Pekingese Description & Standards

The Pekingese is also referred to as a "Fu Dog," and "Peke" to friends. The breed is certainly one of the oldest there are, with a history dating back to ancient China, where they were exalted as companions of the imperial family and guardians against evil spirits. They were bred to be aristocrats, stoic and proud, and are considered by many to be the most regal of all the dog breeds.

For more information about their history and origin, visit our Pekingese History & Lore page. Below is information geared towards people interested in Pekingese dog standards as suggested by the American Kennel Club.

Please do not take the content of the current page to suggest anything regarding the health of your Pekingese dog unless explicitly stated. The following information is primarily concerning the physical traits desirable in the breed at dog shows and competition venues. For information specifically regarding Pekingese health, please refer to Pekingese Health Problems.

Classification

Toy group

Coat

The coat is the crown jewel of the breed and is what gives Pekingese dogs their lion-like appearance, forming the semblance of a mane on the neck area and gradually shortening throughout the remainder of the body. Pekingese dogs are coated with two layers of fur. The outer layer is long, straight, and feathered, and flows liberally. The inner layer is fluffy and acts as an additional insulator.

In competition, the coat should not be altered as to artificially enhance the overall shape of the Pekingese. The outline of the dog should be formed naturally by the fur.

Color

Pekingese dogs usually have a golden coat, but are known to come in a variety of colors. Other colors exhibited in the breed are cream, black, white, sable, tan, and occasionally slate grey, which is nicknamed "blue" in Pekes. All colors and markings are acceptable by standards.

There are also cases of albinism, which is a disorder and is not to be mistaken for "white" Pekingese. In both albino and white Pekingese, the fur is completely white. But the nose, mouth, and skin around the eyes are pink in albinos whereas they are properly black in normal Pekingese dogs with white fur.

Weight

Pekes are not dainty animals and are quite heavy for their size. Underneath the long coat of fur, they have a rather stocky build, often very solid and muscular. They will typically weigh between 7 and 14 pounds. Under 7 pounds, they are considered to be "Sleeve Pekingese," a term alluding to the way the emporers of ancient China once carried them in the sleeves of their robes. And at 7 or 8 pounds, they are commonly called "Mini Pekingese." Anything up to 14 pounds is acceptable by standards.

Body

Pekingese dogs typically stand between 6 and 9 inches tall at the withers. Proportionally, they are front heavy, with the head being rather large for the body. Their hindquarters are comparatively narrow and lean. They are also longer than they are tall, with a height to length ratio of about 3 to 5, not counting the head and neck.

Their bodies are compact, pear-shaped, and quite low to the ground. The topline is straight across, and the underline rises from the low, strong chest to the narrow waist. The tail completes the profile, arching over the top of the hindquarters and well over the back with generous feathering pouring over either side.

Face, Head, & Neck

The head is rather large for the body, and the neck is rather short. Frontally, the head is wide and rectangular. From the side, it is snubbed and slopes slightly downwards with the eyes, nose, and mouth all on the same plane.

Their eyes are large and round and are completely encompassed by the dark lenses when looking forward. They are quite striking, but gentle and not as extruding as in pugs. Between the eyes rests the nose. The top of the nose is in line with the midpoint of the eyes.

They have one fur covered fold of skin that rests on the bridge of the nose and extends from cheek to cheek. Standards suggest it should cover the entire upper portion of the nose, but not be so prominent as to obstruct the eyes to a large degree or hang over the front of the nose.

The black lips of the mouth should close flush, with neither tongue nor teeth showing through them. The nose, mouth, and rims of the eyes should be black.

They have heart-shaped ears that fall downwards and rest flatly against the sides of the head. The edges exhibit long feathering, but the flesh does not fall below the jawline. The ears and their fringing should fill in the top corners, completing the rectangular shape of the head.

Forequarters & Hindquarters

The forelegs are short, thick, and situated widely apart. They are slightly bowed below the elbows, with the front paws angled slightly outwards. The hindquarters are narrow and parallel, with the rear paws facing straight ahead.

Gait

Pekingese dogs have a characteristic rolling gait attributed to their bowed forelegs and narrow and light posterior. Ideally, the gait is unrushed and free, and should reflect confidence and dignity.

Faults

• Dudly, liver, or gray nose
• Light brown, yellow, or blue eyes
• Protruding tongue or teeth
• Overshot upper jaw
• Wry mouth
• Ears set too high, low, or far back
• Roach of swayback
• Straight-boned forelegs

Points

• Expression: 5
• Nose: 5
• Stop: 5
• Muzzle: 5
• Legs and Feet: 15
• Tail: 5
• Skull: 10
• Eyes: 5
• Ears: 5
• Shape of Body: 20
• Coat, Feather & Condition: 10
• Action: 10
• Total: 100

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