When we hear about such a breed of dogs as Pekingese, most people in the head immediately get pictures with these cute fluffy dogs with a flat nose and bulging eyes that are somewhat similar to plush toys.
What kind of breed?
This dog has a character that thinks that it is much more than it actually is. Self-esteem is the middle name of the Pekingese. The watchful nature of the dog makes him the best guard dog, and the size is suitable for a house of any size, from the apartment to the huge palace.
If a person wants to live with a dog that will manage his house as an “iron paw”, then Pekingese is what you need. He is affectionate with family members, but is independent in order to need constant attention. If we talk about strangers, then his attitude towards them varies from alienated to friendly - it all depends on the particular dog.
Pekingese, which should weigh no more than 6 kg, likes to walk regularly in the park and play with toys indoors, but this breed is of low activity.
However, exercise is good for the dog, so care must be taken to exercise daily. You should not give in to the impulse to carry your pet in your arms everywhere and save it in all situations. He will be happy if the owner allows him to remain a dog, and he will behave much better.
The bold but humorous nature of a Pekingese can make him an excellent companion in the family under the right circumstances. But he may not be suitable for a family with small children. Pekingese are small dogs and can get hurt if playing with them is too rough. They can even snap at the child if they are frightened.
Pekingese do not belong to breeds that are easy to learn. They are stubborn and see no reason to follow any rules, at least those that they consider to be unimportant. This breed usually does what it wants.
Nevertheless, there are Pekingese who successfully compete in tests of agility, speed and obedience. These types of competitions can replace complex training and classes in general.
How old do they live at home?
The average life expectancy of a Pekingese is from 10 to 14 years. The health problems of the breed may include the following troubles:
- brachycephalic upper respiratory tract syndrome;
- degenerative diseases of the heart valves;
- dislocation of the patella;
- poddermatit, intertrigo (facial fold);
- pyloric stenosis (pyloric hypertrophy syndrome in adults);
- congenital elbow dysplasia;
- dysplasia of odontoid processes;
- intervertebral perineal hernia;
- intervertebral hernia;
- hydrocephalus;
- atlantoaxial subluxation;
- entropion;
- keratoconjunctivitis sikka ("dry eyes");
- corneal manifestation;
- proptosis;
- achondroplasia - genetic dwarfism, adopted as the standard of the breed;
- cryptorchidism;
- trichasis;
- ulcerative keratitis.
Not all of these diseases are detectable in a growing puppy, and it is impossible to predict whether they will appear in the future.
Factors affecting the lifetime
All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems - just as all people have the opportunity to inherit a certain disease. It is better not to take puppies from a breeder who does not guarantee that puppies are healthy.Cautious breeders check their dogs with pedigree for the presence of genetic diseases and breed only the most healthy and beautiful individuals. But, despite the excellent pedigree, the puppy can still develop the disease.
It is worth remembering that after the puppy appeared in the house, you can protect it from one of the most common health problems - obesity.
Keeping a Pekingese at a normal weight is one of the easiest ways to prolong the life of your pet. To do this, you should regularly inspect the vet.
Temperament
To breed this breed of dogs began in the imperial palace of China. Pekingese was highly appreciated and often presented to noble people. For this reason, this kind of royal majesty is still in their character. Some dogs consider themselves royals and expect their owners to treat them appropriately.
The modern Pekingese is different from its progenitor. In this breed today is slightly shorter than the legs, and the muzzle is flatter. This breed is incredibly obstinate, not aggressive and indulgent. And yet such traits as tenderness and playfulness, they will show only with their favorite owners.
The Pekingese, whether it be a boy or a girl, will happily walk with his master through a noisy city, that's just preferable to physical activity for him to remain soft and comfortable pillow.
Pekingese are excellent companions for older people who have time to devote all their attention to the dog. They adore the family in which they live, but fear strangers.
The Pekingese will be happy living in both the big house and the small apartment, as they do not need much activity to maintain their health.. They love to walk, proudly looking around the neighborhood, they like to play outdoors, but with age they become less playful.
How to care?
Pekingese has long beautiful hair and thick fluffy mane on the neck and shoulders, tassels of wool on the ends of the ears, tail and legs. Caring for this glamorous dog is not as difficult as it may seem. Regular care will help keep your coat healthy. A dog breeder is the best source of advice on grooming, so don't hesitate to ask questions to get valuable advice.
Pekingese hair should be cleaned daily, every other day or twice a week - it depends on the dog itself.
To do this, slightly moisten the wool with water or a special agent and walk with a brush, but it is better that such a brush be made of natural wool. You need to start combing from the head, slowly moving to the tail. Combing and removing excess wool promotes new growth.
If the Pekingese lives in an apartment or house, you can trim his fur to make it easier to care for him. You can also regularly take your pet to a specialist who will cut the wool brushes on the legs so that dust and dirt will not collect on them. The second option is to completely shave the hair, leaving only the mane around the head and the pom-pom on the tip of the tail.
If you can not drive your dog to a specialist, you can do the haircut yourself. Over time, the owner may well learn to make beautiful and unusual haircuts professionally.
Claws should be trimmed as needed - usually this should be done every week or every two weeks. Check your ears to make sure they are clean. If there is dirt in the ears, you need to use a special cleaner recommended by the veterinarian. Toy breeds, such as Pekingese, are prone to periodontal diseases because they have a lot of teeth. You need to brush your teeth with a toothpaste approved by a veterinarian for good health and fresh breath.
Behavioral factors
Pekingese, as a rule, behaves well, but he is prone to barking. They will bark at people, animals, cars and even fall foliage, driven on the road by wind.When they are left alone for a long time, their barking can get out of control. People who work a lot are not recommended to start Pekingese. They are more suitable for retirees, families who constantly have someone at home, or for those who work at home.
Pekingese is very independent, therefore you need to drive him more on a leash, not drag him in a bag or on his hands - It is worth giving your pet the opportunity to communicate with the surrounding nature, people and other animals.
For information about the characteristics of the Pekingese dog breed, see the following video.
