How Long Pekingeses Live. How to Make Pekingeses Live Long

Quick Links: Table of Contents

• How Long Pekingeses Live. Pekingese Life Expectancy
• Lifespan of the Pekingese Compared to Other Dog Breeds
• Common Causes of Death in Pekingese, and how to Prevent Them.
• How Old is Your Pekingese in Human Years
• How Long Do Pekingeses Live in Human Years?
• More Ways to Make Your Pekingese Live Long
• Conclusion on Pekingese Life Expectancy

How Long Pekingeses Live. Pekingese Life Expectancy

Generally, the lifespan of the Pekingese is from 12 to 15 years.

Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Pekingese. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 87 pet Pekingeses lived.

From the study, it was found that Pekingeses have a average lifespan of 11.4 years. Furthermore, the study found that Pekingeses can live for as long as 18.1 years.

Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Pekingeses.

According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Pekingeses are:

1. Neurologic Disease: Refers to problems with the brain, nerves, and spinal cord.
2. Cardiovascular Disease: Encompasses heart problems, blood pressure issues, and bleeding/clotting problems. CV issues may also be related to lung and/or breathing problems.
3. Trauma: Issues involving injury
4. Urogenital Disease: Problems with the kidneys, urinary tract, and/or reproductive organs
5. Musculoskeletal Disease: Refers to any problems with bones or muscles

In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Pekingese to make your Pekingese live a longer.

Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Pekingese have a longer than average lifespan.

Do you want to know how old your Pekingese is in human years? Then, check out our Pekingese age to human years calculator

Lifespan of the Pekingese Compared to Other Dog Breeds

See in the table below how the lifespan of the Pekingese compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.

Dog Breed	Average Lifespan (Years)
Cairn Terrier Lifespan	14.00
Miniature Poodle Lifespan	13.90
Bearded Collie Lifespan	13.50
Bedlington Terrier Lifespan	13.30
Schipperke Lifespan	13.00
Whippet Lifespan	12.70
Pointer Lifespan	12.40
Sealyham Terrier Lifespan	12.20
Saluki Lifespan	12.00
Field Spaniel Lifespan	11.60
Pekingese Lifespan	11.40
Large Munsterlander Lifespan	11.30
Gordon Setter Lifespan	11.00
Rhodesian Ridgeback Lifespan	11.00
Anatolian Shepherd Dog Lifespan	10.70
Glen of Imaal Terrier Lifespan	10.40
Cocker Spaniel Lifespan	10.30
Boxer Lifespan	10.20
Lowchen Lifespan	10.00
Akita Lifespan	9.92

Common Causes of Death in Pekingese, and how to Prevent Them.

We will now discuss the common causes of death in Pekingese, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Pekingese.

Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause

1. Neurologic Disease in Pekingeses

   These problems include canine cognitive disfunction, dementia, stroke, Lyme disease, and more.

   Neurologic Disease is responsible for 14.6 percent of all deaths in Pekingeses.

   Causes of Neurologic Disease in Pekingese

   Neurological issues can be caused by vascular disease, inflammatory disease, infectious disease, metabolic disease, cancer, and developmental disorders.

   How to Prevent Neurologic Disease in Pekingeses

   Some neurological problems can be caused by infectious agents, like Lyme disease. You should always get your dog vaccinated with the course recommended by your veterinarian.

2. Cardiovascular Disease in Pekingeses

   Cardiac problems may include valvular and vascular disorders, which ultimately lead to the heart`s inability to pump oxygen-rich blood to tissues. Cardiac issues can be acute or chronic, and can lead to progressive heart failure or sudden death.

   Cardiovascular Disease is responsible for 13.2 percent of all deaths in Pekingeses.

   Causes of Cardiovascular Disease in Pekingese

   Heart disease in Pekingeses may be caused by genetic (inherited) factors, lack of exercise, and poor diet. Heart disease can also be caused by infections such as bacteria (endocarditis, myocarditis, and more) as well as viruses, fungi, and parasites (heartworm).

