Pekingese health: what owners should know

The flat face puts the breed at risk of brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome, in which narrow nostrils, a long soft palate and a small windpipe make breathing hard work. Large, prominent eyes are easily scratched and, after a knock or rough handling, can even slip forward out of the socket. The long back and short legs raise the risk of intervertebral disc disease. Skin fold infections, heart valve disease and crowded teeth are also seen.

Choose a breeder who selects for open nostrils and quiet breathing at rest, keeps dogs lean and can talk openly about the health of older relatives. Breathing assessment schemes for flat-faced breeds exist in some places, and asking whether the parents were graded is a good test of a careful breeder. At home, keep your dog lean, cool and off high furniture. Go to a vet immediately for an eye that bulges, cannot close or turns suddenly cloudy, for dragging hind legs or sudden back pain, or for labored breathing that doesn't ease with rest.