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{{About|the dog breed|the people and other aspects of Beijing culture|Beijing|and|Beijingese (disambiguation){{!}}Beijingese}}
{{More citations needed|date=January 2011}}
{{Infobox Dogbreed
| altname = 
| country = [[China]]
| fcistd = http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/207g09-en.pdf
| image = 1AKC Pekingese Dog Show 2011.jpg
| image_caption = A long-haired Pekingese brushed out and ready for show
| name = Pekingese
| nickname = Peke
<!-----Kennel club standards----->| kc_name = [[China Kennel Union]]
| kc_std = http://www.cku.org.cn/breed/dog/207
}}<!-- End Infobox Dogbreed info. Article Begins Here -->
{{Infobox Chinese
| c = 北京狗
| p = Běijīng gǒu
| l = [[Beijing]] dog
| t2 = 獅子狗
| s2 = 狮子狗
| p2 = shīzi gǒu
| l2 = lion dog
}}
<!-- Begin Infobox Dogbreed. The text of the article should go AFTER this section. See:
        http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:WikiProject_Dog_breeds#Infobox_Dogbreed_template 
        for full explanation of the syntax used in this template.
 -->
The '''Pekingese''' (also spelled '''Pekinese''') is a [[dog breed|breed]] of [[toy dog]], originating in China. The breed was favored by royalty of the [[Chinese sovereign|Chinese Imperial]] court as a [[companion dog]], and its name refers to the city of [[Beijing]] (Peking) where the [[Forbidden City]] is located.<ref name=":0"/> The breed has several characteristics and health issues related to its unique appearance. Because of its desirable characteristics, the Pekingese has been part of the development of designer crossbreeds, such as the [[Peekapoo]] (crossed with a [[poodle]]) and Peke-a-tese (crossed with a [[Maltese dog|Maltese]]).<ref>{{Cite web |title=List of Popular Pekingese Mixes With Pictures |url=https://www.101dogbreeds.com/pekingese-mixes |access-date=2025-02-21 |website=101DogBreeds.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Appearance==
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2025}}[[File:Black pekinese tihamer on street.jpg|thumb|left|Dark coated Pekingese]]
[[File:Pekińczyk f64.jpg|thumb|Red Pekingese]]
[[File:Cotton the Pekingese.jpg|alt=|thumb|Cream Pekingese]]

Modern breeders and dog show judges seem to prefer the long-haired type over the more traditional [[spaniel]]-type coat.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |date=March 2, 2004 |title=Official Standard of the Pekingese |url=https://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pekingese.pdf |access-date=2025-02-20 |website=American Kennel Club}}</ref>

The Pekingese's [[Cephalic index#Brachycephalic animals|flat face]] and large eyes are some of the breed's most obvious characteristics. The body is compact and low to the ground. Pekingese also have a muscular and durable body.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |url=http://www.keeganfarms.com/pekingese.html |title=Keegan's Puppies - Pekingese Breed Traits and Characteristics |access-date=2010-07-21 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111009120055/http://www.keeganfarms.com/pekingese.html |archive-date=2011-10-09 |url-status=dead }}</ref> The breed's unusual rolling gait may have been deliberately developed through selective breeding, to prevent the court dogs from wandering in ancient times.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}

===Coat===
Breed standards allow a wide range of color combinations.<ref name=":1"/> The majority of Pekingese are gold, red or sable. Cream, black, white, tan, black-and-tan and occasionally 'blue' or slate grey have appeared in the breed. The latter often has poor pigment and light eyes. Albino Pekingese (white with pink eyes) should not be bred due to health problems associated with [[albinism]].{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}}

A [[melanistic mask|black mask]] or a self-colored face is equally acceptable in [[show dog]]s. Regardless of coat color, the exposed skin of the muzzle, nose, lips and eye rims is black.<ref name=":1"/> Due to heavy shedding and to prevent mats, this double-coated breed requires frequent extensive [[Dog grooming|grooming]].[[File:Fenka pekinéze.jpg|thumb|Sable Pekingese]]
Pekingese weigh from {{cvt|7|to|14|lb}} and stand about {{convert|6|-|9|in|cm}} at the [[withers]]; however, they can be smaller. These smaller Pekingese are commonly referred to as "sleeve" Pekingese or just "sleeves". The name is taken from ancient times, when emperors would carry the smallest of the breed in their sleeves.{{Citation needed|date=February 2025}} A Pekingese over 14 lb is disqualified in the show ring.<ref name=":1"/>

The Pekingese is slightly longer than tall when measured from the forechest to the rear. The overall outline is an approximate ratio of 3 high to 5 long.

