, Pekingese can make good guard dogs because they’re very alert and vocal about intruders. In fact, in ancient China, the smallest Pekingese were often used as miniature guard dogs.

Are Pekingese good apartment dogs?

Yes, Pekingese are well-suited for apartment living. They are quiet, bond closely with their families, and have moderate exercise needs.

Are Pekingese affectionate?

Yes, Pekingese are known for being affectionate, outgoing, and loyal.

Do Pekingese get attached to one person?

Yes, Pekingese are known to bond strongly with one person in their household.

Are Pekingese easy to train?

No, Pekingese are not always easy to train as they are quite strong-willed little beings. However, training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed.

Once properly trained using positive reinforcement techniques, Pekingese can be calm, affectionate companions.

Pekingese health

Learn about about the Pekingese health outlook and what diseases they may be prone to at various stages of their life.

Are Pekingese healthy dogs?

Pekingese are generally healthy dogs but, like all breeds, may experience some health issues. Diseases to watch out for include:

  • Intervertebral disc disease: Intervertebral disc disease causes a bulge or rupture in the discs between the vertebrae, which can cause pain, nerve damage, and paralysis. Sometimes, the disease is mild and may be relieved through crate rest and medication, but dogs with severe cases could need surgery or to use a wheelchair cart. If a Pekingese is having trouble walking, refuses to jump, is incontinent, won’t eat, or appears anxious, they should be taken to the vet as soon as possible.

  • Patellar luxation: Also known as slipped kneecaps, patellar luxation is a common problem in many dog breeds. It occurs when slight abnormalities cause the knee joint to slide in and out of place, which can cause pain and occasional lameness. Surgical treatment is available for severe cases, although many dogs lead normal lives without treatment.

  • Brachycephalic syndrome: This disorder is found in dogs with short heads, narrowed nostrils, and/or elongated soft palates. Their body structure causes breathing obstructions to varying degrees and can result in anything from noisy or labored breathing to total collapse of the airway. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome commonly snuffle and snort. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition but includes oxygen therapy as well as surgery to widen nostrils or shorten palates.

  • Elongated soft palate: Though the Pekingese’s snout is a bit shorter than other breeds, the soft palates (and tongue) at the back of their mouths are not shortened. A dog of the same size with a normal head shape would have a soft palate of the correct length, but in the brachycephalic dog, like the Pekingese, the overlong soft palate is pushed backward, partly obstructing the larynx (the opening to the airway). An elongated soft palate also causes issues with airflow and rubs against other tissues, leading to inflammation and swelling of airway tissues. The inflammation often makes the soft palate itself become swollen and thickened over time, further blocking your Pekingese’s ability to breathe properly.

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes: This condition causes the head of the femur (located in a dog’s hind leg) to spontaneously degenerate. Over time, this will lead to erosion of the hip joint and arthritis. Pekingese suffering from Legg-Calve-Perthes will become lame, limp while walking, and experience pain when moving the hip joint. Surgery is the most effective treatment for the disorder.

  • Eye issues: Pekingese may experience certain eye conditions such as entropion, a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye; distichiasis, an abnormal growth of eyelashes on the margin of the eye, the extra eyelashes and abnormal location result in irritation to the eye; dry eye; cataracts, a common eye condition that causes cloudiness in the eye and obstructs vision; and trichiasis, a condition characterized by the eyelashes turning inward resulting in irritation and inflammation.

  • Others: Pekingese may also experience mitral valve disease, a condition where the valve directing blood from the left atrium to the left ventricle begins to fail and eventually leads to heart failure; fold dermatitis, a skin infection caused by the folds of the skin rubbing against each other and creating excessive moisture; and hydrocephalus, a build up of fluid in the brain that is most commonly seen in puppies under 18 months of age.

Are Pekingese hypoallergenic?

No, Pekingese are not hypoallergenic. They have a thick double coat that sheds year-round and an undercoat that sheds twice a year.

Are Pekingese high maintenance dogs?

No, Pekingese aren’t generally high-maintenance, but they do have a high maintenance coat that requires regular brushing to prevent mats and remove dead hairs.

Popular Pekingese mixes

Breeds that are commonly mixed with Pekingese include Beagles, Boston Terriers, and Havanese. Characteristics of a Pekingese mix can vary widely depending on the specific breeds involved, the individual dog’s genetics, and its upbringing. A few common Pekingese mixes include:

  • Peagle (Pekingese + Beagle)

  • Peke-A-Boo (Pekingese + Bolognese)

  • Bostinese (Pekingese + Boston Terrier)

  • Cheeks (Pekingese + Chihuahua)

  • Havapeke (Pekingese + Havanese)

Pekingese Mixes picture

Find Pekingese puppies near you

Adopting a Pekingese

We don't see any Pekingeses available for adoption in your exact location or cities near you, but here are some adorable similar breeds in Columbus, OH.

