History
Pekingese is an ancient breed and is counted amongst the oldest dog breeds. It is assumed that this breed has lived in China for about 2,000 years. The dog received its name after the Peking city (Beijing) and was used as companions to princes, nobles, and imperial family members. Commoners respected them by bowing down, a treatment which they still expect.
They were guarded closely and were never allowed to leave the palace. Western War recognized it during the Opium War in 1860. These dogs became the war prizes where two of them were gifted to Duchess of Wellington, another two to the Duchess of Gordon and Richmond and the last one to Queen Victoria.
They belong to the rare group until 1890 when more Pekingese were exported out of the country. In 1894, the breed took part in the British dog show and became as popular as Pekingese Spaniel and Chinese Pug. Gradually, the popularity of this breed spread across the United States and Atlantic. The first registration of the American Kennel club was done in the year 1906. Pekingese Club of America was established in 1909 and presently, the breed ranks 49 in the whole 155 varieties registered by the AKC.
Temperament & Personality
Pekingese is an independent and stubborn dog. They are charming and build a close bond with its family members. They can become excellent companions with early socialization but a few of them tend to stay shy from unknown people, but others stay very jovial. It is not a lapdog, but brave enough to protect itself. However, it is not idle for the first time owners. They fit perfectly in apartment life and do not require a big yard house. With proper socialization, they do well with other pets and kids, but their interactions require supervision.
Exercise
They are moderately active and do not require a heavy exercising schedule. Apart from long walks and jogs, they like to take part in canine sports. Owners can visit the Dog’s park as they enjoy stretching and play freely. Moreover, they need mental stimulation to stay active which is why the owners can offer them puzzle toys or provide them with agility training.
Grooming
Pekingese have a thick coat which requires frequent brushing to prevent matting. They shed occasionally and owners should brush them regularly to remove the loose furs from the coat. Bathe them occasionally with a vet prescribed shampoo to prevent irritation. Prevent their tangles with the metal comb or the slicker brush.
Moreover, brush their teeth twice a week to avoid development of tartar and oral problems. Their ears can catch infections due to water, dirt buildup and hence needs regular checking to prevent infections and pain. Clean their ears with Vet prescribed ear solution. Additionally, unlike other dogs, they tend to grow nails faster which can crack if not appropriately trimmed and hinder regular activities like walking, run, etc. However, cutting them twice a month will serve the purpose. They tend to discharge water from its eyes and the owners should wipe them with a warm washcloth.
Health Problems
It is prone to minor health problems like patellar luxation, soft palate, stenotic nares, trichiasis, keratoconjunctivitis, corneal abrasion, skin fold dermatitis and distichiasis. It cannot tolerate extremely high temperatures or anesthesia. However, random vet visits will minimize the risk and keep the pet healthy and happy.
Training
Pekingese are intelligent and stubborn which makes training difficult. It requires a consistent trainer, however, positive reinforcement with short and varied sessions will help them to learn tricks more quickly.
Early socialization will make them well behaved and a good companion. Take them to different busy places like a supermarket, bus stops busy roads and Dogs Park, etc. It will allow them to meet unknown faces, hear different sounds and face different situations which will eventually make them more flexible. Obedience training is crucial to reduce the pack of the leader issue. Command training is essential to polish their skills, enhance the relationship between the dog and the owner and minimize excessive barking behavior. ‘No,’ ‘yes,’ ’stop,’ ‘come’ are some simple commands which are essential.
Feeding
High-quality food especially manufactured for small breeds or homemade food with correct combination minerals, and vitamins are perfect for the breed. It is essential to visit a dietician or a vet before choosing a food. But it is advisable to plan a diet depending upon the dog’s size, age, activity level and metabolism. The owner should offer them small meals multiple times a day and prevent heavy exercises to minimize the risk. Owners should also check their weight and calorie consumption. If they gain weight, reduce table scraps, treats, etc.
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