The Pekingese is more than just a cute, fluffy toy breed—it’s a dog with a royal history that stretches back over 2,000 years to China’s Ming Dynasty.
With their regal roots, loyal personalities, and even appearances on TV and at dog shows, these charming companions are packed with surprises. Here are 10 fascinating facts that might just make you wonder why a Pekingese isn’t already part of your life.
1. One of the Oldest Dog Breeds
The Pekingese dog has a history dating back over 2,000 years in ancient China. They were once cherished by Chinese imperial families and considered sacred companions believed to bring good fortune to their owners.
2. Miniature Guards
In Imperial China, Pekingese with fierce personalities were used as miniature guard dogs. These traits of being vocal about intruders and suspected dangers have not been lost in modern Pekingese.
3. Imperial Authority
Common people had to bow down to a Pekingese if one were to pass nearby in ancient China. The penalty for being cruel to or removing a Pekingese from the royal palace was the death penalty, showcasing the breed’s high esteem.
4. Unique Rolling Gait
Pekingese are known for their distinctive rolling gait, in which the body sways gently from one side to the other. This unique walk contributes to the dog’s dignified and regal disposition.
5. Self-Entitlement
Pekingese were held in great esteem at the imperial court of China, and they still know it today with their self-important attitude. They are often described as “opinionated” due to their intelligence and strong-willed nature.
6. Sleeve Dogs
The smallest Pekingese that weighed less than six pounds were called “sleeve dogs” in Imperial China and rode in the sleeve cuffs of members of the imperial court to warn of potential dangers.
However, the breed standard weight is up to 14 pounds, making them surprisingly heavy for their size (ref).
7. Spotlight Pooches
One notable Pekingese dog is Tricki Woo, who was immortalized by the “All Creatures Great and Small” author, James Herriot. Another famous Pekingese is Wasabi, who won the Best in Show title at the 2021 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.
8. Beautiful Coats
Pekingese are known for their beautiful, long, and thick double coat that requires serious maintenance. They need to be brushed several times a week and require occasional baths to prevent matting.
Some owners also trim the fur above the eyes to help the dog see better.
9. Winter Bred
Bred to thrive in the long, cold winters of Beijing (formerly known as Peking), the Pekingese does well when the temperature drops. Some Pekingese owners travel with ice packs to keep their pups comfortable in warm weather.
10. Long Lifespan
Recent studies from the United Kingdom suggest that Pekingese dogs boast a longer lifespan than both purebreds and crossbreeds, with a reported average life expectancy of 13.3 years. This impressive longevity is attributed to the breed’s robust genetic makeup and healthy lifestyle habits.
11. Trauma as Common Cause of Death
Despite their overall longevity, Pekingese dogs are prone to certain health issues, primarily neurological and cardiovascular defects (ref). The most common cause of death for the breed is traumatic injuries, a concern shared by many other Toy breeds as well.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.