Fact Sheet Dog Breed Pekingese

 3. Problems/syndromes that may occur in the breed

Of several problems and possible diseases that occur in this breed, only the most important defects that occur in the breed are listed here.

The following breed-typical defects or common problems/health disorders and dispositions are known in the Pekingese:

• Brachycephaly
• BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome)
• Eye diseases
• Skin fold dermatitis
• Birth difficulties (dystocia)
• Spinal diseases (intervertebral disc diseases (IVDD), hemivertebrae)
• Chondrodysplasia and chondrodystrophy
• Patellar luxation
• Dental anomalies

4. Other problems that may occur frequently

In addition to the breed-typical defects listed under point 3, the veterinary literature contains information on the occurrence of the following problems, which will not be discussed further below, as no definitive conclusions can yet be drawn from the known prevalences and breeders, breeding clubs and associations do not state any prevalences that have been determined under scientific conditions. However, the following statement applies to these cases: „The absence of evidence is not the evidence of absence“.

• Tracheal collapse 
• Hydrocephalus
• Congenital portosystemic shunt
• Atlantoaxial subluxation/instability 
• Cryptorchidism
• Kidney stones 
• Urolithiasis 
• Perineal hernia 
• Mitral valve dysplasia 
• Necrotizing meningoencephalitis 
• Excessive coat growth (impairment of thermoregulation)

5. Symptoms and pathological value of the typical defects mentioned above: Significance/impact on the physical/psychological well-being of the defect in the individual animal and classification in burden category*

*The individual breeding-related defects are assigned to different burden categories (BC) depending on their severity. The overall burden category is based on the most severe defect found in the individual animal. The BC system as a further development based on the Swiss model is still being developed and is only intended as a guide. For this reason, the BC values used here should be regarded as provisional. This is primarily due to the fact that the German Animal Welfare Act does not contain a justiciable basis for classification into burden categories. In contrast to Switzerland, the legal standards in Germany do not quantify pain, suffering or harm or assess their quality, but take them into account if they affect the animal more than insignificantly.
However, the burden categories can also be used to assess suitability for breeding and showing.

The burden that can be caused by defective breeding traits are divided into 4 categories (Art. 3 TSchZV, Switzerland). The most burdenful trait or symptom is decisive for the assignment of an animal to a burden category (Art. 4 TSchZV, Switzerland).

Category 0 (no burden): These animals may be used for breeding.

Category 1 (mild burden): Mild burden is present if a burdenful expression of characteristics and symptoms in pets and farm animals can be compensated for by appropriate care, husbandry or feeding, without interventions on the animal and without regular medical care measures.

Category 2 (medium burden): These animals may only be used for breeding if the breeding objective is for the offspring to be less burdened than the parents.

Category 3 (severe burden): These animals may not be used for breeding.

Brachycephaly (see also Fact Sheet No. 8 Dog Brachycephaly)

Physical:
The Pekingese belongs to the brachycephalic dog breeds. The breeding-related changes to the skull associated with brachycephaly are summarized by Geiger et al. (2021) in their detailed overview. The short and round skull with a flat snout and short nose is characteristic. The reduction of the bony maxilla causes the skin above it to wrinkle. A lack of space in the mouth leads to frequent oligodontia and malocclusions such as rotated teeth.

It is known from studies on brachycephalic breeds that the nasolacrimal duct is often malformed due to the breeding-related alteration of the facial skull and its course is strongly deviated. It is often considerably reduced in length and can have a steep slope. In many cases, the nasolacrimal ducts of the affected animals have an additional opening through which the fluid can also drain into the rear part of the nasal cavity. To treat epiphora (leakage of tear fluid over the edge of the eyelid), a surgical procedure, medial canthoplasty, may be necessary to shorten the edges of the eyelid and prevent friction from hair.

The general health of brachycephalic dog breeds is worse than that of non-brachycephalic breeds. Brachycephalic dogs fall ill more frequently and have a higher risk of various diseases. The life expectancy of brachycephalic breeds is reduced compared to meso- and dolichocephalic dogs. The reasons for this are thought to be the predispositions associated with brachycephaly, such as BOAS, spinal diseases and other abnormalities. However, in the Swiss study cited, the Pekingese had a similar life expectancy to mixed-breed dogs.

