Meet the breed: Pekingese

Bred for greatness, Pekingese have often been called "lion dog" for their close likeness to the petite Chinese guard dogs of long ago and, of course, their larger-than-life hair. Despite their petite stature, Pekes tend to have an immense sense of self. Weighing between 7 and 14 pounds with an average height between 6 and 9 inches, these compact companions don't let size define their limits. Stubborn and demanding, the Pekingese is in a league of its own.

If you're going for the best-in-show look, be ready to spend a lot of time and money on grooming. Pekes' long locks need to be brushed on a regular basis to prevent matting, particularly the long and coarse top coat. Their squished faces also require care and cleaning between facial skin folds and eye areas with a soft, moist cloth to prevent infection. Some owners may choose to opt for a puppy cut to ease grooming responsibilities.

When it comes to training, the Pekingese have let royal dignity go to their heads. This highly intelligent breed can catch on to basic training with ease -- the question is whether they want to or not. Because Pekes tend to do things on their own terms, so training takes patience and practice. As with all breeds, training during the early life stages is highly recommended.

As a brachycephalic animal, the true term for flat-faced breeds, Pekingese often suffer from health concerns that could become serious if not treated correctly. Among major health concerns, Pekes are prone to stenotic nares, a syndrome that causes difficulty breathing and skin-fold dermatitis. Having a healthy and hearty Pekingese is completely possible, with daily care and awareness.