Pekingese
北京犬
Updated 2026-09-11
At a glance
The Pekingese is the lion dog of the Chinese imperial court — a compact, stocky toy with a flat 'envelope-shaped' face, a heavy lion's mane and a rolling gait, kept for centuries only by the emperor's household until five 'sleeve' Pekes were carried off to Britain in 1860. Pekes are loyal, affectionate and regal in manner: charming, confident companions bonded tightly to one person, serenely independent — 'opinionated', Peke people say — alert little watchdogs, and tolerant of children but not of rough play. They need only modest exercise, an hour a week of brushing, wide-open nostrils and cool conditions: this is a flat-faced breed that suffers in heat.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 15–23cm |
| Weight | 5–6.4kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–14years |
| Breed group | AKC: toy FCI: 9 |
| Role | Toy |
| Coat | Long coat |
| Shedding | 3/ 5 |
| Exercise | 20–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 1/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 1/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 4/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Back and disc problems are commonly reported in the breed. Ask your vet about protecting the spine (weight control, avoiding jumping from heights) and seek help fast for sudden pain or weakness.
Brachycephalic airway syndrome
As a flat-faced breed, breathing difficulties and heat intolerance are commonly reported. Ask your vet to assess breathing, keep exercise gentle in hot, humid weather and use a harness rather than a collar.
Eye injuries (prominent eyes)
The AKC says that because a Pekingese has no long muzzle to shield its large eyes, owners should make sure nothing in the home can jab or irritate them, and should choose a Peke with wide-open nostrils on a moderate-sized nose. Ask your vet promptly if an eye looks red, sore or weepy.
Conformation-related concerns (KC Breed Watch)
The Royal Kennel Club places the Pekingese in Breed Watch Category 3 — breeds in which some dogs have visible conditions or exaggerations that can cause pain or discomfort. The parent club's health statement says it does not require specific screening because the breed's known conditions cannot be tested for in advance, and that regular examinations by your own vet are sufficient. Ask your vet to assess breathing, eyes and skin folds at routine visits.
Behaviour
Serenely independent — 'opinionated'
The AKC describes charming, confident companions whose whole purpose is to amuse and comfort, that develop a very tight bond with their favourite human, can be as serenely independent as the emperors who owned them — 'opinionated', Peke people say — are ever alert and make good little watchdogs, and will tolerate kids but not roughhousing. The CKC says the Peke displays great dignity and exasperating stubbornness: calm, good-tempered, independent and regal, not aggressive but afraid of nothing.
Modest exercise, cool conditions
The AKC says Pekes are fairly sedate with only modest exercise needs, though they enjoy canine sports at their own pace, and that they appreciate cold — some owners travel with ice packs or an ice pillow for the dog even in the car. The CKC says the Peke enjoys an occasional romp, that its exercise needs are minimal and easily met and that it fits any size of home; the Royal Kennel Club suggests up to 30 minutes a day and daily grooming.
Temperament
The AKC summarises the breed's temperament as "loyal / affectionate / regal in manner".
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 30 minutes per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 1/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Pekingese
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Pekingese (Toy Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Pekingese
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 30 minutes per day, lifespan over 12 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — Pekingese (standard no. 207, group 9)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Pekingese — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Pekingese — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Pekingese — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]Pekingese — FCI standard no. 207 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [7]FCI-Standard No. 207 — Pekingese, 05.06.2009 (ideal weight not exceeding 5 kg dogs / 5.4 kg bitches) — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [8]Pekingese Club of America Health Statement (July 2017) — Pekingese Club of America (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [9]Intervertebral Disc Disease — American College of Veterinary Surgeons (Accessed 2026-09-11)
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Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.