Longevity
Life expectancy
With a life expectancy of 13 to 15 years, the Pekingese can accompany its household for a long time if its weight remains well controlled, if its care is regular and if its ocular and dental fragilities are monitored seriously.
Build
A robust breed?
The Pekingese has intermediate robustness. It tolerates a calm indoor life well, but its small size, its flattened face and its exposed eyes expose it to several points of vigilance that require constant monitoring.
Watch points
What to watch for
Regular preventive monitoring helps a lot in this breed. Eye, mouth, ear and coat hygiene must be part of the routine in order to quickly detect any discomfort or abnormality.
Eye conditions : Its round, exposed eyes are sensitive to irritation, dirt and various issues that require regular monitoring and cleaning.
Dental problems : The breed may develop tartar quickly and have dental fragility, hence the value of frequent brushing and veterinary follow-up.
Difficult whelping : In females, whelping can be complicated and a caesarean section is sometimes necessary.
Brachycephalic syndrome : Like many flat-faced dogs, the Pekingese may experience breathing difficulty worsened by heat, excess weight or exertion.
Climate
Cold and heat tolerance
The Pekingese tolerates heat poorly and is not a dog made to live outdoors. Despite its coat, it does not appreciate difficult weather conditions over long periods either. It feels better in a temperate indoor environment with short outings at the most pleasant times.
Weight
Tendency to gain weight
The Pekingese tends to gain weight easily. A well-measured ration, limited treats and gentle but regular activity are important to prevent obesity, which quickly worsens joint and respiratory strain.
Daily life
Good habits to keep it healthy
- Clean and inspect the eyes very regularly.
- Brush the teeth to limit tartar and tooth loss.
- Brush the coat often to avoid knots and dirt.
- Avoid exertion during hot hours.
Vaccination
Pekingese vaccines: vaccination schedule
Which vaccines for a Pekingese? Like all dogs, the Pekingese receives essential vaccines from 8 weeks old: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. The puppy primary vaccination for Pekingese is given in several injections 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on its lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may complete the protocol with vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary series | First booster | Then | Who for? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All pets |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All pets |
RabiesLifestyle-based Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughLifestyle-based Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisLifestyle-based Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseLifestyle-based Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisLifestyle-based Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Pekingese vaccine boosters are annual for leptospirosis and rabies; for distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often sufficient after the first booster. Your veterinarian will adjust the schedule to your dog’s actual risk.
Which boosters for your Pekingese?
Enter your companion’s age: we list the vaccines to do now and the next boosters.
Adopting well
Adopting a healthy Pekingese
Careful veterinary monitoring should include examination of the eyes, teeth, skin in the folded areas, and breathing. In females intended for breeding, the issue of whelping must be anticipated with the veterinarian.
This information is provided for guidance only and does not replace a veterinarian’s advice. If you have any concerns about your pet’s health, consult a professional.