==Health==

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.3 years for the breed compared to an average of 12.7 for purebreds and 12 for [[Mongrel|crossbreeds]].<ref>{{cite journal | last1=McMillan | first1=Kirsten M. | last2=Bielby | first2=Jon | last3=Williams | first3=Carys L. | last4=Upjohn | first4=Melissa M. | last5=Casey | first5=Rachel A. | last6=Christley | first6=Robert M. | title=Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death | journal=Scientific Reports | publisher=Springer Science and Business Media LLC | volume=14 | issue=1 | date=2024-02-01 | issn=2045-2322 | doi=10.1038/s41598-023-50458-w | page=531| pmid=38302530 | pmc=10834484 | bibcode=2024NatSR..14..531M }}</ref>

The leading cause of death for Pekingese, as for many other Toy breeds, is [[Major trauma|trauma]].<ref name=Fleming/> Primary health concerns include neurological and cardiovascular defects.<ref name=Fleming>{{cite journal|last1=Fleming|first1=J.M.|last2=Creevy|first2=K.E.|last3=Promislow|first3=D.E.L.|title=Mortality in North American Dogs from 1984 to 2004: An Investigation into Age-, Size-, and Breed-Related Causes of Death|journal=Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine|date=March 2011|volume=25|issue=2|pages=187–198|doi=10.1111/j.1939-1676.2011.0695.x|pmid=21352376|doi-access=free}}{{open access}}</ref>

As a result of breeding for an increasingly flattened face, its [[Cephalic index#Modern use in animal breeding|brachycephaly]] can lead to health issues in some Pekingese. Therefore other potential concerns in the breed are eye issues and [[Brachycephalic airway obstructive syndrome|breathing problems]], resulting from its tiny skull and flattened face. Furthermore, skin allergies (including [[hot spot (veterinary medicine)|hotspots]]) and [[corneal ulcers in animals|eye ulcers]] may develop spontaneously. Pekingese may also develop [[keratoconjunctivitis sicca]] (dry eye) and [[progressive retinal atrophy]].<ref>{{cite book|last1=Bell|first1=Jerold S.|last2=Cavanagh|first2=Kathleen E.|last3=Tilley|first3=Larry P.|last4=Smith|first4=Francis W.K.|title=Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds|date=2012|publisher=Teton NewMedia, Inc|location=Jackson, WY|isbn=9781482241419|page=355}}</ref>{{verify source|date=April 2024}}

In an effort to address potential breathing difficulties caused by the breed's flat face, the Kennel Club (UK) significantly changed the breed standard in October 2008, removing the clause that the "profile [should be] flat with nose well up between eyes" and adding instead that the "muzzle must be evident". This was in response to public opinion following the BBC programme ''[[Pedigree Dogs Exposed]]''.{{Citation needed|reason=response not shown to be caused by programme|date=January 2024}}

==Care==
{{More citations needed section|date=February 2025}}
Keeping the Pekingese coat healthy and presentable requires daily brushing and a trip to the groomer every 8–12 weeks. Dogs intended as a house pet may be kept in a puppy cut, which requires less maintenance than a show coat. It is important to remove foreign materials from the eyes daily, and clean the creases on the face to prevent sores ([[Hot spot (veterinary medicine)|hot spot]]s). It is also necessary to keep and maintain the long fur in the rear end (aka the "trousers" or "skirt") clean and well-groomed, as the area is prone to soiling. In cold climates, the trousers may accumulate clumps of snowballs.

Due to their abundance of fur, it is important to keep the Pekingese cool. The breed is prone to have [[heatstroke]] when exposed to high temperatures.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pekingese - Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome |url=https://www.ufaw.org.uk/dogs/pekingese-brachycephalic-airway-obstruction-syndrome |access-date=2024-03-03 |website=ufaw.org.uk |language=en}}</ref>

Pekingese exercise needs are minimal. Due to their extremely short snouts, they are at a higher risk for breathing difficulties (most notably brachycephalic obstructed airway syndrome).<ref>{{cite web |title=Pekingese Breed Information |url=https://www.pdsa.org.uk/taking-care-of-your-pet/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pekingese |website=PDSA |access-date=14 November 2018 |ref=BOAS}}</ref> Because of this, they are rarely capable of more than 30 minutes of exercise per day. It is important to monitor their breathing while exercising, especially if in the heat. If the Pekingese begins wheezing, exercise should cease immediately. After running, they should rest in a cool place until their breathing returns to normal. They must have access to plenty of water before, during, and after exercise to prevent overheating and [[dehydration]].