Photo of Dewey

Dewey

Lhasa Apso

Male, 12 yrs 1 mo

Columbus, OH

Color
Tricolor (Tan/Brown & Black & White)
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Good with kids
Good with dogs
Good with cats
Needs special attention
Shots are up-to-date
Story
DewyMaleAge: 12 yearsWeight: 15 lbsBreed: Lhasa Apso Hi! I’m Dewy. I am a sweet and loving guy who is good with other dogs and even cats. I do best in a calm and quiet home, as loud noises and too much activity make me nervous. Because of this, I’d prefer a home with older children who understand that I need gentle care. I’m working hard my house training, am leash-trained, and crate-trained, but I do need to be crated when left alone—it’s my safe space where I can relax. One of my favorite things is spending time outside, sniffing around and taking in all the smells at my own leisurely pace. I also love meeting new four-legged friends—my tail wags like crazy whenever I see them! I enjoy watching other dogs play with toys, though I haven’t quite figured out how to join in yet. Maybe one day! I also appreciate my gentle brushing sessions—they make me feel fancy, and I think I look pretty good afterward too! While I may be a little shy at first, I promise I’m as sweet and loving as they come. I’m still learning the ropes of living in a home, but I’ve come a long way and am discovering how wonderful a cozy bed and a warm spot by the heater can be. I’m also thriving on a schedule—it helps me feel safe and secure. I have Lyme Disease, but I’m on medication and doing well. I’ve had a rough life, but I’m finally getting to experience what it means to be loved and cared for. I’m still opening up, but I know that with the right person, I’ll continue to blossom. If you’re looking for a gentle, quiet companion to spoil with love, patience, and warm naps, I just might be the perfect match for you! I will also have to be neutered and have an appointment set for early April. If you are interested in meeting Dewy apply to adopt him at www.causeforcanines.org Adoption fee: $195 Must be an Ohio resident & 23 or older. Children must be 10 or older. ##2319424##
Photo of Timmy - NDMR TN

Timmy - NDMR TN

Lhasa Apso

Male, young

Pataskala, OH

Color
N/A
Size
(when grown) Small 25 lbs (11 kg) or less
Details
Not good with kids
Good with dogs
Not good with cats
Spayed or Neutered
Shots are up-to-date
Story
You can fill out an adoption application online on our official website.Timmy's adoption donation is $500 and he is being fostered in Central Ohio. He has been neutered, microchipped, and is fully vaccinated—including rabies, distemper/parvo, bivalent canine influenza, and Bordetella. He has tested negative for heartworms and is on monthly heartworm and flea prevention. Timmy has also had a dental cleaning to ensure his smile is as healthy as his spirit. Meet Timmy – A Little Dog with a Big Heart and an Even Bigger Spirit At just two and a half years old, Timmy has already shown the kind of resilience and joy that can light up a home. This sweet, twenty-pound Shih Tzu may be sight-impaired, but don’t let that fool you—he’s full of life, love, and plenty of tail wags. Timmy’s journey hasn’t been easy. He landed in a Tennessee shelter when his family could no longer care for him, but thanks to a series of kind-hearted rescuers, he made his way to safety, had his damaged eyes removed, and is now living his best life in foster care while he waits for his forever home. Despite his vision loss, Timmy has adapted beautifully. He navigates his world with a little patience, a lot of sniffing, and a great sense of hearing. He walks well on a leash, adores chewy and squeaky toys, and loves playtime with other small dogs. He also enjoys car rides, cuddles, and being the ultimate lap dog. This boy thrives on companionship and would love a home where someone is around often to engage him, walk with him, and share lots of love. He’s making fantastic progress with housetraining and does best with a consistent routine. While we’re not sure how he does with cats or young kids, he gets along wonderfully with other dogs. Timmy is fully vetted—neutered, microchipped, up to date on all his vaccines, and on heartworm and flea prevention. He’s healthy, happy, and ready to share his boundless affection with a family of his own. If you’re looking for a playful, affectionate companion who will show you how beautiful life can be—one step, one snuggle at a time—Timmy might just be your perfect match.Visit this organization's web site to see any additional information available about this pet.PLEASE NOTE: If you are viewing this biography on a website other than the Ohio Fuzzy Pawz website like Petfinder, Adopt-a-Pet, or another search engine (the OFP website is www.ohiofuzzypawz.com), not all information transfers to partner websites in some instances. If you go to the individual webpage of our dogs , you will be able to get more information each dog. Visual breed identification in dogs can be unreliable so, in many cases, we are only guessing at the predominant breed or breed mix. We get to know each dog as an individual and will do our best to describe each of our dogs based on personality, not by breed label. Our Adoption Process The adoption process has several steps involved. Please review prior to submitting an application. Our adoption process is detailed here: http://www.ohiofuzzypawz.com/info/adoption Our volunteers work very diligently to process each application and we try to ensure that we are making the best match possible for each dog. We do not schedule meetings with dogs until an application has been approved. It can take up to a few weeks to process an application or as little time as a few days, from the time you submit an application, please be prepared to adopt as we cannot hold dogs. Special Requirements Some dogs may have special requirements (for example, medications, a fence) -- if you apply for a dog, please be sure to read over the biography completely to see if there are any special needs and if you're home would be suitable. If we indicate on the dog's biography that a fence is required, this means your home must have a physical fence. Other dogs may require a "strong vet reference" which indicates that we are looking for a home that has a documented history of veterinary care with previous pets. The first step in our process is to submit an online adoption application at www.ohiofuzzypawz.com/forms. The application MUST include the personal references and veterinary, grooming, and landlord references (if applicable) and their respective contact information. If you do not include the references and the contact information, your application will be delayed as it CANNOT be processed. Once the references have been successfully completed, a home visit is then scheduled when a rescue representative can meet all members of the family or residents of the home. No application is approved prior to the home visit being done. At that point, the Directors will discuss any and all applications on a foster dog and make a selection--in many cases, there are multiple applications for each dog, so please be understanding that our only priority is the successful placement of each of our foster dogs. Out of State Adoptions We do adopt out of state to outstanding applicants, however, our process requires a home visit, so out of state adoptions can take longer. We do not ship our dogs, adopters should be prepared to pick up the dog in Central Ohio. April 2, 2025, 12:42 pm