Psychological:
Compared to breeds without an extreme skull shape, brachycephalic breeds appear to be significantly more frequently affected by various diseases. The changes to the skull have led to the lengths of the muscles being altered in relation to the skull, so that the animals‘ facial expressions and thus communication with conspecifics and humans is impaired. A review paper deals with the effects on the behavior of dogs. In addition to limited expressive and social behavior, the animals‘ activity is also restricted due to impaired respiration and thermoregulation, for example, so that they can no longer behave „normally“.

Many behaviors and areas of the animal’s life are negatively affected by brachycephaly and the resulting diseases. Respiratory distress may occur during feed intake. Affected animals usually need a longer recovery period after active phases. Playing with conspecifics may be restricted. Overall, it can therefore be assumed that the quality of life is significantly reduced.

Burden category: 3

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BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome)

Physical:
Reviews such as by Meola (2013) describe the anatomical and physiological basis of Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) typical of brachycephalic breeds, such as the Pekingese, and its sequelae. The primary components include congenital anatomical features such as stenotic nostrils, an elongated soft palate, a hypoplastic trachea and nasopharyngeal turbinates. Increased turbinates and increased airway resistance can lead to the development of secondary changes. These include palatal and laryngeal edema, swelling, saccule and tonsil eversion, and laryngeal collapse, all of which can lead to life-threatening respiratory compromise.

Brachycephaly is a favorable factor for BOAS. Due to the shortened skull, Pekingese dogs have a relatively elongated soft palate compared to non-brachycephalic dogs. The soft palate is also thickened. In contrast, the space or volume of the nasopharynx is significantly reduced. The risk of BOAS decreases with increasing relative muzzle length. With a smaller craniofacial ratio (division of the muzzle length by the skull length), as is common in brachycephalic breeds, the risk of BOAS increases compared to breeds with other skull shapes. Other risk factors may include neck circumference, obesity and neutering.

In addition to typical snoring noises, affected dogs also exhibit exercise intolerance, dyspnoea, retching, regurgitation, vomiting, stridor and syncope. In addition, thermoregulation is disturbed. In addition to snoring during sleep, BOAS is also characterized by chronic shortness of breath and the resulting difficulties with movement as well as increased and abnormal breathing noises.

Because of their luxuriant coat, it is important to keep Pekingese cool. The breed is prone to heat stroke when exposed to high temperatures.

Upper airway obstruction can lead to further secondary complications such as aspiration pneumonia and non-cardiac pulmonary edema. In other brachycephalic breeds, collapsed bronchi have been observed, which are associated with increased airway resistance. If the clinical symptoms are severe, the animals must be treated with intubation, oxygen, cooling and/or sedation. Surgical correction of the anatomical changes may also be indicated.

Studies in other brachycephalic breeds have shown morphologic and functional changes in the heart that are associated with the characteristic anatomic changes in the breeds and are not dependent on the presence of symptoms.

The gastrointestinal tract is also affected in many dogs with BOAS. Endoscopic and histological examinations revealed changes in the esophagus, stomach and duodenum.

Psychological:
Affected dogs are impaired in their activity or movement every day or even several times a day due to breathing problems. BOAS can lead to life-threatening airway obstructions. Various surgical interventions may be indicated for BOAS and are used to correct the airway obstruction and improve the dog’s quality of life. The post-operative (recovery) phase is particularly risky and requires intensive observation and care. However, the evaluation of various studies showed that a complete resolution of the problems does not necessarily occur. An improvement, but not complete normalization of breathing can be expected.

Burden category: 3

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Ocular diseases 

Physical:
Many of the eye diseases are caused by the anatomical changes in the oculofacial region of the skull in brachycephalic dogs. Some of the most common clinical signs are directly related to the morphologic changes themselves, such as entropion and trichiasis. Others are secondarily acquired, including corneal ulceration. In addition to corneal ulceration and keratoconjunctivitis sicca, iris prolapse and proptosis can also be observed in Pekingese. With a prevalence of over 30%, the breed has the largest mean relative palpebral fissure of the dog breeds examined in a British study and thus a significantly increased probability of corneal ulceration. The Genetics Committee of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists (ACVO) lists distichiasis, entropion and cataract in the Pekingese. Inadequate blinking can lead to „exposure keratopathy syndrome“, which describes a corneal disease that can cause severe eye irritation.

