Pekingese

• Bathing: Bathe your dog once a month with a dog-friendly shampoo.  
• Brushing: Brush your dog with a slicker brush as well as a de-shedding tool daily to keep them tangle-free and reduce shedding. These pups will probably need to see a groomer every six weeks or so. But keep in mind that their fur is not meant to be cut too short; their double coat protects them from both hot and cold weather.  
• Ear care: Check their ears every day. If there’s redness, swelling, debris, or an odor, your pup may have an ear infection that needs vet attention. Talk to your vet about how to clean your dog’s ears if they’re prone to infections.  
• Dental care: Help keep your pup’s teeth healthy by brushing them daily with a dog toothpaste. It’s a good idea to start when your Pekingese puppy is young so they get used to the routine. They’ll also need a professional dental cleaning at your vet once a year. 
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails every two to three weeks. If nails get too long, it can make it painful to walk. You’ll know it’s time for a trim when you can hear them tapping on hard surfaces. 

When you’re basically royalty, it can be a bit difficult to be told that you absolutely must do something, so cut the Pekingese a little bit of slack. They’re still getting used to their cues—and learning that following along can be a great thing.  

To help them, lay it on thick with positive reinforcement, aka praise and rewards like treats and toys. With the right blend of consistency and encouragement, you can meet their headstrong minds halfway.  

Practice obedience training (like sit, stay, and come) throughout your Pekingese’s life, and start training them as early as you can, whether you adopt them as a puppy or an adult.   

Because Pekingese puppies have small bladders, housetraining can be challenging. Taking your Pekingese out every few hours or immediately after having an accident helps them learn to associate going outside with wee time. These pups are also great candidates for pee pad training. 

Crate training your pup for short periods when you’re not around to supervise them can also help prevent accidents. Most small dogs actually enjoy having a “den” to hide away in. 

Always make sure to choose the right size crate for your dog. It should be large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and it should have blankets, pillows, toys, and whatever else you need to make your dog feel cozy and at home.  

Pekingese typically do well on a high-quality commercial dog food. Choose a diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Ask your vet what they recommend.  

These tiny pups can put on weight easily—and when you’re this small, even a pound matters. Be sure to watch what they eat, avoid people food, and monitor their body condition score with your vet. Obesity in dogs can lead to other health issues. 

Treats should never be more than 10% of a dog’s daily calories.  

Pekingese are more well-suited for your lap than a hike. That said, they do need daily exercise to stay healthy and manage their moderate energy levels. 

One or two 20- or 30-minute walks a day will help keep your Pekingese fit and their mind entertained. But any longer may be difficult for this short-legged breed.  

Being a brachycephalic (flat-faced) dog breed, Pekingese are sensitive to extreme heat, so avoid the hottest times of the day. Watch out for signs of overheating and exhaustion, like heavy panting or lying on the ground and refusing to budge.  

Giving your Pekingese lots of opportunities for indoor and outdoor play will get them moving while also stimulating their mind. And on days when it’s too hot out for dogs, bring the games inside altogether.  

Switch up your daily routes so these canines get a little variety—swap an open field for a sandy beach if the weather’s fine, and bring their favorite ball to chase.  

Pekingese are perfect for apartment life—or a life of royalty in a mansion. The important thing is that it’s a calm environment and you’re there. They are, after all, excessively devoted.  

Pekingese puppies and adults would love to be an only child, but they could also do fine with other family members, as long as they’re supervised with little kids. Tiny tots might not understand that the adorable Pekingese isn’t a toy, so teach everyone to get along well.  

These dogs can get a bout of separation anxiety if left alone for long periods, so they’re great candidates for doggy daycare or neighborhood playdates (as long as they’re up to date on vaccines).   

Because Pekingese are brachycephalic dogs, they will likely struggle to breathe if the weather’s too hot. As their pet parent, it’s your job to keep an eye on them when it’s warmer, and make sure they’re not outside when the temperature’s too warm.   

You might consider carrying a cooling mat or ice pack if you’re outside with your Pekingese in the summer. Make sure they always have access to drinking water, too. Unfortunately, they’re poor swimmers, so taking a cooling dip might not be a good idea for these pups.  

Pekingese have fragile backs, so they need to avoid stairs as much as possible. You can also set up ramps or stairs so they don’t have to jump on the furniture, and use a harness instead of clipping their leash to their collar when on walks so you don’t put stress on their neck.