The Pekingese Dog Breed: History, Characteristics, and Personality
Hello, my fellow dog lovers! Today, I want to talk about one of the most adorable dog breeds out there: the Pekingese. These tiny, fluffy dogs are full of personality, and if you're considering adding one to your family, I'm here to tell you everything you need to know about them.
Let's start with a brief history lesson. The Pekingese breed originated in China, where they were considered sacred animals and kept only by royalty. Legend has it that they were created by Buddha himself, who shrunk a lion down to a smaller size. This may be a fanciful tale, but there's no denying that the Pekingese has an impressive history.
The breed made its way to Europe in the 19th century, where they quickly became popular among the upper classes. Queen Victoria herself was a fan of the Pekingese and helped to popularize the breed in England. Today, the Pekingese are still a beloved breed all over the world.
So, what makes the Pekingese so special? Let's talk about their characteristics. First and foremost, these dogs are tiny. They typically weigh between 7 and 14 pounds and stand only 6 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder. Despite their small size, they're sturdy and muscular, with a distinctive rolling gait.
Of course, the Pekingese's most notable feature is their luxurious coat. Their fur is long, thick, and silky, and comes in a wide range of colors, including black, white, cream, and various shades of brown. Grooming a Pekingese can be a bit of a challenge, as their fur requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling.
One thing that sets the Pekingese apart from other toy breeds is their distinctively flat face. They have a short muzzle and large, wide-set eyes that give them an almost comical expression. Some people find this look endearing, while others find it a bit off-putting. Personally, I think it's part of what makes the Pekingese so unique.
Now, let's talk about personality. The Pekingese is a confident, independent dog with a strong personality. They're fiercely loyal to their owners and can be quite protective of their home and family. Despite their small size, they have a big bark and will sound the alarm if they sense danger.
One thing to keep in mind about Pekingese is that they can be stubborn. They're not always eager to please, and they may require a bit of extra patience and persistence when it comes to training. However, with consistent and positive training methods, they can be well-behaved and obedient.
One of the things that I love about Pekingese is their sense of humor. They have a playful, mischievous side that can be a lot of fun to be around. They love to play and explore, and they're always up for a good game of fetch or a romp in the yard.
Despite their independent nature, Pekingese are also quite affectionate. They love nothing more than snuggling up with their owners and getting plenty of cuddles and attention. They're the perfect lap dog and will happily spend hours lounging with you on the couch.
Of course, like any breed, Pekingese have their challenges. One of the biggest issues with this breed is their health. Because of their flat faces, they're prone to respiratory problems, and they may also be susceptible to eye issues, dental problems, and skin irritations. If you're considering getting a Pekingese, it's important to be aware of these potential health concerns and to work closely with your vet to keep your dog healthy.
Another thing to keep in mind is that Pekingese can be sensitive to heat. Due to their flat faces, they can have difficulty breathing in hot weather, so it's important to keep them cool and hydrated. You may need to limit their outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day or invest in a cooling vest to help keep them comfortable.
Overall, the Pekingese are a wonderful breed with a lot of personality and charm. They may require a bit of extra care and attention due to their health issues, but their affectionate and playful nature more than makes up for it. If you're looking for a loyal and loving companion that will keep you laughing, the Pekingese is definitely worth considering.
References and Suggested Reading: (Click the link to view online):
- American Kennel Club Pekingese Breed Standard: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pekingese/
- Pekingese Club of America: https://pekingeseclubofamerica.com/pekingese-breed-standard/
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals: https://www.ofa.org/
- Traveling with your dog or cat. American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/cvi/traveling-your-dog-or-cat
- 10 tips for the first 30 days after adopting a dog. PetMD. (n.d.). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://www.petmd.com/dog/care/10-tips-first-30-days-after-adopting-dog
- The ultimate guide to traveling with dogs. The Social Movement. (2018, August 31). Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://blog.konversai.com/ultimate-guide-traveling-dogs/
- WebMD. (n.d.). Traveling with dogs: Tips for safety and security. WebMD. Retrieved March 16, 2023, from https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/guide/how-to-travel-with-your-dog American Kennel Club. "Pekingese Dog Breed Information." https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pekingese/
- PetMD. "Pekingese Dog Breed Profile." https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_pekingese
- Friends, M. F. (n.d.). Grooming a Pekingese. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://petgroomingthegoodthebadthefurry.blogspot.com/2011/05/grooming-pekingese.html
- YouTube. (2020, April 24). How to groom a Pekingese (basic trim) - do-it-yourself dog grooming. YouTube. Retrieved March 27, 2023, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JAFDKehD3U
- Dog training: How to train a dog & dog obedience training. American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Retrieved April 1, 2023, from https://www.akc.org/training
- Cunliffe, J. (2012). Pekingese: A comprehensive guide to owning and caring for your dog. Lumina Media. Pekingese: A Comprehensive Guide to Owning and Caring For Your Dog
- Pisano, B., & Krieger, G. A. (1990). Pekingese. T.F.H. Publications. Pekingese by Beverly Pisano
- Sife, W. (2014). The loss of a pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies. Howell Book House. The Loss of a Pet: A Guide to Coping with the Grieving Process When a Pet Dies
- Dunbar, I. (2004). Before & after getting your puppy: The positive approach to raising a happy, healthy, and well-behaved dog. New World Library. Before & after getting your puppy
- Borzendowski, J. (2007). Caring for your aging dog: A quality-of-life guide for your dog's senior years. Sterling Pub. Caring for your aging dog: A quality-of-life guide for your dog's senior years.
- Bendersky, J. (2014). Diy Dog Grooming, from puppy cuts to best in Show: Everything you need to know, step by step. Quarry. Diy Dog Grooming, from puppy cuts to best in Show: Everything your need to know, step by step
- Coile, D. C., & Earle-Bridges, M. (2006). Pekingese: Everything about purchase, care, nutrition, behavior, and training. Barron's. Pekingese: Everything about purchase, care, nutrition, behavior, and training. Barron's
- Yin, S. A., & Deamer, M. (2010). How to behave so your dog behaves. T.F.H. Publications. How to behave so your dog behaves
- McConnell, P. B. (2003). The other end of the leash: Why we do what we do around dogs. Ballantine Books. The other end of the leash why we do what we do around dogs
- Pryor, K. (2019). Don't shoot the dog: The art of teaching and training. Simon & Schuster Paperbacks. Don't Shoot the Dog: he Art of Teaching and Traini
- Fox Sports. (2021). Westminister Kennel Club Show 2021. YouTube. Retrieved April 16, 2023, from https://youtu.be/GZSIFekthRM.
Comments
Post a Comment