Bred for Chinese emperors and fully aware of it, the Pekingese packs more personality per pound than almost any breed. Under the lion's mane, though, this is a dog whose anatomy hands you three non-negotiable care jobs: the eyes, the face folds, and — later in life — the joints. Get those right and a Peke is a remarkably sturdy little companion that often lives 12–14 years.
Pekingese at a glance
- Size: 6–14 lb — small body, enormous opinion
- Coat: double coat with a thick mane; daily-to-weekly brushing
- Face: brachycephalic (flat-faced) with large, prominent eyes
- Temperament: loyal, dignified, famously stubborn
The #1 Pekingese issue: those beautiful, vulnerable eyes
The Peke's large, shallow-set eyes are their trademark — and their weak point. The shape exposes more of the eye's surface, which means more dust, more irritation, more discharge, and the rusty tear stains that show up so clearly on light coats. Stains aren't just cosmetic: the constant moisture is a perfect home for yeast and bacteria.
A daily routine takes under a minute: wipe the corners each morning, and use a gentle dog eye cleaning rinse a few times a week to flush dust and keep tear stains from setting in. Goop that turns yellow or green, squinting, or pawing at the eye are different — those are warning signs of an eye infection and deserve prompt attention. For aging Pekes, antioxidant support like our Advanced Vision drops helps support the lens and retina through the senior years.
Face folds: small wrinkles, big consequences
The fold over a Peke's nose traps moisture from tears and drinking water. Wipe it dry daily — a damp fold turns red, smelly and yeasty fast. If your Peke is also licking paws and scratching, fold trouble is often part of a bigger skin-yeast picture; our dog skin yeast infection guide shows what to look for.
Joints: the long-lived little dog's tax
Pekes carry a long spine on short, bowed legs — a recipe for knee (luxating patella) and back strain, and because small dogs routinely live past 12, arthritis catches up with most of them. Two habits pay off for years: keep them lean, and start joint support early rather than after the limp appears. Collagen is the scaffolding protein of cartilage itself — our complete guide to collagen for dogs explains the research — and a daily dropper of liquid collagen is an easy add for a picky little mouth. For seniors already slowing down, senior mobility chews target stiff hips and knees directly.
Living with a flat face
Like all brachycephalic breeds, Pekes overheat easily and snore honestly. Walk early or late in summer, use a harness instead of a collar, and read our full brachycephalic breeds care guide for the complete picture.
Informational only — not veterinary advice. Eye injuries in prominent-eyed breeds are emergencies; when in doubt, call your vet.