In a retrospective US study, Pekingese were among the five most common brachycephalic breeds affected by eye diseases.

Ulcerative keratitis
Most dogs with ulcerative keratitis present under the age of 3 years. In a retrospective study from South Korea, the Pekingese ranked second among affected dog breeds with a proportion of 25% (8 dogs). There, more than half of the affected dogs developed deep corneal ulcerations. In its Breed Report (2016-2021), the Swedish animal insurance company AGRIA reports that the relative risk of eye disease in Pekingese dogs is twice as high as the average for all other breeds insured there. The risk of corneal ulceration was even 5 times higher than the average for other breeds. Severe forms of ulcerative keratitis frequently occur in the Pekingese. The main factors favoring corneal ulceration are brachycephaly, but also the presence of a nasal fold, which can lead to persistent irritation of the cornea through contact with hair. A five times higher risk of corneal ulceration has been described for dogs with nasal folds. The width of the palpebral fissure and the visibility of the sclera also favor corneal ulceration. However, the individual factors are partly associated with each other and occur in parallel. For brachycephalic dogs with a craniofacial ratio <0.5, the risk of corneal ulceration is even twenty times higher than in non-brachycephalic breeds. The Pekingese, which is affected by this increased risk, has an average craniofacial ratio of 0.12 according to Packer et al. The craniofacial ratio describes the muzzle length divided by the skull length and quantifies the degree of brachycephaly.

Bacterial keratitis
In the analysis of laboratory data in the USA, the Pekingese was one of the most affected breeds diagnosed with bacterial keratitis, accounting for 26% (22 dogs) Tolar. It is assumed that the protective mechanisms of the eye are impaired in brachycephalic breeds and that, for example, exophthalmos, skin folds and entropion favor bacterial keratitis. S. intermedius, β-hemolytic Streptococcus spp. and P. aeruginosa are most frequently isolated

Pigment keratopathy/ keratitis pigmentosa
The Pekingese is described as a breed frequently affected by pigmentary keratopathy. Approximately 12% of the dogs examined in an ACVO study were affected by the disease. However, another study with four Pekingese dogs could not confirm this. The pigmentation can be recognized in the ophthalmological examination, is accompanied by inflammation and can vary in severity. In other breeds, such as the Pug, resulting visual impairments are described.

Entropion (see also Fact Sheet No. 11 Dog eyes entropion)
The occurrence of entropion is usually associated with the characteristic skull changes in brachycephalic breeds and is described in the Pekingese. In a comparative study of different breeds, however, this could not be verified for the Pekingese. The small number of dogs involved and the different morphology of the nose in Pekingese compared to other brachycephalic breeds were cited as possible reasons.

Other eye diseases
Other eye diseases observed in the breed include keratoconjunctivitis sicca, which can occur without clinical symptoms or be accompanied by hyperemia, blepharospasm and/or keratitis, as well as sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARD). The Pekingese is also one of the dog breeds in which primary glaucoma can be observed. According to a study of a total of 1562 Pekingese dogs between 1994 and 2002, the proportion of affected dogs was up to 1.22%.  According to figures from North America, 2.14% of Pekingese dogs were affected by primary cataracts over almost four decades.

Psychological:
Some eye diseases, such as keratoconjunctivitis sicca, can be painful and very uncomfortable for the dogs that suffer from them. Nociceptive afferent nerve cells innervate the cornea, so it can be assumed that ulcerative changes cause considerable pain. Surgical procedures, such as medial canthoplasty, are sometimes performed to improve well-being, at least in the short term, and to correct the conditions that occur, even if the primary or morphologically caused abnormalities cannot be corrected. Many anomalies can lead to long-term visual impairment.

Burden category: 2-3

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Skin fold dermatitis

Physical:
With a frequency of 14.08%, skin diseases represent the largest proportion of diseases in brachycephalic breeds. In an overview of dermatological abnormalities in brachycephalic breeds, skin fold dermatitis (intertrigo) is described as a common problem. Pekingese are among the breeds particularly affected. The shortening of the skull leads to folding of the excess skin around the muzzle, eyes and ears. Reduced air circulation, resulting in increased temperature, moisture and debris in the skin folds, together with intermittent friction and irritation, lead to an overgrowth of commensals (germs that are part of the physiological skin flora) and the production of toxins that lead to inflammation, maceration and infection. The affected areas show erythema, hypotrichosis, alopecia, erosion/ulceration, crusting, lichenification (extensive leathery changes to the skin), pigment changes, accumulation of sebum deposits (keratosebaceous debris) and a typical bad odor. In severe cases of deep pyoderma, systemic antimicrobial therapy may also be indicated.

