Pekingese at a glance
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 15–22 cm
- Weight
- about 5 kg
- Life expectancy
- from 12 years
Typical for the breed, not a promise about any one dog.
Is the Pekingese right for you?
Like every breed, the Pekingese is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:
May suit you if…
- You live in a flat or smaller home: the breed often adapts well.
- You would like a dog usually content with short daily walks.
- You have, or would like, another dog.
- You would like a dog that is usually calm at home.
Consider another breed if…
- The dog would regularly be left alone for long working days.
- You have young children at home.
- You cannot commit to daily grooming.
- You would find a lot of dog hair hard to live with.
How would the Pekingese fit your lifestyle?
Choose a few details for a general, non-guaranteed view.
About the Pekingese
The Pekingese, or Peke, is a robust, short-legged little dog with a lion-like expression and a long, profuse coat that forms a mane around the head and neck. It is an affectionate, charming companion that may be small but does not lack confidence or character.
Key characteristics
General breed tendencies, not a prediction for an individual dog.
- Size
Small
A small dog.
- Exercise
Low
Usually content with short daily walks and play.
- Energy level
Usually calm
Tends to be calm and settled around the home.
- Grooming
Daily
The coat usually needs brushing every day.
- Shedding
High
Tends to shed a lot, so expect hair around the home.
- Trainability
Moderate
Generally trainable with patience and consistency.
- Good with children
Older children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
- Good with other dogs
Usually sociable
Usually sociable with other dogs.
- Good with cats
Varies
Varies with the individual dog.
- Suits first-time owners
Some experience helps
Some dog experience helps.
- Barking / vocality
Barks sometimes
May bark at visitors or unfamiliar sounds.
- Time alone
Prefers company
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
Short-legged, short-faced dogs of Peke type can be traced back in China to at least the Tang dynasty. The breed was a favourite in the Imperial palace in Peking, which gave it its name, and ordinary people were not allowed to own one.
When the British took Peking in 1860, a few of the dogs were brought back to Britain, and the breed became very popular in Victorian times. The Kennel Club accepted it for registration in 1910. Its popularity has declined in recent years, perhaps because of the demands of coat care.
Pekingese temperament
Pekes are typically affectionate, loyal and clever, with a dignified manner and a comical side with their family. They can be reserved with strangers and surprisingly strong-willed. Many pick a favourite person in the household.
They were bred as companions and get very attached to their owners, so they can suffer from separation anxiety. PDSA only recommends a Peke if someone will be around all day. Pekes are known for liking the sound of their own voice, and some can be possessive of their things or wary of new experiences, so early training and socialisation matter.
Size and appearance
Pekes are small dogs, typically standing 15–22 cm at the shoulder and weighing around 5 kg.
The coat is long and thick, short on the face but long on the ears. Breed standard colours are very varied and include black, black and tan, cream, fawn, red, red brindle, silver fawn, white and particolour, many with a black mask.
How much exercise does a Pekingese need?
Pekes do not need a lot of exercise: around half an hour a day, split into a couple of short, steady walks with some off-lead time in a safe place, is usually enough. They still enjoy training sessions and play.
Because of their flat faces and thick coats, they can struggle to breathe if they get too hot or do too much. Avoid exercise on warm days, walk early in the morning or in the evening, and stop for a break if your Peke seems to be struggling. They can live happily in a flat or a house.
Training a Pekingese
Pekes are intelligent and can be fairly easy to train in the right hands, but they can be a little independent and are not always keen on training for its own sake.
- Use positive, reward-based training with food or toys, starting young.
- Be patient and consistent, as you may need to work hard to motivate them.
- Work early on sharing, as some Pekes do not like to give up their things.
- Teach loose lead walking and a solid recall, and socialise them well with people and animals.
Pekingese grooming
The long, thick coat needs brushing every day to stop mats forming, especially around the mane, elbows, chest and behind the ears. Some owners find a professional groom makes the coat easier to manage. Pekes shed a lot throughout the year, especially in spring and autumn.
The facial wrinkles need to be kept clean and dry to help prevent skin fold infections, and the eyes should be checked and wiped daily.
Living with a Pekingese
Pekes love human company, but they tend to do better in adult-only homes or with older children who know how to behave around dogs. If a young child makes them nervous, some Pekes may become frustrated and nip. Whatever the breed, dogs and young children should never be left alone together, and an adult should supervise every interaction.
Children
Usually better with older, calmer children.
Other dogs
Usually sociable with other dogs.
Cats and small pets
Varies with the individual dog.
Flats and smaller homes
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.
Garden
A garden is not essential.
Being left alone
Usually copes only with short periods alone.
First-time owners
Some dog experience helps.
Pekingese health
Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.
The Pekingese is a brachycephalic, or flat-faced, breed and has a higher risk of certain health problems. The Royal Kennel Club places it in Breed Watch Category 3, and PDSA suggests looking for a Peke with a longer nose, wider nostrils and fewer face wrinkles.
Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
The short face can obstruct breathing, reducing the ability to exercise or even causing severe breathing distress. In August 2026 the Royal Kennel Club recognised breathing testing under its Respiratory Function Grading scheme for the breed.
Skin fold dermatitis
Excess skin on the face creates folds that can become sore and infected.
Eye problems
Prominent eyes are more at risk of injury and ulcers. The breed can also be affected by entropion and ectropion, where the eyelids turn inwards or outwards, dry eye (KCS), and distichiasis, where extra eyelashes rub on the eye. Eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is part of best-practice testing.
Patellar luxation
Purina lists this kneecap problem among the conditions the breed can suffer from.
What health checks should you ask about?
Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Pekingese home, it is reasonable to ask about:
- Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
- Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
- Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
- Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.
How much does a Pekingese cost to own?
There are two costs: bringing a Pekingese home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.
Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.
Buying a Pekingese
If you have decided the Pekingese suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.
- Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
- Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
- Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
- Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.
Adopting a Pekingese
Pekingeses do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.
Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.
Pekingeses looking for homes
Live from Mypetzilla, updated as pets are listed.
Find Pekingese adverts for sale and for adoption on Mypetzilla now.
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View breed guide
Pekingese FAQs
Is the Pekingese good with children?
Usually better with older, calmer children. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Can the Pekingese live in a flat?
Often adapts to flats and smaller homes. Exercise and company matter more than floor space.
How much exercise does the Pekingese need?
Low: usually content with short daily walks. Puppies and older dogs need less structured exercise.
Does the Pekingese shed?
Tends to shed a lot.
How much grooming does the Pekingese need?
Typically: daily.
Is the Pekingese easy to train?
Generally trainable with consistency. Kind, reward-based training works best.
Can the Pekingese be left alone?
Usually copes only with short periods alone. Build up time alone gradually.
Does the Pekingese bark a lot?
Barks sometimes. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
Is the Pekingese good with cats?
Varies with the individual dog. Individual dogs vary with breeding, upbringing and health, so ask about the dog you are considering.
How long does the Pekingese live?
Typically from 12 years. Lifespan varies with genetics, weight, care and luck.
How big does the Pekingese get?
Adults typically stand 15–22 cm at the shoulder and weigh about 5 kg.