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Pekinese
Pekinese are required to have a broad head, which appears wide and flat between the ears, and apple headed or domed. The Pekinese must have dark, lustrous, large eyes, which are prominent and sit wide apart. He has a short, broad muzzle which is wrinkled and well cushioned. The typical Pekinese expression is one of being a little odd or grotesque, a face "only a mother could love".
The legs of a Pekinese are a very definitive characteristic, which should be heavy and short, having a significant bone structure. These are also bowed at elbows and are profusely feathered. The feet are covered in long hair, and flat.
Having an undershot mouth helps improve the finish and foreface of the Pekinese if the teeth are hidden. The nose is always jet black, and is very flat and broad. For a good specimen of Pekinese, the ears will be long and fully feathered. There is a bushy frill or main around his neck as well.
The Pekinese chest should be deep and broad. Its body should be heavy in the front, short, and fall back from the loins similar to a lion. The Pekinese tail should be well feathered and carried high upturned over its back.
A Pekinese coat should be thick with long hair that feels soft to touch, and is not at all curly. There should be a thick undercoat. Hair on the dog's legs and thighs should be very long.
Colors are varied and can include black, red, black and tans, biscuit, fawn, chinchilla, sable and a variety of other shades of colors. A very popular color for a Pekinese is a deep, golden chestnut, the color of most of the Goodwood strain. Traditionally it is said that the most valued color of this dog in China was golden fawn. This color of dog is known as "Sun Dog," due to the shining, glimmering appearance. An all-white Pekinese would be considered extremely rare in Asia.
The Pekinese has coarse, long, straight hair, and a thick, soft undercoat. Brush this dog daily, and also keep eyes and ears and check them daily. By daily brushing you can maintain a healthy and clean coat for you dog, while avoiding matted fur. This can help keep you more attuned to any health issues as well as develop a deep emotional bond with your pet.
Brush his teeth at least twice a week using toothpaste and also a toothbrush which has been designed just for dogs. By brushing you will remove plaque and tartar which as with people can occasionally cause cavities and gum (periodontal) disease. Gum disease in dogs can be very painful, as well as lead to tooth loss, bad breath or other serious problems.
An adult Pekinese over two years old is between 6 and 9 inches up to the withers (which is the highest point of the shoulder) and between 8 and 10 pounds in weight. A Pekinese under 6 pounds is known as a tea cup or sleeve Pekinese and a dog between 6 and 8 pounds is known as a mini.
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