Psychological:
The affected areas of skin are painful and therefore distress the animals. As the inflammatory changes occur between skin folds, the disease can initially go unnoticed, which delays alleviating treatment. If surgical intervention is not possible, lifelong treatment with topical preparations may be necessary. 

Burden category: 2-3

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Chondrodysplasia and chondrodystrophy

Physical:
Chondrodysplasia and chondrodystrophy comprise impaired cartilage and bone development, which is characterized by shortened legs, among other things, and occurs in the Pekingese. A more detailed overview of the pathological changes in chondrodystrophic breeds can be found in Smolders et al. (2012). In breeds such as the Pekingese, short stature with shortened bones of the limbs and spine is genetically fixed and predetermined in the breed standard. A strong predisposition to intervertebral disc disease (intervertebral disc degeneration) can be observed in chondrodystrophic breeds. Clinically, a herniated disc manifests itself in the form of paraplegia with or without nociception, paraparesis, ataxia or spinal hyperesthesia. The symptoms can be acute or chronic (see also spinal disorders).

Although chondrodysplasia and chondrodystrophy are two separate defects, they are mentioned together here because both defects occur in Pekingese. Differentiation can be made by genetic testing.

Psychological:
If concomitant diseases such as herniated discs occur, the affected dogs are restricted in their movement behavior due to paralysis and/or ataxia. The symptoms can progressively worsen and sometimes the dogs are euthanized or die. In addition to neurological dysfunction, pain can occur, which has a negative impact on the dog’s well-being.

Burden category: 2-3

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Spinal diseases (intervertebral disc diseases (IVDD), hemivertebrae)

Physical:
Pekingese show an increased predisposition for the occurrence of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). In comparison to other breeds and mixed breeds, studies from the Czech Republic and the USA determined proportions of 4.67% (N=300) and 20.59% (N=4491) respectively. The relative risk of Pekingese suffering from intervertebral disc disease is 3.5 times higher than that of 84 other breeds tested. This is consistent with the finding that small breeds are particularly affected by intervertebral disc disease. Other studies also describe a higher incidence and in a study from Korea with smaller numbers of animals, 42.5% of the affected dogs were Pekingese. In the Breed Report of the Swedish animal health insurance company AGRIA, Pekingese dogs had a 4.5-fold increased relative risk of developing disc disease between 2016 and 2021 compared to the average of all other breeds.

The areas of the thoracic (T12-13) and lumbar (L3-4) discs are particularly frequently affected. Other studies also found disc extrusions (disc herniations) particularly in the thoracolumbar region (T12-13) and additionally in the cervical region at C6-7 or C2-3 and intervertebral regions located behind it. Four types of thoracolumbar IVDD are distinguished on the basis of MRI findings: Intervertebral disc degeneration, intervertebral disc protrusion, and intervertebral disc extrusion.
When comparing different, predominantly small dog breeds, the Pekingese was in fourth place for thoracic disc herniation with a proportion of 3.6% of a total of 165 dogs. For cervical disc herniations, the breed was in sixth place with a proportion of 3.8%. The average age of the Pekingese presented at a clinic in Israel was 5 years. In this study, radiographic evidence of calcified intervertebral discs was a strong risk factor for IVDD in the dogs examined and increased the likelihood of this disease 21-fold. Clinically, the symptoms range from mild discomfort without neurological deficits to paralysis with loss of pain sensation. However, the clinical presentation is usually acute with pain and progressive myelopathy.

In chondrodystrophic breeds, such as the Pekingese, hemivertebrae also occur more frequently. They can occur both unilaterally and bilaterally.

Psychological:
Spinal diseases, such as disc disease, can be very painful for the affected dogs, significantly limit their behavior due to neurological deficits such as paralysis and negatively affect their well-being.

