Peking Palasthund
Breed Description

The Peking Palasthund carries numerous appellations that reflect its distinguished heritage and international recognition. In Germany and other German-speaking regions, "Palasthund" translates directly to "Palace Dog," emphasizing the breed's royal origins within Chinese imperial courts. Throughout Europe, this breed may be encountered under various regional translations of "palace dog" or "imperial dog."

Internationally, the breed is most commonly recognized by the standardized name Pekingese, derived from the former name of China's capital city. Alternative historical names include "Chinese Imperial Dog," reflecting its exclusive ownership by Chinese royalty, and "Kaiserlicher Palasthund" in formal German contexts. European breed registries sometimes use "Peking-Spaniel" or "Chinesischer Palasthund" to distinguish regional breeding lines.

Within various kennel clubs and breeding organizations, the breed might be listed under slightly different nomenclature while maintaining the same breed standard. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the breed under its standardized international designation, though member countries may use localized versions. Historical documents from European courts occasionally reference these dogs as "Oriental Palace Companions" or "Imperial Lapdogs," terms that capture both their geographic origin and their function as pampered court companions.

The Peking Palasthund presents an unmistakable silhouette that immediately conveys both elegance and substance. This compact toy breed exhibits a well-proportioned rectangular body structure, standing proudly at 6 to 9 inches in height while maintaining a weight range of 6 to 14 pounds. The breed's most commanding feature is its impressive head, which appears large in proportion to the body, crowned with a broad, flat skull that gives the dog its characteristic dignified expression.

The facial structure of the Peking Palasthund reveals its brachycephalic nature, with an extremely shortened muzzle that creates the breed's distinctive flat-faced appearance. Large, round, dark eyes dominate the facial features, set wide apart and positioned to convey both intelligence and alertness. These prominent eyes, while beautiful, require careful protection due to their exposure. The nose is broad and black, positioned high between the eyes, with wide nostrils that facilitate breathing despite the compressed facial structure.

Perhaps the most spectacular aspect of the Peking Palasthund is its magnificent double coat, which truly justifies its palace heritage. The undercoat provides dense, soft insulation, while the outer coat consists of longer, straight guard hairs that stand away from the body, creating an impressive silhouette. Around the neck and shoulders, this coat forms a distinctive ruff or mane that gives the breed its lion-like appearance, particularly pronounced in males. The coat extends into abundant feathering on the ears, legs, and tail, with the longest hair often reaching several inches in length.

Color variations in the Peking Palasthund encompass virtually the entire canine spectrum, from solid shades to complex combinations. Traditional colors include various shades of red, ranging from light fawn to deep mahogany, often accompanied by a black mask around the face. Sable patterns create particularly striking appearances, with individual hairs showing multiple colors from base to tip. Black specimens may display tan markings, while cream and white dogs present their own unique appeal. Parti-colored individuals combine white with any of the accepted colors in pleasing patterns.

American Kennel Club (AKC)

The AKC standard emphasizes the Peking Palasthund as a well-balanced, compact toy dog of dignity and quality. The body should be heavy in front, light behind, with a rectangular outline longer than tall. Head characteristics include a massive skull, broad and flat between the ears, with a short, broad muzzle wrinkled above the nose. Eyes must be large, round, dark, and set wide apart, prominent but not bulging. The nose should be black, very short and broad, placed between the eyes. Ears are heart-shaped, set on the front corners of the skull, carried close to the head with long feathering. The double coat consists of a coarse, straight outer coat standing off from the body, and a thick, soft undercoat. Weight ranges from 6-14 pounds, with the most desirable being 8-10 pounds for females and not exceeding 10 pounds for males.

Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

The FCI standard presents the Peking Palasthund as a small, well-balanced dog with dignified quality and no sign of respiratory distress. Maximum height should not exceed 25 cm, with males weighing no more than 5.5 kg and females no more than 5.0 kg. The skull is broad and flat, wider than deep, with well-defined stop. The muzzle should be very short and broad, with wrinkles forming an unbroken line from cheeks over the bridge of nose. Eyes are large, round, dark and lustrous, set well apart. The body is short with level topline, broad chest, and well-sprung ribs. The double coat features a long, straight outer coat with profuse mane around neck and shoulders. All colors are acceptable except liver and albino. Movement should show a typical rolling action in front with close parallel action behind.

