Want a Pekingese? Who would not want one of these lion-looking, monkey-looking, even Chewbacca looking dogs? They might look like other types of animals crossbred together, or even a fictional alien race all together, but the Pekingese are actually one of the cutest breeds of dogs out there. They are short, cute, have lots and lots of hair, and walk around like a waking mop. These do not stop this breed of dog, however, to be one of the bravest, most confident, and most loyal dogs you will ever have, should you ever have one of them for your own home. Great is this breed of dog, and should be aptly associated with a lion and a monkey, for these two animals are really kings of their own domains.

General Pekingese Information
One of the oldest breeds of dogs in the whole history of dog breeds, this breed of dog was originally used to guard Chinese emperors palaces. According to historical facts, they were so revered that normal Chinese folk of the olden times would actually have had to bow to these dogs, as they were considered royalty. A few thousand years later, they still are like royalty, because they are most comfortable when they are on your laps.

This breed of dog is loyal, energetic, and feisty enough to be considered one of the big dogs, had it not only been trapped inside a small dogs body. There is a reason Chinese emperors used these dogs as guard dogs, and it sure was not their size. These dogs do not only have great temperaments, they also have a unique appearance, in that they are literally like hair that grew a body. They also have a flat face, which is uncommon and only reserved to special breeds of dogs, such as this one.

Size:
The Pekingese is a toy dog, which is about 30 to 45 centimeters, or about 6 up to 9 inches in height when on all fours.
This breed of dog weighs about 3 to 5 kilograms, or 8 to 10 pounds.

Coat Care:
This breed of dog has a great double coat of a long, dry, and rough outer coat, but a dense, soft inner coat. This would mean that everyday brushing and overall grooming would have to be a must.

Family Life:
Since these are toy dogs (and also taking into consideration that they have very short, bow-legged legs), they would not want to be anywhere else other than the laps of their family members or owners. They are loving, gentle, and quite friendly to strangers, once they get used to being around them of course.

Lifestyle:
These dogs have not removed from their instincts the will to live like royalty, as they would really stay in your lap and only move if you do, or provoked otherwise.

Health:
This breed of dog is particularly illness-free and if taken care of properly, would live to about 10 up to 15 years.

Exercise:
Although they love being on your laps, they should be exercised daily. A good 30-minute walk would do the trick.

Training:
Fairly easy to train, the Pekingese is very eager to please its family or its owners and will obey very quickly.