Burden category: 2-3

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Birth difficulties (dystocia)

Physical:
Small breeds are particularly affected by birth difficulties. A Swedish study refers to older investigations in which the Pekingese was one of the breeds with a significantly increased risk of dystocia. The contractions do not proceed as usual or the birth process is disturbed. If the dystocia cannot be treated with medication, the puppies must be developed by caesarean section. With a caesarean section rate of 43.8 %, the Pekingese is one of the ten breeds in which surgical intervention is most frequently necessary as a result of actual or expected birth difficulties in order not to endanger the lives of the puppies and the bitch. In small breeds, the litter size (number of puppies) decreases and at the same time the relative size of the puppies compared to the bitch is increased. A review of breed-specific diseases cites studies that describe the disproportion between the large head and broad shoulders of the puppies and a too narrow pelvis of the mother dog (feto-pelvic disproportion), especially in brachycephalic breeds, which can be associated with birth difficulties. Birth difficulties can thus become an emergency, which is risky for the bitch and the puppies.

Psychological:
Cesarean section can affect maternal behavior. Vaginocervical stimulation appears to play an important role in maternal behavior, as it has been observed that cesarean section bitches may have difficulty developing adequate interactions with their pups without the induction of a natural birth.

Burden category: 3

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Patellar luxation

Physical:
The risk of Pekingese developing a patellar luxation is increased 1.4-fold to 2.1-fold compared to other breeds. Pekingese are regularly represented in the evaluation of clinical data on patellar luxations.
The cause of a luxation (popping out) of the patella is an axial misalignment of the hind legs. In small breeds, there is usually a more or less pronounced bending of the bones of the femur and tibia, which often leads to bowleggedness. As a result of the bending of the leg axis, the muscle pull on the patellar tendon causes an inward pull on the kneecap, which can lead to it popping out inwards. Medial dislocation (inward dislocation) is the most common form, although outward dislocation also occurs. For the classification of patellar dislocation into degrees of severity, see DiDona et al, 2018, and OFA, 2024.

Psychological:
The dogs show lameness, possibly osteoarthritis and pain in later stages, which can negatively affect many behaviors and thus significantly impair their well-being.

Burden category: 2-3

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Dental anomalies

Physical:
Dental anomalies occur more frequently in both brachycephalic and small breeds. In a comparison of a total of 208 dogs with dental anomalies, a proportion of 15.4% was found in Pekingese, making the breed the fourth most affected of a total of nine breeds. Small breeds, such as the Pekingese, are more frequently affected than large breeds. The three most frequently detected anomalies are hyperdontia, persistent deciduous teeth and prognathism. However, another study showed a significantly lower risk of persistent deciduous teeth in Pekingese compared to other particularly small dog breeds. Small brachycephalic breeds are more likely to have teeth that do not erupt compared to non-brachycephalic breeds due to their skull anatomy.

Psychological:
The teeth are used for food intake, chewing, expressive behavior and personal hygiene, which can be restricted accordingly in the event of alterations.

Burden category: 2-3

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Conclusion:

In the Pekingese, the breed-related (standard-related) initial values already result in an overall burden category of 2-3.

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Animal ethical evaluation of the torture breeding problem in the Pekingese

Based on the facts stated in QUEN Fact Sheet No. 30, which lists the probability of a number of breeding-related defects in stress categories 2-3 (moderate to severe stress) and 3 (severe stress), it must be stated from an animal ethics perspective that the continued breeding of affected animals of this breed must be classified as highly problematic, as a breeder must assume that animals that he brings into the world through his breeding will have to endure or suffer considerable and prolonged pain. This is already unacceptable if at least one of the breeding-related defects in stress categories 2-3 mentioned in this information sheet occurs in a foreseeable manner in at least one of the animals bred by him, whereby „foreseeable“ hereditary changes in the offspring are also present if they are only expected to occur after a generation jump in later generations.

6. Heredity, genetics, known genetic tests if applicable, average genomic inbreeding coefficient (COI) and average heterozygosity value for the breed if applicable

Brachycephaly

The gene or genes responsible are not fully understood. Due to the genetic complexity, it is assumed that various chromosomes have an influence. There is a strong association with the CFA1 gene. It is assumed that the TCOF1 gene is also involved in the development of brachycephaly. The involvement of SMOC2 and BMP3 genes is also discussed.

Chondrodysplasia and chondrodystrophy

Chondrodysplasia is mainly known in short-legged breeds and is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner. A link between chondrodysplasia and the FGF4 retrogene, which is located on the CFA18 gene (chromosome 18), has been demonstrated.

