The Pekingese has a long coat and one that needs to be brushed daily to prevent any matts or tangles from forming. Particular attention has to be paid to the hair on a dogs' legs and their bellies where tangles tend to form the most. It's also important to wipe their faces every day so there is no build up dirt or grease in the creases. As such, they are high maintenance in the grooming department, but a twice yearly visit to a professional groomer would make it easier to keep their coats tidy and their skin in good condition.
Like other breeds, the Pekingese sheds throughout the year although more so during the Spring and then again in the Autumn when more frequent brushing is generally necessary to remove any dead and shed hair. It's also important to check a dog's ears on a regular basis and to clean them when necessary. If too much wax is allowed to build up in a dog's ears, it can lead to a painful infection which can be hard to clear up. In short, prevention is often easier than cure when it comes to ear infections. Pekes often get a bit dirty around their mouths after they have eaten, so it’s always a good idea to wipe their faces when they’ve finished their food.
Although not high-energy dogs, the Pekingese does need to be given at least 30 minutes exercise a day. It's all too easy for these little dogs to turn into couch potatoes which can lead to them ploughing on the pounds and this could seriously impact their overall health and well-being. These little dogs like to do things at their own pace which means they never like to be rushed when out on a walk which is why they make such great companions for the more mature person.
A shorter walk in the morning would be fine, but a longer more interesting one in the afternoon is a must. These dogs also like to be able to roam around a back garden as often as possible so they can really let off steam. However, the fencing has to be extremely secure to keep these inquisitive little dogs in because if they find a weakness in the fence, they will soon escape out and get into all sorts of trouble.
With this said, Peke puppies should not be over exercised because their joints and bones are still growing. This includes not letting a dog jump up and down from furniture or going up or down the stairs. Too much pressure placed on their joints and spines at an early age could result in a dog developing a few problems later on in their lives.
If you get a Peke puppy from a breeder, they would give you a feeding schedule and it's important to stick to the same routine, feeding the same puppy food to avoid any tummy upsets. You can change a puppy's diet, but this needs to be done very gradually always making sure they don't develop any digestive upsets and if they do, it's best to put them back on their original diet and to discuss things with the vet before attempting to change it again.
Older dogs are known to be finicky eaters, but it's important not to give into them by feeding them "human food" which could just make matters worse because it could lead to dogs becoming even fussier about their food. It's best to feed a mature Peke twice a day, once in the morning and then again in the evening, making sure it's good quality food that meets all their nutritional requirements. It's also important that dogs be given the right amount of exercise so they burn off any excess calories or they might gain too much weight which can lead to all sorts of health issues. Obesity can shorten a dog's life by several years so it's important to keep an eye on their waistline from the word go.
