Dogs

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN - China.

MOST SUITED AS - Companion dog.

SIZE
The shoulder-height is about 20cm (7 1/2in) and these dogs weigh 4 - 5kg (8 1/2 - 11 1b).

COAT
The abundant long-haired coat has a copious undercoat. A wide range of colours are known for the breed with the most usual being black and beige, sometimes combined with white. There are no albino or liver-coloured Pekingese.

CARE REQUIRED
This breed requires intensive grooming of its coat. Teach them when young to regard it as something enjoyable, to prevent wrestling matches every time you use a brush and comb when they grow up. Pay special attention to the hair under the leg joints, on the belly, and the legs, where tangles form most readily. Before, during, and after grooming you can use talcum powder or dry shampoo. Give attention to the facial creases where infections are otherwise likely to occur. Clip the excess hair from between the pads of the feet.

CHARACTER
These are affectionate, noble dogs that possess a winning way. They can be both self-centred and stubborn, but they are intelligent, brave, and not particularly fond of strangers. They choose who will be their "boss."

TRAINING
Although a Pekingees will not let you lay down the law to it, it is essential to teach it some basic principles if you do not want to be saddled with a bad-tempered dog that wants its own way. Praise it when it does something well but do not punish too harshly when it gets it wrong - this is the best way to achieve anything.
A Pekingees that has been punished will with�draw feeling very hard done by and affronted.

SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR
Pekingese do not generally have problems in mixing with other animals although this has a lot to do with the extent to which they have been socially trained. Since they do not like to be disturbed when they are resting, they are less suitable for a household with young children.

EXERCISE
Because of their physique, the majority of these dogs are not too fond of long walks. As they have relatively small demands for exercise, they make an ideal dog for those living towns or for people who are themselves less active

GENERAL
you regard grooming as a necessary evil, a breed such as this is best avoided.