The Complete Pekingese Guide

You didn’t land on the Pekingese by accident. This is a breed people seek out, and for good reason. Royal bearing in a tiny body, self-possessed and dignified, and not interested in impressing you, they’re a natural fit for patient individuals and experienced small dog owners who appreciate an independent, majestic companion who want a dignified, self-assured companion who rewards patient handling with deep devotion on their own terms. Let’s dig in.

What are the characteristics of a Pekingese?

Think you know what you’re getting into with a Pekingese? These scores will either confirm your suspicions or give you something to think about. Either way, good to know now.

Training

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Trainability	2 out of 5	Intelligent but not motivated to perform. They understand what you want and decide whether to cooperate
Obedience	2 out of 5	Follows direction when they agree with it. Their imperial ancestry translates to selective obedience
Focus	2 out of 5	Focused briefly before their own agenda takes priority
Stubbornness	5 out of 5	One of the most famously stubborn small breeds. They were bred to be independent and they remain so

Friendliness

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Good with family	4 out of 5	Devoted to their chosen person. Their affection is selective but deep
Good with children	2 out of 5	Better with older, calm children. Their intolerance for rough handling is genuine and they will defend themselves
Good with strangers	2 out of 5	Reserved and indifferent with strangers. They don't feel the need to be friendly
Good with other dogs	2 out of 5	Tolerates other dogs, though they expect respect and won't accept being pushed around

Adaptability

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Apartment living	5 out of 5	Excellent for apartment living. Slow, calm, and quiet indoors
Cold weather	3 out of 5	Their flat face makes extreme heat dangerous, but they handle cool temperatures well
Hot weather	1 out of 5	Brachycephalic breeds are very sensitive to heat. Limited exercise in warm weather is essential
Routine flexibility	3 out of 5	Adaptable within their comfort zone. They prefer consistency
First time owner	3 out of 5	Better for owners with experience who understand independent small breeds

Physical needs

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Energy level	2 out of 5	Low energy. They prefer a royal pace in almost everything
Endurance	1 out of 5	Not built for effort. Short, slow walks are appropriate
Exercise needs	2 out of 5	Needs 20 to 30 minutes of very gentle daily exercise
Mental stimulation	3 out of 5	Curious and intelligent in their own reserved way
Grooming needs	5 out of 5	Their long, flowing coat is high-maintenance and requires regular care

Personality

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Playfulness	3 out of 5	Playful on their own terms. They enjoy games when they initiate them
Affection	4 out of 5	Deeply affectionate with their chosen person, though they express it with dignity rather than enthusiasm
Loyalty	4 out of 5	Devoted to their person
Independence	4 out of 5	Highly independent. They are quite content with their own company
Alertness	3 out of 5	Alert and aware

Behavior

Trait	Score	What does it mean?
Barking tendency	3 out of 5	Can be vocal when something displeases them
Digging tendency	1 out of 5	Not prone to digging
Chewing tendency	1 out of 5	Very low chewing tendency
Prey drive	1 out of 5	Very low prey drive
Guarding instincts	2 out of 5	Alert enough to notice visitors, but more likely to regard them with disdain than alarm

What are common health issues of a Pekingese?

Like all breeds, Pekingeses are prone to certain health conditions. Here’s what to keep on your radar.

What are the recommended health tests for Pekingeses? 

Your Pekingese can’t tell you when something’s off. That’s what these tests are for. Here’s what vets typically recommend for them.

• CAER ophthalmologist eye exam
• OFA patella evaluation
• OFA hip evaluation
• Cardiac evaluation by a board-certified cardiologist

Do Pekingeses need pet insurance?

We’ll let the numbers do the talking, but spoiler: a lot of Pekingese owners are really glad they had coverage.

Those numbers aren’t hypotheticals. They’re real claims from real Pekingese owners in 2025.

The right pet insurance means you’re making decisions based on what your dog needs, not what you can afford.

With Lemonade, you can build a plan around your Peke specifically. Start with accident and illness coverage as your base, then add on what makes sense for your dog, things like physical therapy, dental illness, or behavioral treatment, and skip what doesn’t. Coverage applies to conditions that aren’t pre-existing (AKA, a condition that occurs after your policy is active and your waiting periods have passed), and you’ll know exactly what’s included before you commit. No fine print ambushes, no surprises at claim time.

And when you do need to file? You can do it in the app in minutes. No paperwork, no hold music, no waiting around.

Pekingeses are worth protecting with proper coverage. Here’s how to do it right.

How much does pet insurance cost?

