PEKINGESE
Companion Dog Group
View Registration Requirements

Copyright 1955, United Kennel Club, Inc.
Revised May 1, 2007



HISTORY

The origin of the Pekingese breed has been lost in the mists of time, but they are believed to be descendants of the ancient, lion-like Chinese "Fo Dogs" that were believed to ward off evil spirits. They were a favorite of the Chinese Imperial Court and only select people were allowed to own them.

The Pekingese was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1948.

The Pekinese is lion-like in appearance and has an alert, intelligent expression. The breed is small, thickset and profusely coated, with an air of dignity and quality. In proportion it is slightly longer than tall.

A fearless and loyal breed, rather aloof but never timid or aggressive.

The head is large, proportionally wider than it is deep.

SKULL - The skull is wide and flat between the ears, never domed. There is a pronounced stop that is obscured by the nose wrinkle.

MUZZLE - Short and wide, with a firm underjaw. There is a wrinkle, either continuous or broken, that extends from the cheeks to the bridge of the nose in an inverted ‘V’. The wrinkle should not obscure either the eyes or the nose. The black lips meet evenly and fully cover the teeth.

Serious Faults: Heavy wrinkles that hang over the nose. Teeth or tongue showing when the mouth is closed.

TEETH - A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in an undershot bite. A strong underjaw is essential.

Faults: Overshot bite. Wry mouth.

EYES - The large, prominent, round eyes are dark and lustrous. They are set far apart, and no white shows. The eye rims are black.

Fault: Any obvious eye problem.

NOSE - The broad, very short, flat nose is black in color, and has large, open nostrils.

Serious Faults: Pinched nostrils. Dudley nose.

EARS - The heart-shaped ears have long feathers. They are set level to the skull, and carried close to the head. The ear leather is never long enough to come below the muzzle.

Short and thick.

Shoulders and upper arms are well laid back and fit closely to the body.

FORELEGS – Short and thick with heavy bone. Slightly bowed between the pastern and the elbow, which should be held close to the body. The pasterns are sloping and the front feet turn out slightly.

Short, heavier in front than rear, tapering to a distinct waist. The chest is broad, and the ribs are well sprung and slung between the forelegs. The topline is level.

HIND LEGS - The hind legs have less bone than the forelegs, and moderate angulation. Viewed from behind, the legs are parallel and fairly close together. Feet point straight ahead.

Large and flat. Not round. The toes are well feathered. The Pekinese stands well up on his feet, not on his pasterns.

The tail is set high, and lies tightly over the back to either side.

The breed is double coated. The long, straight outer coat is rather coarse, while the undercoat is soft and dense. Long, profuse feathers are found on the thighs, legs, tail, ears and toes. A profuse mane forms a ruff or frill around the neck and extends beyond the shoulder blades.

Faults: Curly or wavy outer coat.

All colors and markings are equally permissible.

Disqualification: Albinism.

Pekinese look small but should feel surprisingly heavy when picked up. Ideal weight should not exceed 14 pounds.

Serious Fault: Over 14 pounds in weight.

Soundness is of the utmost importance. Movement is slow and dignified, with a roll in the front quarters. Action behind is close.

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism.