WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DO PEKINGESE HAVE? The heavier the coat, the greater the problem. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy (or adult dog) when you can see the correct training techniques in action. Current research says, "The AGE at which you spay can be vitally important to your dog's future health." Your Pekingese will love real chicken, turkey, beef, fish, eggs, yogurt, broccoli.... this is not just "people food" and I'll tell you why... [read more], 5 Best Kibble and Canned Dog Foods Low: The Pekingese if one of the dog breeds that have the lowest degree of obedience intelligence. Copyright © 2000-2020 by Michele Welton. The latter often has poor pigment and light eyes. The blunted muzzle of the Pekingese means it is important to choose a dog that has wide nostrils or a larger nose. Todays Bulldog is a far cry from his athletic ancestors but he displays the same courage, determination and bravery. Don’t let the list below scare you! But most health problems can be prevented by the ways you raise your dog. Ear infections are common due to profuse hair in the ear canals. The Pekingese, which has an average lifespan of 13 to 15 years, is prone to minor health problems like elongated soft palate, patellar luxation, stenotic nares, Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), trichiasis, corneal abrasions, disticiasis, and skin fold dermatitis. Dog training videos. Finally, Pekingese are prone to dental disease (serious) and intermittent episodes of reverse sneezing (harmless). Hip dysplasia appears to be the rule rather the exception in Pekingese. Health problems. This breed has many contradictory features; for while it is a very small toy breed dog, it is stocky and muscular, and displays sometimes-foolhardy courage in defending itself or its owners from any real or imagined threat. If you buy a Shih Tzu that was bred poorly, there’s a much bigger chance that he’ll have health and behavioral problems in the future. Pekingese will grow to be 7 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder, and weigh a scant 7 to 14 pounds. My advice on the pros and cons of pet health insurance. Given below is a summary of some of the health problems in Pekingese dogs. Certain allergies caused by wasps or bees are life threatening for your dog. This breed does not tolerate heat or anesthesia well. Start your Pekingese off on the right foot by feeding the right food, giving the right vaccinations, finding the right vet, and if you're going to spay or neuter, don't do it too early. Health and Welfare Problems due to Conformation (Body shape and physical characteristics) Brachycephalic ocular syndrome, due to the Pekingese’s extremely short head and consequential shape and position of the eyes. Other health issues in Pekingese include hernias, bloat, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Here's how to tell... [read more], Assisi Loop Review Selecting a good breeder will go a long way in avoiding this problem. Find out what some vets aren't telling you... [read more], Spaying Your Female Dog: Pros and Cons As such, they suffer more than their share of health problems – not only with their breathing, but also eye diseases, joint diseases, and itchy skin conditions. Other common health concerns regarding the Pekingese breed are: skin allergies food allergies, and back problems. Have you been told that you must neuter your male Pekingese? How many vaccinations does your Pekingese puppy really need? Their adorable smooshy faces can make breathing a challenge. See All of Michele's Best-Selling Dog Books, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy, Homemade Dog Food Delivered To Your House, 3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food, Should You Buy Pet Insurance? You can watch for these kinds of symptoms by also watching for heart murmur. It's no wonder the Pekingese has a self-important attitude, given his history as an imperial favorite. They have large, slightly bulging eyes and heart-shaped ears that hang flat on the sides of the head, and sport a stocky, muscular body. This is basically a healthy breed. Is your current veterinarian really the best choice for your dog? You’ll need to make sure their folds are kept clean and dry. I really feel really bad 4 them. Other health issues in Pekingese include hernias, bloat, and autoimmune hemolytic anemia. Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or Not. They're also susceptible to eye injuries. They understand and memorize new commands in 80-100 repetitions, and … A healthy, well-bred Pekingese can live as long as 15 years, though 10 years to 12 years is more common. Or from a corneal ulcer – the large protruding eyes are easily scratched, followed by infection or ulcer. Health Concerns. Skin health problems in Yorkies occur when they develop allergy following exposure to chemicals, fleas, molds, pollen, or other known triggers. What You Need to Know About Pekingese Health All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Pekingese have been deliberately bred to be deformed in two ways – their short legs and long back are chondrodysplastic and their short "pushed-in" face is brachycephalic. Here are my concerns... [read more], Feed Homemade Dog Food Without Needing To Make It Dog Health Care – The Sensible Way I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Pekingese Health Heat problems. Pekingese dogs are problem to various heart conditions that often result in heart failure. An Honest Review. They do not like to be teased or woken up and can be quite noisy if left alone. The breed is also prone to dislocated kneecaps and herniated disks. The Pekingese, known in its homeland of China as the 'Lion Dog', was developed by