United Kennel Club (UKC)

The UKC describes the Peking Palasthund as a compact, well-balanced toy dog displaying courage, alertness, and dignity. The ideal weight is 8-10 pounds, never exceeding 14 pounds. The skull should be massive, broad, and flat between the ears with definite stop. The muzzle is very short and broad with heavy wrinkles. Eyes are large, round, dark, and lustrous, set wide apart. The compact body features well-sprung ribs, level topline, and broad chest. The coat is double with soft, thick undercoat and long, straight outer coat forming a mane around neck and shoulders. All colors are acceptable except liver and albino. The tail is set high, carried over the back, and profusely feathered.

Other Organizations

The Kennel Club (UK) follows similar standards with specific emphasis on soundness and typical character, requiring dogs not to exceed 5.5 kg for males and 5.0 kg for females. The Canadian Kennel Club maintains consistency with AKC standards while emphasizing the breed's dignified bearing. European breed clubs often reference the FCI standard while adding regional preferences for coat color and texture. The Verband für das Deutsche Hundewesen (VDH) in Germany recognizes the breed under FCI guidelines, emphasizing health testing and responsible breeding practices. Asian kennel clubs, particularly those in regions where the breed originated, sometimes maintain slightly different weight and size preferences reflecting traditional breeding practices.

The illustrious history of the Peking Palasthund spans over two millennia, deeply rooted in Chinese imperial tradition and Buddhist philosophy. Archaeological evidence suggests that small, flat-faced dogs resembling modern Peking Palasthunds existed in China as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE), though the breed as we know it today was refined during the Tang Dynasty (618-907 CE) when Buddhist influence reached its peak in Chinese culture.

The breed's development was intrinsically linked to Chinese religious beliefs, particularly the Buddhist veneration of lions as symbols of Buddha's teachings. Since actual lions were not native to China, Chinese emperors commissioned court artists and dog breeders to create living representations of these sacred creatures. Through careful selective breeding, palace dog keepers developed small dogs with lion-like features: broad faces, flowing manes, and proud carriages that embodied the spiritual power attributed to lions in Buddhist iconography.

During the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644), the Peking Palasthund reached unprecedented prominence within the Forbidden City. Imperial edicts designated these dogs as exclusive companions to the emperor and his immediate family, with ownership by commoners punishable by death. The smallest specimens, measuring less than six pounds, were especially prized and carried in the wide sleeves of court robes, earning them the designation "sleeve dogs." These tiny companions served both practical and ceremonial purposes, providing warmth during lengthy court ceremonies and symbolizing imperial power during formal audiences.

The breed's isolation within Chinese imperial courts ended dramatically during the Second Opium War in 1860. When British and French forces occupied the Summer Palace in Beijing, they discovered five Peking Palasthunds guarding the apartments of Emperor Xianfeng's aunt, who had chosen suicide over capture. Captain John Hart Dunne of the 99th Regiment of Foot rescued these dogs, later presenting one named "Looty" to Queen Victoria as a symbol of British victory.

European fascination with the Peking Palasthund grew rapidly following their introduction to Western courts. Queen Victoria's obvious affection for Looty sparked considerable interest among European nobility, who viewed ownership of these exotic dogs as symbols of sophistication and worldliness. The breed's first European breeding programs began in England during the 1890s, with careful attention paid to maintaining the characteristics that had been refined over centuries in Chinese palaces.

The establishment of formal breeding programs in Germany and other European countries occurred during the early 20th century, with German breeders particularly interested in the breed's robust health and dignified temperament. German kennel clubs began maintaining detailed breeding records in the 1920s, emphasizing the preservation of traditional characteristics while addressing some health concerns associated with extreme brachycephalic features.