The cost of your premium is personal. It depends on your Pekes age, your location, and what you add to your plan. That said, here’s a realistic look at what other Pekingese owners pay with Lemonade:

Age	Average monthly premium
1 year old	$45-$50
2 years old	$40-$45
3 years old	$45-$50
4 years old	$40-$45
5 years old	$50-$55
6 years old	$50-$55
7 years old	$65-$70

Not sure if Lemonade is the right fit for your Peke?

See how we stack up. Compare pet insurance options side by side and find the coverage that fits your Pekingese and your budget.

History of the Pekingese

The Pekingese is one of the oldest of all dog breeds, with a history in imperial China stretching back over 2,000 years. They were bred exclusively for Chinese royalty and were considered sacred, with theft or mistreatment of the dogs punishable by death. Commoners were required to bow when encountering a Pekingese in the street. The dogs were kept in the Forbidden City in Beijing under the care of court eunuchs and were not known to the Western world until 1860, when British and French forces stormed the Summer Palace during the Second Opium War and discovered Pekingese in the imperial quarters. Five dogs were taken to England, one of which was presented to Queen Victoria. The AKC recognized the Pekingese in 1906. Their extraordinary historical status left a lasting impression on their temperament, and to this day the Pekingese carries itself with a self-possession that reflects centuries of imperial treatment.

Caring for a Pekingese

Training

Training a Pekingese takes patience, but it’s worth the effort. They are independent, self-important, and not naturally inclined toward eager compliance, which means owners need to make training feel like the dog's own idea to get the best results. Short, patient sessions with high-value treats and a calm, gentle approach that respects their dignified nature tends to work best, and getting started early makes a real difference.

Whether you’re starting from scratch or leveling up, these are worth the read.

Grooming

Pekingeses have a long, coarse double coat that requires high grooming. Daily brushing is required to prevent matting and tangling, and the occasional trim keeps them looking their best. Professional grooming every 6 to 8 weeks is recommended to keep the long coat manageable.

From nail trims to professional care, here’s everything you need to keep your Peke looking (and feeling) their best.

Exercise and mental stimulation

Pekingeses have low energy levels and need 20 to 30 minutes of exercise each day to stay happy and healthy. Short slow walks, gentle indoor play, and interactive puzzle games are all great ways to burn through that energy. But physical exercise is only half the picture. Pekingeses are moderately intelligent dogs, and mental stimulation is just as important as the miles you put in. Without it, they become stubborn, demanding, and prone to excessive barking and attention-seeking. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and scent work are all solid ways to keep their brain engaged between walks.

Here’s how to build an exercise routine your Pekingese will actually love.

Nutrition

Pekingeses are small dogs with low energy, so they need a diet to match. Most adults do well on around 400 to 550 calories a day, spread across two meals. Depending on what you’re feeding them, expect to spend around $25 to $40 a month on food. Not the cheapest line item, but not the most expensive either.

What goes in the bowl is your call, and your vet’s. Kibble, raw, fresh, or a combination: there’s no single right answer. Focus on quality ingredients, the right portions for your dog’s age and activity level, and you’re most of the way there.

Get the full picture on feeding a Pekingese here.

Pekingese costs and adoption

What does it cost to bring home a Pekingese?

Before your Pekingese even sets a paw in your home, there are some one-time costs worth planning for. Here’s what to expect upfront.

Category	Cost Range	Details
Adoption (Reputable breeder)	$500-$1,500	Health testing, vaccinations, early socialization, pedigree
Adoption (Rescue/shelter)	$50-$300	Basic veterinary care, spay/neuter, temperament evaluation
Initial veterinary care	$300-$500	Exam, vaccinations, spay/neuter if needed, microchip
Essential supplies	$100-$300	Crate, bed, leash, collar, food bowls, toys
Training classes	$100-$200	Basic obedience, puppy socialization

Unexpected costs have a way of showing up in year one more than any other. A starter emergency fund alongside a solid pet insurance plan is the best way to make sure they don’t catch you off guard.

What does it cost to own a Pekingese each year?

Once you’re past year one, ownership costs settle into a more predictable rhythm. Here’s what most Pekingese owners spend annually, though keep in mind these numbers can vary quite a bit depending on where you live, your dog’s individual health needs, and the choices you make along the way.

Category	Annual cost	Details
Food and treats	$300-$600	Based on the recommended portion for your Pekingese
Routine Veterinary Care	$500-$1,000	Wellness exams, vaccinations, dental care
Professional Grooming	$300-$600	Every Every 6 to 8 weeks, Long flowing coat requires professional grooming to maintain; daily brushing prevents matting.
Toys and Supplies	$100-$300	Replacement items, mental stimulation toys

What are popular Pekingese names?

