Pekinese Pups Facts and Health Problems Information
An ancient breed from China, the Pekinese has long been a favorite companion. Its unique look and personality have not changed in over 2,000 years. These dogs were originally bred to be excellent companions and lap dogs. They are also referred to as the Peking Palasthund and the Lion Dog. History and Appearance
For centuries, the Pekinese was the favorite companion of the Chinese dynasties. Their gait is very distinctive as breeders have selected dogs that were bowlegged to breed in order to discourage the dogs from wandering away. For this reason, they now have a distinct walk. A member of the Toy Group, these AKC registered dogs were first introduced in 1915, which is quite late when you consider how long they have been with us. The coat of the Pekinese has an elegant feathering and has long, straight hair. It can come in all colors, but red sable is the most common color marking. The next most common would be black and tan. The blonde is preferred for shows, however. These small dogs are only 6 to 9 inches tall and have a maximum weight of 10 pounds. Characteristics
Pekinese are great in apartments since they were bred to be quiet lap dogs. They are relatively inactive indoors and do not need a yard. They will not want to exercise, but you will have less health problems down the road if you exercise them regularly, even for a short walk. This breed has a tendency to have respiratory problems, so you will want to have a halter and not a traditional collar to help them breathe better. The Pekinese typically act like a cat and will choose one person to be their favorite and will ignore the other family members. They get jealous quickly, which makes them ill-suited for other pets in the house. They can be socialized to improve their behavior, but if you are a big family, this is not a good fit for you. Grooming and Health Problems
The Pekinese also has a long double coat, which requires daily combing and brushing to avoid tangles and mats. They can get very dirty and see a lot of tangles on their hindquarters so pay special attention there. This dog will need to see the groomer at least every 3 months for a proper cleaning and trim. There are few health problems with the Pekinese, but in addition to the respiratory problems, you can also experience eye problems. Their problems are the result of their tiny, flat skull. They can also develop allergies, so it pays to ask your vet about these problems. An eye ulcer is common in the Pekinese and they can develop quickly so it’s best to act fast. If you are a smaller family or single owner who is not planning on getting other dogs, the Pekinese can be the right fit for you. More Dog Breed Articles: | 