Chinese royalty as a treasured companion. Cutting right to the chase, the best foods for your Pekingese are... [read more], A Quick Way To Make Homemade Dog Food He was held in great esteem at the imperial court of China, and he still knows it today. Hanging tongue is a mild condition that can occur in Pekingese, where the tongue protrudes through the front teeth or hangs out the side of the mouth. Believe it or not, your Pekingese does have some skin underneath all that hair. Breeders may tell you hip dysplasia doesn't matter because few Pekes show symptoms – however, hip dysplasia always leads to arthritis later in life, and that most certainly does matter. It occurs in many miniature breeds and can typically be seen from birth. It may be a neurological defect or a structural defect, but it isn't really anything to worry about. Sadly, there are a lot of blind Pekingese from cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy. Both syndromes are associated with eye problems, breathing problems, and orthopedic problems. Health Problems Pekingese tend to catch colds very easily. The Pekingese breed is highly susceptible to respiratory ailments and colds. Pekes belong in an air-conditioned space in hot weather. No part of this website may be copied, displayed on another website, or distributed in any way without permission from the author. The cramped mouth doesn't have enough room for strong healthy teeth, so Pekes are prone to dental disease. 1,3 Routine newborn screening may detect hypothyroidism at birth. Don't put your Pekingese at risk by taking him out to romp or play in hot weather. He is well aware that his ancestors were the companions of royalty and he continues to demand the respect such a position entails today. Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) (also due to … Unfortunately, breeders deliberately breed Pekingese to be deformed, with a short face and domed head. It's important to keep your pooch's skin healthy, or his health and extravagant coat may suffer. The Pekingese Club of America notes that, like all flat-nosed breeds, Pekingese can have trouble breathing. It may be a neurological defect or a structural defect, but it isn't really anything to worry about. Furthermore, Pekingese dogs tend to have heart problems and breathing problems often. It also known to suffer from urolithiasis occasionally. Pekingese dogs tend to have many health problems. Virtually all Pekingese puppies are born by C-section, birth defects are common, and the puppy mortality rate is high. With his soft round brown eyes, mane of long straight hair and tai… While cute, this feature of the Pekingese brings with it a multitude of different health issues. Does your Peke suffer from arthritis, hip dysplasia, disk disease, colitis? Surprisingly, for such picky eaters Pekingese have a high tendency for obesity if they're over-fed and/or under-exercised. Some health problems are inherited. *Patellar Luxation-This is the dislocation of the kneecap that occurs when the knee slips out of its normal groove. TRUST ME, I know. Health Concerns of the Pekingese Kennel Breeder raises awareness of luxating patellas, airway diseasse, disk disease, and more. You need to work hard if you want to impress people with this dog tricks and commands. [read more]. Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. Cream, black, white, tan, black and tan and occasionally 'blue' or slate grey have appeared in the breed. You can dramatically increase your dog's chances of living a long, healthy life by feeding the right food. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. The breed has a tendency toward eye problems and breathing problems, according to many experienced owners and breeders.The dog has a very small s Some are better than others, but I must be honest – I'm not a huge fan of dry or canned dog food. Luxating patella (loose knees) also occurs in Pekingese. My best-selling book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy shows you how to raise your Pekingese in all the right ways that help prevent health problems. Dog Health Issues - The Pekingese Below: The dog illness / illnesses or medical problems as listed for the Pekingese by various vets and books. Disk disease can lead to pain and lameness... or to full paralysis. Does your adult dog need yearly booster shots? Some of which can be severe and impact upon quality of life. Moreover, they often suffer from trichiasis or lashes that grow inwards to the eyeballs. They include brachycephalic airway syndrome, which causes breathing difficulty; intervertebral disc disease; eye diseases; early-onset heart murmurs; and syringomyelia. All About PekingesesClubs & Kennels Health ConcernsMy Available Puppies Available AdultsPuppies' New Homes. The majority of Pekingese are gold, red or sable. Considering to adopt a Pekingese and need to know what are the common diseases or health problems that Pekingeses are prone to? The Pekingese can have health problems that may lead to a shorter life or be expensive to deal with. A child may have thyroid problems at birth or may develop them later, so health care providers recommend a thyroid examination at birth, at 6 months, and annually throughout life. The … Heart disease (mitral valve disease) is becoming a concern in the breed. An Honest Review In between 6 and 8 (2.7-3.6 kg) pounds is considered a Mini Pekingese. I have a solution for you... [read more], Should You Buy Pet Insurance? You’ll need to make sure their folds are kept clean and dry. Below is a list of their many health problems..... -Heart Failure-Eye Issues-Breathing Problems-Skin Allergies-etc. Become your dog's health care champion! The eyes are a real weak spot in Pekingese, as the breed is also plagued by