Looking much like the Chinese guardian lions of old, the Pekingese breed was a favorite of the Chinese imperial court of ancient times. Today, the lion dog as they say is still a favorite toy dog breed popular around the world. A breed over 2000 years old, the Pekingese has a flat face, large eyes and an average height of 15-23cm and weight of 7-14lbs making it very much a toy dog. The Pekingese is a unique breed with very specific traits and characteristics but also has some specific downsides due to its uniqueness and so one should be informed on proper Pekingese training if one wishes to take care of one.
Pekingese training is very hard as the breed has a very hostile temperament, Pekingese are very fearless despite their small size, this is the reason why they where used as watchdogs in ancient china. They are also distrusting of people they do not know and thus will bark at them. As such they are very protective of their owners and can become possessive which can lead to further behavioral problems if not trained properly. One must also be patient when doing Pekingese training as puppies can be slow to learn. Pekingese can generally can get along with most animals but it really depends on the animals as larger ones especially larger dogs can cause conflicts due to the Pekingese’s fearless nature. Lastly, know that they are very affectionate dogs so expect yourself to give them a lot of attention. And due to their sensitive nature it is not advisable to care for a Pekingese if you have a small child in the house.
To learn proper Pekingese training there are a few things an owner needs to know, one is that you have to have patience as said that these dogs can be very rowdy and stubborn especially when trying to train them. Adding to that it is best to focus first on house training as that can take a while. Worry not whether your Pekingese is getting enough exercise as they need only a little but they still do enjoy walks outside. But take caution of the temperature as they are sensitive to heat so they should not be left out at the sun and never train if it is a hot day, their flat noses and heavy coat can cause breathing problems if not taken care of.
The Pekingese needs little exercise but enjoy walks but caution for overheat. When training, keep in mind that you have to show them who is the alpha-dog to keep them well behaved and manageable. When not trained properly they can develop negative behavior like separation anxiety, jealousy to other people, over-guarding, unprovoked hostility and too much barking. On a side note given their size and status as a toy dog. They can live in small spaces which makes them suitable for apartments or condo units so Pekingese training inside is also very doable.
Bottom line is the Pekingese are very difficult to housebreak and train and need consistent firm leadership. Do so and they will be very devoted companions dogs to you and your family.
