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DOGS BY BREED :: PEKINGESE
Pekingese
The Pekingese originates from China and was bred originally as a lap dog and companion. Its origins can be dated back to antiquity. The Pekingese is also known by the other names of the Lion Dog and the Peking Palasthund. The name the Lion Dog is so named as has the look of the face of a lion. It relates to the Lamaist form of Buddhism in China of which the lion was a sacred symbol of Buddha. This dog is classified as one of the Toy Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. The Pekingese was first Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1915. Dog Name Facts and Dog Names: It is not surprising that the word Pekingese is often misspelled as Pekinese - they are also called Peke or Pekes.
Coat and Colors
The Pekingese's coat comes in a variety of shades and colors. The coat is normally long, straight and coarse.
Potential Health Problems
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with people dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Pekinese, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Pekingese can include:
- Patellar Luxation (The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place)
- Skin Problems
Grooming and Care
The Pekingese requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older Pekingese dogs.
Life Expectancy information of the Pekingese Dog Breed
The life expectancy for this particular breed is 13 Ð 15 years.
Age comparison between the Pekingese Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.
Toy Dog Breed Information
Dogs in the Toy Group, which include the Pekingese, were initially developed to ease the lifestyle and provide pleasure to rich people. These dogs were initially owned by the wealthy and were viewed by others as status symbols - a luxury item with little apparent purpose. Dogs in other groups had specific working roles and played a major part in providing food for the table and therefore justified the cost of their upkeep and care - these were the dogs which were commonly owned by the lower classes. Changes in the economy, lifestyles, living conditions and the environment brought the luxury and pleasure of owning a toy breed dog, such as the Pekingese, to everyone.
The Toy dogs which includes the Pekingese are small and even diminuitive in size. Toy dogs are generally easy care pets however some do not like young children and their fragility can be a concern in large families. They have a tendency toward yappiness. Toy dogs are loyal and intelligent and especially good at learning tricks.
Toy Dog Breed Duties
Characteristics and features of Toy Dogs, including the Pekingese, have been introduced and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Toy Group dogs had limited duties which included the following tasks were specifically utilised in Oriental and European Courts by royalty and the nobility:
- Warmth - A dog's temperature is between 100.2-102.8 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Warmth - toy dogs sat on laps (hence the term 'lapdogs')
- Warmth - toy dogs warmed beds in cold castles and palaces
- Companionship
- Status symbols
Although toy dogs are most commonly known as lap dogs Oriental Emperors and courtiers carried them around in their copious sleeves!
