Pekingese

Feeding a Pekingese properly is crucial for maintaining their health and managing their weight - something particularly important for a breed prone to breathing difficulties. These little dogs don't need much food, but what they eat should be high quality and carefully measured to prevent obesity, which can worsen their brachycephalic symptoms.

A commercial dog food approved by veterinary nutritionists is your best bet for ensuring complete and balanced nutrition. For Australian owners, look for premium brands available locally, and consider alternating between high-quality dry kibble and wet food to keep meals interesting. Pekingese puppies need food specifically formulated for puppies or marked for all life stages, fed at least three times daily to prevent low blood sugar.

Adult Pekingese should eat measured portions twice daily rather than free-feeding. The exact amount depends on your dog's size, age, activity level, and metabolism - your Australian vet can help calculate the right portions for your individual dog. Many Pekingese do well on dental-focused diets that help prevent the dental disease they're prone to.

Given Australia's climate, always ensure fresh, clean water is available. During hot weather in places like Perth or Adelaide, your Peke may drink more to help regulate their body temperature. Some owners add omega-3 supplements (fish oil) to support skin, coat, and joint health, though quality commercial foods often include these already.

Be cautious with treats, as Pekingese can be prone to food allergies. Introduce new foods gradually and watch for any reactions. Their flat faces can make eating from deep bowls difficult, so shallow dishes work best. Many Australian Pekingese owners find their dogs prefer slightly elevated food bowls, which can make eating more comfortable and aid digestion.

Grooming a Pekingese is both an art and a commitment - that gorgeous double coat doesn't maintain itself! Plan on spending at least an hour each week brushing your Peke, though daily attention to their coat will prevent the matting that can quickly turn grooming from a pleasure into a chore.

Their thick, flowing coat is longest around the neck and shoulders, creating that distinctive lion's mane, with shorter hair on the body and feathering on the legs, tail, and ears. Use a slicker brush or metal comb to work through the coat systematically, paying special attention to areas prone to matting like behind the ears, under the legs, and around the rear end. If you encounter tangles, a detangling spray designed for dogs can help work them out gently.

The facial folds around their eyes and mouth need daily cleaning with a soft, damp cloth or dog-specific wipes to prevent bacterial infections. Their prominent eyes require gentle daily wiping to remove any discharge, and the hair around the eyes should be trimmed carefully to prevent irritation. Many Australian owners find this easier to manage with professional help from a groomer experienced with flat-faced breeds.

Bathing should be done as needed, typically every 4-6 weeks, using a gentle dog shampoo. Over-bathing can strip the natural oils that protect their skin. Most Australian Pekingese benefit from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks, and many owners opt for a shorter "puppy cut" during summer months to help with heat management and easier maintenance.

Don't forget the basics: trim nails every 10-14 days (dogs that walk on concrete may need less frequent trimming), clean ears weekly with a dog-specific cleaner, and brush teeth daily to prevent dental disease. In Australia's varied climate, check for grass seeds or burrs after outdoor adventures, particularly around the ears and between toes.

Training a Pekingese requires patience, consistency, and a good sense of humour about their occasionally "selective hearing." These intelligent dogs understand what you're asking - they just might not see the point in sitting on command when they're perfectly comfortable standing, thank you very much! This isn't stubbornness exactly; it's more like they're weighing whether your request aligns with their royal sensibilities.

Start training early with positive reinforcement methods. Pekingese respond beautifully to treats, praise, and making training feel like a game rather than work. Focus on basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down, but don't be surprised if your Peke masters these quickly then gives you a look that says, "Yes, I can do that. What's in it for me?" Early socialisation is crucial - expose your puppy to different people, animals, and experiences to prevent them becoming overly protective or territorial.

Exercise needs are refreshingly modest, making them perfect for Australian apartment living or for owners who prefer gentle activities. A couple of short walks daily, some indoor play, and mental stimulation through puzzle toys or scent work will keep most Pekingese content. However, their exercise routine needs careful management around Australia's climate.

In hot weather - particularly in northern Australia or during summer in cities like Adelaide and Perth - exercise should be limited to early morning or evening when temperatures drop. Their flat faces make them prone to overheating, so watch for excessive panting or distress. Many Australian owners invest in cooling coats or take advantage of air-conditioned shopping centres for indoor walks during extreme weather.

These dogs enjoy activities like nose work, gentle fetch games, and even some dog sports at their own pace. They're surprisingly good little watchdogs and will alert you to visitors, though early training can help manage excessive territorial barking in suburban neighbourhoods.