Throughout two World Wars, European breeding programs faced significant challenges, with many bloodlines lost due to food shortages and displacement. Post-war reconstruction of the breed in Germany and other European countries relied heavily on surviving dogs and careful outcrossing to maintain genetic diversity. Modern European breeding programs emphasize health testing, genetic diversity, and the preservation of the breed's characteristic temperament and appearance.

Contemporary breeding of the Peking Palasthund in Europe focuses on maintaining the breed's imperial heritage while addressing modern concerns about brachycephalic health issues. German and other European breeders work closely with veterinary specialists to ensure breeding decisions support both traditional breed characteristics and long-term health outcomes for future generations.

The Peking Palasthund was developed with a singular, specialized purpose: to serve as the ultimate companion animal within the rarefied atmosphere of Chinese imperial courts. Unlike breeds created for hunting, herding, or guarding, every aspect of the Peking Palasthund's development focused on creating the perfect palace companion, capable of providing comfort, status, and spiritual significance to the most powerful individuals in Chinese society.

Within the structured hierarchy of the Forbidden City, Peking Palasthunds served multiple interconnected functions that extended far beyond simple companionship. Their presence in formal court ceremonies represented the emperor's connection to divine power, as their lion-like appearance symbolized the Buddhist concept of spiritual protection. Court artists frequently included these dogs in official portraits and ceremonial paintings, where they functioned as living emblems of imperial authority and divine favor.

The practical applications of Peking Palasthunds within palace life were carefully integrated into court protocol. The smallest individuals, known as sleeve dogs, provided discrete warmth during lengthy winter ceremonies in unheated palace halls. Their calm temperament and ability to remain motionless for extended periods made them ideal for this purpose, while their alert nature allowed them to serve as early warning systems for approaching courtiers or potential disturbances.

Educational functions of Peking Palasthunds within imperial households included teaching imperial children responsibility, gentleness, and the proper treatment of dependent creatures. Young princes and princesses learned courtly behavior by observing their interactions with these dogs, while the dogs' selective breeding for calm, dignified temperaments provided positive role models for appropriate court demeanor.

In contemporary European settings, the Peking Palasthund's function has evolved to meet modern lifestyle needs while retaining core characteristics developed over centuries. These dogs excel as urban companions, perfectly suited to apartment living and the demands of busy professional schedules. Their moderate exercise requirements and contentment with indoor activities make them ideal for city dwellers seeking canine companionship without extensive outdoor space requirements.

Modern therapeutic applications of Peking Palasthunds demonstrate their continued relevance in human care roles. Their manageable size, gentle disposition, and striking appearance make them excellent candidates for assisted living facility visits and hospital therapy programs. Their ability to remain calm in medical environments, combined with their natural tendency to form strong bonds with individuals, provides significant emotional benefits to patients and residents.

Contemporary showing and breeding programs serve to preserve the breed's historical characteristics while adapting to modern standards of animal welfare. European dog shows provide venues for demonstrating proper breed type, temperament, and movement, ensuring that breeding decisions continue to reflect the original functions for which these dogs were developed. This preservation work maintains genetic diversity while honoring the centuries of careful selection that created the modern Peking Palasthund.

Educational functions of modern Peking Palasthunds extend to public awareness of Chinese culture and history. Their presence at cultural events, museum programs, and educational presentations provides tangible connections to imperial Chinese history, helping people understand the sophisticated relationship between humans and animals in traditional Chinese society. This cultural ambassadorship role adds contemporary relevance to their historical significance.

The behavioral profile of the Peking Palasthund reflects centuries of selective breeding for specific temperamental qualities that made them ideal palace companions. These dogs exhibit a unique combination of dignified reserve and affectionate devotion that distinguishes them from other toy breeds. Their behavior is characterized by thoughtful decision-making, selective social engagement, and an inherent sense of their own importance that can be both charming and challenging for modern owners.

Cognitive capabilities in the Peking Palasthund demonstrate sophisticated problem-solving skills and remarkable memory retention. These dogs quickly learn household routines, family schedules, and individual preferences of family members. Their intelligence manifests in subtle ways, such as anticipating daily activities, remembering the location of favorite items, and adapting their behavior to match household moods and energy levels.

