Did you know that the Pekingese dog breed, also known as the “Lion Dog”, got its name from the ancient city of Peking in China? What’s even more fascinating is that Pekingese were considered sacred to Chinese nobility, such noble creatures that they were even guarded by royal soldiers. If you ever thought aristocracy was reserved only for humans, these fluffy dogs would definitely beg to differ!
However, the world knows these dogs today not so much for their royal history, but rather their distinctive squashed faces and luxuriously flowing coats. But as with any breed, the question we need to address is whether Pekingese are difficult dogs to have around. More specifically, we’ll look at their temperament, the amount of care they require, and their suitability to different lifestyles.
The Pekingese Breed: A Prelude
The Pekingese belong to the toy group breed and are renowned for their peculiarities. Arguably, the most significant characteristic of the Pekingese is their unwavering independence. They are not your run-of-the-mill cuddle dogs. Quite the contrary, Pekingese are known to be a bit aloof and very much enjoy their own space.
One might immediately think this makes them difficult dogs to deal with. After all, who would want a furry companion who detests being cuddly? But remember, these dogs were bred with a royal purpose in mind. Their aloofness is a residue of their glorious past when they could afford not being too friendly since they often had the luxury of maintaining a royal distance.
Now that we’ve combatted the fear of having a seemingly indifferent companion let’s move on to other aspects that make the Pekingese seem difficult – their grooming needs and training.
Grooming A Pekingese
If you’re attuned to spending tons of dollars on grooming your dog, a Pekingese will fit right in. Their long, silky coat isn’t low maintenance; regular brushing is mandatory to keep it mat and tangle-free.
However, if you are worried about your pup looking like a walking hairball, let me assure you, they don’t need fancy hairstyles. As proud owners of naturally luxurious coats, all they require is a routine maintenance to remain presentable. And guess what? This routine brushing can easily become an excellent bonding activity between you and your Pekingese.
No one said owning a dog meant zero responsibility. But yes, one might find the regular grooming needs of a Pekingese to be a bit of a challenge.
Training A Pekingese
Training a Pekingese demands patience. If you think royal dogs would be intelligent and obedient, you’re half right. Yes, Pekingese are quite smart, but obedient, not so much. Their independent mind, combined with their royal lineage’s stubbornness, means getting a Pekingese to follow command may be a bit of a tussle.
But don’t fret! These are not difficulties; these are challenges. And challenges are fun because they open up opportunities for learning and growing. For instance, when training a Pekingese, it’s important to use positive reinforcement techniques, including treats, praises and rewards. In other words, you need to ‘woo’ your dog into the training process. What a heart-warming opportunity to build a unique relationship!
Your Lifestyle Matters
Here’s the cherry on top. Pekingese are perfect city dwellers. They can live happily in apartments and require very little exercise. So, if you’ve been worried about finding time for daily park visits, a Pekingese will blend right into your busy lifestyle.
However, they may not be ideal if your home gets noisy with young kids running around, given their need for a calm environment. Plus, they might not enjoy sharing their kingdom (basically your house!) with other pets.
At the end of the day, every dog breed comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. But if you like your furry companion to carry a bit of history, a bit of attitude and loads of undeniable personality, then a Pekingese might just be a royal match for you. After all, who wouldn’t want to have a little Lion Dog ruling their home?
So, is a Pekingese dog difficult? Maybe. Depends on your individual perspective and ability to appreciate their uniqueness. Is a Pekingese worth it? Absolutely! They are loyal, relatively low-energy, and can easily adapt to various living environments. Plus, their royal charm is hard to resist.
Getting a Pekingese therefore isn’t about tackling difficulty, but about embracing a slice of history with open arms and an open heart. And trust me; it will be an adventure you will cherish for a lifetime! Don’t just get a Pekingese, bring home a furry, fluffy royalty!
