Pekingese are small dogs from Tibet. Legend has it that they were created out of a lion's great love for a monkey, and because the lion was bigger than the monkey, he went to the Buddha for advice. He heard from the monk that if he sacrificed his strength and greatness, he would be able to marry a monkey. The lion, for the sake of great love, agreed, and this is how the Pekingese was born. Pekingese have always accompanied Buddha, and in times of danger, they have defended him, turning into lions.
This breed later found its way to China. The Chinese guarded it diligently against the Europeans. They believed that Pekingese are sacred dogs. Their theft was punishable by death by stoning. They came to Europe as a result of the colonial wars of Great Britain and France with Imperial China. Five little dogs were then saved and went to the Duchess of Richmond, another two found a home with Lord Hay, and the last one was given to Queen Victoria.
- Life Expectancy: 12 - 17 years
- The height of the male and the female is similar: 23 cm
- The ideal weight should not exceed 5 kg
Pekingese dogs are regal and dignified dogs. They are brave, aggressive, stubborn and independent. They usually direct their love to one family member, they are completely devoted and faithful to him. However, if the dog is brought up in a larger family, it will certainly give everyone a lot of affection. Pekingese love to play with older children and are sensitive to teasing young children. This breed is perfect for both large and small apartments and a house with a garden.
Pekingese like shorter walks due to breathing problems. On hot days, the walk should be kept to a minimum as this breed overheats quickly. Pekingese are very intelligent dogs, quickly learning new tricks, but also stubborn. Their owners must be very creative in making the Pekingese willing to do the exercise. Due to their build, Pekingese are also not suitable for dog sports.
Pekingese care is not easy and requires a lot of time. It consists in combing the dog daily, preferably with a brush or comb with rotating ends. Particular attention should be paid to the careful brushing of the area around the ears, armpits and tail. It is recommended to bathe the dog several times a year with the use of appropriate cosmetics dedicated to this breed. If we get the Pekingese used to beauty treatments from the very beginning, we won't have any problems with them. Otherwise, the dog may fidget and get nervous. A good solution is also to visit a grooming salon where they will take care of our little lion professionally.
The protruding eyes of a Pekingese are exposed to various injuries, so remember not to allow your dog to walk in thick bushes or play with too lively dogs. The eyes should be wiped once a day with a moist cotton pad. Nose care is equally important due to the fact that the nose of a Pekingese is strongly recessed, which significantly shortens the dog's respiratory system. After a walk, check that the nostrils are not blocked with anything. You should also remove any residual mucus from the nose, which can lead to its obstruction, causing problems with breathing. Wipe the charming folds around the nose with a damp gauze pad.
All colors and markings are acceptable and equally valued. The exceptions are the albino and liver colors. In spotted dogs, the patches must be evenly spaced.
The Pekingese coat is quite long, straight, and the mane should not fall below the shoulders. It must form a ruff around the neck. The topcoat is tough with a thick and soft undercoat.
Common diseases in Pekingese are, first of all, eye problems - eyeball prolapse, corneal ulceration or retinal atrophy. They may also suffer from displacement of the kneecap, malformations of the heart and urinary stones.
If we decide to prepare the dog's meals ourselves, remember that they should contain all the ingredients necessary for its proper development, including unsaturated fatty acids, which are in fatty fish. It's a good idea to diversify your dog's diet by adding fish oils, such as salmon. Animal protein is also important in the dog's diet, including offal and bones - appropriately selected, of course. The second method of feeding is to give your dog a well-balanced dry food that is grain-free.
