Pekingese
Compact, regal, and confident, the Pekingese charms with its lion-like mane and bold personality. Loyal and affectionate, this breed thrives as a treasured companion.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
15–23 cm (male)
15–23 cm (female)
WEIGHT
3.2–6.4 kg (male)
3.2–6.4 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–14 years
Pekingese: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Pekingese isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Pekingese's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Pekingese is known for its dignified, independent nature and strong loyalty to its family, often forming close bonds with primary caregivers while remaining reserved with strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Reserved with strangers, loyal to family members
Quick to learn, responds well to training
Prefers calm environments, low exercise needs
Enjoys gentle play, not overly rambunctious
Adjusts moderately to routine and environment changes
Strengths
- Loyal companion with strong family bonds
- Adaptable to apartment or indoor living
- Confident and independent personality
- Generally good with respectful children
- Low exercise needs suit less active owners
Challenges
- Prone to respiratory issues due to flat face
- Regular grooming required for dense coat
- Can be stubborn during training sessions
- May be wary or aloof with strangers
- Sensitive to heat and high humidity
Protect your Pekingese
Pekingese can develop brachycephalic syndrome and eye problems. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Pekingeses are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
Pekingese are intelligent but can be stubborn, which may make training challenging; they respond best to patient, consistent methods and positive reinforcement, learning basic commands at their own pace.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
20–30 minutes daily
recommended per day
This breed has moderate exercise needs, requiring daily walks and brief play sessions, along with mental stimulation; they are generally suited for a calm indoor lifestyle and do not need vigorous activity.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Pekingeses are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Pekingese would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Adaptable and independent, Pekingese can suit patient first-time owners willing to train gently.
Apartment Living
Small size and low exercise needs make them comfortable in apartments.
Active Lifestyle
They prefer calm environments and tire quickly, struggling to match high energy levels.
Kids
They can be intolerant of rough handling and unpredictable play from young children.
Multiple Pets
With proper introductions, most Pekingese can adjust to living with other pets.
Being Left Alone
They dislike being left alone for long periods and may develop separation issues.
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Pekingeses compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Pekingese
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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