Social behavior patterns in Peking Palasthunds reveal their heritage as court companions accustomed to structured social hierarchies. They typically establish clear preferences among family members while maintaining polite relationships with all household inhabitants. This selective bonding doesn't indicate coldness or unfriendliness, but rather reflects their breeding for discerning social judgment and measured emotional responses.

Communication methods employed by Peking Palasthunds are notably sophisticated and varied. Beyond typical barking for alerting purposes, these dogs develop extensive repertoires of vocalizations, body language, and behavioral cues to communicate specific needs and desires. Many owners report that their dogs use different tones and intensities of vocalization to indicate various requirements, from meal requests to attention-seeking to genuine alerts.

Exercise and activity preferences reflect the breed's palace origins, where energetic outdoor activities were neither expected nor encouraged. Modern Peking Palasthunds typically prefer mentally stimulating activities to physically demanding exercise. They enjoy puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games that challenge their intelligence without overtaxing their respiratory systems or compact build.

Territorial behavior in Peking Palasthunds can be surprisingly pronounced despite their small stature. These dogs often establish favorite resting spots, preferred routes through the house, and personal spaces that they defend with determined persistence. This territorialism rarely manifests as aggression but rather as polite but firm boundary-setting that reflects their historical role as palace guardians.

Stress response patterns in Peking Palasthunds typically involve withdrawal and careful observation rather than reactive behaviors. When confronted with unfamiliar situations or overwhelming stimuli, these dogs often retreat to safe spaces where they can assess circumstances before deciding how to respond. This measured approach to stress reflects their breeding for emotional stability and rational decision-making.

Learning patterns demonstrate that Peking Palasthunds respond best to patient, consistent training methods that respect their intelligence and independence. They often appear to consider training requests before complying, leading some owners to incorrectly assume stubbornness when the dogs are actually processing information and making decisions about cooperation.

Sleep and rest behaviors in Peking Palasthunds reflect their companion breeding, with most dogs preferring to remain near family members during rest periods. They typically establish multiple sleeping locations throughout the home, choosing spots that allow them to monitor household activities while maintaining comfortable temperatures and soft surfaces.

The integration of a Peking Palasthund into family life creates unique dynamics that reflect both the breed's imperial heritage and their deep capacity for forming meaningful relationships with humans. These dogs approach family membership with the expectation of equal status rather than subordinate positioning, which can create wonderfully rewarding relationships when families understand and work with these natural tendencies.

Hierarchy establishment within families typically sees Peking Palasthunds positioning themselves as valued advisors rather than followers. They often choose elevated resting spots that allow them to observe family activities while remaining accessible for interaction. This positioning reflects their historical role as court companions who needed to remain aware of palace activities while being available for imperial attention when desired.

Child interaction patterns require careful management and education to ensure positive outcomes for both children and dogs. Peking Palasthunds generally respond well to older children who understand gentle handling and respect the dog's personal space. Their small size makes them vulnerable to accidental injury from enthusiastic young children, while their dignified nature means they may remove themselves from situations rather than endure rough handling.

Multi-pet household dynamics often see Peking Palasthunds establishing themselves as diplomatic mediators rather than pack leaders or followers. Their centuries of breeding for emotional stability and social awareness make them excellent at reading other animals' moods and responding appropriately. They typically coexist peacefully with other pets when proper introductions are made and individual space requirements are respected.

Daily routine integration shows how Peking Palasthunds excel at becoming essential family members through their awareness of household schedules and individual preferences. These dogs often position themselves to participate in family activities without being intrusive, demonstrating remarkable social intelligence in knowing when their presence is welcome and when discretion is preferred.

Visitor interaction protocols in homes with Peking Palasthunds typically require some preparation and understanding. These dogs usually prefer to observe new people before deciding on the level of interaction they're comfortable providing. Families often find that allowing the dog to approach visitors on their own terms results in more positive interactions than forcing immediate contact.