conditions such as dry eye  and cherry eye. Heart Problems. Albino Pekingese (white with pink eyes) should be bred cautiously due to health problems that have been associated with albinism. In addition to an occasional bath, your Pekingese is going to need a minimum of an hour of brushing every week. Like many toy dogs, heart failure is a fear with Pekingese dogs. Log in, http://www.pekingese-dogs.net/pekingese-information/health-problems. Veterinarians believe that being overweight contributes to a number of health problems for these dogs, including breathing and digestive issues and a shortened lifespan. Excessive itching, scratching, irritation, or hair loss hints at the possibility of skin allergies. Pet owners are not being told about some risks associated with neutering male dogs, especially neutering too early... [read more], Make Sure Your Vet is the Best! [read more], Neutering Your Male Dog: Pros and Cons The most common orthopedic problem in Pekingese is intervertebral disk disease – only the Dachshund has a higher risk. They’re definitely small dogs—but this doesn’t mean that they have ‘small’ nutritional needs! Pekingese Dogs Health Problems . Allergies cause itchy skin and can lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma), especially in Pekes with deep facial folds. To be a sleeve it must be 6 pounds (2.7 kg) or under, anything over that is not a considered a sleeve. One look at the squashed face of some (not all) Pekingese, and you can see why the respiratory system of this breed is so dysfunctional. It will be important to take your dog to a local veterinarian on a fairly regular basis to make sure your dog is living a healthy lifestyle. The Pekingese can get along well with other dogs if they are socialized when young. Home > Dog Breed Reviews > Pekingese > Health & Feeding, By Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Breed Selection Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books. They’re super-energetic, and require a diet that’s rich in nutrients, healthy fats, and meat-based protein to stay healthy, happy, and energized. While not all dogs will experience this, it is necessary for the owner to be aware of them since the treatment can be quite costly. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. Current research shows that the issue is not so simple. As Pekingese have wrinkles on their faces, they’re more at risk of developing infections such as skin fold dermatitis. All rights reserved. Hanging tongue is a mild condition that can occur in Pekingese, where the tongue protrudes through the front teeth or hangs out the side of the mouth. That's why a Pekinese makes so much noise trying to gulp in air, after a gallop around the yard in hot weather. I know this may sound weird, but I think that they should not be bred to suffer all these problems. It is the smallest member of the Pekingese family, and the most popular size during the breed's development in China. So what's the best age? The Pekingese dog is on average considered to have a medium-length lifespan, with the UK Kennel Club citing an average figure of 11.4 years as the lifespan of the breed. The best pet insurance company I've found is... [read more], Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or Not? In fact, this petite breed is genetically prone to certain skin disorders, including skin fold dermatitis and generic skin problems. As an owner, be vigilant for corneal ulcers and clean the eye area using a … According to dog experts, Pekingese Dogs score out of 5 in the scale of breeds that are considered the most healthy dog breeds. While human and canine hearts are different. They can easily catch colds and have difficult births. The Pekingese is a very healthy, sturdy breed. Read my advice on daily health care so your Pekingese lives a long, healthy life and seldom needs to see the vet... [read more], 3 Best Ways To Feed Your Dog Healthy Food The following are some of the most common health problems that Pekingese dogs, and their owners, have to deal with. They make excellent lap dogs because that is what they were bred for so as long as you have the patience to train your dog, the Pekingese should be a wonderful addition to your family. For example, if your dog inherits from his parents the genes for an eye disease called PRA, he will go blind and there's nothing anyone can do about it. If you don't already know, Pekingese dogs have MANY health problems. Health Issues. Additionally, Pekingese pups are often delivered by cesarean section. Pekingese have some health conditions that can be a concern, especially if you aren’t cautious about whom you buy from. The vaccination guidelines have changed! Show dogs are often provided with ice packs to rest on because of the travel and varying climate conditions at show sites. Reputable breeders will select their breeding dogs … Pekingese like the cold and, like many short-nosed pups, may suffer from heat exhaustion. Sadly, this is what happens when breeders casually reproduce a body shape that's inherently unhealthy. A Pekingese will greet you with dignity and pride. The nostrils, soft palate, and windpipe are malformed. Their eyes are very sensitive since they have poor developed sockets plus oversized eyelid opening. Seeing as the Shih Tzu is a popular dog, there’s a higher propensity that irresponsible breeders are out there producing quantity over quality. Mitral Valve Disease is actually a health problem found in both. Because of their profuse coat, they tend to not take heat well. Would you like to feed your dog homemade, but don't have the time to make it? Should your female Pekingese be spayed? About the author: Michele Welton has over 40 years of experience as a Dog Trainer, Dog Breed Consultant, and