Pets from ancient imperial Chinese households, the Pekingese, might find residence in modern homes – but is such a dominating breed desired in contemporary households?
Pekingese dogs, originating from China, are known for their distinctive appearance and charming personalities. However, their training can present unique challenges due to their low obedience intelligence, stubborn nature, and short attention span.
One of the main training difficulties with Pekingese dogs is their low obedience intelligence. They require numerous repetitions—at least 80—to begin understanding new commands, and they may only follow commands about 25% of the time initially. Their tendency to have a "mind of their own" makes consistent training difficult and requires an especially patient approach.
Positive reinforcement—using treats, praise, and rewards in short, engaging sessions—is particularly effective with Pekingese because it suits their temperament and helps maintain their attention. This method encourages them to repeat good behavior by associating commands with pleasant outcomes and avoids the frustration and resistance that harsher training might provoke. Consistency and gentle handling are key, as is avoiding pushing them too hard. Early socialization and focused training on basic obedience commands also contribute to success.
In summary, positive reinforcement helps overcome Pekingese training difficulties by making the learning experience enjoyable and consistent, which is essential given their stubbornness and intelligence level.
Pekingese dogs are also prone to certain health issues. For instance, they can suffer from keratoconjunctivitis sicca, a condition where the dog does not produce enough tears to lubricate the eye. Additionally, they are prone to brachycephalic airway syndrome, which can cause trouble breathing, excessive snoring, exercise intolerance, and heat intolerance.
Despite these challenges, Pekingese dogs are affectionate, opinionated, and friendly creatures. They are well suited for people who lead relatively inactive lives and spend much of their time around their home. However, they require a lot of human company and can take up a lot of your time due to their need for attention and their difficulty in training.
In terms of physical characteristics, Pekingese dogs are small, typically standing at 6-9 inches tall for both male and female. They have a standard or flat coat and may have some overlap with Persian cats in their appearance. Their long, thick, double coats may require frequent cleaning, especially around the face. Pekingese dogs shed seasonally, and long hair can make shedding seem excessive.
Lastly, Pekingese dogs may have patellar luxation, where the kneecap does not stay in the appropriate location, leading to lameness of varying severity. They are considered a toy dog breed and may suffer from separation anxiety when away from their owners for long periods. They require around 30 minutes of exercise daily.
In conclusion, while Pekingese dogs may present some training challenges, the use of positive reinforcement can help overcome these difficulties and ensure a harmonious relationship between owner and pet. With patience, consistency, and a loving approach, Pekingese dogs can make wonderful companions.
References: [1] Dogtime. (n.d.). Pekingese Dog Breed Information. Retrieved from https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/pekingese [2] PetMD. (n.d.). Pekingese. Retrieved from https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_d_pekingese [5] The Spruce Pets. (n.d.). Pekingese Dog Training Guide. Retrieved from https://www.thesprucepets.com/pekingese-dog-training-guide-5646762
- To maintain the health of Pekingese dogs, it is important to note their susceptibility to certain conditions such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca and brachycephalic airway syndrome.
- Positive reinforcement, including treats, praise, and rewards, is highly effective for training Pekingese dogs due to their temperament and need for a consistent, enjoyable learning experience.
- Despite their training challenges, Pekingese dogs are affectionate, opinionated, and sociable, making them well-suited for individuals who lead fairly inactive lives and prioritize spending time at home.
- Pekingese dogs, like Persian cats, may have long, thick double coats that require frequent cleaning, especially around the face, and they shed seasonally, resulting in the appearance of excessive shedding.
- In terms of physical characteristics, Pekingese dogs are toy breeds of average height (6-9 inches) with a standard or flat coat, and they may develop patellar luxation, which causes lameness.
- It is crucial for pet owners to provide Pekingese dogs with at least 30 minutes of exercise daily and to be aware of their propensity for separation anxiety when left alone for extended periods.
