The Ultimate Guide to Pekingan: A Comprehensive Overview of the Beijing Indigenous Dog

Introduction

The Pekingese, also known as the Pekingan, is an ancient breed of toy dog that originated in China. Renowned for its distinctive appearance and affectionate personality, the Pekingese has captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts worldwide. This comprehensive guide delves into the fascinating history, characteristics, care requirements, and health considerations of this beloved breed.

Historical Origins

The Pekingese lineage can be traced back to the Imperial palaces of the Ming Dynasty, where they were highly prized as companion dogs. According to legend, they are descendants of the fu dogs (lion-like creatures) that guarded the palaces. These dogs were cherished by the royal family and considered symbols of good fortune and prosperity.

After the fall of the Ming Dynasty in 1644, Pekingese were brought to Europe by Western explorers and became popular among the upper classes. In England, they were recognized by the Kennel Club in 1898 and quickly gained recognition in other parts of the world.

Physical Characteristics

Size: Pekingese are small dogs, with males typically weighing between 6 and 8 pounds (2.7-3.6 kg) and females between 5 and 7 pounds (2.3-3.2 kg).

Body Type: They have a compact, sturdy body with short legs and a short, broad head.

Coat: Their coat is double-layered, with a long, flowing outercoat and a soft, dense undercoat. The coat comes in a variety of colors, including gold, black, white, sable, and red.

Head: The Pekingese head is distinctive, with a flat, broad forehead, large, expressive eyes, and a short, snub nose. Their ears are V-shaped and hang down close to the head.

Temperament and Personality

Pekingese are known for their affectionate and loyal nature. They are highly devoted to their families and make excellent companion dogs. They are typically playful, curious, and have a strong sense of independence.

While they are generally friendly with other dogs, their small size can make them vulnerable to aggression from larger dogs. Pekingese are known for their stubbornness, which can make them challenging to train, but with patience and consistency, they can be well-behaved companions.

Care Requirements

Grooming: Pekingese require regular grooming to maintain their beautiful coat. Brushing several times a week is essential to prevent mats and tangles. They should also be bathed occasionally, especially during shedding season.

Exercise: Pekingese are not highly active dogs and require only moderate exercise. Daily walks or indoor playtime are sufficient to keep them healthy and happy.

Nutrition: Pekingese should be fed a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. Their small size makes them prone to weight gain, so portion control is important.

Health: Pekingese are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to certain health issues, including:

• Eye problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma)
• Skin allergies
• Respiratory problems (e.g., brachycephalic airway syndrome)
• Dental problems
• Luxating patella (knee dislocation)

Regular veterinary checkups and preventative care are essential to maintain their health and well-being.

Training and Socialization

Pekingese can be stubborn and independent, making training challenging. However, with patience and positive reinforcement, they can be trained to perform basic commands. Clicker training and treat rewards are effective methods for training Pekingese.

Early socialization is crucial for Pekingese to develop proper social skills and prevent fear or aggression. Exposing them to different people, animals, and environments from a young age will help them become well-rounded and confident dogs.

Stories and Lessons Learned

Story 1: The Emperor's Lucky Charm

In the Forbidden City, during the Ming Dynasty, Emperor Hongwu had a beloved Pekingese named Lucky. Lucky was always by the Emperor's side and was believed to bring him good fortune. One day, when the Emperor was in danger, Lucky alerted him to the threat, saving his life. From that day forward, Pekingese became symbols of loyalty and protection.

Lesson Learned: The Pekingese breed has a long history of being loyal and protective companions.

Story 2: The Pekingese and the Empress Dowager

The Empress Dowager Cixi, the powerful ruler of China in the late 19th century, had a special fondness for Pekingese. She kept hundreds of them in her palace and even had a temple built in their honor. Pekingese became symbols of wealth and status during her reign.

Lesson Learned: Pekingese have been highly prized throughout history, especially by royalty and the upper classes.

Story 3: The Pekingese in Western Culture

After being brought to Europe by Western explorers, Pekingese quickly became popular among the upper classes. They were often depicted in paintings and literature and became symbols of elegance and sophistication.

Lesson Learned: Pekingese have been embraced by cultures worldwide and continue to be beloved companion dogs.

Tips and Tricks

• Bond Early: Pekingese are highly social dogs that need early socialization to develop proper behavior. Bond with your puppy from the moment you bring it home.
• Train with Patience: Pekingese can be stubborn, so train with patience and positive reinforcement. Avoid harsh punishment, as it will only damage your relationship with your dog.
• Groom Regularly: Pekingese require regular grooming to keep their coats healthy and free of mats. Brush several times a week and bathe occasionally.
• Control Weight: Pekingese are prone to weight gain, so feed them a balanced diet and monitor their portions.
• Eye Care: Pekingese are prone to eye problems, so regular eye examinations are important. Clean their eyes regularly and watch for any signs of irritation or infection.

How-to Step-by-Step Approach: Grooming a Pekingese

1. Brush the Coat: Use a soft-bristled brush to remove loose hair and tangles. Brush gently in the direction of hair growth, starting from the head and working your way down.
2. Bathe: Bathe your Pekingese as needed, using a gentle dog shampoo. Wet their coat thoroughly, apply the shampoo, and massage it in. Rinse thoroughly to remove all traces of shampoo.
3. Dry: Towel dry your Pekingese and then use a blow dryer on a low heat setting to dry their coat completely.
4. Trim Nails: Trim your Pekingese's nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort.
5. Clean Ears: Check your Pekingese's ears regularly for any signs of infection or discharge. Use a cotton ball dipped in a gentle ear cleaning solution to clean their ears.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Are Pekingese hypoallergenic?
A: No, Pekingese are not considered hypoallergenic. They shed умеренно and can produce dander, which can trigger allergies in some people.

Q: Is it difficult to train a Pekingese?
A: Pekingese can be challenging to train due to their stubbornness. However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, they can be trained to perform basic commands.

Q: How long do Pekingese live?
A: The average lifespan of a Pekingese is 12-15 years.

Q: What are the most common health problems in Pekingese?
A: The most common health problems in Pekingese include eye problems (e.g., cataracts, glaucoma), skin allergies, respiratory problems (e.g., brachycephalic airway syndrome), dental problems, and luxating patella (knee dislocation).

Q: Are Pekingese good with children?
A: Pekingese can be good with children, but it's important to supervise interactions and teach children how to handle small dogs properly.

Q: Can Pekingese live in apartments?
A: Yes, Pekingese are well-suited to apartment living due to their small size and moderate exercise needs.

Useful Tables

Table 1: Pekingese Color Variations

Table 2: Pekingese Weight and Height Standards by Gender

Table 3: Common Health Problems in Pekingese

Conclusion

The Pekingese is an