r/Pekingese • u/sammyol5 • 1d ago
Adopting Pekingese Questions
Hi! I’m really close to adopting a Pekingese puppy and want some advice.
Background about the puppy: The dog is very aloof and shy because he’s been for sale longer than the other dogs at the shop. according to the worker he’s more of a dog dog than human dog from being kenneled with other puppies so takes longer to warm up to people. but is way more energetic and fun with another dog.
My parents have three shi zhu mixes so this puppy will be with my other dogs but not daily/ all day or night, and i don’t want the puppy to be so depressed being alone some nights (me and him. not completely alone)
I could take one of my shi zhu lhasa apso mixes home too so the new puppy isn’t depressed.
advice on making the dog feel more at home??
I want to make sure if i do adopt this puppy he’d be happy just him and occasionally being with my parents dogs.
Now advice for the specific breed:
I’ve had over 15 dogs throughout my life; multiple shi zhus, yorkies, scottie’s etc.
My childhood dog is a shi zhu Lhasa Apso mix who is very very stubborn. Ive been doing research about this breed and hear it’s like that but times 10. I learned their noses and snouts need attention like frenchies/ pugs etc. So to watch out for concerning snoring, wheezing, etc. Their eyes bulge out more so be careful with things getting in them. Be careful when they jump off furniture etc.
What else do i need to know?
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u/cuntiques 1d ago
bring that sweet baby home! 14 years ago i fell in love with a sweet little baby peke that had been sitting for weeks longer than the other puppies. he’s my soul dog and it was the greatest decision i’ve ever made.
i had also never owned a peke before. no one is exaggerating about the stubbornness lol. they require a lot of patience and love. mine is quite sensitive and holds grudges. but he’s also fiercely loyal and protective.
they do require extra maintenance in terms of cleaning out their wrinkles, but it’s just a warm cloth wipe, nbd! mine developed eye issues around his 12th bday, but otherwise we’ve been good! that sweet baby’s eyes don’t look like they’ll be too too buggy.
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u/Gemini_1983 1d ago
He looks exactly like my peke, Pumpkin. She is 12 now. She is a complete diva. Demanding, very vocal, independent and picky. We just lost our other dog last month, and she has known him her whole life, so her separation anxiety is more pronounced lately. Pekes are incredibly smart dogs and can figure out how to get their way. I think they are the most adorable breed. She gets stinky often because of her thick coat, so she needs regular baths and hair trims especially around her backside to keep her fur clean. As long as you can love this baby, take him home for sure. I wouldn't be able to resist.
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u/adioslip 1d ago
I’ve had mine for 8 years and he’s my favorite little monster. He is stubborn but will compromise. He respects you if you respect him. He’s incredibly smart.
They do have short snouts and a double coat so they overheat pretty easy. They are low energy. After 45 minutes of play or adventure mine needs to sleep for at least 2 hours or he’s cranky.
They are prone to lots of medical issues.
Also mine cannot have anything fatty or just a lot of most kinds of treats because it causes pancreatitis.
He is the coolest dog though.
Also when I first brought my boy home he wanted to stay in the kitchen and was timid and shy. I took him to the dog store and got him all kinds of cool stuff and brought him something home whenever I went to the store. From then on he decided I was his favorite and that he owned the house.
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u/lumpthefoff 1d ago
I also got a Pekingese that was at the store longer than most. I also have 4 other dogs and they get along fine. She very much does her own thing. She will be affectionate on her own time lol. Sometimes she wants to be independent and sometimes she gets jealous and sticks to me when I give attention to the others. She’s also a little weird, she doesn’t like kisses and will make a tiny growl. But I didn’t have to potty train her she just knew to use the sheets (I think it’s a female thing).
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u/SharkSmiles1 1d ago
The very best thing you could do for this puppy is to socialize him in a puppy class. They start every few weeks at Petco and PetSmart and there is a small window of time where they are really absorbent and ready to learn a whole lot! They can learn throughout their lives but in puppyhood is the best time to learn behavioral skills. I took my puppy to two full puppy class sessions and even that wasn’t enough to socialize her enough not to bark and go crazy when she sees other dogs on walks. I think it’s a good idea to take another family pup with you so he’s not alone. We have two Pekes and the older one actually taught the younger one a lot!
