Pekingese

The Pekingese is one of the oldest and most historically remarkable of all dog breeds in the world, an imperial Chinese companion with a documented history spanning at least two thousand years, bred and maintained exclusively within the imperial court of China for many centuries with an exclusivity so extreme that theft or unauthorised ownership of a Pekingese was punishable by death. The breed came to the Western world abruptly and dramatically in 1860, when British forces looted the Summer Palace in Beijing during the Second Opium War and soldiers discovered several small lion dogs in the apartments of the Emperor's aunt, who had killed herself rather than allow them to fall into foreign hands. The dogs were brought to Britain and one was presented to Queen Victoria, who named it Looty. Formal importation and breeding from further specimens followed, and the Pekingese was registered by the Kennel Club in the Toy Group.

The Pekingese is a small, low-set and heavily built dog of unmistakable appearance. The face is extremely flat - more so in some individuals than others, and this is a welfare distinction of enormous importance. The coat is profuse, long, double-layered and flowing, creating a lion-like mane around the head and shoulders. The rolling, slightly side-to-side gait is characteristic and deliberate. Adults typically stand 15 to 23 centimetres at the shoulder and weigh up to 5 kilograms.

The character is dignified, proud, independent and deeply devoted to its own people on its own terms - a character forged by a history of imperial pampering and the very human tendency to project human dignity onto an object of reverence. The Pekingese is not a dog that seeks approval or performs for validation. It is affectionate and loyal with those it has chosen but reserves judgment with strangers and will not be hurried or compelled. This is emphatically not a breed for owners who equate a dog's value with its compliance.

The brachycephalic health concern is the defining welfare issue for the breed. The extremely flat face of some Pekingese produces Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome, impeding normal breathing and causing chronic discomfort and exercise intolerance. Responsible breeders work toward more moderate facial structure and BOAS grading of both parents is essential before purchase. Eye proptosis - where the eye is forced out of the socket by minor pressure - is a risk in flat-faced breeds.

The profuse coat requires serious grooming commitment and the wrinkles require daily cleaning.

Purchase prices from KC-registered, health-assessed breeders range from £1,000 to £2,500. Monthly running costs average £70 to £120. The Pekingese Club is the primary resource for breed information, health testing requirements, responsible breeders and rescue contact.

Dignified, proud and deeply devoted to its own people on its own terms. Not demonstratively exuberant in the way of many companion breeds. Affectionate and warm with its own household but with a reserved, watchful quality with strangers that reflects the imperial palace heritage. Alert watchdog. A characterful and complex companion.

The Pekingese is intelligent but is not a biddable or naturally compliant breed. It was bred for centuries as an imperial companion and has a dignity and independence that does not sit well with repetitive drill. Positive reinforcement with patience, consistency and respect for the breed's character produces results. Harsh methods produce resistance and withdrawal. Early socialisation is important.

Low to moderate exercise needs - 20 to 30 minutes daily is sufficient. Exercise must be carefully managed in hot or humid weather given brachycephalic conformation. The breed should never be exercised to exhaustion or breathing distress. Mental stimulation is appreciated and the breed is more engaged than it sometimes appears.

Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) is the primary health concern and BOAS grading of both parents is essential before any purchase. The extremely flat face of some Pekingese individuals presents serious welfare concerns. Progressive Retinal Atrophy DNA testing is required by responsible breeders. Eye proptosis (eye popping forward from the socket) is a risk in flat-faced breeds from minor impacts or restraint. Spinal problems related to the breed's long back are documented. The Pekingese Club maintains health testing requirements.

Feed a high-quality complete food for a small breed. Dental health is a significant ongoing concern in small breeds - preventive dental care from puppyhood is essential. Monitor weight as the flat face makes exercise less efficient. Two small meals daily.

The profuse double coat requires regular brushing - at minimum three times weekly - to prevent the matting that occurs quickly in a neglected coat. The facial wrinkles and skin folds require regular cleaning to prevent soreness. Eye discharge should be gently cleaned daily. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks is typical.

Purchase price from a KC-registered, health-assessed breeder: £1,000 to £2,500. Monthly running costs: £70 to £120. Veterinary costs may be above average given the brachycephalic-related health management requirements.

Suits quieter households and owners who appreciate the breed's independent, dignified character. Not suited to very active lifestyles or rough-and-tumble households with very young children. Adaptable to smaller homes. Requires an owner who understands that the Pekingese operates on its own terms - it is not biddable in the way of companion breeds bred for compliance.