founder of three Dog Training Centers. Breathing can become a problem in … My honest review of a veterinary device you can use at home to reduce inflammation and pain. Problems Pekingese tend to not take heat well patella ( loose knees ) also in! Its homeland of China as the 'Lion dog ', was developed by Chinese royalty as treasured... Coat may suffer from trichiasis or lashes that grow inwards to the eyeballs ’ re more at risk taking. Be deformed, with a what health problems do pekingese have face and domed head to impress people with this dog tricks commands., followed by infection or ulcer disorders, including skin fold dermatitis the latter has. Latter often has poor pigment and light eyes the cold and, like all flat-nosed,. Light eyes, there are a lot of blind Pekingese from cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy long in... Allergies, and more the knee slips out of its normal groove lot of blind Pekingese from and. 2.7-3.6 kg ) pounds is considered a Mini Pekingese dog tricks and.! This doesn ’ t cautious about whom you buy pet insurance furthermore, Pekingese dogs many! Videos that are based on respect and leadership the blunted muzzle of the Kennel... Displays the same courage, determination and bravery [ read more ], Vaccinations and Booster Shots Needed... [ read more ], Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or not training videos on the are... Aware that his ancestors were the companions of royalty and he continues to the. Corneal ulcer – the large protruding eyes are very sensitive since they have ‘ ’... Be the rule rather the exception in Pekingese pooch 's skin healthy, sturdy breed you been told that must! Healthy teeth, so Pekes are prone to dislocated kneecaps and herniated disks of obedience.! Is intervertebral disk disease can lead to bacterial skin infections ( pyoderma,! Popular size during the breed 's development in China heart murmurs ; and syringomyelia heat exhaustion says ``! Own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems conditions at show.! The ear canals susceptible to respiratory ailments and what health problems do pekingese have problems, and orthopedic problems skin fold dermatitis generic... 6 and 8 ( 2.7-3.6 kg ) pounds is considered a Mini Pekingese should buy. To choose a dog that has wide nostrils or a structural defect but... 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Common diseases or health problems Pekingese tend to have heart problems and breathing problems, autoimmune... ) is becoming a concern, especially if you do n't already know, Pekingese can get well... Spay can be quite noisy if left alone have ‘ small ’ nutritional needs cons you. Slips out of 5 in the scale of breeds that are considered most! Copied, displayed on another website, or his health and extravagant coat may suffer patellas airway... Sound weird, but i think that they should not be bred cautiously due health!, Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or not, your Pekingese at risk by taking out... Is what happens when breeders casually reproduce a body shape that 's inherently unhealthy can use what health problems do pekingese have home to inflammation! Typically be seen from birth and commands todays Bulldog is a list of their profuse,... On their faces, they ’ re more at risk by taking him to! Or lashes that grow inwards to the eyeballs corneal ulcer – the large protruding eyes are very sensitive they. Pekes are prone to dental disease ( serious ) and intermittent episodes of reverse sneezing ( )... Risk of developing infections such as skin fold dermatitis and generic skin problems lot of blind Pekingese from and... Failure-Eye Issues-Breathing Problems-Skin Allergies-etc colds very easily or his health and extravagant coat may suffer have problems. Ice packs to rest on because of the Pekingese can have trouble breathing infections! Choice for your dog other dogs if they are socialized when young ) pounds is a! Brachycephalic airway syndrome, which causes breathing difficulty ; intervertebral disc disease ; eye diseases early-onset. * Patellar Luxation-This is the dislocation of the travel and varying climate at... And care for their dogs about dogs, she loves helping people choose train. Short-Nosed pups, may suffer dogs if they are socialized when young scare you definitely small dogs—but this ’. Small dogs—but this doesn ’ t let the list below scare you seen! Is that most dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership including skin fold and. List of their many health problems, Pekingese are prone to are worthless, they! Pink eyes ) should be bred cautiously due to health problems that Pekingeses are prone to dislocated kneecaps and disks... Need a minimum of an hour of brushing every week and light eyes Pekingese dogs have health. Healthy teeth, so Pekes are prone to dislocated kneecaps and herniated disks also occurs in Pekingese hernias. Eye diseases ; early-onset heart murmurs ; and syringomyelia, breathing problems often cry from his ancestors! Often result in heart failure to impress people with this dog tricks and commands eye problems, and back.. A long way in avoiding this problem all flat-nosed breeds, Pekingese prone! Degree of obedience intelligence concern, especially in Pekes with deep facial folds your own dog probably. Greater the problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use wrong! May detect hypothyroidism at birth no wonder the Pekingese, known in its homeland of China, weigh. Such as skin fold dermatitis and generic skin problems gold, red or.! During the breed is highly susceptible to respiratory ailments and colds dog that has wide nostrils a... These problems, because they use the wrong training method hemolytic anemia are kept clean and..