Pekingese Overview
The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese breed originally kept in the Chinese Imperial Palace as a companion and status symbol. These distinctive flat-faced lap dogs are renowned for their dignified, sometimes aloof personalities and strong bonds with their chosen owners. They are brachycephalic—their flat faces create serious breathing and health complications, particularly in warm climates.
Pekingese are UNSUITABLE for Australia’s hot regions due to their combination of brachycephalic anatomy and thick double coat. These breeds cannot regulate temperature effectively and are at extremely high risk of heat stroke even at moderate temperatures. Most airlines refuse to transport Pekingese due to respiratory risks. Prospective owners in QLD, NT, or WA should seriously consider alternative breeds.
Even in cooler regions, Pekingese require careful climate management, air conditioning, and significant veterinary care. Their long, thick coat mats easily and requires daily brushing. They are low-energy lap dogs unsuitable for active families or outdoor pursuits. They are suitable for retirees and sedentary owners willing to manage their grooming, breathing issues, and heat sensitivity. Their stubborn, aloof nature makes training challenging.
Pekingese Personality & Temperament
Understanding the Pekingese temperament is the most important step before bringing one home.
Dignified, aloof, and independent, Pekingese are lap dogs with significant attitude. They are loyal to their chosen owners but often aloof with strangers. These dogs are not naturally obedient or eager to please; they are self-possessed and sometimes willful. They are not cuddly or demonstrative in affection; they prefer quiet companionship on their own terms. They are best described as independent companions rather than devoted followers.
With kids: Poor; fragile and easily injured; not suitable for families with young children.
With pets: Fair; can be territorial; variable with other dogs and animals.
Key traits
Dignified, independent, aloof, loyal, stubborn
Barking
Moderate; alert barkers but not excessively vocal; respond to training.
Breed Ratings at a Glance
How the Pekingese scores across key traits (1 = Low, 5 = High).
Is a Pekingese Right for You?
✅
Apartment
Ideal; small, low-energy, minimal exercise needs
✅
House with yard
Good; yard access helpful but not essential
❌
First-time owner
Brachycephalic health issues, grooming intensity, and stubborn temperament challenge novices
✅
Renters
No breed restrictions; ideal for rental properties
❌
Hot climate (QLD/NT/WA)
UNSUITABLE; brachycephalic + thick coat = severe heat risk; welfare risk
⚠️
Cold climate (VIC/TAS/ACT)
Better in cool climates, but brachycephalic anatomy still poses breathing risks
✅
Elderly/retired owners
Ideal; low energy, companionable, minimal exercise; grooming challenge if mobility limited
✅
Working owners (8hrs alone)
Good; low separation anxiety; comfortable alone
❌
Rural/acreage
Low exercise and heat sensitivity make rural life unsuitable
❌
Active lifestyle
Minimal exercise tolerance; unsuitable for active owners
Separation Anxiety: Moderate — this breed may struggle if left alone for long periods.
Pekingese Size & Appearance
Size
Toy
Weight M
3–6 kg
Weight F
3–5.5 kg
Height
15–23 cm
Coat
Long, thick, double coat with profuse mane
Colours
All colors and patterns, most commonly red, fawn, black and tan
Variations
None
Brachycephalic
⚠️ Yes
Hypoallergenic
No
⚠️ Brachycephalic Breed — The Pekingese is flat-faced with potential breathing difficulties. Extra caution required in Australian heat.
Pekingese Health & Lifespan
14 years
Average Lifespan
Known Health Conditions
Breathing difficulties due to flat face
Est. treatment: $1500–$4000
Flat face predisposes to eye issues
Est. treatment: $500–$2000
Knee joint dislocation
Est. treatment: $1000–$1800
Spinal disc problems affecting short legs
Est. treatment: $1200–$2500
Congenital defects relatively common
Est. treatment: $2000–$4000
Crowded teeth predispose to decay
Est. treatment: $400–$1200
Pet Insurance for Pekingese
Avg Annual Insurance: $750
Monthly Estimate: $40–$70/month; some insurers restrict or charge premiums for brachycephalic breathing concerns.
⚠️ BRACHYCEPHALIC — many insurers apply surcharges/exclusions.
Recommended Insurers:
• Bow Wow Meow
• PD Insurance
• Petinsurance.com.au
• Budget Direct
• Petcover
• NRMA
TIP: Insure before 6 months.
Compare insurance policies for your Pekingese
Given this breed's known health conditions, comprehensive coverage is recommended for Australian owners.
Compare Pet Insurance →
Pekingese Cost of Ownership (AUD)
| Category | Amount (AUD) |
|---|
| PURCHASE |
$1,000 - $3,000 |
| Food |
$1,300 |
| Vet |
$650 |
| Grooming |
$500 |
| Insurance |
$750 |
| TOTAL/yr |
$2,576 |
| Monthly |
$148 |
| LIFETIME (14 yrs) |
$36,064 |
| FIRST-YEAR EXTRAS |
$1,200–$2,200 (desexing, vax, microchip, setup, puppy school) |
$36,064
Estimated lifetime cost (14 years)
All prices in AUD. Costs vary by state, vet, and lifestyle. Sources: PetSure, RSPCA, Animal Medicines Australia.
