Pekingese Dogs: Differences Between Males and Females

The Pekingese or "Peke" is one of the most popular breeds of toy dogs in North America and Europe. As its name suggests, the Pekingese originated in China and were thought to drive away evil spirits. At one point, they could only be owned by the Chinese Imperial family. Only five Pekingese survived the 1860 British sacking of Peking, now called Beijing. Males and females are very much alike in terms of temperament, health, rate of growth and grooming demands, but are there are some notable differences.

Weight

Unlike many other dog breed associations, those for the Pekingese do not have a minimum weight for male dogs or female dogs. Both sexes range in size anywhere from a few pounds up to 14 pounds, notes the American Kennel Club. Although both males and females may tip the scales over 14 lbs, these dogs are not eligible to be shown but still can make wonderful pets. Females tend to be smaller than males, points out "Pekingese: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Behavior and Training" (Barron's; 1996.)

Coat

Both male and female Pekes sport a double-layered coat. Female Pekingese tend to have thinner coats than males, according to "Pekingese: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Behavior and Training." But when a female Peke is in heat, or in estrus, she may lose her undercoat due to the sudden hormone changes in her body. This hair loss may happen suddenly. Females come into heat about every six months, which is yet another good reason to get them spayed. Females destined for the show ring, which cannot be spayed in order to compete, may need to take hormone therapy in order to suppress their heat cycle.

Urinating in the House

Male Pekes, especially unneutered males or males with their testicles still intact, instinctively mark their territories by urinating on vertical objects like trees, chair legs, bookcases or bedposts. Females squat to urinate. They also can drip bloody discharge when in season, but this only happens a few weeks out of the year while males pee many times a day.

Getting into a squatting position can take a Peke longer than just cocking a hind leg. If an owner sees the leg cocking, the dog has already urinated. But if an owner sees a dog starting to squat, he can yell for the dog to stop and carry the Peke to an appropriate toilet area. This makes females easier to housetrain than males, notes "Pekingese: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Behavior and Training."

Availability

It is easier to find a male Pekingese than a female available for sale or for adoption. Breeders tend to hang onto females as they can produce puppies, while males are sold. Pekingese dog rescue organizations such as Pekingese Charitable Foundation, Inc. explain that males are more often abandoned or relinquished by previous owners than females. Females offered from breeders are often at least $50 more expensive than males. After being spayed or neutered, a Pekingese of either sex can make a wonderful companion.

References

"Pekingese: Everything about Purchase, Care, Nutrition, Behavior and Training"; D. Caroline Coile and Michele Earle-Bridges. Barron's; 1996

Dog Breed Info: Pekingese http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/pekingese.htm

American Kennel Club: Pekingese; March 2, 2004 http://www.akc.org/breeds/pekingese/

Pekingese Charitable Foundation, Inc.: News http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/TX705.html

Pekingese Rescue http://www.pekingeserescue.com/