Pekingese Dogs: Meet the Adorable ‘Lion Dog’

Pekingese dogs, or Peke for short, are truly one of a kind, and they definitely know it! With their big, soulful eyes and luxurious, fluffy coats, get ready for your little cuddle buddy to steal the spotlight. Once you pick your jaw up off the floor, you’ll see that this ‘lion dog’ breed has lots more going on than just their adorable looks. They’re not just cute and cuddly; they have strong personalities and genuinely think they’re in charge.

With a history fit for royalty👑, their behaviour starts to make a lot more sense. So, if you want to learn more about this confident and noble ‘lion dog’ breed, keep reading…

What does a Pekingese dog look like?

Picture a pint-sized monarch draped in a luxurious fur coat, and you’re 80% there! These dogs are well known for their large, dark, and expressive eyes that seem to peer right into the very depths of your soul. Their distinctive flat faces are framed by a mane of long, flowing fur that gives them a lion-like appearance.

Pekingese dogs carry themselves with a dignified air, their short legs supporting a surprisingly compact and sturdy body. With feathered tails arching over their backs, it’s only fair to expect them to act nothing less than regal.

Peke origin story (so cool!)

So, legend has it that the Pekingese is the result of a love story between a lion and a marmoset monkey. According to an ancient Chinese tale, a lion fell deeply in love with a tiny marmoset and asked Buddha to shrink him down to dog size, so they could live happily ever after.

Buddha granted the lion’s wish, and the Pekingese was born—with a lion’s courage combined with the marmoset’s small size and charm.

Pekes have their roots in ancient China, where they lived in absolute luxury in the Imperial Palace. When we say absolute luxury, think resting on silk cushions all day. We’re not kidding!

The breed was so revered that non-royals were forbidden to own them (it was believed that stealing one could result in the death penalty). Known as ‘lion dogs’ or ‘Foo dogs,’ they were believed to protect the palace by warding off evil spirits. 👻

Did you know? Pekes were carried around in the wide sleeves of Chinese royalty and even had their own servants.

Are Pekingese dogs aggressive?

Pekes can be quite assertive and have no problem voicing their opinions, but outright aggression isn’t typically their style. These lion dogs are confident and can be a bit aloof with strangers, often demanding respect like the royalty they believe they are.

However, with their family, they’re affectionate, loyal, and downright charming. So, while they might give an occasional side eye, going into major aggro mode isn’t their style. They’d much rather roll about or erupt with sudden bouts of playfulness.

To further illustrate how ridiculously cute these dogs are, watch the video below:

Are Pekingese dogs hypoallergenic?

No. They have a thick double coat that tends to shed, which can trigger allergies (achoo!). Regular grooming can help manage the fur and allergenic dander, but if you’re searching for hypoallergenic dogs, you might want to have a look at other dog breeds. 🤧

Rest assured, there’s a dog for everyone! Here are a few allergy-friendly dog breeds we think might ‘peke’ your interest:

1. Maltese Dogs: History, Personality, and Grooming Needs
2. Everything You Need to Know About the Schnauzer
3. Scottish Terrier: The “Die Hard” Dog
4. Spoodle: the #1 Designer Dog (Literally)
5. Shih Tzu for you

How long do Pekingese dogs live?

Here’s more about the average Peke lifespan and other fast facts:

Average life span	13-15 years
Height	Up to 20 cm
Weight Range	3-6 kg
Coat	Long, double coat, straight
Coat colours	All colours and patterns except albino, liver, or merle
Grooming needs	Very high

How much are Pekingese dogs?

Well, acquiring one of these little royals can cost you a pretty penny! 💰The price of a Pekingese puppy in Australia at the time of writing typically ranges from $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the breeder, the puppy’s lineage, and their overall health and appearance.

Always remember to choose an ethical dog breeder to ensure your Peke is healthy and well-cared-for. Here’s more on bringing home an adopted dog along with our dog adoption checklist.

Peke health

To ensure you Peke remains in peak condition, watch out for these health conditions and focus on preventative care:

• Brachycephalic Airways Syndrome: Pekingese dogs have flat faces that may cause breathing difficulties. Keep an eye on your pal in hot or humid weather.
• Eye infections: Prone to corneal ulcers and dry eye. So, regular eye check-ups are a must.
• Grooming: Requires regular grooming to prevent matting and skin infections. Keep that fur fabulous!
• IVDD: Their long backs and short legs make them prone to intervertebral disc disease. Handle them with care and avoid stressing their spines.
• Obesity: They can pack on the pounds easily. So, a balanced diet and regular playtime are key.

Award winning pet insurance for your Peke

Regardless of how healthy your Peke dog is, it’s a good idea to have pet insurance in place as a safety net (we’re all about providing soft landings!).

Basically, having dog insurance can help pay towards the costs of surgery, X-rays, bloodwork, hospitalisation, stayovers at the vet clinic and much, much more.

Did you know? PD Insurance gives you one or more months of FREE pet insurance when you buy a plan online.

That’s no strings attached – namely, no lock-in contracts or cancellation fees. Choose between three furbulous affordable levels of cover for cats or dogs that offer a broad range of quality protection for pets and pockets.

Click below to start your hassle-free quote.