

The Pekingese is a dignified, surprisingly independent companion dog—bred for centuries as an exclusive palace dog to be worshipped, not to follow commands.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Pekingese fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–14 yrs
Shoulder height
15–23 cm
Weight
3–6 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Pekingese, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Pekingese — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
A Pekingese doesn't live with you; they grant you an audience on your sofa. What they lack in physical size, they easily make up for with lion-like self-confidence and a royal indifference toward nonsense like fetching balls. If you appreciate this charming arrogance, you will gain an unfailingly loyal companion; if you expect unconditional submission, you will both end up frustrated.
The Pekingese, often called "Pekinese" is a small dog with a strikingly flat face and a long mane that makes it look like a small lion. His large, round eyes are expressive and his short legs carry him with a dignified gait. The FCI classifies the Pekingese in Group 9 of companion and toy dogs. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in this breed as the Pekingese is traditionally kept as a companion dog. The Pekingese's lush coat is long, dense and has an undercoat that requires special care.
The Pekingese is a small dog with a big personality. He is confident and proud, but also very affectionate and loving towards his family. Despite his small size, he often feels like he is the protector of the home and tends to defend his territory and loved ones. He is a dog that claims his family as his own and builds a close bond with his owner. He enjoys getting attention and to be the center of attention. It's important to note that the Pekingese can be a bit stubborn at times, which means they need clearly defined boundaries and consistent training. Pekingese are not hyperactive dogs, but rather calm and quiet. They are content to lie around the house and enjoy the company of their family. However, that doesn't mean they don't need activity - regular walks and playtime are important for their health and well-being. As for being alone, Pekingese can learn to stay alone for short periods of time, although they prefer the company of humans. It is advisable to teach them to stay alone from a young age to avoid possible separation anxiety. The Pekingese is not known as a hunting dog, but like many small dogs, it can exhibit prey-catching behavior, especially when it sees birds or squirrels. As a guard dog, the Pekingese is quite vigilant. He will probably let you know when visitors arrive, and he can also be quite territorial. It is important to manage this behavior through socialization and training. In terms of usage based on temperament, the Pekingese is primarily a companion dog. He is a great companion for people looking for an affectionate and loyal pet. His small size makes him ideal for living in an apartment or small house as long as he gets regular walks and activity.
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
In ancient China, Pekingese were believed to have magical powers that could ward off evil spirits!
Due to the exaggeration of characteristics by breeding, the Pekingese is also a breed that is affected by several breeding characteristics.
The Pekingese makes an excellent city dog because it doesn't require a lot of space. Its small size and calm temperament make it a good choice for apartments and small houses. Pekingese are quite tolerant of children, but due to their small size it is important that interactions are supervised, especially with very young children. They can also get along with cats and other pets if they are introduced to them from an early age.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
Can get on with dogs it knows — strangers are a different story.
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
The Pekingese is intelligent but can also be a bit stubborn, which can make training challenging. It is important to work with patience and consistency. Positive reinforcement is key to training a Pekingese. He doesn't tend to be a "ball junkie" but he enjoys playtime and mental stimulation. Since Pekingese can sometimes be territorial, it is important to teach them frustration tolerance and impulse control. The breed is not suitable for high-performance sports, but light activities such as walks and simple tricks are good for them. It's important to pay attention to your dog's signals and make sure he isn't overwhelmed.
Pekingese tend to be a bit picky when it comes to food. A balanced diet tailored to the dog's needs is crucial. The diet should contain high quality protein, fat and fiber. It is also important to pay attention to the Pekingese's weight as they can be prone to being overweight. In terms of grooming, the Pekingese has a dense undercoat and a long outer coat. This requires regular brushing to prevent tangles and remove dead hair. Pekingese shed moderately, but hair loss can be more severe during the shedding period. The climate in Germany is generally suitable for Pekingese, but because of their thick coat, you should be careful in hot weather and make sure they do not overheat.
| Care Level Needs regular professional grooming — time-consuming and costly. | High-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Enjoys daily movement but isn't a sports dog. | Moderate |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Willing to learn with clear rules and regular training. | Balanced |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
High risks
Health grade
The Pekingese is classified with a grade E because it is subject to significant breed-specific health issues, primarily driven by Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS), Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome (exophthalmos, lagophthalmos, and/or macroblepharon), and painful skin fold dermatitis. A responsible breeder does everything possible to minimize these risks and has their breeding stock comprehensively tested for these and other breed-specific problems such as patellar luxation (PL) and mitral valve disease (MVD). Before buying, you should definitely request the official test results of the parents, which must prove a limit of grade 0 for patellar luxation (PL), a clear result for mitral valve disease (MVD), and a status of free for both Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) and Exposure Keratopathy Syndrome (exophthalmos, lagophthalmos, and/or macroblepharon).
