At a glance the quick version
FCI sets maximums of 5 kg for males and 5.4 kg for females; the AKC allows up to 14 lb (6.4 kg); Wikipedia gives 3.2-6.4 kg overall.
Coat and looks how to spot one
long double coat with mane
A small, compact, lion-like dog that feels surprisingly heavy for its size. The long, straight, stand-off outer coat is coarse, with a thick soft undercoat and a mane around the neck and shoulders. Ears, legs, tail and toes carry feathering, and the dog moves with a slow, dignified roll.14
Personality what they are like
A confident, dignified little companion with a mind of its own. It is devoted and affectionate with people it trusts, can be reserved with strangers, and is neither timid nor aggressive.14
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low exercise needs: up to about 30 minutes a day.2
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The long coat needs daily grooming to stay tidy and free of tangles.23
Home where they are happiest
A true companion dog that suits indoor family or apartment life.12
Company who they like around
Bred purely as a companion and likes to be close to its people, while keeping an independent streak.12
The story where it all began
Small, short-legged dogs of this type were treasured in the Chinese Imperial palace for many centuries, and ordinary people were not allowed to own them. After British and French troops entered the Summer Palace in Peking in 1860, a few dogs were brought to Britain, one of which was presented to Queen Victoria. The breed soon became fashionable among Western high society.23
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Queen Victoria was given one of the first Pekingese in Britain and named it 'Looty'.3
- 2
Pekingese have won Best in Show at Westminster five times: 1960, 1982, 1990, 2012 and 2021.5
- 3
The 2021 Westminster winner was a Pekingese called Wasabi (GCH CH Pequest Wasabi).5
- 4
Its gait has a gentle, rolling motion over the shoulders that is part of the breed standard.4
- 5
Very small Pekingese kept at the Imperial court were called 'sleeve' dogs.3
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 207, Group 9 Companion and Toy Dogs, Section 8 Japan Chin and Pekingese; published 26.03.2009; patronage Great Britain.1
- The Royal Kennel Club
- Toy group; accepted for registration in 1910.2
- AKC
- Toy Group; current standard approved 13 January 2004, effective 2 March 2004.4
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pekingese. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- Brushingevery 2 days
- Bathevery month
- HaircutTrim feathering and feet, or keep a short cutevery 8 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
- Ear checkFloppy ears trap moisture, so check and dry themevery week
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
- Face foldsWipe and dry the skin foldsevery 2 days
- Eye wipeGently wipe around the eyesevery day
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 207: Pekingese fci.beused for recognition, weight, coat, colours, temperament
- The Royal Kennel Club: Pekingese royalkennelclub.comused for registration year, exercise, grooming, lifespan, history
- Pekingese - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, height, weight range, colours, history, fun facts
- AKC Official Standard of the Pekingese images.akc.orgused for weight, coat, colours, temperament, gait
- List of Westminster Best in Show winners - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for Westminster wins
- AKC breed page: Pekingese akc.orgused for general description
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.