==History==
[[File:Pekingese1904.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Pekingese, 1904]]
[[File:Chinese Spaniel 1903.jpg|thumb|left|150px|Chinese Spaniel, 1903]]
[[File:Chinesehappa.jpg|thumb| 120px|Chinese Happa dog from the 19th century, an ancestor of the modern Pekingese, [[Rothschild Zoological Museum]], [[Tring]], England]]

The breed emerged in China from several kinds of small dog owned by aristocratic families. Unlike the others, it could only be owned by members of the [[Forbidden City|Chinese Imperial Palace]].<ref name="godden"/>

During the [[Second Opium War]], in 1860, the [[Old Summer Palace]] in [[Beijing]] was sacked and set ablaze by a combined Anglo-French expeditionary force, after the [[Xianfeng Emperor]] had fled with all of his court members to [[Chengde]].

A British soldier, Captain [[John Hart Dunne]] came across a lone Pekingese, which he brought back to England. It was the first of the breed to survive the voyage.<ref name="godden"/> He presented her to [[Queen Victoria]], who named it "[[Looty (dog)|Looty]]".<ref>[http://www.royalcollection.org.uk/eGallery/object.asp?collector=12787&object=406974 ''Looty''], [[Friedrich Wilhelm Keyl]], 1861, oil on canvas backed on panel, 33.3 × 38.1 cm, [[Royal Collection]], RCIN 40697. Painted at Windsor for Queen Victoria</ref><ref name="Pearlstone"/><ref>[http://www.joleemagazine.com/pdf/jo_lee_nov_02.pdf "The Letter"], David Matthews, Jo Lee Magazine, Nov. 2002, p. 18" "This little dog was found by me in the Palace of Yuan-Ming-Yuan near Pekin on the 6th of October 1860. It is supposed to have belonged to either the Empress, or one of the ladies of the Imperial Family. It is a most affectionate and intelligent little creature – it has always been accustomed to being treated as a pet and it was with the hope that it might be looked upon as such by Her Majesty and the Royal Family that I have brought it from China." John Hart Dunne, Captain, [[99th (Lanarkshire) Regiment of Foot|99th Regt.]]</ref>

It is often said that during the sack of the palace grounds, a contingent of British and French troops entered one of the palaces. An elderly aunt of the emperor had remained behind, but when the troops entered the palace she committed [[suicide]]. She was found dead with five Pekingese beside her body. They were taken by the troops before the Summer Palace was burnt to the ground.{{citation needed|date=July 2022|reason=previous citation relied on an unconnected quote}} [[Lord John Hay (Royal Navy officer, born 1827)|Lord John Hay]] took a pair, later called ''Schloff'' and ''Hytien'', and gave them to his sister, the Duchess of Wellington, wife of [[Henry Wellesley, 3rd Duke of Wellington]]. Sir George Fitzroy took another pair, and gave them to his cousins, the [[Duke of Richmond and Lennox|Duke]] and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon. The fifth was the one found by captain Dunne. However, the tale has no support from contemporary documents, while both Hay and Fitzroy may well have acquired pekes from some source, they were serving Naval officers expected to stay with their ships guarding the entrance to Beijing.<ref>Godden (1977) p.94</ref>

The [[Empress Dowager Cixi]] presented Pekingese to several Americans, including [[John Pierpont Morgan]] and [[Alice Lee Roosevelt Longworth]], daughter of [[Theodore Roosevelt]], who named her dog "Manchu".

The first Pekingese in Ireland was introduced by Dr. Heuston. He established [[smallpox]] vaccination clinics in China. The effect was dramatic. In gratitude, the Chinese minister, [[Li Hongzhang]], presented him with a pair of Pekingese. They were named ''Chang'' and ''Lady Li''. Dr. Heuston founded the [[Greystones]] kennel.<ref name="Pearlstone">{{Cite web|last=Key|first=John|url=http://www.iol.ie/~johky/Pearlhis1.html|title=Pearlstone Pekingese History|date=April 2000|access-date=2009-10-13|location=Shankhill, Dublin, Ireland|archive-date=2007-09-17|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070917152322/http://www.iol.ie/~johky/Pearlhis1.html|url-status=bot: unknown}}()</ref>

Around the turn of the century, Pekingese dogs became popular in Western countries. They were owned by such arbiters of fashion as [[Alexandra of Denmark]], wife of [[Edward VII]], and [[Elsie de Wolfe]], popular American interior decorator. Later, they were owned by [[Rumer Godden]], who wrote in her autobiography that "I do not like dogs except very large ones and one or two with such character that they cannot be denied; Pekingese are not dogs but something more"<ref>''A Time to Dance, No Time to Weep'' by Rumer Godden, originally published by Macmillan 1987 and taken from page 109 of Corgi edition, 1989</ref> and by [[Auberon Waugh]], who on one occasion fancifully boasted that one of his dogs shared his love of ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'' and hatred for ''[[The Sunday Times]]''.<ref>"Top dogs", ''[[The Daily Telegraph]]'', 23 March 1994, reprinted in the anthology ''Way of the World'', Random House (Century) 1994 and taken from page 396 of Arrow Books edition, 1995</ref>