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should strictly limit physical exertion in hot weather, ensure a back-friendly lifestyle, and budget for higher veterinary costs from the very beginning.
Responsible breeders focus on clear airways and wide-open nostrils while avoiding extreme show lines—though the anatomical risks of this breed cannot be completely ruled out.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Pekingese costs around ~€180 per month (€90 – €330, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€5,390 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13 years) it comes to about ~€31,280.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€5,390
Across the dog's life
~€31,280
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,800 – €3,000
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
HonestDog Concierge
We currently have no breeders for this breed who have passed our verification. Create your short buyer profile: we'll set up your search alert, review a possible source and email you within 28 days.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageThe Pekingese's roots go back more than 2,000 years and it is closely linked to Chinese history. The Pekingese originally comes from China and was highly valued by the Chinese imperial family. It is even said that these dogs were so revered that they had their own servants and lived in palaces. Their resemblance to Chinese lions led to the belief that they had magical powers. The Pekingese was kept exclusively by the Chinese aristocracy and was not accessible to ordinary people. It was a great privilege to own one of these dogs and they were considered sacred animals. It was not until 1860, after the Second Opium War, that Pekingese were brought to Europe. There they quickly became popular and became sought-after pets for the nobles and later for the general population. The breed was recognized by the Kennel Club in Great Britain at the end of the 19th century and a short time later by the American Kennel Club in the USA.
The Pekingese was bred as a companion dog for the Chinese imperial court and was considered a symbol of royal dignity.
China
Antike
Many owners describe life with a Pekingese as a mix of deep attachment and surprising independence. At home these dogs are usually quiet, easy housemates that don't need a lot of exercise and bond closely with their family. Strikingly often, though, owners report that a Pekingese tends to fixate on one person: it picks its favorite human and meets other family members or strangers with relaxed reserve.
On walks, many owners appreciate the breed's laid-back pace. A Pekingese doesn't need athletic feats; it enjoys sniffing around at its own speed. Still, its personality shouldn't be underestimated. Owners point out again and again that despite their small size, these dogs have a lot of self-confidence. Around other dogs they are bold to the point of fearless and rarely let themselves be intimidated.
One sticking point owners mention regularly is alertness. The Pekingese takes its historical role as a small palace watchdog seriously: it notices every sound at the front door and tends to announce visitors or anything unfamiliar loudly. If rules aren't set early, the territorial barking can become a real strain on daily life.
Sources:fressnapf.dekiezdogs.comforum.hundund.debellfor.infomit-tier.de
Owner reports on training agree that the Pekingese doesn't come with the classic "will to please" that drives unconditional obedience. Owners often describe its temperament as almost catlike in its willfulness. It understands commands but often only follows them once it sees the point, or simply feels like it. Owners report, with a wink, noticeable delays in responding to simple cues like "sit" or "down."
According to owners, harshness or pressure gets you nowhere and tends to make the breed stubborn and withdrawn; a Pekingese is said to hold a grudge if handled insensitively. Experienced owners therefore stress that patience, humor and positive reinforcement get you much further. Treats and clear routines help, but they require consistency, because these little dogs are quick to exploit gaps in the rules for their own preferences.
A recurring training topic is loose-leash walking and handling outside distractions. Some owners report frustration or hysterics on the leash when the dog wants its own way or is determined to greet others. Owners agree that early, structured socialization is essential to steer that imperial stubbornness into something that works in everyday life.
Sources:kiezdogs.comforum.hundund.demartinruetter.competbook.dereddit.com
The biggest topic of discussion and concern in owner forums is the Pekingese's health and grooming needs. Because of brachycephaly (a shortened skull), many of these dogs struggle with upper-airway problems. Owners frequently report snuffling, rattling breathing and a very high risk of overheating in summer. On warm days, walks have to be cut drastically short and moved to early morning or late evening.
Eye and wrinkle care is also a fixed part of owning one. The flat face and prominent eyes make irritation or injury to the cornea easy. Many owners point out that the nose folds need to be checked, cleaned and kept dry every day to prevent painful inflammation (skin fold dermatitis).
Then there's the abundant coat. Without regular brushing, the topcoat and undercoat quickly form painful mats, especially on the trousers and behind the ears. Owners therefore urge anyone interested to ask themselves honestly beforehand whether they're ready for daily grooming, and to choose only breeders who select for open airways and less extreme features.
Sources:fressnapf.dekiezdogs.commit-tier.demartinruetter.comforum.hundund.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Pekingese is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Pekingese is 12-14 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Pekingese grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Pekingese can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Pekingese comes in these colors: Black, White, Cream, Gold, Red, Fawn, Sable, Brindle, Black and tan, Piebald, Blue, Grey.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Pekingese.