How Much Does a Pekingese Dog Cost?

Last Updated on March 3, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

he Pekingese, with its distinctive lion-like mane and squished, wrinkled face, is truly a breed like no other. These small but feisty dogs have captivated the hearts of pet owners for centuries with their affectionate personalities and bold attitudes.

However, while Pekingese make devoted companions, prospective owners must understand the substantial investment – both financial and otherwise – required to properly care for one of these furry friends. From purchase costs to medical bills, Pekingese ownership involves significant planning and commitment.

This in-depth guide examines the many expenses associated with buying and raising a healthy, happy Pekingese dog.

How Much Does a Pekingese Dog Cost?

The upfront cost to purchase a Pekingese from a breeder can range between $500 and $5,000+ depending on factors like age, pedigree, and location. On average, prospective owners can expect to pay:

• $500 to $3,000 for a Pekingese puppy – The price for a Pekingese pup under one year ranges from as low as $500 from a backyard breeder to as high as $3000 or more from a top show dog breeder. Most pet-quality puppies from responsible breeders cost $1,500 to $2,000.
• $200 to $1,500 for an adult Pekingese – For adult dogs over one year, prices typically start around $200 to $500 for a pet from a rescue or shelter. Retired adult show dogs can cost $1,000 to $1,500 or more depending on their pedigree and show career.
• $5000+ for rare coat colors or lineages – Exceptional show prospect puppies from champion bloodlines and unusual colors like white or black can cost upwards of $5,000 and even over $10,000 in some cases. These premium dogs are out of reach for most pet owners.

DogBreedsList.info states that a Pekingese puppy can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 in the USA, with those having an AKC champion bloodline priced between $3,000 to $3,500.

iHeartDogs.com provides regional price ranges for Pekingese puppies in the USA. In the Northeast states like New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania, prices range from $1,200 to $3,000 based on lineage and location.

Adoptapet.com mentions that the cost to adopt a Pekingese is around $300 to cover caring expenses before adoption. In contrast, buying from breeders can be more expensive.

DogTemperament.com indicates that the average price for a Pekingese dog ranges between $750 and $3,000, depending on factors like lineage and quality.

NextDayPets.com reports a median price of $632.50 for Pekingese dogs for sale. This price reflects the cost of a Pekingese with papers but without breeding rights.

Several factors influence where a particular Pekingese falls within those broad price ranges:

• Pedigree and lineage – Puppies from champion show lines and top bloodlines cost far more than mixed breed or unknown pedigrees. Proven ancestry increases value.
• Breeder reputation and location – Well-established, reputable breeders with extensive health testing and support generally charge higher prices. Coat and region also affect pricing.
• Registration papers – Puppies sold as companion pets without breeding rights cost less than those registered through the AKC with pedigree papers.
• Health testing – Puppies from breeders who rigorously test for issues like heart defects and eye disease cost more upfront but have lower lifetime medical risks.
• Age – As expected, younger Pekingese puppies usually cost substantially more than adults over 5 years old.
• Supply and demand – Rare or trendy colors and patterns can greatly increase price due to scarcity and popularity. Unique looks boost value.

In contrast to breeders, most Pekingese rescues and shelters charge far lower adoption fees, typically ranging from just $50 to $400. However, rescue dogs often lack extensive health clearances or pedigree paperwork. Still, they can make wonderful pets at a fraction of the cost.

Initial Costs for New Pekingese Owners

The purchase price is just the beginning. Bringing home a new Pekingese involves many additional purchases to properly welcome them to your family. Prospective owners should budget $500 to $1500 for these startup costs:

• Veterinary care – The initial vet visit for an exam, vaccinations, heartworm test and preventative medication typically totals $300 to $500.
• Supplies – Essentials like food bowls, beds, leashes, collars, grooming tools, and toys can easily run $200 to $500.
• Grooming – With their long fur, Pekingese need regular professional grooming every 4-6 weeks. Plan on investing $300 to $600 for quality grooming supplies and initial grooming services.
• Training – Even well-bred Pekingese often need some formal obedience training, budgeting $150 to $300 for group puppy and manners classes.
• Medical insurance – Pet insurance gives owners financial protection against unpredictable vet costs. Policies range from $30 to $100 per month.

Selecting a healthy, well-bred Pekingese from a responsible breeder from the outset pays off exponentially in reduced medical bills and behavior issues throughout life. Reputable breeders invest heavily in genetic health screening, veterinary care, socialization, and support.

Ongoing Costs of Pekingese Ownership

The regular monthly and annual expenses of food, medical care, grooming, and other necessities for maintaining a healthy, happy Pekingese quickly add up. Realistically factoring these long-term costs into your budget is key.