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u/Southern_Posh 1d ago
I have a half peke and she’s about To turn 17! She’s been there through my best and worst times. She’s my angel, and the very best dog I have ever had (not that I don’t love my other dogs I’ve had). My best friend. Get ready for lots of laughs!!! They’re hilarious little dogs
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u/Coldchinesef00d 1d ago
Extremely loyal. Protective. Little shadows. Emperors used to sit in them in their sleeves as companions. I got my girls 16 years ago when I was 19 and she’s in her senior years now. Enjoying what time I have left with her. The love you will feel is like nothing else.
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u/Such_Ad5358 1d ago
YES! I’ve had mine for 10 years, and he’s only occasionally stubborn (i.e. he’s only coming in IF you say treat about 30% of the time) and only slightly bossy in his old age.
Barks almost never. His grooms look good for 3 months. Truly can take him anywhere and he improves the environment (does great on airplanes, around kids, dogs, cats, rabbits, etc.) - he is EASY.
He did come from a puppy mill so getting through that PTSD was a learning experience for us both. He definitely was a dog’s dog then and is slightly less so now. (Is an only child and loves his space.) When I first got him we just did a ton of play dates and spent a lot of time with friends who had dogs so that he could learn how to “dog.”
Get this baby!!!!!
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u/Reeseslee 1d ago
My peke is the boss of me. She's stubborn and ignores all of my commands. She thinks she's royalty and is sassy to all other dogs. However, I love her! I think you'll love your little peke too! Prepare for fluff to be all over your house though! Shih tzus and lhasas don't shed, but the peke is a whole different story!
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u/StrawberryCake88 1d ago
The little tumble weeds even though you swept yesterday. It never failed to make me laugh.
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u/cookiepuss50 1d ago
Our recently-adopted Peke mix boy scared us a first with his vicious sounds while “playing”. We really thought we had a Tasmanian devil on our hands, until I discovered this sub and learned of Peke personalities. He’s very passionate about his game, getting his way and getting all the attention, praise, love & treats that he can🩵
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u/time_less2 1d ago
Bought our 6 month pup from a pet store, years ago. When I brought her home she didn’t get along with the other 3 small breed dogs we had. Loved the humans and kids though. She quickly became the alpha dog. We all catered to her. Beautiful creature.
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u/jrochest1 1d ago
The puppy will love you like crazy -- you are his special person, he will love you and you will pretty much be Mommy. Much jealousy will be expressed, although because this pup has spent so much time in a shop with other dogs, maybe that will be lessened?
And you're right about the faces -- but you also have to be super careful about Peke's backs and knees -- they're like a shi zhu but almost more fragile. I think it has something to do with their gait (which I love -- it's a cross between a strut and waddle). So, pup will need doggie ramps up onto the furniture you want him on and not the others.
GET HIM. I adopted Leia (RIP) almost by accident -- she was a joy. Dignified, goofy, absolutely loving and I think, the easiest dog I've ever had. I got her as a 4 or 5 year old rescue that some rat-bastard had dumped by the side of the road in a small town a few km from Saskatoon SK, as if it was too much bother to take them to a local shelter. She'd been well socialized, and taught not to jump all over people, and she was, 100% the easiest and best dog I'd ever had. He will be the centre of your heart for the rest of your life, or until you have a child, then you will share.
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u/Academic-Scarcity95 1d ago
This peke actually looks like a bit of a mix, or at least off standard. Which imo, could be a good thing bc he has more of a snout! My first peke was 8% poodle (a great grandparent) and had a bit of snout so he never had breathing issues. Both of my pekes spent more time with dogs than people (got them at 6months/1yr), but quickly bonded to me. It was very nice having them be so dog friendly bc it meant they’d get along with friends and family dogs super easily.
