Great Dogs for Apartment Living: Pekingese

Finding a dog for your apartment can be a difficult challenge. Pekingese are one of the best choices for an apartment pet due to their natural character traits and compact size. 

Appearance

The Pekingese is a small dog, weighing between 7 and 14 pounds. They stand 6 to 9 inches to the shoulders, but there are smaller Pekingese known as ‘Sleeve’ Pekingese. “Sleeve” is derived from the dog’s ancient history of being carried around on a Royal’s arm. There are many color combinations possible for this breed, including the most common red, gold, or sable. The flat face of the Pekingese makes its appearance distinctive, and this characteristic is often accented by a dark fur facial mask.

Personality Traits

Pekingese are a highly courageous breed, and they are known for their loyalty. It was originally bred for Chinese royalty 2000 years ago, and was such a fiercely guarded and treasured dog breed that only members of the Imperial Court were allowed to own them. As with many dogs bred for royal companionship, the Pekingese likes to be in charge. That said, the Pekingese is a devoted, sensitive and loving pet. Good training is essential to counteract this breed’s stubbornness, but the sharp intelligence and natural social nature of this dog make it an outstanding family companion. 

Grooming

The Pekingese’s beautiful long coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting. This dog’s coat is actually a double coat, and the coat can be shaved for grooming ease in dogs not kept for dog shows. The adorable lion-shaped face needs a regular freshening rub to prevent the eyes and facial folds from accumulating bacteria-harboring dirt. The dog’s nails should be clipped regularly, as with any dog. Overheating is a danger with the dog due to the fur coat’s high insulating properties; care must be taken to keep this dog cool in warm weather. 

Exercise

As a low-energy dog, the Pekingese does not require hours of physical exercise like many other breeds. In fact, this breed is not suited for endurance and long walks require frequent breaks. All dogs do require daily exercise however, and the Pekingese will be a happy, healthy dog with a two block walk a couple times a day. Short, frequent exercise is perfect for this breed.

Pekingese Legends

Two main legends of the Pekingese originated in China. 

“The Lion and the Marmoset”

• A lion and a marmoset fell in love. The lion was too large, so he went to the Buddha and told him of his woes. The Buddha granted the lion the ability to shrink to the size of the marmoset. He became the Pekingese. 

“The Butterfly Lions”

• A lion fell in love with a butterfly. The butterfly and lion knew the difference in size was too much to overcome. Together they went to see the Buddha, and he allowed their size to meet in the middle. From this, the Pekingese came.

A Great Apartment Dog

The Pekingese is a dog with a heart far greater than his size, but with the love and loyalty of a life-long friend. The Pekingese makes a great apartment pet and a delightful addition to a family.