Pekingese

Some Pekingese are prone to gaining weight, so watch calorie intake.

For feeding amounts and frequency:

• Feed adult Pekingese a measured amount twice a day.
• Feed puppies at least three meals a day on a consistent schedule to help prevent low blood sugar.

The right calorie amount varies by dog, since size, metabolism, neuter status, and activity level all affect how much food is needed. Your veterinarian can calculate your dog's caloric needs, and the dog food label also offers guidance.

The thick double coat takes a fair bit of maintenance, and the Pekingese sheds seasonally in spring and fall. Brush at least one hour per week to remove loose hair, prevent matting, and lift tangles from the long coat. During shedding season, near-daily brushing helps clear the dead coat.

Work mats out gently with a slicker brush or metal comb, and use a detangling, de-matting conditioner spray for stubborn knots. Most Pekingese with a long coat need professional grooming every six to eight weeks. Bathe with conditioner as needed, using a gentle, dog-specific shampoo. Bathing more than twice a month can strip the skin of healthy oils that act as a barrier against allergens.

Trim the nails regularly, since overly long nails cause discomfort and can crack or split or make walking painful. Start a dental care routine when your Pekingese is a puppy; brushing the teeth and scheduling professional cleanings supports good oral hygiene throughout life.

The Pekingese has facial folds around the eyes and mouth that need regular cleaning. Wipe them with a moist washcloth or dog-specific wipe to help keep the folds clean and comfortable. The large eyes need extra attention too: wipe them daily with a soft, moist cloth to remove debris, and carefully trim the hair around them so it does not cause irritation. Because flat-faced dogs lack a long nose to shield the eyes, they face a higher risk of scrapes to the eye. If you notice squinting or eye discharge, see your veterinarian.

Pekingese stay fairly sedate most of the time and have only modest exercise needs. An occasional walk around the block or a romp in a fenced yard satisfies these little dogs, and they enjoy canine sports at their own pace, with some taking to competitive obedience or agility.

Pekingese overheat easily and are not suited to vigorous exercise, especially in hot weather. Keep activity gentle and watch them in the heat.

Offer mental and physical stimulation, such as games and puzzle toys, to keep this intelligent breed engaged. Pekingese are alert dogs with a strong bark for such a small pup, and they may sound off when they sense a threat, even if it is just a neighbor at the mailbox.

The Pekingese is smart and trainable, but that intelligence comes with a stubborn streak. The mix can leave them wanting to please you and unwilling to follow directions at the same time, and they might simply not see the point in sitting on cue. A consistent program built on positive reinforcement and reward-based training games works best, and engaging their outgoing personalities with group sessions and games helps.

Early and regular socialization matters. Exposing a Pekingese to lots of new people, animals, and experiences from an early age helps them feel comfortable in new situations and reduces barking at unfamiliar things. The same loyal traits that make them good companions can tip into excessive barking, so patient, positive training from puppyhood is important.

These dogs are affectionate and loyal to a select group of people, and a happy Peke is pretty laid-back at home. Because they love their family so much, some develop separation anxiety when their favorite humans are away. They make alert little watchdogs and may tolerate children, but they are not built for roughhousing.