Choosing a Pekingese

Choosing a Pekingese

By: Barbara Maroon

Common Diseases and Disorders

Disorders that may be seen in this breed may include:

  • Urolithiasis is a condition affecting the urinary tract resulting in the formation of bladder stones.

  • Cataracts cause a loss of the normal transparency of the lens of the eye. The problem can occur in one or both eyes and can lead to blindness.

  • Entropion is a problem with the eyelid that causes inward rolling. Lashes on the edge of the eyelid irritate the surface of the eyeball and may lead to more serious problems.

  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) is a disorder of the eye that results when tear production is decreased.

  • Distichiasis is a condition in which there is growth of extra eyelashes from the glands of the upper or lower eyelid.


  • Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a disorder that affects the spinal disks resulting in pain, difficulty walking and possibly paralysis.

  • Atlantoaxial subluxation is a condition in which the first two cervical (neck) vertebrae are not firmly attached. Dogs are born without ligament support to their atlantoaxial joint.

  • Cryptorchidism is a condition in which one or both testicles do not descend into the scrotum.

  • Chronic valvular heart disease (VHD) is a condition characterized by degeneration and thickening of the heart valves.

  • Interdigital dermatitis, also known as pododermatitis, is an inflammation of the paws involving the feet and nails.

  • Congenital elbow luxation - is a dislocation of the elbow joint.

  • Hydrocephalus is a neurological disease in which there is excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid within the ventricular system of the brain.

    In addition, the Pekingese is prone to difficulty delivering puppies, dwarfism, facial fold dermatitis, and Sertoli cell tumors.


    Life Span

    The Pekingese has a life span of approximately 13 to 15 years.


    We realize that each dog is unique and may display other characteristics. This profile provides generally accepted breed information only.

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