Training coordination among family members becomes particularly important with Peking Palasthunds, who are quick to notice inconsistencies in rules and expectations. These intelligent dogs may attempt to negotiate different arrangements with various family members, making consistency in commands, rules, and expectations essential for maintaining harmonious household relationships.

Space sharing arrangements in homes with Peking Palasthunds often evolve into complex negotiations that reflect the dogs' palace heritage. These dogs typically establish preferences for specific furniture, sleeping locations, and activity areas, which families can either work around or gently redirect through consistent training and attractive alternatives.

Conflict resolution within families often benefits from the calming presence of well-socialized Peking Palasthunds, who seem to possess natural abilities to sense tension and position themselves to provide comfort. Many families report that their dogs serve as emotional barometers, helping to defuse stressful situations through their calm presence and intuitive responses to human emotions.

Travel and vacation planning in families with Peking Palasthunds requires consideration of the dogs' need for familiar environments and their sensitivity to temperature extremes. Many families find that their dogs adapt well to travel when proper preparations are made for climate control, familiar bedding, and maintenance of feeding schedules. Pet-sitting arrangements often work well when sitters understand the breed's need for routine and respect for personal preferences.

The health profile of the Peking Palasthund requires understanding of both the breed's inherent strengths and the challenges associated with their distinctive physical characteristics. European breeding programs have made significant progress in addressing health concerns while maintaining the breed's essential character, though prospective owners must remain aware of specific conditions that can affect these dogs throughout their 12-15 year lifespan.

Respiratory health considerations dominate veterinary care for Peking Palasthunds due to their brachycephalic facial structure. The shortened airways, compressed nasal passages, and elongated soft palate that create their distinctive appearance can also compromise respiratory efficiency. Modern European breeders emphasize selecting breeding stock with optimal airway function while maintaining breed type, resulting in dogs with improved breathing capacity compared to historical lines.

Ocular health management requires ongoing attention due to the breed's prominent eye structure. The large, forward-facing eyes that contribute to their appealing expression are inherently vulnerable to environmental hazards and various genetic conditions. Regular ophthalmologic examinations become essential for early detection and management of conditions that could compromise vision or cause discomfort.

Cardiovascular considerations in Peking Palasthunds include both congenital and acquired heart conditions that can develop over their lifetime. European breeding programs increasingly emphasize cardiac screening to identify potential issues before they become symptomatic. Early detection allows for management strategies that can significantly improve quality of life and longevity for affected dogs.

Orthopedic challenges in the breed primarily involve spinal health and joint stability. The breed's rectangular body structure and relatively long spine create biomechanical stresses that can lead to intervertebral disc problems. Additionally, the short legs and compact build can predispose some dogs to patellar luxation and other joint issues that benefit from early identification and appropriate management.

Dermatological considerations include the management of facial skin folds and the maintenance of the breed's extensive double coat. The wrinkles around the face and nose require regular cleaning to prevent bacterial and fungal infections, while the long coat needs proper grooming to prevent matting and skin irritation. European climates often benefit coat health, though owners must remain vigilant about seasonal shedding and proper coat care.

Preventive health care strategies for Peking Palasthunds should emphasize weight management, environmental control, and regular monitoring. Maintaining optimal body condition reduces stress on respiratory, cardiovascular, and orthopedic systems. Climate control becomes particularly important due to the breed's heat sensitivity and potential breathing difficulties in high temperatures or humidity.

European veterinary specialists recommend establishing relationships with practitioners familiar with brachycephalic breeds and their specific needs. Emergency preparedness should include awareness of respiratory distress signs and immediate cooling techniques for overheating episodes. Many European breed clubs provide resources for owner education about recognizing early signs of common health issues.

If you're looking to adopt a Peking Palasthund, consider contacting these breed-specific rescue organizations:

Due to the changing nature of rescue organizations, please verify website functionality before contacting.

"Don't Shop... Please Adopt" - There are many wonderful Peking Palasthunds waiting for their forever homes.