Breeding Pekingese

Complete Guide for Responsible Breeders

Breeding Pekingese requires specialized knowledge of brachycephalic whelping challenges, IVDD genetic screening, and the unique structural priorities of this ancient Chinese breed. With a 43.8% C-section rate and extremely high intervertebral disc disease prevalence, Pekingese breeding demands careful health testing, planned surgical deliveries, and financial preparation for small litters averaging just three puppies.

Breed Overview

The Pekingese is an ancient breed created exclusively for the ruling classes of China, where these sacred dogs lived within the imperial palace for centuries. Stealing a Pekingese was punishable by death, reflecting their revered status. The breed came to the Western world in 1860 after British forces looted the Imperial Palace in Beijing, bringing several Pekingese to England. Like the closely related Shih Tzu, which shares ancient Chinese heritage and similar brachycephalic anatomy, the Pekingese was first classified in England in 1898 and officially recognized by the AKC in 1907.

The Pekingese currently ranks 49th in AKC popularity with stable registration trends. As members of the Toy Group, these dogs were never working animals—their sole purpose was imperial companionship. The Pekingese Club of America serves as the national parent club, providing breed education and breeder support resources.

This ancient heritage brings specific breeding considerations, particularly regarding brachycephalic anatomy that affects whelping, respiratory health, and structural soundness despite the breed's distinctive flat face and massive skull.

Breed Standard Summary for Breeders

The Pekingese is a compact toy companion with regal bearing and a distinctive rolling gait. When evaluating breeding stock, breeders must prioritize the massive, broad, flat skull that forms the characteristic rectangular envelope-shaped head. This head type is non-negotiable in the standard and directly impacts the breed's identity.

Size specifications: Both males and females stand 6-9 inches at the shoulder and weigh 7-14 pounds. Weight over 14 pounds is a disqualification that removes a dog from breeding consideration.

Disqualifications:

• Weight over 14 pounds
• Dudley, liver, or gray nose
• Albinism

Serious faults affecting breeding decisions:

• Light bone or leggy appearance
• Narrow chest
• Poor gait
• Overshot or undershot bite with loss of seal

Key breeding priorities: The standard emphasizes the massive, broad, flat skull with correct envelope shape as paramount. Heavy bone and substance for size separate quality specimens from lighter-boned individuals. The distinctive rolling gait over the shoulders must be free, strong, and unhurried. Body proportions should be slightly longer than tall. Despite brachycephalic features, sound structure and movement are essential—breeding for extreme type that compromises health is never acceptable.

The Pekingese should exhibit regal temperament and a self-important carriage that reflects centuries as palace companions.

Reproductive Profile

Pekingese litters average 3 puppies, with a typical range of 1-7. This small litter size is characteristic of toy breeds but has significant economic implications—fixed breeding costs are spread across fewer puppies, requiring higher individual pricing to achieve profitability.

The C-section rate for Pekingese is 43.8%, making surgical whelping a common necessity rather than an emergency. This rate is driven by feto-pelvic disproportion, where large puppy heads relative to the narrow maternal pelvis create mechanical dystocia. Brachycephalic anatomy further complicates natural whelping, as the flat-faced structure contributes to respiratory stress during labor. Many experienced Pekingese breeders plan elective C-sections to avoid emergency situations.

Fertility challenges specific to the breed:

• High C-section rate requires veterinary relationships and surgical planning
• Large puppy heads increase dystocia risk even in smaller litters
• Brachycephalic dams may struggle with labor stress and breathing
• Small litter sizes may produce oversized individual puppies
• Dams may have difficulty cleaning puppies due to flat facial structure

Progesterone monitoring for optimal breeding timing is essential given the high stakes of each pregnancy. Natural breeding is preferred when conformation allows, but artificial insemination (fresh or chilled) is commonly used when size or structural differences between breeding partners make natural mating difficult.

Breeding Age and Timeline

Female Pekingese typically experience first heat at 6-10 months, though timing varies by individual. The recommended first breeding age is 18-24 months for females and 12-18 months for males, allowing time for complete health testing and physical maturity.

OFA requires dogs to be 24 months old for permanent hip evaluations, though preliminary evaluations can be done earlier. For Pekingese, cardiac evaluations should begin before breeding and continue annually, as mitral valve disease prevalence increases with age.