Chondrodystrophy is inherited semi-dominantly with regard to leg length, i.e. heterozygous dogs have shorter legs than homozygous free dogs, while homozygous affected dogs have even shorter legs than heterozygous dogs. Genomic studies in Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retrievers have linked chondrodystrophy to the FGF4 retrogene on the CFA12 gene (chromosome 12). A genetic test is available.

Spinal diseases

The IVDD risk is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, i.e. just one copy of the altered chromosome significantly increases the risk. A genetic test is available.

Other genetic tests available for the breed

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) exon 2
Hyperuricosuria
Malignant hyperthermia
Progressive retinal atrophy (prcd-PRA)

The average genomic* inbreeding coefficient of the Pekingese is over 30%.

The basis of responsible breeding is not only the careful diagnosis of the individual animal by assessing the conformation and behavioral characteristics of the breeding partners before the first breeding, but also the use of modern molecular genetic diagnostics. As part of a screening process, this should not only be used to identify trait or trait carriers, but also to determine the degree of inbreeding of the individual animal. Laboratories now offer so-called „matching tools“ or „mating scores“, which breeders can use to identify suitable breeding partners, while at the same time preventing the mating of animals with the same risky traits. Various specialized laboratories offer appropriate advice for breeders. 

* the coefficient calculated according to pedigree/pedigree is not sufficiently precise.

7. Diagnosis – necessary examinations before breeding or exhibitions

Caution: Invasive examinations that are stressful for the animal should only be carried out in justified cases of suspicion in breeding animals and not if visible defects already lead to a ban on breeding and showing.

Brachycephaly
In addition to the adspector examination to determine changes in the shape of the head, the nostrils and the jaw, further specialist veterinary examinations and imaging procedures to examine the head and, in some animals, the skeletal system are usually necessary in order to provide the animal with any necessary medical treatment. Imaging such as endoscopy can be used to detect stenosis, narrowing of the nasal vestibule, excess length and thickening of the soft palate, changes in the trachea and excessive tissue in the nasopharynx/muzzle.

Brachycephaly can be quantified using the craniofacial ratio with the aid of tested measurement methods. For this purpose, the snout length is divided by the skull length. The measurements can be made on X-ray images of the skull.

BOAS (brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome)
Diagnosis is based on owner reports, clinical examination and diagnostic imaging. The problem is that pet owners may notice clinical signs but often do not perceive them as a problem or consider them „normal“ for the breed/dog. Snoring, inspiratory dyspnea, cyanosis and, in severe cases, syncopal episodes are most commonly reported. The nostrils can be examined for the presence of stenosis by adspection. More precise assessments are possible using photographs and measurements. Further imaging procedures such as MRI allow a more precise assessment of the upper airways. In addition to the narrowed nostrils, a certain amount of respiratory effort with abdominal breathing can be detected during the inspection. While snoring is most likely caused by air turbulence in the oro-pharyngeal region, the high-pitched noise associated with extreme inspiratory effort is due to severe airway compromise as the turbulent air passes through the collapsed larynx or nasopharynx. In stable patients, lung function should be checked by auscultation, pulse oximetry and blood gas analysis. Pneumonia and pulmonary edema can be diagnosed radiographically.

Ocular diseases
A complete ophthalmologic examination is performed, including Schirmer tear test, tonometry, ophthalmoscopy and other diagnostic procedures depending on the suspected diagnosis.

Skin fold dermatitis
Clinical and dermatological diagnostics are initiated.

Chondrodysplasia and chondrodystrophy
In addition to a neurological examination and classification of the clinic, imaging procedures such as CT (and myelography) should be used to assess frequently occurring disc diseases (see also spinal diseases).

Spinal diseases
Diagnostics include a medical history, a clinical neurological examination and imaging procedures such as X-ray, CT and/or MRI as well as further biochemical and histological diagnostics. X-ray diagnostics can provide information on whether calcifications are present in extruded intervertebral discs.

Birth difficulties (dystocia)
In the medical history, it is described that the bitches show signs of birth, such as nest-building behavior, vulval licking and lactation, but the birth does not start. In addition, the bitches may show strong or irregular contractions. Imaging, such as radiographs and/or ultrasound, can provide information about the position and condition of the puppies and reveal possible pelvic fractures in the bitch.

