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.
Constitution
Is this 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.
Things to watch for
What to look out 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
Tolerance to cold and heat
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
Prone to weight gain
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.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet 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 vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Pekingese need? Like all dogs, Pekingeses should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Pekingese vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle 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 diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle 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 booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Pekingese need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing 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 for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
