Pekinese: Character, Health & Diet

At first glance, the Pekingese looks like a small lion with a long coat and a confident gait. That was precisely the intention: in China, the breed was regarded for centuries as a living image of the mythical Fu lion and was kept exclusively at the imperial court. Anyone who lives with a Pekingese today quickly notices that none of this dignified bearing has been lost over time. The small dog moves at a leisurely pace, observes its surroundings closely and is reluctant to be pushed into anything it doesn't want to do. At the same time, it is an affectionate companion that seeks closeness to its person and feels particularly at home in calm households. In this guide, you'll find out what makes the Pekingese special, what to look out for regarding health and grooming, and what a species-appropriate diet looks like for this special breed.

Profile and temperament

The Pekingese is one of the smallest recognised dog breeds, yet it carries itself with remarkably confident bearing. Fully grown, it usually weighs between three and six kilograms and reaches a shoulder height of around 15 to 23 centimetres. Its build is compact and sturdy, and the long, dense coat with its distinctive mane around the head and shoulders further enhances the lion-like impression.

In character, the Pekingese is a calm, dignified companion with a mind of its own. It is very affectionate towards its family and deliberately seeks closeness, but towards strangers it often remains reserved and watchful at first. Its urge to move is low, and long hikes or sporting activities don't suit its nature. Instead, it appreciates short, relaxed walks and plenty of time at its person's side. This composure makes it a popular companion for calm households and older people looking for a dog that moves at its own pace.

At the same time, the Pekingese is considered independent and occasionally stubborn. It cannot simply be talked into things; it wants to be convinced why a command makes sense right now. Consistent, patient and above all loving training pays off far more with this breed than strict commands. Anyone who accepts the Pekingese's willfulness as part of its charm gains a loyal and surprisingly self-assured companion.

It's also worth new owners taking a look at the breed's typical behaviours. The Pekingese shows its affection rather subtly, through closeness, eye contact and quiet companionship, rather than exuberant romping. Anyone who learns to appreciate this quiet nature will discover an attentive observer with plenty of personality, one who makes its opinion quite clear when something doesn't suit it.

Origin and history

The Pekingese's roots stretch far back into Chinese history, probably several centuries before our era. At the imperial court in Peking, the breed was considered sacred, and ordinary people were forbidden from owning one for a long time. The small dog was seen as the embodiment of the Buddhist lion, a symbol of protection and dignity, and was treated with corresponding reverence. During the imperial era, stealing a Pekingese could even be punished by death, evidence of the standing the breed held.

The Pekingese only reached Europe in the 19th century, when British troops captured the imperial Summer Palace in 1860 and brought several dogs back to England. There, the breed quickly found favour among the nobility; Queen Victoria herself is said to have owned a Pekingese among others. From England, the breed spread across much of Europe and was eventually recognised internationally as a breed in its own right. To this day, the Pekingese's imperial past is still visible, in its bearing, its confident gait and its calm, almost aristocratic composure.

Care and health

Anyone deciding on a Pekingese should be honest with themselves about the breed's health particularities. The Pekingese is brachycephalic, meaning it has a short, broad nose and a shortened skull. While this head shape looks endearing, it brings genuine breathing limitations with it. Many Pekingese snore, snuffle or have difficulty getting enough air when exerting themselves. Before buying, it's therefore worth looking for a responsible breeder who pays attention to as open a nasal passage as possible and healthy breathing.

This head shape also gives rise to a clear rule for everyday life: heat is a real strain for Pekingese and can be dangerous in the worst case. Because the breed can only release heat through panting to a limited extent, long walks in the midday heat, car journeys without air conditioning and intense exertion on warm days should consistently be avoided. In summer, short outings in the early morning or late evening, shady resting spots and water always within reach are the safer choice. You should also pay particular attention if your dog is overweight, as extra kilos further aggravate breathing problems.

Besides brachycephaly, the Pekingese's large, protruding eyes make it prone to eye irritation, so they should be checked regularly. The back also deserves attention, as the compact body shape can encourage disc problems. You should therefore reduce stairs and jumps off furniture where possible, or make them easier with small ramps. Despite these points, with good breeding, appropriately adapted exercise and attentive care, the Pekingese is a robust, long-lived companion that can lead a contented dog's life with a little consideration.

Regular vet visits are particularly worthwhile for this breed, as breathing problems, dental misalignments or developing back problems often progress gradually and can be treated far more successfully if caught early. Also pay attention to dental care, as the shortened jaw means the Pekingese's teeth sit closer together than in many other breeds, which can encourage tartar and gum problems.