Complete breeding timeline:

1. 12-18 months: Begin health testing (cardiac, eye exam, patella)
2. 18-24 months: Complete all CHIC requirements and DNA tests
3. 24+ months: First breeding after full health clearances
4. Track heats: Monitor cycle regularity for 2-3 cycles before breeding
5. 58-63 days gestation: Plan elective C-section window
6. 10-12 weeks: Extended puppy placement age

Maximum recommended litters per female is 4 over a lifetime. Breeding retirement age is typically 6-8 years, considering the physical demands of pregnancy and the risks associated with brachycephalic anatomy in older dams.

Given the high C-section rate and small litters, Pekingese breeders should carefully space litters to allow full recovery between pregnancies.

Required Health Testing

The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) requires three specific health clearances for Pekingese breeding stock. These tests address the breed's primary hereditary concerns and should be completed before first breeding.

CHIC-required testing:

Cardiac Evaluation ($95, annual): Screens for mitral valve disease and congenital heart defects. Cardiac auscultation by a board-certified cardiologist or echocardiogram identifies murmurs and structural abnormalities. Mitral valve disease affects over 33% of Pekingese over age 10, making annual monitoring essential for breeding dogs.

Eye Examination by OFA or CERF ($75, annual): Comprehensive ophthalmologic examination screens for progressive retinal atrophy, dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca), corneal ulcers, entropion, and distichiasis. Prominent eyes in brachycephalic breeds require annual monitoring as conditions can develop at any age.

Patellar Luxation Evaluation ($65, one-time): Orthopedic examination for medial and lateral patellar luxation, common in toy breeds. Grades range from 1 (mild, occasional luxation) to 4 (permanent dislocation). Only dogs with normal patellas or grade 1 luxation should be considered for breeding.

Additional recommended testing beyond CHIC minimum:

PRA DNA Test ($75, one-time): Identifies carriers and affected dogs for progressive retinal atrophy gene variants. Autosomal recessive inheritance means two carriers produce affected puppies—DNA testing prevents producing blind dogs.

CDDY/IVDD DNA Test ($55, one-time): Screens for the chondrodystrophy mutation associated with intervertebral disc disease. Pekingese have extremely high IVDD prevalence (85%), and this DNA test identifies dogs carrying the risk allele. While nearly all Pekingese carry at least one copy, knowing genotype informs breeding decisions.

Hip Dysplasia (OFA or PennHIP) ($50, one-time at 24+ months): Though not CHIC-required for Pekingese, hip evaluation identifies structural abnormalities that can contribute to mobility issues, especially important in a breed already predisposed to spinal disease.

Total estimated testing cost per breeding dog: $365 for CHIC requirements, or $545 including recommended DNA tests.

Hereditary Health Conditions

Pekingese are predisposed to several hereditary conditions that breeding programs must actively manage through health testing and selective breeding.

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

Prevalence: Very high—Pekingese are among the highest-risk breeds, with approximately 85% carrying the CDDY mutation.

Inheritance: Autosomal dominant for the chondrodystrophy (CDDY) mutation that causes premature disc degeneration.

DNA Test: Available through multiple laboratories. Nearly all Pekingese carry at least one copy of the risk allele.

Clinical Signs: Back pain, reluctance to move, paralysis, loss of bladder/bowel control, disc herniation requiring emergency surgery.

Age of Onset: Most commonly 3-7 years, though can occur at any age.

Breeding Impact: While avoiding all CDDY carriers would eliminate the breed, breeders should track IVDD incidence in their lines, avoid breeding dogs with early-onset disease, and educate puppy buyers about weight management and activity restriction to reduce risk.

Mitral Valve Disease

Prevalence: Common—affects over 33% of Pekingese over age 10.

Inheritance: Polygenic with strong breed predisposition. Similar to the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, which has severe mitral valve disease prevalence, Pekingese breeders must take cardiac health seriously.

DNA Test: Not available. Annual cardiac examinations are the only screening method.

Clinical Signs: Heart murmur, exercise intolerance, coughing, difficulty breathing, congestive heart failure in advanced cases.

Age of Onset: Middle to senior years (6+ years), earlier in predisposed individuals.

Breeding Impact: Dogs with murmurs detected before age 5 should be removed from breeding programs. Annual cardiac clearances throughout breeding career are essential.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

Prevalence: Moderate—inherited condition documented in the breed.

Inheritance: Autosomal recessive.

DNA Test: Available. Carrier-to-carrier breedings produce 25% affected puppies who will go blind.

