Pekingese
Trait scores
Health risk profile
Conditions below are ranked by documented prevalence and severity in the Pekingese. Risk level drives both veterinary costs and insurance pricing.
| Condition | Risk | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) | high | Severely shortened airways limit exercise and heat tolerance; anesthesia risk is elevated. |
| Eye injuries and ulcers | high | Very prominent eyes scratch and ulcerate easily; inspect daily and keep facial folds clean. |
| Intervertebral disc disease | moderate | Long-backed, short-legged build raises disc risk; manage jumping and weight. |
| Patellar luxation | moderate | Kneecap slippage occurs at typical toy-breed rates. |
| Mitral valve disease | moderate | Heart murmurs are common in seniors; monitor with annual cardiac checks. |
Pet insurance for a Pekingese
Insurers price a Pekingese from the breed's documented claims profile — here, 2 high-risk conditions, led by Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS) and Eye injuries and ulcers. Enrolling early matters more than shopping hard: no carrier covers a condition once it is diagnosed.
Annual cost of ownership
Excluding insurance, the recurring cost of a Pekingese is driven by how much it eats — which scales with body weight — and how much grooming it needs. At 8–14 lbs and a grooming score of 4/5, the Pekingese sits well above the average dog on grooming spend. Chronic conditions from the risk table above can add substantially to the medical side of the budget — one reason breed-matched insurance matters. For the component-by-component breakdown, see the average cost of owning a dog, and model your own numbers with thecost of ownership calculator.
About the Pekingese
The Pekingese was bred for the imperial court of China, where theft of one was punishable by death, and it has never forgotten its station. It is dignified, affectionate with its own people, and stubbornly independent in training — a lap dog with a lion's opinion of itself. Exercise needs are minimal, which suits its flat face: heat is genuinely dangerous, and snoring is guaranteed. The profuse coat needs regular brushing, and the eyes need daily attention. Insurance reflects that: airway and eye claims are frequent. Suits calm households and devoted homebodies.
Origin: China (Imperial court of Beijing)
Temperament
Related reading for Pekingese owners
Pekingese FAQ
How long do Pekingeses live?
The typical Pekingese lifespan is 12–14 years. Diet, weight management, and screening for the breed's known hereditary conditions have the largest measurable effect on longevity.
How much does pet insurance cost for a Pekingese?
There is no published breed-level price for pet insurance, so we do not quote one. NAPHIA's 2026 industry report puts the US average at $836 a year — about $70 a month — for accident-and-illness coverage on a dog, and insurers price above or below that line based on your dog's age, your ZIP code, and the plan you configure. The Pekingese carries 2 documented high-risk conditions, which is the main reason a Pekingese policy prices above the national average. For real numbers, request quotes for your dog's exact age and ZIP code.
Is the Pekingese a good apartment dog?
Yes. With an energy level of 2/5 and a small build, the Pekingese adapts well to apartment living provided it gets daily walks.
What health problems are Pekingeses prone to?
The most significant documented risks are Brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS), Eye injuries and ulcers, Intervertebral disc disease. Ask breeders for the relevant health clearances and budget for insurance early, before any condition becomes pre-existing.