A 2018 ''Country Life'' article asserted that the breed's "perceived desirability has plummeted, eclipsed entirely by that of the [[shih tzu]]".<ref>[http://www.countrylife.co.uk/out-and-about/dogs/top-ten-british-dog-breeds-need-saving-quickly-182624 Country Life magazine, 18 August 2018]</ref> The Kennel Club also states that "their popularity has declined".<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pekingese {{!}} Breeds A to Z {{!}} The Kennel Club |url=https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/search/breeds-a-to-z/breeds/toy/pekingese/ |access-date=2024-08-06 |website=thekennelclub.org.uk}}</ref> However, in 2021 a Pekingese named Wasabi won the [[Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show|Westminster dog show]], the fourth time a Pekingese won [[List of Best in Show winners of the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show|Best in Show]] at Westminster.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Peltz |first=Jennifer |date=June 14, 2021 |title=Prime Peke! Wasabi the Pekingese wins Westminster dog show |url=https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/exciting-top-dogs-vie-westminster-title-78257428 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210614014403/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/wireStory/exciting-top-dogs-vie-westminster-title-78257428 |archive-date=June 14, 2021 |access-date=2021-06-15 |website=ABC News |language=en}}</ref>

==Sleeve Pekingese==
[[File:Pekingese Moletai May 2014.jpg|thumb|left|White-cream Pekingese with black mask]]
According to the 1948 publication ''Dogs In Britain, A Description of All Native Breeds and Most Foreign Breeds in Britain'' by Clifford LB Hubbard, the Sleeve Pekingese is a true miniature of the standard-sized dog, and was also known as the Miniature Pekingese. The name ''Sleeve Pekingese'' came from the custom of carrying these small dogs in the capacious sleeves of the robes worn by members of the Chinese Imperial Household. Hubbard indicated that this tradition appeared to be early Italian rather than Chinese, but its adoption by the Chinese Imperial Household led to dogs being bred as small as possible and to practices aimed at stunting their growth: giving puppies [[rice wine]], holding newborns tightly for hours at a time or putting the puppies into tight-fitting wire mesh waistcoats. These practices were apparently forbidden by [[Dowager Empress Cixi]].

In Hubbard's time, the term ''Sleeve'' was applied in Britain to a miniature Pekingese no more than 6–7 pounds in weight, often appearing to be only about 3–4 pounds. Mrs Flander's ''Mai Mai'' weighed only a little over 4 pounds and many other breeders had bred true miniatures of a similar size. He noted that miniatures may appear in a litter bred from full-sized Pekingese and were exhibited in classes for dogs less than 7 pounds at the major dog shows in Britain. In 1946 (when Hubbard wrote his book), the Sleeve Pekingese had a strong following with the most popular colours being cream and white, with white being considered particularly attractive. He illustrated the description with a white Sleeve Pekingese bred by Mrs Aileen Adam.<ref>Hubbard, Clifford LB. Dogs In Britain, A Description of All Native Breeds and Most Foreign Breeds in Britain. Macmillan Books, 1948</ref>

==Origin myths==
[[File:Pekingese Image 002.jpg|thumb|right|Pekingese puppy]]

There are two origin stories for the Pekingese.<ref name="godden">Godden (1977)</ref> The more common one is The Lion and the Marmoset:

:A lion and a [[marmoset]] fell in love, but the lion was too large. The Gods intervened to even up their sizes; in one version of the story they shrank the lion down, in another they enlarged the marmoset. The Pekingese was the result.

The other originating story is The Butterfly Lions:

:A lioness fell in love with a butterfly. But they knew the difference in size was too much to overcome. Together they went to see the Buddha, who allowed their size to meet in the middle. From this, the Pekingese came, as brave as a lion yet as dainty as a butterfly.

==See also==
* [[Portal:Dogs|Dogs portal]]
* [[List of dog breeds]]
* [[Lion dance]] – a dance from China

==References==
===Citations===
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
* Godden, Rumer. ''The Butterfly Lions: The Pekingese in History, legend and Art''. Viking. 1977.

==External links==
{{Commons}}

{{Chinese dogs}}
{{Toy dogs}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:FCI breeds]]
[[Category:Dog breeds originating in China]]