Clinical Signs: Night blindness progressing to complete vision loss, dilated pupils, reflective eyes in photographs.

Age of Onset: 3-5 years with gradual progression.

Breeding Impact: DNA test all breeding stock. Never breed carrier-to-carrier. Carriers can be bred to clear dogs, producing no affected puppies.

Patellar Luxation

Prevalence: Common, especially medial luxation due to toy breed conformation.

Inheritance: Polygenic/multifactorial.

DNA Test: Not available. Palpation examination is required.

Clinical Signs: Intermittent lameness, skipping gait, kneecap dislocation, arthritis development.

Age of Onset: Can be present from birth or develop in young adults.

Breeding Impact: Grade 2 or higher luxation removes a dog from breeding consideration. Even grade 1 should be bred only to dogs with normal patellas.

Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (Dry Eye)

Prevalence: Common—breed predisposed due to prominent eyes and brachycephalic conformation.

Inheritance: Unknown/multifactorial.

DNA Test: Not available.

Clinical Signs: Insufficient tear production, itchy and infected eyes, corneal ulceration, mucoid discharge.

Age of Onset: Any age, often middle-aged adults.

Breeding Impact: Annual eye exams detect early cases. Dogs with severe dry eye should be removed from breeding programs.

Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome

Prevalence: Very common (approximately 90%)—inherent to breed conformation.

Inheritance: Polygenic, related to skull shape and soft tissue proportions.

DNA Test: Not available.

Clinical Signs: Noisy breathing, exercise intolerance, heat sensitivity, respiratory distress, snoring.

Age of Onset: Present from birth, worsens with age and weight gain.

Breeding Impact: While the flat face defines the breed, select for open nares, adequate nostril size, and avoid extreme brachycephaly. The breed standard requires sound structure despite brachycephalic features—breeding for health within type is essential. Similar respiratory challenges affect Pugs, which share comparable brachycephalic anatomy and C-section rates.

Color and Coat Genetics

The Pekingese breed standard accepts a wide range of colors and patterns, giving breeders flexibility in color selection while avoiding only liver and albino variants.

AKC accepted colors: Red, fawn, gold, sable, cream, black, white, black and tan, parti-color, brindle, and gray/blue are all accepted. This variety reflects the breed's ancient heritage and diverse gene pool.

Disqualifying colors:

• Liver (brown pigmentation from homozygous bb genotype)
• Albino (complete absence of pigment)

Relevant genetic loci:

• E locus (Extension): Controls distribution of black pigment versus red/yellow pigment
• A locus (Agouti): Controls pattern of pigment distribution (solid, sable, tan points)
• K locus (Dominant Black): Determines whether agouti patterns are expressed or overridden by solid coloring
• D locus (Dilution): Creates blue/gray from black through pigment dilution
• S locus (Spotting): Creates parti-color patterns with white areas
• B locus (Brown): Liver pigmentation is disqualifying and must be avoided

Health-linked color considerations:

Dilute colors (blue/gray from dd genotype) carry potential for dilute alopecia, though this is less commonly reported in Pekingese compared to other breeds. Breeders working with dilutes should monitor coat quality and skin health.

Extensive white or parti-color patterns with white extending to the ears may increase deafness risk, though this is rare in Pekingese. BAER hearing testing is available for parti-colored dogs if concerns arise.

Breeding color predictions: The Pekingese color genetics are medium complexity. Most common breeding combinations:

• Red/fawn x red/fawn: Produces reds and fawns (may carry dilute or other hidden genes)
• Black x black: Produces blacks (may produce reds if both carry e/e)
• Parti x parti: Produces parti-colors (white spotting inherited separately from base color)

Avoid breeding liver-pigmented dogs (brown nose, brown coat), as this is a disqualification. Any dog with liver pigmentation should be removed from breeding programs regardless of other qualities.

Selecting Breeding Stock

Selecting Pekingese breeding stock requires balancing breed-typical conformation priorities with health clearances and temperament assessment. The massive skull and heavy bone that define the breed must be achieved without compromising soundness.

Conformation priorities:

Massive, broad, flat skull with correct envelope shape: This is the hallmark of breed type. The skull should be broad between the ears, flat on top, and create the rectangular envelope when viewed from the front. Narrow or domed skulls are incorrect and detract from breed character.

Heavy bone and low-to-ground structure: Substantial bone creates the breed's dignified appearance. Light bone or leggy appearance is a serious fault and should be selected against.

