Pekingese – The Royal Companion Dog from China

Blog | 24/03/2025 by Dog Breed

The Pekingese, also known as the "Fu Dog" or "Lion Dog," is an ancient toy breed from China. With a small body and a lifespan of 10–12 years, this dog has long been associated with royalty and spiritual symbolism.

The Pekingese was considered a sacred symbol of divinity and good fortune in ancient China. Weighing between 3–6 kg, these dogs are intelligent but can be stubborn and even aggressive, requiring firm training.

To learn more about this fascinating Dog breed, keep reading our in-depth article below!

Where Did the Pekingese Originate?

Pekingese – Also Known as Fu Dog or Lion Dog

The Pekingese has a history dating back over 2,000 years and was originally bred as a royal companion in the palaces of ancient Chinese emperors.

Many theories suggest that the Pekingese was considered a sacred dog, believed to have the power to ward off evil spirits. It was regarded as the "Messenger of Buddha" and was exclusively owned by the noble royal class.

In 1860, after the Qing Dynasty was defeated by British and French forces, five Pekingese dogs were taken to the West and bred extensively.

By the late 19th century, the Pekingese made its way to dog exhibitions in the UK, and in 1909, the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) Toy Group. Since then, the breed has been widely bred worldwide, becoming one of the most beloved toy dog breeds.

How Many Types of Pekingese Are There?

Purebred Pekingese

Currently, the Pekingese breed is divided into two main types: purebred Pekingese and mixed Pekingese. Below are some of the most common types of Pekingese.

Purebred Pekingese

The purebred Pekingese originates from China and retains all the distinctive features of this ancient breed, including:

Height: 15 - 25 cm
Weight: 3 - 6 kg
Head: Large head, short upturned snout, round eyes
Coat: Long and dense, commonly found in colors like white, red-brown, black, and cream
Tail: Curved with thick fur

Japanese Chin Mix (Pekingese-Japanese Chin Hybrid)

Image of a Pekingese-Japanese Chin Mix

The Pekingese-Japanese Chin mix is a crossbreed between a purebred Pekingese and a Japanese Chin. These dogs inherit a blend of features from both parent breeds, including:

Size: Smaller than a purebred Pekingese
Coat: Longer, softer, and silkier
Face: Retains the distinct look of a Pekingese but with a slightly longer snout
Temperament: Gentler and more obedient than a purebred Pekingese

Pekingese-Poodle Mix

Image of a Pekingese-Poodle Mix

The Pekingese-Poodle mix is a crossbreed between a Pekingese and a Toy Poodle, inheriting unique traits from both parent breeds:

Size: Compact and small
Muzzle: Longer than a purebred Pekingese
Coat: Slightly curly or long, with minimal shedding like a Poodle
Temperament: Intelligent, energetic, and obedient

Pekingese-Chihuahua Mix

The Pekingese-Chihuahua mix is a hybrid breed resulting from crossing a Pekingese with a Chihuahua, featuring the following characteristics:

Size: Smaller and more compact than a purebred Pekingese
Muzzle: Pointed like a Chihuahua
Coat: Can be either long or short, depending on the genetic ratio
Temperament: Energetic, playful, and slightly "sassy"

Pekingese-Pomeranian Mix

The Pekingese-Pomeranian mix is a hybrid breed created by crossing a Pekingese with a Pomeranian, featuring the following characteristics:

Size: Small and compact
Coat: Fluffy and thick
Eyes: Large and round
Muzzle: Pointed, with erect ears
Temperament: Energetic, affectionate, and loyal to its owner

Personality of the Pekingese (Pekingese Temperament)

The Pekingese is a breed known for its adorable appearance and strong, independent personality.

Let's explore its temperament in more detail.

Brave and Highly Alert

Despite its small size, the Pekingese is fearless and courageous. These dogs have a high level of alertness and will bark loudly when strangers approach their owner or if they hear unusual sounds.

Independent but Stubborn

Pekingese dogs can be stubborn and headstrong if not trained from a young age. They prefer to do things their own way and often resist commands. Therefore, consistent and firm training is necessary to ensure obedience.

Intelligent but Proud

This breed is highly intelligent and learns quickly, but they can also be quite aloof and haughty. If overly pampered, they may develop a demanding and spoiled attitude.

Territorial and Aggressive

Pekingese dogs have a strong sense of territoriality, making them wary of other pets. If you have other animals at home, gradual socialization is necessary to prevent conflicts.

Lazy and Dislikes Exercise

Unlike many other dog breeds, the Pekingese is not very active and prefers to lounge around rather than run and play. To prevent obesity and laziness, a suitable exercise routine is essential.

How to Take Care of a Pekingese

The Adorable Appearance of the Pekingese

As a royal breed, the Pekingese tends to be quite picky about everything, from diet and hygiene to grooming and exercise. Below is a detailed guide on how to properly care for your Pekingese to keep them healthy and active.

Proper Nutrition for Pekingese

Here are some recommended nutritious foods and an appropriate feeding schedule for Pekingese dogs.

Best Foods for Pekingese

Protein & Meat Sources: Chicken, beef, pork, salmon, etc.
Vitamins & Minerals: Chicken liver, pork heart, eggs, etc.
Fiber: Carrots, pumpkin, green vegetables, broccoli, etc.
High-quality dry dog food: Nutrient-rich kibble.

