Pekingese Dogs & Dystocia

On Giving Birth

Pekingese females are known to occasionally have difficulty whelping, or giving birth, a condition known as dystocia. In Pekes, this is due to the over-sized head of the pups and the under-sized hindquarters of the mother. When this does happen, it is a potentially fatal situation for the mother and the pups and must be managed with the aid of a veterinarian.

Because this is relatively common with this breed, inexperienced owners of pregnant Pekingese dogs should not leave them to whelp on their own. Keep an eye on a pregnant Pekingese, and in case of complications, it is best to have an estimated due date established and emergency precautions arranged. Breeding of Pekes should be left to professionals.

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