Correct body proportions: Slightly longer than tall. Square or excessively long bodies lack proper balance.

Sound movement with characteristic roll: The rolling gait over the shoulders is distinctive and must be present. Poor movement indicates structural problems.

Excellent front assembly with well-laid shoulders: Proper shoulder angulation supports correct movement and prevents unsound fronts.

Strong rear angulation despite short legs: Adequate rear drive requires proper angulation even in a low-stationed breed.

Common faults to select against:

• Light bone, leggy appearance (detracts from breed substance)
• Narrow or domed skull (lacks correct head type)
• Pinched nostrils (exacerbates breathing issues)
• Poor gait without proper roll (indicates structural problems)
• Narrow chest (compromises respiratory capacity)
• Overshot or undershot bite with loss of seal (serious fault)
• Excessive weight approaching or exceeding 14 lbs (weight over 14 lbs is DQ)

Temperament evaluation:

Assess for breed-typical regal dignity, intelligence, and self-importance balanced with affection toward family. The Pekingese should be confident and opinionated but never mean-spirited. Avoid extreme shyness, unprovoked aggression, or hyperactive temperament.

Temperament is heritable—breeding from stable, confident dogs with appropriate Pekingese attitude produces puppies with correct breed character.

Genetic diversity considerations:

The breed's average coefficient of inbreeding (COI) is 12%, which indicates moderate inbreeding. Target COI for individual breedings should be under 6.25% to maintain genetic diversity and reduce risk of inherited disorders.

Use pedigree analysis software or work with geneticists to calculate COI before breeding. Outcrossing to less-related lines helps maintain genetic health while preserving breed type.

Stud selection:

Stud fees for Pekingese typically range from $500-$1,500 depending on the stud's show record, health clearances, and proven production. When selecting a stud:

• Verify all CHIC health clearances are current
• Review DNA test results for PRA and CDDY/IVDD
• Evaluate cardiac status (no murmurs, especially before age 5)
• Assess conformation strengths that complement the dam
• Review produce from previous breedings for consistency
• Calculate projected COI for the breeding

Given the small litter sizes and high whelping costs, stud selection should prioritize health and proven production quality over cost savings.

Whelping and Neonatal Care

Whelping Pekingese requires specialized preparation for the high probability of cesarean section. With a 43.8% C-section rate, surgical delivery should be planned rather than treated as an emergency.

Planned C-section considerations:

Feto-pelvic disproportion (large puppy heads relative to narrow maternal pelvis) makes dystocia extremely common. Brachycephalic dams struggle with labor stress and breathing difficulties during prolonged whelping attempts. Small litter sizes may produce oversized individual puppies that cannot pass through the birth canal.

Many experienced Pekingese breeders schedule elective C-sections around day 61-62 of gestation based on progesterone timing, avoiding emergency surgery in the middle of the night. This planned approach allows:

• Scheduling with a familiar veterinarian during regular hours
• Preparing recovery space and supplies in advance
• Reducing maternal stress from prolonged unproductive labor
• Better puppy outcomes from controlled delivery timing

Breed-specific whelping complications:

• Dystocia (difficult birth) extremely common due to head size
• Respiratory compromise in brachycephalic dams during labor
• Dams may have difficulty cleaning puppies due to flat face structure
• Small litter size increases individual puppy size
• Post-surgical recovery requires close monitoring due to brachycephalic airway concerns

Birth weights and early growth:

Average birth weight is 2.5-3.5 oz for females and 3-4 oz for males. These tiny puppies require vigilant monitoring during the first week.

Daily weight gain target is 5-10% of body weight per day, approximately 5 oz per week. Puppies should be weighed twice daily for the first two weeks to detect failure to thrive early.

Neonatal care essentials:

• Maintain whelping box temperature at 85-90°F for the first week
• Monitor nursing carefully—flat-faced dams may need help positioning puppies
• Supplemental tube feeding may be necessary for weak or small puppies
• Watch for fading puppy syndrome (failure to gain weight, hypothermia, weakness)
• Neonatal mortality risk is higher in toy breeds; early intervention is critical

Dewclaw, tail, and ear practices:

The Pekingese is shown naturally with no alterations. Dewclaws are not removed, tails are not docked, and ears are not cropped. Breed tradition and standard specify natural presentation.

Puppy Development Milestones

Pekingese puppies develop on a slower timeline than larger breeds, requiring extended time with the breeder before placement.