We’ve crunched the numbers, and found the top 10 most popular names for Pekingese we see at Lemonade.

More names where those came from. If none of these are clicking, we’ve done the digging for you. Go find the one that sticks.

Pekingese puppies

Puppy veterinary needs

The first year matters a lot. What happens between 8 weeks and 12 months shapes who this dog becomes. Here’s what to focus on.

The first few months are the most important window for your puppy’s health. Core vaccines start at 6–8 weeks and continue through 16 weeks. After that, its annual boosters and routine screening as they grow into adults.

It’s a lot to keep track of. That’s why we made it easy.

Puppy socialization

Pekingese puppies are dignified, self-possessed, and utterly convinced of their own importance in any situation. That an independence and deep selective devotion that makes the bond when it forms feel genuinely earned is part of what makes them a majestic, ancient companion for patient, experienced owners who appreciate character over compliance, and it’s also why early socialization matters so much.

Between 8 and 16 weeks, get them in front of as much variety as possible. Different people, animals, sounds, surfaces, and locations. Keep every experience positive. Puppy classes are great for this: supervised, controlled, and full of exactly the kind of novelty a Pekingese brain needs to learn that the world is mostly fine.

Where are Pekingese’s most popular in the United States?

Based on Lemonade’s own policyholder data, Pekingeses are most popular in these five states. We’ve also thrown in a few things local pet owners should keep an eye on, so your pup can get out there and explore safely.

1. California

Foxtail grass is one of the sneakiest hazards for California dogs. The barbed seeds can embed in paws, ears, and noses from late spring through early fall, so check your dog after any outdoor time. Wildfire smoke is also a real seasonal concern; when air quality alerts are in effect, it's best to keep walks short and stay indoors as much as possible.

2. Texas

Texas heat is intense and sets in early. Hot pavement can burn paws from late spring through early fall, and heatstroke risk is high during midday walks in cities like Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and fire ants are also common hazards, particularly in suburban and rural areas.

3. New York

In New York City, street hazards are the main thing to watch. Dropped food, discarded gum containing xylitol, and litter are common ingestion risks on sidewalks and in parks. Upstate and in Long Island, the story shifts to ticks: New York is a Lyme disease hotspot, and black-legged ticks are active from early spring through late fall.

4. Florida

Florida's heat and humidity make heatstroke a real risk, especially in summer. Keep walks to cooler parts of the day and always bring water. Blue-green algae blooms in freshwater lakes and ponds can also be toxic to dogs, so it's best to keep pups out of standing or slow-moving water, particularly from late summer into fall.

5. New Jersey

New Jersey consistently ranks among the top states for Lyme disease cases, so tick prevention is critical for any dog spending time outside, even in suburban backyards. Proximity to the Jersey Shore also means dogs can encounter jellyfish washed ashore, and saltwater ingestion during beach trips can cause stomach issues.

Breed comparison

Already leaning toward a Pekingese? These breeds often get compared, here’s a quick snapshot of how they stack up.

Is a Pekingese right for you?

Pekingeses reward the right owner with a depth of selective devotion that, once earned, is genuinely extraordinary and a dignified presence that commands respect from anyone who meets them. They just need daily facial and eye cleaning, consistent dental care, extreme heat avoidance, and patient gentle handling throughout their life in return. If you’re ready for that, you’re ready for a Pekingese. Make sure they’re protected from day one.

A few quick words, because we <3 our lawyers: This post is general in nature, and any statement in it doesn’t alter the terms, conditions, exclusions, or limitations of the policies issued, which differ according to your state of residence. You’re encouraged to discuss your specific circumstances with your own professional advisors. The purpose of this post is merely to provide you with info and insights you can use to make such discussions more productive! Naturally, all comments by, or references to, third parties represent their own views, and Lemonade assumes no responsibility for them. Coverage may not be available in all states. Please note that statements about coverages, policy management, claims processes, Giveback, and customer support apply to policies underwritten by Lemonade Insurance Company or Metromile Insurance Company, a Lemonade company, sold by Lemonade Insurance Agency, LLC. The statements do not apply to policies underwritten by other carriers.

Insurance claim data is based on Lemonade pet insurance claims that were settled and paid in 2025.
Average insurance premium data is based on Lemonade’s internal data and reflects the average premium over the last 12 complete months, accurate as of June 2026.
Top pet names are sourced from Lemonade’s database of pet names associated with submitted quotes and purchased policies.
Top states for each breed are based on the number of active Lemonade pet insurance policies for that breed in each state as of June 2026.