Buying or Adopting a Pekingese
By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Don't set your sights on the Pekingese until you read my advice in these posts.
Should You Even Get a Dog? Are You Sure?
Important – I've been helping people choose and find dogs for nearly 40 years, and honestly, some people who decide to get a dog are making a big mistake... [read more]
The Truth About Purebred Dogs
Pros and cons... (most people don't know about the cons)
The Truth About Crossbred Dogs
Pros and cons... (don't get taken by breeder hype)
The Truth About Mixed Breed Dogs
Pros and cons... (are mixes inferior to purebreds and crosses?)
Is a Pekingese the right breed for you?
Pekingese Review
I'll tell you what's good about 'em, and what's bad about 'em... most honest review you'll ever find
Dog Breed Traits – Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
Are YOU the right owner for a Pekingese?
Can you provide what this breed needs?
- Someone home most of the day
- Fenced yard (not an electronic/underground fence)
- No young children in the household
- Sufficient exercise after maturity – enough ongoing exercise that your Pekingese stays slim and is tired enough to sleep contentedly and not get into mischief
- "Mental exercise" – interesting activities that keep the mind stimulated, such as challenging dog toys; tricks and games such as Musical Toys and Hide 'n Seek; instructions in my training book, Teach Your Dog 100 English Words
- Brushing – moderate to a lot, depending on length and thickness of coat
- Trimming – every few months
- An indoor lifestyle, except for exercise and bathroom breaks
- A meat-heavy diet, either homemade or commercial – meat is expensive, so people with less money should opt for a small dog
- An owner with enough money to treat the health problems Pekingese are prone to (pet health insurance can really help here!)
- An owner who is okay with heavy shedding, lots of snorting/wheezing, and housebreaking taking a long time
- Commitment to provide thorough socialization – introducing your Pekingese to lots of people and other animals, diligently correcting any signs of misbehavior
- Commitment to establish the right Leader-Follower relationship with your Peke, teaching him to listen to you and do what you say
Which sex? What age?
Male Dogs vs. Female Dogs
Which one makes a better pet?
Puppies vs. Adult Dogs
Should you get a young puppy, an older puppy, or an adult dog?
Where can you buy or adopt a Pekingese?
Pekingese are fairly common in the United States. Out of 189 breeds in the American Kennel Club, where 1 is most popular and 189 is least popular, Pekingese rank 93rd.
Adopting From Dog Rescue Organizations
You might find a Pekingese available from a Dog Rescue group. Pekingese may be turned over to Rescue because they shed too much or need too much grooming. Perhaps they've developed one of the many health problems that are common in Pekes. There could be housebreaking issues. Other Pekingese are given up simply because of changed family circumstances, and these dogs may have no behavior problems at all.
Adopting From Public Animal Shelters and Humane Societies
Pekingese are not found here very often. Pekingese Rescue groups keep their eyes peeled on shelters and humane societies across the country. If a Pekingese turns up at a shelter, the rescue group typically moves in quickly to take the dog.
Buying From a Dog Breeder
You can buy a Pekingese from a show breeder, who breeds Pekes to match a detailed standard of appearance for the dog show ring. You can also buy a Pekingese from people who "just breed pets" or "just had one litter." But should you? Be sure to read the article to learn more about these people.
Here's one difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible breeder – BOTH PARENTS of a Pekingese puppy should have:
- a certificate from the Orthopedic Foundation of America's CAER (Companion Animal Eye Registry) – dated within the past year – certifying the dog to be free of eye diseases
If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing (and able) to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your Pekingese ends up with cataracts or other serious eye diseases.
Pet Shop Puppies: Buying a Puppy From a Pet Store
Pekingese are often seen in pet shops. I have plenty to say about buying a puppy from a pet shop!
Which puppy?
Choosing the Right Pekingese Puppy
How to test the temperament and personality of Pekingese puppies and pick the best puppy in a litter.
AKC Registered Puppies: Are AKC Papers Important?
Should you buy only an AKC registered Pekingese puppy? Do AKC papers and pedigrees really matter?
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