How to Raise a Pekingese Puppy

A Pekingese is a small dog of Chinese origin characterized by a broad, flat face; small, black nose; round eyes set wide apart; floppy, heart-shaped ears; long, straight hair; a wrinkled muzzle; and a pear-shaped, compact body. Pekingese date back to 800 A.D. and were pets of imperial families in China and England. Their original purpose was to be lap dogs to emperors and royalty. They generally have stubborn personalities, but are also affectionate, especially with their masters. While their personalities make them sometimes difficult to raise, even as puppies, they can make great companions.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Treats
• Toys
• Brush and comb
• Shears or clippers
• Dog food
• Leash

1. Begin at 8 weeks. Start to housebreak your Pekingnese puppy and train her around the eighth week of her life, when she is more developed mentally and emotionally. Establish a routine, such as letting her out every hour. Use a firm and consistent attitude. Chastise her when she does something wrong, but not in a way that is cruel. Help her understand that you are in charge.

2. Reward her when she does something right, such as sitting or coming when called, with small treats or toys. Although Pekingese are stubborn, they often develop close relationships with their masters and want to please them. Each puppy is different, so some may prefer pull toys or tennis balls, and others may like treats.

3. Groom her regularly. Pekingese have long coats and nails that quickly become unmanageable, so groom your puppy several times a week. Trim her hair with clippers or shears, especially between the pads of her feet and her stomach and genital areas. Pekingese should not be fully bathed more than a few times a year, except for their feet and genital areas, because this damages their coats.

4. Feed her a diet high in calcium and protein. Pick a dog food that includes fresher ingredients, lean meats, vegetables and even fruits. Pekingese commonly live 10 to 12 years, but they can develop problems such as gas and itchiness if they are fed lower-priced commercial dog foods with corn, soy or wheat, because a number of Pekingese are allergic to these additives.

5. Socialize Pekingese puppies during the first 7 weeks to the first 6 months, getting them used to other dogs and strangers, in the park or a setting where they are on a lease. Pekingese try to dominate because of their strong personalities, and they may exhibit pack leader qualities around other dogs. They will likely be less aggressive if they are accustomed to being around other animals and people.

Tips & Warnings

• Pekingese tend to have shorter legs and cannot endure as much exercise as larger dogs, so walking 2 blocks twice a day is enough to keep them in shape. Although their coats will come back if they are shaved, Pekingese need longer hair during winter months and shed a great deal. Owners need to be prepared to vacuum 3 to 4 times a week with a Pekingese puppy in the house.
• Pekingese tend to have breathing problems because of the shape of their heads. Their wide heads and flat noses cause them to have difficulty breathing evenly and regulating their body temperatures. They wheeze or pant when they are on walks, and they may experience heat stroke if they are in the hot sun. Pekingeses' eyes can pop out of their sockets, especially if the back of their heads are hit, and they may need surgery. Dry eye and irritation are more common problems. Because their small size lets them fit into small places, Pekingese are sometimes inclined to use the bathroom behind a door or piece of furniture. Watch for this behavior.

References

• Michele Welton. "The Best Food for Your Dog."
• Pekingese Health Problems
• Pekingese Health Management

Resources

• Pekingese Breed Standard