PEKINGESE: The Lion Dogs of Chinese Royalty

The Pekingese breed was referred to as Lion Dogs, Sun Dogs, and Sleeve Dogs. Held sacred in ancient China, these toy pups have been handed down through generations. Earliest known record of Pekingese existence is traceable to the Tang dynasty of the 8th century. The very old strains, held only by the Emperial family, were kept pure, and the theft of one of these sacred dogs was punishable by death.

The Pekingese is a compact toy companion of regal bearing, and one of several breeds created for the ruling classes of ancient China.

Pekingese are toy dogs weighing up to 14 pounds. Their coat is longest at the neck and shoulders, giving them their famous 'lion's mane.'

Their large, short-muzzled head is a wider-thanlong 'envelope shaped' rectangle, and the eyes are large, dark, and sparkly.

A unique feature of Pekes is their effortless 'rolling' gait. Pekes are charming, confident companions who develop a tight bond with their favorite human. Bred to live in palaces, they can be as serenely independent as the emperors who owned them.

They're opinionated and alert dogs that make good watchdogs.

Breed Overview

GROUP: Toy

HEIGHT: 6 to 9 inches

WEIGHT: 6 to 14 lbs

COAT: Long, Double coat

COLOR: Biscuit, Black, Tan, Cream, Fawn, Red, White & More!

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 14 years