Patellar luxation
A clinical examination should be carried out to assess the degree of dislocation. The orthopaedic examination also includes an assessment of the gait. Imaging procedures, such as X-ray or CT, enable a more precise assessment.
The disease can usually be adequately diagnosed during the examination. Even if the diagnosis can be made on palpation alone, it is advisable to take an X-ray. On the one hand, this can detect arthrosis, which occurs if the disease has been present for a long time. On the other hand, other differential diagnoses can be ruled out and the degree of malalignment can be recognized. 

Dental anomalies
In addition to an adspectorial assessment of the teeth and dentition, imaging procedures are helpful. Standard dental x-rays are possible, more precise assessments are possible due to the skull changes in brachycephalic breeds using cone-beam tomography (dental CBCT).

8. Necessary or possible orders from an animal welfare perspective

Decisions on breeding or exhibition bans should be made in connection with the burden category (BC). Depending on the severity and findings, the decisive factor for a breeding ban may be the most severe finding, i.e. the finding that most affects the animal, and its categorisation in one of the burden categories (BC), or also the correlation assessment if many individual breeding-related defects or breed-typical predispositions are present. The individual genomic inbreeding coefficient of an animal and its status as a carrier animal for risk genes should also be taken into account. 

In general, care should also be taken when breeding Pekingese:

In addition to considering external, anatomical and functional characteristics as well as the behavior of both breeding partners, the possibilities of breeding hygiene advice at the molecular genetic level should be used and, in particular, the genetic inbreeding coefficient, the heterozygosity value and the dog leukocyte antigens (DLA) for the breed should be determined. Increasingly, so-called matching tools/scores can also facilitate the selection of suitable breeding partners.

a) Orders that appear necessary

Breeding ban according to § 11b TierSchG for animals with hereditary/breeding-related defects, in particular with

• changes to the skeletal system: head, spine, hips, pelvis, limbs
• brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (BOAS)
• ocular diseases 
• a shortened upper jaw, malpositioned teeth (especially visible teeth with a closed mouth) or malocclusion, missing or transversely positioned molars

 

Exhibition ban according to § 10 TierSchHuV for animals with certain changes from exposure category 3, but possibly also with BC 2.
Exhibtion ban especially for animals with excessive hair growth and coat density.

b) Possible orders

• Order for permanent infertility (sterilization/castration) in accordance with 11b (2) TierSchG
• Use of modern molecular genetic diagnostics to determine the genomic inbreeding coefficient and the heterozygosity value of both parents, if breeding is to take place.

    

Please note:

Measures taken by the competent authority must be recognizably suitable for averting future harm to the animal concerned and/or its offspring. With regard to the type and depth of processing of orders and breeding bans, decisions are always made on a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the competent authority, taking into account the circumstances found on site.

9. General animal welfare assessment

a) Germany

From a legal point of view, dogs with the defects/syndromes described above are classified as torture breeding in accordance with § 11b TierSchG.

Justification:

According to § 11b TierSchG, it is prohibited to breed vertebrates if breeding knowledge indicates that, as a result of breeding, the offspring or progeny will have, among other things

• body parts or organs are congenitally missing or unsuitable or deformed for use in accordance with the species and this results in pain, suffering or damage (§ 11b Para. 1 No. 1 TierSchG) or
• the keeping is only possible with pain or avoidable suffering or leads to damage (§ 11b Para. 1 No. 2 c TierSchG).

Pain in animals is defined as an unpleasant sensory perception caused by actual or potential injury that triggers motor or vegetative reactions, results in learned avoidance behavior or can potentially change specific behaviors (Hirt/Maisack/Moritz/Felde, § 1 Rn. 12 mwN; basically also Lorz/Metzger TierSchG, § 1 Rn. 20). Or, more briefly, the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) as: „an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with or resembling actual or potential tissue damage“ (https://www.iasp-pain.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/revised-definition-flysheet_R2-1-1-1.pdf).

Suffering is any impairment of well-being not already covered by the concept of pain, which goes beyond simple discomfort and lasts for a not insignificant period of time (Hirt/Maisack/Moritz/Felde, § 1 para. 19 with further references; Lorz/Metzger, § 1 para. 33 with further references)[110,111]. Suffering can also be physically and psychologically impairing; fear in particular is classified as suffering in the commentary and case law (Hirt/Maisack/Moritz/Felde, § 1 para. 24 mwN; Lorz/Metzger, § 1 para. 37).