• Quality food – With their small stomachs, Pekingese don’t eat much, but do best on high-protein, grain-free food costing $30 to $60 per month.
• Grooming – Their long coat requires professional grooming every 4-8 weeks at $40 to $75 per visit, costing $500 to $1000 annually.
• Medical – Annual vet exams, vaccines, heartworm prevention, and bloodwork run ~$300 to $500 each year.
• Insurance – Policies for accident/illness coverage average $300 to $700 per year.
• Supplies/misc. – Estimate another $50 to $100 monthly for treats, toys, license fees, boarding, pet sitting, etc.

Pekingese also commonly develop a number of inherited health conditions. Reputable breeders screen for issues like syringomyelia, hip dysplasia, heart defects, eye diseases, and respiratory problems.

You might also be interested in our articles about the cost of a Shih Tzu, Morkie, or Bernedoodle.

However, even well-bred dogs may still need care for issues like cherry eye, arthritis, or dental disease as they age. Conservatively budgeting $5000+ over a Pekingese’s lifetime for potentially serious medical issues provides important peace of mind.

Tips for Finding an Affordable Pekingese

For many owners, finding a Pekingese within a reasonable budget can be challenging. Here are a few tips for keeping your purchase or adoption price low without sacrificing long-term health and welfare:

• Seek out responsible preservation breeders who emphasize health testing over “show standards” – Avoid puppy mills, retailers, or breeders who can’t provide proof of extensive health screening.
• Consider adopting a young adult Pekingese around 1-3 years old – They are past destructive puppyhood but still have many prime years ahead. Rescues often have many in this ideal age range in need of homes.
• Check local shelters and rescues for adoptable Pekingese – Mixed breed dogs often have lower care costs and unknown medical risks.
• Ask reputable breeders about payment plans or deposits – Some may allow payment arrangements over 6-12 months to spread out costs interest-free.
• Join Pekingese breed email lists and Facebook groups – Reputable owners and breeders sometimes rehome quality adults at reduced prices due to life changes.
• Take advantage of vet, kennel club, or Pekingese rescue referrals to find health-focused breeders committed to fit, long-lived lines.
• Seriously consider pet insurance – Policies reduce the risk of expensive emergency vet bills down the road. Read the fine print to choose adequate coverage limits.

Final Words

With their lavish fur, squashy faces, and lively personalities, Pekingese dogs captivate owners worldwide. However, buying and raising these charming companions requires careful planning and budgeting for their extensive lifetime needs.

By partnering with a responsible breeder, adopting from a trusted rescue, and proactively managing ongoing care costs, Pekingese ownership can be a wonderfully rewarding experience for all. With realistic expectations, adequate financial commitment, and unconditional love, a Pekingese friend will return the investment with years of devoted companionship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a Pekingese a good pet?

Yes, Pekingese can make excellent companion pets for owners able to meet their special grooming, training, and health needs. Their small size makes them well-suited to apartment living, and their affectionate, loyal nature makes them devoted family friends.

However, prospective owners must be prepared for the breed’s extensive grooming requirements to maintain their long fur free of mats and tangles. Owners should also have patience for training, as Pekingese can have a stubborn streak.

Monitoring for health issues like heart disease, cherry eye, breathing difficulties, and dental problems is also essential. But with proper care, exercise, training, and veterinary attention, a Pekingese can thrive for over a decade as a fun, lively petite pet.

What two breeds make a Pekingese?

The Pekingese breed is believed to have originated from the purposeful breeding of a smaller ancient Chinese dog, likely similar to the Tibetan spaniel, with a Chinese dog related to ancient pugs.

The combination of these two foundation breeds produced the hallmark flat facial structure of the Pekingese resulting from brachycephaly – a genetic factor causing a flatter muzzle and skull. Careful inbreeding early in the breed’s development fixed these distinct traits into the Pekingese dogs recognized today.

The cross of these two ancient breeds created the Pekingese’s signature appearance – a stocky, compact body with long, flowing fur framing a pushed-in, very wrinkled face.

How long do Pekingese live?

The average lifespan of a healthy, well-cared-for Pekingese dog is 12-15 years. With diligent veterinary care, proper nutrition, exercise, training, and attentive ownership, some Pekingese live even longer, reaching 15-18 years old.

However, the breed’s flat face and risk for conditions like heart disease mean close monitoring by owners is essential. Choosing dogs from responsible, health-focused breeders and maintaining consistent vet checkups helps minimize issues.

Keeping weight controlled, promoting dental health, and utilizing screening tests for common problems in the breed also supports longevity. While diligent care is required, most Pekingese remain spirited, content companions well into their early teens and even beyond.