Growth and development timeline:

Weaning occurs at 6-7 weeks when puppies are eating solid food reliably and no longer nursing frequently. The extended go-home age of 10-12 weeks is recommended for Pekingese to allow additional socialization and structural development. This extra time:

• Ensures puppies are eating well independently
• Allows evaluation of structural development
• Provides critical socialization during the sensitive period
• Gives breeders time to assess show vs pet quality

Adult size is reached at 9-12 months, though coat development continues longer. The luxurious double coat requires months to fully mature.

Evaluation timing:

Initial structural evaluation at 8-10 weeks identifies obvious show prospects versus pet quality. Final evaluation at 6 months reassesses as structure matures. Skull development, bite, movement, and temperament are all considered.

Socialization window:

The critical socialization period is 3-14 weeks. During this time, puppies should be exposed to:

• Household sounds (vacuum, TV, dishwasher)
• Different surfaces (carpet, tile, grass, gravel)
• Gentle handling by multiple people
• Other healthy, vaccinated dogs
• Grooming procedures (nail trimming, brushing, bathing)

Proper socialization during this window produces confident adult dogs with stable temperaments.

Breeding Economics

Breeding Pekingese is expensive relative to revenue due to small litter sizes and high whelping costs. Understanding the complete financial picture is essential before breeding.

Fixed costs per litter (average 3 puppies):

Health testing (dam): $365 for CHIC requirements, or $545 including recommended DNA tests. These costs are amortized over the dam's breeding career (4 litters maximum = $91-136 per litter).

Stud fee: $800 average. Top-quality proven studs command higher fees.

Progesterone testing: $200 for 3-4 tests to pinpoint optimal breeding timing. Essential for maximizing conception rates in small litters.

Prenatal care: $300 for veterinary exams, ultrasound confirmation, nutritional support.

Whelping costs: Natural whelping $200 if successful, but C-section $1,800 is common (43.8% of litters). Budget for surgical delivery.

Puppy veterinary costs: $150 per puppy x 3 = $450 for initial exam, dewormings, first vaccines.

Food and supplies: $250 for premium puppy food, whelping supplies, bedding, toys.

Registration and marketing: $150 for AKC litter registration and individual puppy registrations.

Total cost per litter (C-section): Approximately $4,315

Revenue:

Average pet-quality puppy price: $1,500

Average show-quality puppy price: $3,500

Average litter revenue (3 pet puppies): $4,500

Net analysis:

With a 3-puppy litter at $1,500 each and C-section whelping, net profit is approximately $185 per litter. This narrow margin means:

• Even one puppy loss significantly impacts profitability
• Show-quality puppies held back for evaluation reduce revenue
• Any complications or extended veterinary care eliminate profit
• Natural whelping improves economics ($1,785 profit)

Economic reality:

Pekingese breeding is not financially lucrative. Breeders are compensated primarily through show wins, preservation breeding satisfaction, and the premium pricing of exceptional show prospects. Pet-quality litters barely break even after accounting for time, facilities, and the value of the breeding female.

Breeder Resources

The Pekingese Club of America serves as the national parent club, offering extensive breeder education, mentorship programs, and breed preservation initiatives. Visit https://pekingeseclubofamerica.com/ for:

• Breeder referral listings
• Code of ethics
• Health and genetics resources
• Regional club contacts

AKC breeder programs:

AKC Breeder of Merit: Recognizes dedicated breeders who health test, title dogs, and maintain excellent records. Pekingese breeders achieving BOM status demonstrate commitment to breed quality.

AKC Bred with H.E.A.R.T.: Health testing, Education, Accountability, Responsibility, and Tradition program highlights breeders meeting comprehensive standards.

Recommended books:

• "The New Pekingese" by Nigel Aubrey-Jones (comprehensive breed history and standard interpretation)
• "The Complete Pekingese" by Mary de Pledge (classic reference covering all aspects of the breed)
• "Pekingese: A Complete and Reliable Handbook" (practical breeding and care guide)

Online communities:

• Pekingese Club of America Facebook Group (parent club's official social media presence)
• Pekingese Breeders Network (private group for established breeders sharing health data and breeding strategies)
• AKC Toy Group Breeder Forum (cross-breed discussions on toy group breeding topics)

Mentorship:

New Pekingese breeders are strongly encouraged to connect with established mentors through the parent club. Experienced breeders provide guidance on:

• C-section planning and neonatal care
• Skull and structure evaluation
• Managing IVDD risk in breeding programs
• Show handling and presentation
• Long-term breeding program planning

The Pekingese community values preservation breeding and welcomes dedicated newcomers willing to invest in health testing and breed education.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many puppies do Pekingese typically have?