The right diet for the Pekingese

A small, calm dog with a low urge to move also has a correspondingly moderate energy requirement. To stop little exercise quickly turning into too much weight, it's worth choosing food thoughtfully. What matters most is a high nutrient density combined with a controlled calorie amount, so that your Pekingese gets all the important nutrients despite small portions.

At kauliebe you'll find both natural dry food and wet food, both of which rely on high-quality, easily digestible ingredients and are well suited to small breeds. Especially with brachycephalic dogs, it can help to pay attention to food consistency: some Pekingese struggle more with very large, dry kibble because the short nose makes eating harder, while softer wet food or soaked dry food is often accepted better. If you're unsure which food best suits your dog, the food finder can help you find a suitable choice based on your Pekingese's size, age and needs.

As the breed can be prone to being overweight, you should regularly check and adjust the amount of food based on your dog's body weight and condition. Treats and snacks should always be factored into the daily calorie balance, so that small extras don't turn into a big problem.

When choosing food, also look for a clear, comprehensible composition with high-quality animal protein and no unnecessary fillers. Small breeds like the Pekingese benefit from smaller kibble sizes and a balanced supply of omega fatty acids, which also have a positive effect on the long coat. If you need to change the food, do so gently and in small steps, so your dog's sensitive stomach can get used to it properly.

Chews and treats

Even though the Pekingese isn't a great chewing enthusiast compared with more athletic breeds, chewing and gnawing are still part of a fulfilling daily routine for dogs. Chewing supports dental care, reduces stress and occupies the mind, which can help bring balance to a headstrong, attentive dog like the Pekingese.

It's important that chews suit the small dog's size and chewing strength. In the natural chews category you'll find a selection of snacks suitable for small and medium breeds, free from unnecessary additives. Be sure to choose smaller, softer chews, as very hard or large pieces can put extra strain on sensitive breathing and are difficult to handle with the Pekingese's short muzzle anyway. The chew finder helps you find a snack that really suits your dog's size, age and chewing behaviour.

Small, light treats are also particularly well suited for training or in between. In the natural treats category you'll find snacks in small pieces that are easy to portion, so you can reward during training without throwing the day's food amount off balance. Since the Pekingese has only a low calorie requirement anyway, the rule here is especially: better a few high-quality treats than lots of small extras on the side.

Coat care and everyday life

The Pekingese's long, double coat is one of its most distinctive features, but it also demands regular grooming in return. Without consistent brushing, the coat quickly becomes matted, particularly behind the ears, in the armpits and around the belly. It's best to brush your Pekingese thoroughly several times a week, so that no knots form and the coat stays healthy. During the moulting periods in spring and autumn, daily brushing is a good idea.

The fold above the nose and the area around the large eyes also deserve daily attention. Moisture and dirt easily accumulate here, which can lead to irritation and skin problems if these areas aren't kept clean and dry regularly. A soft, damp cloth is usually enough to clean the sensitive skin folds.

In everyday life, the Pekingese is a pleasantly calm housemate that fits well into a leisurely daily routine. Short walks, set rest periods and time at its people's side are entirely enough to keep it content. Anyone unsure whether the Pekingese really suits their own lifestyle will find good guidance in kauliebe's breed finder, on which dog breed truly suits their own needs and everyday life.

Frequently asked questions

How much exercise does a Pekingese need?

The Pekingese has a comparatively low urge to move. Two to three short, calm walks a day are usually entirely sufficient. More important than the length of the walks is that they take place at a pace comfortable for the dog and in moderate temperatures.

Is the Pekingese suitable for beginners?

Basically yes, provided you can get along with the breed's headstrong character and bring patience for consistent, loving training. More important than prior experience is a calm lifestyle that matches the Pekingese's low need for exercise.

Why is heat so dangerous for Pekingese?

Because of its short nose and narrowed throat, the Pekingese can only release heat through panting to a limited extent. In high temperatures, this means the risk of heatstroke rises much faster than in breeds with a normal nose length. Shade, enough water and walks outside the midday heat are therefore essential.

How often does a Pekingese's coat need brushing?

Thorough brushing several times a week is the basis, while daily brushing makes sense during the moulting periods in spring and autumn. This keeps the long coat free of matting and healthy and glossy.

Character & who the Pekingese suits

In short, the Pekingese suits best: calm owners and seniors who like a dignified small companion.

• Size: small
• Energy level: very calm
• With children: good with children
• Flat living: suitable for flats
• For beginners: with some experience
• Coat care: demanding coat care
• Trainability: independent
• Alertness: alert

Not sure whether this breed suits your life? Find out with our breed finder „Which dog breed suits me?“.