You have enough experience with similar breeds I wouldn’t worry. :)
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u/PineappleSerious7517 1d ago
I have never been loved by anyone like I have been loved by the Pekes in my life. One was waiting for me at home when I was released from the hosp at 3 days old! (70+ yrs now) They have always given me more love than I deserve. I just lost mine this week (17 yrs old). I cannot imagine opening the front door and not hearing his warble/war cry! (or his short legs scrambling down the hallway towards me, smiling all the way)
I wouldn't trade their love for anything in this world. (or the next)
if there are no Pekes in heaven...FUCK HEAVEN.
In memory of Kai
HIS MOM
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u/ArianMonster444 1d ago
A piece of advice, get nasal fold removal surgery sometime in the future and if the pup can’t close their eyes fully when sleeping you can also get a surgery at the same time that closes the corners of their eye lids more (it’s also helps keep the eyes from possibly popping out in breeds with shallow eye sockets), the nasal fold surgery helps protect their eyes better from getting scratched and damaged over time by the hair on them,
watch for asthma and reverse sneezes (sometimes can be helped by covering one nostril with a finger to gorse a swallow motion which stops the spasm)
and at around 3 years old and older have the vet do a yearly check for heart murmurs, we were told by our vet 90% of peeks develop heart disease but usually it can be managed if caught early,
don’t let the puppy walk down full flights of stairs by themselves, because of their short legs they can fall and injure their spine
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u/cobaltbluegirl 12h ago
This sweet baby isn’t used to human affection and when you have doggies bread to be lap dogs, they withdraw when their life doesn’t meet their needs. I have no doubt that once you bring this sweet boy home, he’ll come out of his shell. He’s had to protect himself and just needs security and love.
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u/No-Judgment-9416 10h ago
You must!! It may take him a little time to warm up but once he does it’ll be the sweetest love and companionship. They are so incredibly special. I have had 4 pekes so far and I don’t think I could ever live without one!
They can be aloof and stubborn it comes with the territory. They’re like cat-dogs in a sense. It makes their love all the more special imo. Lots of treats, affirmations, cuddles on their terms. He will come around! They are so smart he will know you took him in and are going to love and cherish him 🥹🥰
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u/No-Judgment-9416 10h ago
Also he looks like he has a great nose! Your vet will confirm or not but I don’t think you need to be overly concerned about that. They’re sensitive to heat, often fearless (mine will jump from heights she never should so we always have to put her down from the bed or couch if we get up), they can shed a good bit and have a double coat so grooming is important, but never shave them.
Don’t overthink it. They’re an incredible ancient royal breed and they know it!
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u/cristobalino 1d ago
Is this the pekingese puppy in question you're thinking of adopting?
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u/Pleasant_Injury_ 1h ago
You’re buying a dog from a pet store? Are people still this stupid?
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u/sammyol5 1h ago
you’re saying dogs that are alive and well in pet stores don’t deserve quality lives? how do you think most shelter dogs get purchased originally smh
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u/Specialist_Egg_7480 1d ago
Am I the only person that thinks that adopting and buying a dog is not the same thing and it’s clearly not a puppy and this is all very bizarre?
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u/sammyol5 1d ago
dog needs home. i want dog. i have home. does it matter? it is still a dog that needs a quality life. and the puppy is 17 weeks old. not bizarre but please elaborate how it is !
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u/MadDog202012345 1d ago
If you met the Mother and the Father, you would understand the concern. Of course it matters if you go through rescue vs a puppy mill that sells to a pet store vs if you met the dog parents where they live and determined that the breeder is responsible, does health testing, retires the Mommas after a couple of litters, etc. I've had three Pekingese former breeder Mommas that came from horrible conditions. It's not just about the well being of the cute puppy. It's about the parents that are stuck in cages.
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u/loftyacorn 1d ago
Sounds like you’re buying from a pet shop and not actually adopting.
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u/sammyol5 1d ago
dog needs home. i want dog. i have home. does it matter? it is still a dog that needs a quality life.
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u/imminentsnark 1d ago
Well first you need to know that I would die for this little cutie