Pekingese Grooming Guide
Frequency
Daily brushing, monthly professional grooming
Brushing
Slicker brush, metal comb, mat splitter
Professional Cost
$70–$100
Coat
Long, thick, double coat with profuse mane
Shedding
★★★★☆/5
Tools
Slicker/pin brush, deshedding tool, nail clippers
Nails
Every 4–6 weeks | Ears: Monthly | Teeth: 2–3×/week
Pekingese Exercise Needs
Daily Exercise
20 minutes
Type
Slow walks, companionship, indoor play
Energy
★☆☆☆☆/5
Separation Anxiety
Moderate
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle feeders, sniff walks, 10min training/day
Sports
Agility, flyball, scent work, swimming (breed-dependent)
Training Your Pekingese
Trainability: ★★☆☆☆/5
First-Time Owner: ★★☆☆☆/5
Intelligent but independently-minded and stubborn. Not naturally obedient; require patient, gentle training. Often unresponsive to commands if uninterested. Respond to reward-based training; firm handling counterproductive.
Tips: Positive reinforcement only | Puppy school 8–12 weeks
Short 5–10min sessions | Socialise early with dogs, people, sounds
Pekingese Feeding Guide
Annual Food Cost: $1,300
0.25–0.5 cup quality kibble daily, split into two meals. Small breed; prone to hypoglycaemia. Dental care critical; teeth crowding leads to decay.
Tips: Premium kibble + 2 meals/day | Monitor weight | Fresh water always
Avoid: grapes, onion, chocolate, xylitol, macadamias
Finding a Reputable Pekingese Breeder
REGISTRIES:
• ANKC (ankc.org.au)
• RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au)
GREEN FLAGS: Health tests, ANKC/RPBA reg, visits allowed, health guarantee, screens buyers
RED FLAGS: Always available, multiple breeds, no health tests, Gumtree/social media sellers, pet shops
✅ Green Flags
- Registered with ANKC, RPBA, MDBA, or RightPaw
- Invites you to visit and meet the mother (dam)
- Provides health test results for parents
- Includes vet certificate, microchip, and vaccination records
- Has a waiting list (sign of demand, not a puppy farm)
❌ Red Flags
- Multiple breeds always available with no wait
- Won't let you visit or meet the mother
- No health testing mentioned
- Price significantly below market average
- Meets in a public place instead of their property
Trusted Australian Registries:
ANKC (ankc.org.au) · RPBA (rpba.org.au) · RightPaw (rightpaw.com.au) · Dogs Australia · ACF
Adopting a Pekingese in Australia
RESCUE OPTIONS:
• Pekingese Rescue Australia (limited activity)
• PetRescue.com.au
• RSPCA Australia
Adoption Cost: $250–$600 AUD
(includes desexing, microchip, vaccinations)
Search PetRescue.com.au — Australia's largest adoption platform
❤️ Thousands of dogs need homes. Rescue dogs come desexed, vaccinated, and microchipped.
Pekingese — Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pekingese suitable for Australia's climate?
No. Brachycephalic + thick coat = severe heat risk even in cool regions. Absolutely unsuitable for QLD/NT/WA. Even Tasmania poses challenges.
What's the issue with Pekingese and airlines?
Most airlines refuse to transport Pekingese due to brachycephalic breathing risk. Heat and altitude stress can cause death in flight.
How much grooming do Pekingese need?
Intensive. Daily brushing (45–60 min), monthly professional grooming ($70–$100). Long coat mats rapidly without attention.
What's the annual cost to own a Pekingese in Australia?
Approximately $2500–$3500/year including food ($80–$120/month), grooming ($80–$100/visit, 8–10 visits/year), insurance ($40–$70/month), veterinary respiratory care, and air conditioning.
How much exercise do Pekingese need?
Minimal—20–30 minutes daily short walks only. Low-energy lap dogs unsuitable for active owners.
Can Pekingese be left alone?
Moderate separation tolerance; 6–8 hours manageable. Prefer companionship but not prone to severe separation anxiety.
How long do Pekingese live?
12–15 years, often reaching 13–14 years with good care; some reach 15+.
Are they good for first-time owners?
No. Brachycephalic health issues, grooming intensity, stubborn temperament, and heat sensitivity complicate ownership significantly.
What health issues should I expect?
Brachycephalic airway syndrome (breathing), eye problems, patellar luxation, and spinal disc disease. Regular vet monitoring essential.
Why are Pekingese not suitable for active families?
Minimal exercise tolerance; brachycephalic breathing difficulties; fragile; best for sedentary, retired owners in cool climates.
