General Appearance and Characteristics

Its quaint and individual expression suggests the Chinese origin of the breed. The Pekingese resembles a lion in direction and independence. Courage, boldness and independence is implied rather than prettiness, daintiness or delicacy.

Head and Skull

The wide, broad, massive skull is flat between the ears and wide between the eyes. The stop is deep. The wrinkled muzzle is very short and broad; not overshot or pointed. The underjaw is strong and broad; the teeth do not show. Faults: Dome-shaped skull. Protruding tongue. TEETH - A full complement of strong, white teeth meet in a level or slightly undershot bite. A strong underjaw is essential. Faults: Overshot bite. Wry mouth. EYES - The large, prominent, round eyes are dark and lustrous. Fault: Badly blemished eyes. NOSE - The broad, very short, flat nose is black in color. Disqualification: Dudley nose. EARS - The heart-shaped ears have long feathers. They are not set too high nor carried erect, but are drooping. The ear leather is never long enough to come below the muzzle.

Forequarters

FORELEGS - The forelegs are short and firm at the shoulder. The bones of the forearm are bowed.

Body

The body is heavy in front, and not too long overall. Allowance is to be made for the longer body that is found in the bitches. The back is level. The broad chest falls away and is lighter behind, lion like. The ribs are well sprung.

Hindquarters

HIND LEGS - The firm, well-shaped hind legs are lighter than the forelegs.

Feet

The feet are flat, not round. The dog stands well up on its feet, not on the pasterns. The front feet may be slightly turned out. The hind feet are smaller and turn neither in nor out.

Tail

The tail is set high and lies well over the back to either side.

Coat

The breed is double coated. The long, straight, flat outer coat is rather coarse but soft. The undercoat is thick. Long, profuse feathers are found on the thighs, legs, tail and toes. A profuse mane forms a ruff or frill around the neck and extends beyond the shoulder blades. Faults: Curly or wavy outer coat.

Color

All colors are allowed and must be well defined. These include: red, fawn, black, black and tan, sable, brindle, white and parti-color. A solid colored dog with white feet and white on the chest is not a parti-color. The coloring of a parti-color is broken on the body, and no large portions of any one color exists. White should be shown on the saddle. Black masks and spectacles around the eyes, with lines to the ears, are desirable. Disqualification: Albinism.

Size and Weight

The Pekingese is a medium-sized, toy-type breed. Quality is not to be sacrificed for size. They may not go over 14 pounds in weight. Disqualification: Over 14 pounds in weight.

Gait

Action in the forequarters is slow and dignified, with a rolling gait caused by the heavier front. Action in the hindquarters is close, steady and free. Overall soundness is essential.

Disqualifications

Unilateral or bilateral cryptorchid. Viciousness or extreme shyness. Albinism. Over 14 pounds in weight. Dudley nose.