Pekingese
An imperial Chinese lion dog, and stealing one was once a capital offence. The rolling gait is required by the standard and comes from bowed front legs.
Photo by SheltieBoy, CC BY 2.0
Overview
The Pekingese was kept in the Chinese imperial palace for centuries and could not legally be owned by commoners. The breed reached the West in 1860 when British and French troops looted the Summer Palace and five dogs were taken, one of which was given to Queen Victoria.
It is heavily brachycephalic with a very short muzzle, a broad chest and short bowed front legs, and it moves with a distinctive rolling gait.
Temperament
Dignified, opinionated and loyal. Pekingese are devoted to one or two people and largely indifferent to everyone else, and they are among the least biddable small breeds.
They are not a lap dog that follows instructions. They are self possessed, stubborn and quietly convinced of their own status, and they can be snappy with children who do not respect them. They suit adult households.
Care and grooming
The long coarse coat with a heavy mane needs thorough brushing every day or two, plus attention to the facial folds, which need cleaning and drying.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome is common and often severe. The prominent eyes are vulnerable to injury, ulceration and proptosis. Intervertebral disc disease occurs. Heat is genuinely dangerous and most litters are delivered by caesarean.
Living and exercise
Twenty minutes a day, split, in cool weather only.
As with all the flat faced breeds, the buying decision matters more than anything afterwards. A longer muzzle, open nostrils and a dog that can walk without noise are what to look for, and breeders selecting for that exist.
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