Pekingese typically have 3 puppies per litter, with a range of 1-7. This small litter size is characteristic of toy breeds and significantly impacts breeding economics, as fixed costs (health testing, stud fee, C-section) are spread across fewer puppies. Litters of 1-2 puppies are not uncommon and may produce larger individual puppy sizes that increase whelping difficulty.

Do Pekingese need C-sections?

Yes, Pekingese have a 43.8% C-section rate, making surgical delivery very common. Feto-pelvic disproportion (large puppy heads relative to narrow maternal pelvis) creates mechanical dystocia. Many experienced breeders plan elective C-sections around day 61-62 of gestation rather than waiting for emergency surgery. Brachycephalic anatomy also causes dams to struggle with respiratory stress during labor, making planned surgical delivery safer.

What health tests are required for breeding Pekingese?

CHIC requires three tests: annual cardiac evaluation ($95), annual eye examination ($75), and one-time patellar luxation evaluation ($65). Additional recommended tests include PRA DNA test ($75) and CDDY/IVDD DNA test ($55) to screen for progressive retinal atrophy and intervertebral disc disease risk. Total testing costs $235-365 per dog. All tests should be completed before first breeding.

How much does it cost to breed Pekingese?

A typical Pekingese litter costs approximately $4,315 including health testing ($365), stud fee ($800), progesterone testing ($200), prenatal care ($300), C-section ($1,800), puppy vet care ($450), food/supplies ($250), and registration ($150). With an average litter of 3 puppies selling for $1,500 each ($4,500 revenue), net profit is minimal at $185 per litter. Natural whelping improves economics but only occurs in about 56% of litters.

At what age can you breed a Pekingese?

Female Pekingese should be bred at 18-24 months after completing all health testing and reaching physical maturity. Males can be used at stud at 12-18 months. OFA requires dogs to be 24 months for permanent hip evaluations. Breeding before health testing is complete risks producing puppies with hereditary conditions. Maximum breeding age is typically 6-8 years with no more than 4 litters per female lifetime.

How much do Pekingese puppies cost?

Pet-quality Pekingese puppies average $1,500, while show-quality puppies from health-tested parents command $3,500 or more. Pricing reflects the high cost of health testing, planned C-sections, small litter sizes, and extensive puppy care during the extended 10-12 week placement timeline. Puppies from champion bloodlines or rare colors may be priced higher.

What are the most common health problems in Pekingese?

The most common health problems are intervertebral disc disease (85% prevalence), brachycephalic airway syndrome (90% prevalence), mitral valve disease (over 33% in dogs over 10), patellar luxation (40% prevalence), dry eye/keratoconjunctivitis sicca (30% prevalence), and progressive retinal atrophy (15% prevalence). IVDD is the primary concern, with a DNA test available for the CDDY mutation that causes premature disc degeneration.

Is breeding Pekingese profitable?

Breeding Pekingese is minimally profitable due to small litter sizes (average 3 puppies) and high C-section costs ($1,800). A typical litter generates approximately $185 net profit after expenses. Natural whelping improves profitability to about $1,785, but only occurs in 56% of litters. Show-quality puppies held for evaluation or losses from complications can eliminate profit entirely. Most breeders are motivated by breed preservation and show competition rather than financial gain.

How do you prevent IVDD in Pekingese?

While IVDD cannot be entirely prevented due to the breed's chondrodystrophic conformation (nearly all Pekingese carry the CDDY mutation), breeders can reduce risk by DNA testing to identify genotypes, avoiding breeding dogs with early-onset IVDD (before age 5), maintaining proper weight in breeding stock and puppies, and educating puppy buyers about exercise restriction (avoiding jumping, stairs), weight management, and early intervention at first signs of back pain. Track IVDD incidence across generations to identify lines with better outcomes.

What is the correct weight for a breeding Pekingese?

Breeding Pekingese should weigh 7-14 pounds, with anything over 14 pounds being a breed disqualification. Within this range, dogs should have heavy bone and substantial body weight for their frame without being fat. Excess weight increases IVDD risk and whelping complications, while insufficient weight may indicate light bone (a serious fault). Ideal weight varies by individual frame size—evaluate body condition score rather than focusing solely on the number on the scale.