Pekingese, originating from China, is undeniably one of the oldest dog breeds. They were exclusively bred in royal families, holding significant value. Empress Cixi is considered the founder of breeding these dogs. In palaces, they served not only as companions but also as vigilant guardians.
This breed reached Europe, specifically England, in 1860, gaining considerable popularity. Even before this date, Europeans attempted to import Pekingese, with the Chinese generally allowing it. However, none of these dogs survived the journey as their owners intentionally fed them glass shards before departure. The import of one male and four females from China to England was facilitated by George Brown, who arranged several imports later on. In the 1970s, a significant number of young individuals in Europe started perishing, with almost every second dog not reaching the age of five. Most of these dogs succumbed to inbreeding since the breeding foundation was small. Currently, the breed is widespread throughout Europe, Asia, and America, with the highest numbers in England and France.
Pekingese dogs are friendly, gentle, and playful. They can be stubborn and jealous, exhibiting dignity and temperament. Training them is a challenge, with very few mastering commands. They require a gentle and kind approach without physical punishment. They tend to choose one family member to respect. As good watchdogs, they alert with barking to any sounds or passersby. They are brave and fearless, although they wouldn't necessarily deter a potential thief. They get along well with other dogs and can be kept in larger packs. However, they often fear larger animals and do not get along with them. They enjoy the company of children and tolerate their games. Towards strangers, they remain reserved and vigilant but may warm up over time. They are generally calm.
Pekingese have straight, long fur that does not require trimming. Regular brushing is necessary, but they are self-cleaning, so frequent water baths are not needed. They are highly sensitive to high temperatures, and exposure should be avoided. If kept in a dry and warm environment, they may shed their long fur, leaving only short hair that won't grow back.
Kind and gentle training, excluding physical punishment, is essential. Training is challenging, and most individuals only master basic commands even in adulthood. They dislike being alone and are happiest with owners inside the house or apartment, making them unsuitable for year-round outdoor living.
Due to their short snouts, Pekingese may face breathing problems, particularly in the summer when they struggle to cool down, leading to overheating. Be mindful of this in hot weather and avoid overexertion. Ensure they have shade and keep a close eye on them.
PEKINGESE
ORIGIN : China.
PATRONAGE : Great Britain.
DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 26.03.2009.
UTILIZATION : Companion Dog.
CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs. Section 8 Japan Chin and Pekingese.
Without working trial.
GENERAL APPEARANCE : Leonine in appearance with alert and intelligent expression. Small, well balanced, moderately thick-set with great dignity and quality. Any signs of respiratory distress for any reason or inability to move soundly are unacceptable and should be heavily penalised. Not excessively coated.
BEHAVIOUR/TEMPERAMENT : Fearless, loyal, aloof, not timid or aggressive.
HEAD : Fairly large, proportionately wider than deep.
CRANIAL REGION :
Skull : Moderately broad, wide and flat between ears; not domed; wide between eyes.
Stop : Defined.
FACIAL REGION : Black pigment essential on nose, lips and eye rims.
Nose : Not too short, broad, nostrils large and open. A slight wrinkle, preferably broken, may extend from the cheeks to the bridge of nose in a wide inverted “V”. This must never adversely affect or obscure eyes or nose.
Pinched nostrils and heavy over-nose wrinkles are unacceptable and should be heavily penalised.
Muzzle : Must be evident, but may be relatively short and wide. Firm underjaw.
Lips : Level lips. Must not show teeth or tongue; nor obscuring a well defined chin.
Eyes : Clear, round, dark lustrous and not too large. Free from obvious eye problems.
Ears : Leathers heart-shaped, set level with the skull, carried close to the head and not coming below line of muzzle. Long profuse feathering.
NECK : Relatively short and thick.
BODY : Relatively short, distinct waist.
Topline : Level.
Chest : Broad and well sprung ribs slung between forelegs.
TAIL : Set high, carried tightly, slightly curved over back to either side. Long feathering.
LIMBS
FOREQUARTERS : Relatively short, thick, heavily boned forelegs. Standing well up on feet, not down on pasterns. Absolute soundness essential.
Shoulders : Laid back and fitting smoothly into the body.
Elbows : Close to the body.
Forearms : Bones of forelegs may be slightly bowed between pasterns and elbows, accommodating ribs.
Metacarpus (pastern) : Slightly sloping, strong and not too close together.
Front feet : Large and flat, not round. May be slightly turned out. Excessively turned out feet to be heavily penalised.
HINDQUARTERS : Hind legs strong and well muscled but moderately lighter than forequarters. Excessively narrow hindquarters to be heavily penalised. Moderate angulation. Absolute soundness essential.
Stifles : Well defined.
Hocks : Firm, low.
Metatarsus (Rear pastern) : Strong, parallel when viewed from the rear.
Hind feet : Large and flat, not round. Hind feet point straight ahead.
GAIT/MOVEMENT : Typically slow, dignified rolling gait in front. Typical movement must not be confused with a roll caused by slackness of shoulders or with other indications of unsoundness. Any slackness of shoulders and elbows, and any indications of unsoundness in feet and pasterns to be heavily penalised. Movement not to be hindered by excessive body coat.
COAT
HAIR : Moderately long, straight with mane, not extending beyond shoulders, forming a cape around neck. Top coat coarse with thick, softer undercoat. Feathering on ears, back of legs, tail and toes. Length and volume of coat should neither impair the activity of the dog nor obscure the shapeliness of body. Excessive coat must be heavily penalised.
COLOUR : All colours and markings are permissible and of equal merit, except albino or liver. Parti-colours evenly broken.
SIZE/WEIGHT: Ideal weight not exceeding 5 kg for males and 5.4 females. Dogs should look small but be surprisingly heavy when picked up; heavy bone and a sturdy well-built body are essentials of the breed.
FAULTS : Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.
DISQUALIFYING FAULTS :
• Aggressive or overly shy.
Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioral abnormalities shall be disqualified.
N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.