Pekingese

Snoring comes from the shortened airway: soft tissue packed into a small space vibrates as air passes through. Almost every Peke makes some noise asleep, but loud snoring while awake, gasping, or sleeping sitting up with the chin propped high suggests the dog is working hard to breathe. Mention these signs to your vet, since some dogs benefit from an assessment of their airway.

They can, but they are not the most tolerant choice. Pekes dislike rough handling and being chased, and their eyes and backs are easily hurt if a child drops or squeezes them. Families with calm children over about eight, who understand how to let the dog come to them, tend to do best. Always give the dog a quiet space it can retreat to.

Every six to eight weeks is typical for a pet trim, with brushing at home in between. Show coats stay long and demand several hours of home grooming each week. A professional visit is also a good chance to tidy the feet, the hygiene area and the face, which many owners find hard to do neatly. Ask for a tidy finish around the nose wrinkle rather than a close shave.

Calm is a better word. They were bred as palace companions, not workers, so they are content with short walks and long naps. Most still enjoy a daily wander, a sniff around the yard and a few minutes of play, and they become bored and overweight without it. Their modest exercise needs are a real strength for older owners, as long as weight is kept in check.

The smallest Pekes were said to have been carried in the wide sleeves of court robes, which is where the name comes from. Today the term usually refers to very small dogs under about 3 kg (6 lb). Breeding for tiny size can increase health problems, including fragile bones and difficult births, so be wary of breeders who advertise extra-small puppies at premium prices.