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Pet Insurance for Pekingese

Find out all about Pekingese and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.

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, updated on September 29th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500 –$3,000

Height

15cm - 23cm

Weight

3.2kg - 5kg

Personality

Affectionate, loyal, sensitive

Coat length

Long, thick

Exercise needs

Low

Kid-friendly?

No

Life expectancy

12 - 14 years

Pekingese

Overview

The Pekingese, often called the ‘Lion Dog,’ is a regal and independent breed originating from China. They are believed to have originated over 2,000 years ago, and are thought to be related to the Lhasa Apso and the Shih Tzu. They were originally bred by the Chinese imperial family and were considered to be sacred animals. They were often given as gifts to foreign dignitaries and were highly prized for their beauty and intelligence. Pekingese dogs were first introduced to the West in the late 19th century and quickly became popular among European royalty. 

They are known for their long, thick coats, short legs, and flat faces. Pekingese are typically affectionate with their family members, and tend to bond with one person in particular, but they can be aloof and shy with strangers. They are also relatively low-energy dogs, and do not require a lot of exercise due to their flat noses and restricted breathing, known as brachycephalic airway syndrome  

Their long thick coat requires regular detailed grooming. Their coats should be brushed several times a week to prevent matting and tangles. Pekingese dogs are known for their dignified and loyal nature. They make excellent companions for older individuals or families without children in quieter living environments, as they do not cope well with lots of noise or unpredictable routine. 

Common diseases and conditions of Pekingese

  • Brachycephalic airway syndrome (BAS): BAS is a respiratory condition that is common in dogs with short noses and flat faces, such as Pekingese. BAS can cause difficulty breathing, snoring, and coughing. In severe cases, it can lead to heart failure.
  • Eye problems: Pekingese are prone to a number of eye problems, including corneal ulcers, dry eye, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). PRA is a degenerative eye disease that can eventually lead to blindness.
  • Patellar luxation: Patellar luxation is a condition in which the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal groove. This can cause pain and lameness.
  • Dental disease: Pekingese are prone to dental disease, which can lead to tooth loss and other health problems.
  • Skin infections: Pekingese are also prone to skin infections, especially in the folds of their skin.

Breed-specific issues:  

Their independent nature may require patient training, and they prefer a calm and relaxed atmosphere. They are sensitive dogs who may suffer from separation anxiety if they are away from their owners. This can lead to excessive barking and destructive behaviour, such as chewing.

How much does pet insurance cost for a Pekingese?

Most Australians can expect to pay between $20 and $60 a month for pet insurance. There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your dog, which is why it's important to compare pet insurance policies. Factors affecting the cost of your insurance include: 

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type of insurance available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub-limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for the best policies available.   
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.
  • Gap-only insurance options: Some insurance companies offer a gap-only insurance option, which means when you go to the vet you'll only be required to pay the gap amount, not the cost of the whole bill. This is similar to the Medicare system of health insurance for humans in Australia, where gap payments can be made at HICAPS terminals at the time of treatment. 

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Pekingese

How often should I groom my Pekingese?

Pekingese have long, thick coats that require regular grooming. Brushing your Pekingese several times a week will help prevent matting and tangles. You should also trim your Pekingese's nails regularly and clean their ears. 

How much exercise does a Pekingese need?

Pekingese are relatively low-energy dogs and do not require a lot of exercise. A short daily walk of 10-20 minutes is usually sufficient for most Pekingese. They should not be over-exercised due to their tendency to have breathing difficulties.  

Are Pekingese good with young children?

Pekingese can be affectionate towards small children, but they are not a breed suitable for a household with noisy and boisterous kids. It is important to supervise all interactions with children as they are tiny, delicate dogs and can be easily injured by rough play. It is also important to teach children how to interact with these small, sensitive dogs respectfully. 

Do Pekingese bark a lot?

Yes, Pekingese are known for barking a lot. They are alert dogs and have a loud voice for such a small dog. They might use this insistent bark when they think something is a threat, or there’s a change of routine, or they see someone they don’t know. Pekingese can also bark out of boredom, frustration, or fear. 

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Pekingese

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