   How to Prevent Cardiovascular Disease in Pekingeses

   You can prevent heart problems in your Pekingese by exercising your Pekingese regularly and feeding your Pekingese a good diet. Heartworm, which causes heart problems, is also very easily avoided by using preventatives. Giving your dog the following supplements can help prevent heart diseases. Here is a good supplement that can prevent heart problems in your Pekingese. The supplement is not only good for your Pekingese`s heart, but it is also good for your Pekingese`s overall health.

3. Trauma in Pekingeses

   These includes cuts, bites, bruises, broken bones, wounds, scratches, and more.

   Trauma is responsible for 13.0 percent of all deaths in Pekingeses.

   Causes of Trauma in Pekingese

   One of the most common causes of trauma in Pekingeses is getting hit by cats. Another common cause is bites and scratches from fighting or play with other dogs.

   How to Prevent Trauma in Pekingeses

   The best way to keep your Pekingese from getting hit by a car is by having them on a fixed leash. Veterinarians do not recommend retractable leashes for dogs. This is because, oftentimes, dogs on retractable leashes will bolt into the road before their owners can lock the leash and get hit by cars, even though they were technically on a leash. Having a normal, fixed leash is also a good way to prevent your Pekingese from bolting on walks and getting into fights with other dogs before you can lock the leash.

   Here is a good fixed leash that can save your Pekingese from traumatic accidents.

4. Urogenital Disease in Pekingeses

   Urogenital problems most often involve infections and blockages, which various degrees of seriousness.

   Urogenital Disease is responsible for 10.8 percent of all deaths in Pekingeses.

   Causes of Urogenital Disease in Pekingese

   Probably, the most important urogenital issue seen in intact female Pekingeses is the pyometra. A pyometra is an enlarged, pus-filled uterus caused by a severe bacterial infection. A pyometra is several times larger than a regular uterus and is a life-threatening condition. To treat a pyometra, the Pekingese`s uterus must be removed, which is a difficult and expensive surgery. Another urogenital infection seen in both female and male dogs is urinary tract infections, which are very similar to human UTIs. If left untreated, UTIs can ascend up the urinary tract and infect the kidneys, which can also be life-threatening. If you notice that your Pekingese is urinating much more or less frequently than usual, or if the color or smell of the urine seems different from normal, you should talk to your veterinarian. Another common urogenital issue in male Pekingeses is urinary blockages, which (as the name suggests) is when there is something stuck in the urinary tract which prevents the Pekingese from urinating. If you see your Pekingese lifting its leg and trying to urinate but nothing is coming out, you should call your veterinarian. Cancer is also a major urogenital issue in Pekingeses, just like it is in humans. Urinary incontinence can also be an issue in both male and female Pekingeses, just like in humans.

   How to Prevent Urogenital Disease in Pekingeses

   The only way to completely prevent a pyometra is by getting your female Pekingese spayed. Another major benefit to spaying your Pekingese is that it dramatically reduces her risk of breast cancer. A spay is a major surgery and does tend to be a bit more expensive than a neuter, but a pyometra surgery is probably 3-4 times more expensive and dangerous than a regular, routine spay. Neutering your male Pekingese will also dramatically reduce his risk of prostate cancer and urinary blockages, especially as he gets older. If the spay and neuter estimates from your regular veterinarian are a little out of your price range, low-cost high-volume (LCHV) spay and neuter clinics are also an excellent option. If you find that your Pekingese is prone to blockages even though they are sterilized, there are many diets and supplements like this that can help. There are also diets like this and supplements that can help with urinary incontinence, but if these don`t work, your veterinarian can also prescribe prescription medications.

5. Musculoskeletal Disease in Pekingeses

   Musculoskeletal diseases are the common problems associated with bones and muscles. These include arthritis, vertebral issues, loss of skeletal muscle mass, hip dysplasia, trauma and breakages, and more.

