What's So Good About The Pekingese

A breed bred as pets for Imperial Families in China is now very popular amongst the average citizen. The Pekingese is also known as The Little Lion Dog of Peking, because it originated from China. A very beautiful pooch, small, and a bundle of joy to own. The coat of this dog has an abundance of hair, which is long and straight, coming in many different colors. They stand short, 6-9 inches. Their weight is the determining factor of its classification. A Pekingese weighing less than six pounds would belong to the “sleeve” category. If it would weigh from 6-8 pounds, then it would belong to the Mini Pekingese category.

Sleeve is an awkward name for a classification of this breed. It was named as such because the smallest type of this dog, was said to be carried in the sleeves of the Chinese Emperors. Unlike most small breeds, this pooch is very brave. It's courageous, and has the tendency to bark at strangers entering the house. That makes fantastic as a watchdog, but not as a guard dog. It has heart but not the physical build needed to protect its master and territory. It's playful – it loves playing with its owner and family. Small children that can get rough and disregard safety are advised not to have around this dog.

It's sensitive, can and will get hurt if not taken care of properly. It can get very emotionally attached to its master. It is very affectionate; giving it love and attention is vital for its well-being. Seeing its master spend more time and have more fun with others, especially pets, will make it jealous. It likes to feel that it's your “number 1”. Allowing it to socialize with other pets and the people that you usually spend time with can help with jealousy issues. Training for this breed may be a little difficult because of its proud, independent, and stubborn nature.

Patience and perseverance is needed by future owners. Positive reinforcement and bribing it, rather giving it rewards for good behavior and obedience will be effective. It can be hard-headed, so you've got to establish your superiority over it, but be gentle to it at the same time. Its emotions are easily hurt. This is an indoor pet, so keeping it inside the house will of course be needed. It's prone to catch colds, because as I've said earlier it is sensitive. Bone problems may also be associated with this breed. That's why it is necessary for any owner to take care of it properly.

Never let it strain itself during physical activities. Taking it out for short walks and playing will be enough for its daily exercise need. With such a beautiful coat comes the need for daily dog grooming. It has a double coat that will need brushing everyday. Use gentle strokes because its hair can tangle easily. Clipping is also needed, so scissors will be needed too. Give it baths with doggy soap and shampoo when needed. The Pekingese is a breed of class and beauty. It will require a responsible owner; one that has the time and skills to properly care for this dog.