How long do Pekingeses live?

The median lifespan of the Pekingese is 13.3 years, based on the 2024 McMillan et al. study of 584,734 UK dogs.

What health problems do Pekingeses have?

Commonly reported conditions in the Pekingese include BOAS, IVDD, Corneal ulcers, Skin fold dermatitis, Dental disease.

Is the Pekingese a healthy breed?

On the Breed Health Score the Pekingese scores 71 out of 100 (grade B), compared with an average of 71 across 155 breeds.

71/ 100

Pekingese Grade B

Median lifespani 13.3 yr · toy · 3-6 kg · flat-facedi

⇆ Compare Pekingese

The Pekingese is a toy breed with a median lifespan of 13.3 years, which places it around the middle of the 155 breeds we rank for longevity. Commonly reported health conditions include BOAS, IVDD, Corneal ulcers, Skin fold dermatitis. As a flat-faced (brachycephalic) breed it is predisposed to breathing, eye and skin problems. Its overall Breed Health Score is 71/100 (grade B), against an average of 71/100 across all breeds.

Score breakdown

Longevityi 65%

Conformationi 20%

Hereditary burdeni 15%

Higher is healthier. See methodology.

Common & hereditary conditions

BOAS IVDD Corneal ulcers Skin fold dermatitis Dental disease

Red marks a life-threatening or major-welfare condition. Click a condition to see which breeds it affects. This list reflects commonly reported conditions, so better-studied breeds may show more; hereditary burden is the lightest-weighted part of the score. Source: RVC VetCompass / AKC / PDSA (indicative).

Thinking of a Pekingese? A breed's health profile affects insurance cost. Comparing pet insurance early, before any conditions become pre-existing, usually gets the best cover.

Compare with similar-size breeds

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Data & citation. Median lifespan: McMillan, K.M. et al. (2024) "Longevity of companion dog breeds", Scientific Reports (584,734 UK dogs). Data CC-BY 4.0. Source. Machine-readable: developer API. These are independent estimates for comparing breeds, not veterinary advice. Photo: Daniil Kondrashin via Pexels.