   Musculoskeletal Disease is responsible for 9.9 percent of all deaths in Pekingeses.

   Causes of Musculoskeletal Disease in Pekingese

   The causes of many musculoskeletal issues have to do with age, breed, and weight. Older Pekingeses are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, as are large breed dogs, and overweight dogs. Just like people, Pekingeses can get arthritis and other joint-related issues as they get older. Large-breed dogs tend to be prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which essentially means that their hip joints degrade and get very painful. Overweight dogs tend to put more pressure on their joints, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as serious damage to tendons and ligaments.

   How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disease in Pekingeses

   One way that you can help improve your Pekingese`s musculoskeletal health (especially if they are old is by giving your Pekingese joint supplements like this one. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia and slipped discs by not allowing your Pekingese to jump too much, even if they are a puppy. Consider buying young Pekingeses a box or stool like this to help them get on the couch or bed, instead of letting them jump all the way from the ground. The most important way that you can keep your Pekingese`s muscles and bones healthy is by not letting them get overweight. You should avoid letting your Pekingese eat table scraps and make sure that they get plenty of exercise. If your Pekingese is overweight and you know that you are strict with their diet and exercise, you should talk to your vet; they might have hypothyroidism, which is very common. If your Pekingese is overweight and you think you should try managing their diet a little more closely, you can start your Pekingese on a weight-management diet like this to help them get back to a healthier body condition.

How Old is Your Pekingese in Human Years

The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Pekingese. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.

Learn more about how old your Pekingese is in human years here.

In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.

Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:

1. The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
2. The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives

The average lifespan of the Pekingese is 11.4 years.

Pekingeses are tiny-sized dogs. Pekingeses weigh 7 to 14 pounds.

The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Pekingese in converting Pekingese age to human age.

The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.

The calculator below lets you convert your Pekingese`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Pekingese`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Pekingese`s human age. If you do not know your Pekingese`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.

Also, the table below shows how old your Pekingese is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.

Note that your Pekingese`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Pekingese`s up-to-date human age.

Pekingese Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)

Below is a Pekingese age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.

The calculator will tell your Pekingese`s human age based on your Pekingese`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Pekingese`s human birthday! Try it out!

Pekingese Age (Years)	Human Age (Years)
1	12
2	18
3	24
4	30
5	35
6	39
7	44
8	48
9	51
10	55
11	58
12	62
13	65
14	69
15	73
16	77

How Long Do Pekingeses Live in Human Years?

The average lifespan of the Pekingese is 11.4 years. In human years, the Pekingese lives for 60 years.

How Old is 3-year-old Pekingese in Human Years?

A 3-year old Pekingese is 24 years old in human years.

How Old is 5-year-old Pekingese in Human Years?

A 5-year old Pekingese is 35 years old in human years.

How Old is 6-year-old Pekingese in Human Years?

A 6-year old Pekingese is 39 years old in human years.

How Old is 8-year-old Pekingese in Human Years?

A 8-year old Pekingese is 48 years old in human years.

More Ways to Make Your Pekingese Live Long

Here are more things your can do to make sure your Pekingese live a long life:

• Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Pekingese fit and make it live longer.

• Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Pekingese does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Pekingese will have a shorter lifespan than a Pekingese that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Pekingese high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Pekingese. Check out our Pekingese feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Pekingese from being overweight here.

• Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Pekingese existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Pekingese has access to clean water whenever your Pekingese needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Pekingese. See our Pekingese water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Pekingese.

• Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Pekingese might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Pekingese.

• Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.

• Vaccinations: Always make sure your Pekingese is up to date on its vaccination.

• Dental Hygiene: Your Pekingese’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Pekingese teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.

Conclusion on Pekingese Life Expectancy

We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Pekingese`s life expectancy.

_{Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.}