Foods to Avoid

Hard, sharp bones.
Salty, spicy, or oily foods.
Fried or greasy foods.
Chocolate, onions, garlic.

Feeding Schedule Based on Age

Age	Meals per Day	Suitable Food
2 - 3 months	4 - 5 meals	Soft porridge, mashed meat, finely chopped vegetables.
3 - 6 months	3 - 4 meals	Gradually introduce solid foods, soft kibble, cooked vegetables.
Over 6 months	2 meals	Normal solid food, more diverse diet.

Proper Grooming & Hygiene

Pekingese dogs have long, thick fur, so proper grooming is essential to keep their coat smooth and healthy.

✅ Grooming Routine:

Bathe 1-2 times per week using dog shampoo.
Dry their coat completely after bathing.
Brush daily to remove loose fur and prevent tangles.
Trim their coat every 2-3 months.
Clean their eyes regularly with a soft, damp cloth.
Check and clean their ears to prevent infections.
Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week to avoid dental issues.

Exercise & Training

Pekingese dogs are lazy by nature and prefer lounging rather than playing. A proper exercise routine is needed to keep them fit.

Vaccination and Regular Health Check-ups

To keep your Pekingese dog healthy, you should follow vaccination schedules and regular health check-ups as advised by a veterinarian.

Basic vaccination schedule for Pekingese dogs:

5-in-1 vaccine: From 6 to 8 weeks old.
7-in-1 vaccine: From 10 to 12 weeks old.
Rabies vaccine: After 16 weeks old.

Common Diseases in Pekingese Dogs

The Pekingese dog with its thick, long coat.

The Pekingese is a small dog breed with a short nose and long, thick fur, making it more susceptible to respiratory, skin, and digestive issues compared to other breeds. Let’s take a closer look at some common health problems in Pekingese dogs and how to prevent and treat them effectively.

Respiratory Issues

Pekingese dogs are prone to respiratory conditions such as breathing difficulties and pneumonia due to their short noses.

Causes: Short nasal structure, weather conditions, environmental factors, bacteria.
Symptoms: Difficulty breathing, wheezing, frequent sneezing, runny nose.
Prevention: Keep them warm in cold weather, avoid excessive activity in hot conditions, and seek veterinary attention immediately if symptoms become severe.

Obesity

Pekingese dogs tend to be inactive and enjoy lying around, making them prone to obesity.

Causes: High intake of carbohydrates and fatty foods, lack of exercise, increased risk with age.
Symptoms: Enlarged belly, sluggish movement, difficulty in physical activities.
Prevention: Maintain a balanced diet, encourage regular exercise, limit snacks and unhealthy treats.

Skin Infections

Due to their long and thick fur, Pekingese dogs are susceptible to skin conditions such as mange, fungal infections, and allergies if not properly groomed.

Causes: Dirty or damp fur, fleas, ticks, fungal parasites, food or chemical allergies.
Symptoms: Itching, frequent scratching, excessive shedding, red or irritated skin.
Prevention: Regular bathing and grooming, keeping their bedding clean, and maintaining a hygienic living environment.

Eye Problems

The long fur of Pekingese dogs can irritate their eyes, making them prone to eye infections such as conjunctivitis and excessive tearing.

Causes: Hair irritating the eyes, dust, dirt, bacterial infections.
Symptoms: Excessive tearing, redness, swelling, frequent squinting.
Prevention: Clean their eyes daily, trim the fur around their eyes, and use vet-recommended eye drops when necessary.

Price List and Important Notes When Buying a Pekingese

Below is the price list and essential tips for purchasing a Pekingese. If you're considering owning one of these adorable dogs, check out the details below!

How Much Does a Pekingese Cost?

The price of a Pekingese dog depends on factors such as its origin, purity, appearance, and coat color. Take a look at the price list below for reference.

Origin	Price (Estimated)
Purebred Pekingese	3 - 5 million VND
Pekingese mixed with Japanese Chin	1 - 2 million VND
Pekingese mixed with other breeds	500K - 1 million VND

Important Notes When Buying a Pekingese

Before purchasing a Pekingese, keep the following points in mind:

Determine Your Purpose: If you’re looking for a pet companion rather than a purebred show dog, you can opt for a mixed Pekingese breed to save costs.
Check the Origin & Documents: Verify the dog's paperwork, including proof of origin and vaccination records, to ensure everything is complete.
Examine Appearance: Conduct a basic health check—observe if the fur is smooth, if the dog is active, and if it looks healthy overall.

Collection of Beautiful Pekingese Dog Images

If you love Pekingese dogs and want to admire or collect their cutest images, scroll down to see the beautiful pictures we have gathered for you!

White Pekingese Mixed with Japanese Chin

Images of Pekingese Puppies with Fluffy, Pure White Fur

Images of Adult Pekingese Mixed with Japanese Chin

Images of Adult Purebred Pekingese Dogs

Above are the most detailed insights about Pekingese dogs that dogbreed.wiki has compiled just for you. We hope that after reading this article, you have gained a better understanding of this adorable breed and feel more confident in taking care of one.

See you in future articles in our Blog section, where we share more useful information and explore other fascinating dog breeds!