Quick answer: The Pekingese is a small, dignified, flat-faced breed often living 12 to 14 years. Its anatomy demands three care priorities: the large prominent eyes, the nose fold, and the joints. Daily eye and fold cleaning plus early joint support keep this sturdy companion comfortable. For health concerns, consult your veterinarian.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main health concerns of a Pekingese?
The Pekingese has three care priorities driven by its anatomy: large, shallow-set eyes prone to irritation and tear stains, a nose fold that traps moisture, and joints strained by a long spine on short legs. As a flat-faced breed, it also overheats easily. Discuss any concerns with your veterinarian.
Why does my Pekingese have tear stains?
A Pekingese has large, shallow-set eyes that expose more surface to dust and irritation, producing extra discharge and rusty tear stains on light coats. The constant moisture also encourages yeast and bacteria. Wipe the corners daily and rinse a few times weekly. Yellow or green discharge warrants a veterinary visit.
How do you care for a Pekingese face fold?
The fold over a Pekingese nose traps moisture from tears and drinking water, and a damp fold quickly turns red, smelly and yeasty. Wipe it dry every day. If your dog is also licking paws and scratching, the fold trouble may be part of a wider skin-yeast issue worth discussing with your veterinarian.
How long do Pekingese dogs live?
Pekingese dogs often live around 12 to 14 years, making them a long-lived small breed. Because they live so long, age-related issues like arthritis catch up with most of them. Keeping your dog lean and starting joint support early, before any limp appears, helps protect comfort through the senior years.