Pekingese

Pekingese
A Pekingese dog with long, flowing fur walks on a leash across a green show ring.

Meet the Pekingese

Always a favorite pet of the American and European aristocracies, the Pekingese is an ancient toy breed originating in China dating back to 800 A.D. It is one of the few breeds drawing its name from a capital city – Peking, now Beijing. Pekingese were the favored breed of the Chinese Imperial Court and were brought first to England, then from there to America. Legend attributes their origin to a mythical cross between a lion and a marmoset. The smallest Pekingese are known as “Sleeve Dogs” because they were carried in the voluminous sleeves of the Chinese nobility. The Pekingese is a long-lived, active breed that is as ideal for apartment living as it is for a palatial home.

Breed Group:

Toy

Breed Personality:

Playful, Courageous, Friendly, Sociable

Breed Specifics

Max Life Expectancy
(years): 14
Max Height
(inches): 9
Max Weight
(lbs): 14

Main Breed Characteristics

Good with Children (3/5)
Good with Other Dogs (3/5)
Shedding (3/5)
Grooming Needs (3/5)
Coat Length (1/5)
Good with Strangers (3/5)
Playfulness (4/5)
Protectiveness (4/5)
Trainability (3/5)
Energy Level (3/5)
Barking Level (1/5)

Breed Variations

USEFUL LINKS
RELEVANT INFORMATION

Official Breed Club

Visit the official breed club website to access trusted resources, connect with experts, and stay informed about breed standards.

All About Dog Shows

Discover how dog shows work, what judges look for, and how to get involved—whether you’re a spectator or an aspiring participant.

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