Pekingese

Overall description of the breed

The origins of the Pekingese remain mysterious and incredibly ancient, with traces of its presence in China dating back nearly 2000 years before BC. Once revered in the Middle Kingdom and even considered sacred, those who harmed this small dog risked the death penalty.

In 1860, it was imported to the United Kingdom following the war led by the English against the Chinese imperial court. Certain British officers took the initiative to seize a few specimens to offer them to Queen Victoria. The entire royal court of Great Britain developed an affection for this miniature dog with its long coat and flat nose.

Several breeders became passionate about this unique breed, and the few individuals recovered in China helped develop the breed across the entire kingdom. After many decades, its popularity remains unwavering. The paternity of the Pekingese has been symbolically attributed to both England and China. The FCI definitively recognized it on November 3, 1966, and the currently applicable official standard was published on March 26, 2009.

The Pekingese is classified among small-sized dogs. Its demeanor is noble, elegant, and well-proportioned, with a gait that is always graceful, supple, and pleasing to behold. Its body is of medium size, slightly longer than tall, and fits within a rectangle. Slightly arched at the level of the loins, its back is short and straight, with a deep chest and rounded ribs.

Despite its small size, it remains vigorous and incredibly reactive. Its limbs are swift, sturdy, and well-built. Its tail, of medium length, is attached high and carried straight along its back. The size of its head is proportional to the rest of its body. Its skull is round, and its muzzle is short with a distinctly pronounced stop, sometimes even turned up in certain individuals.

Its ears are of good length, drooping, with an abundant fringe of hair. This longer coat is also found on several parts of the body, such as the neck, legs, and tail. Its fur is long, thick, and shiny, accompanied by an abundant, soft undercoat. All colors of coats are accepted, with the exception of albino and Red Nose.

The Pekingese is an epitome of a companion dog—gentle, peaceful, and intelligent. It is deeply attached to its family, although this may not always be readily apparent. Modest and sensitive, it is particularly enjoyable to live with, making it ideal for the elderly or those who are less active, as the Pekingese requires very little physical activity to be content.

Endowed with a rather independent temperament, it doesn't demand incessant human contact to maintain its balance. Your mere presence is sufficient for it. Being alone poses no problem for it. In your absence, it will wait patiently without experiencing excessive anxiety.

At times stubborn, obedience is not its strongest trait. It particularly values its freedom of action and dislikes yielding to its owners' commands. Firm yet fair training will be necessary from an early age. Small in size but large in courage, indeed, the Pekingese is a daring animal that doesn't always realize its small stature. Often dominant with its fellow canines, its moniker "little lion" suits it perfectly.

Vigilant towards its environment, it will defend its territory with vigor. It's an excellent watchdog that doesn't appreciate intruders on its turf. Loyal and devoted to its loved ones, it is calm, protective, and incredibly attached to its family.

The weight of the adult Pekingese generally ranges from 3 to 5 kg (6.5 to 11 lb), and its height at the withers varies from 15 to 25 cm (6" to 10").