Damage exists if the physical or mental state of an animal is temporarily or permanently altered for the worse (Hirt/Maisack/Moriz/Felde, § 1 para. 27 mwN; Lorz/Metzger, § 1 para. 52 mwN), whereby completely minor impairments based on a physical or mental basis are not taken into account. „The target condition of the animal is assessed on the basis of animals of the same species. The absence of body parts is regularly assessed as damage in the commentary literature“ (VG Hamburg decision of 4.4.2018, 11 E 1067/18 para. 47, also Lorz/Metzger TierSchG Komm. § 1 para. 52).

The breeding of Pekingese is considered to be torture breeding if the defects described in detail under point 5 are present:

• Brachycephaly and associated pain and suffering (see also leaflet „Dog brachycephaly“)
• BOAS and associated pain and suffering
• Eye diseases and associated pain, suffering and damage (see also information sheet „Entropion in dogs“)
• Skin diseases and associated pain and suffering
• Damage to the spine and associated pain and suffering
• Chondrodysplasia
• Inability or frequent, significant impairment to bear offspring naturally
• Damage to the limbs (patellar dislocation)
• Dental anomalies
• Impairment of thermoregulation and associated suffering
• Anxiety caused by shortness of breath
• Suffering due to limited communication skills
• Suffering as a result of physical changes that lead to a not insignificant impairment of the species‘ own behavioral processes and possibly the inability of the animals to cope with stress. A species-appropriate life is thus significantly impaired and well-being is severely restricted.

§ 11b section 1 TierSchG stipulates that the breeder must be able to expect that breeding will result in one of the consequences listed in Section 11b para. 1. According to the explanatory memorandum to the law, this is to be based on „scientifically sound knowledge, i.e. knowledge that can be expected from a breeder with average knowledge“ (cf. BT-Drs. 17/10572, p. 31). Breeding knowledge exists if, on the basis of generally accessible sources (in particular statements from breeding associations, specialist journals, books and veterinary reports as well as the BMEL’s expert opinion on torture breeding), certain experiences with the breeding of certain animal breeds exist which, due to their consistency, are condensed into approximately reliable knowledge (Lorz/Metzger, Kommentar zum TierSchG § 11b TierSchG para. 11). The BMEL’s torture breeding report explicitly mentions the Pekingese among the breeds concerned for the following torture breeding traits: Brachycephaly, chondrodysplasia, wrinkling.

The breeding ban in Section 11b TierSchG applies irrespective of whether the breeder himself has recognized the possibility of harmful consequences, but depends on whether the respective knowledge and experience can be expected from a careful breeder of the respective animal species (see Hirt/Maisack/Moritz, Tierschutzgesetz, Kommentar, Section 11b TierSchG para. 6).

An important indication of a hereditary defect is that a disease or behavioral deviation occurs more frequently in related animals than in the overall population of the dog species. The fact that the breed or population has proven to be viable over a longer period of time does not speak against damage (see Lorz/Metzger Kommentar zum TierSchG § 11b Rn. 9).

Breeding is prohibited not only if animals are used for breeding that themselves exhibit traits relevant to torture (trait carriers), but also if it is known or must be known that an animal used for breeding can pass on traits (trait carriers) that can lead to one of the detrimental changes in the offspring (Lorz/Metzger, Kommentar zum TierSchG § 11b Rn. 6 with further evidence).
Inheritance-related changes in the descendants are also foreseeable if they can only be expected to occur in later generations after a generational leap (cf. Goetschel in Kluge § 11b para. 14).

b) Austria

Dogs with the defects/syndromes described above are categorised as torture breeding in Austria in accordance with § 5 TSchG

Section 5 of the Austrian Animal Welfare Act is violated in particular by anyone who “ carries out breeding which is foreseeable to be associated with pain, suffering, harm or fear for the animal or its offspring (torture breeding), so that as a result, in connection with genetic abnormalities, in particular one or more of the following clinical symptoms occur in the offspring not only temporarily with significant effects on their health or significantly impair physiological life courses or cause an increased risk of injury“.

Shortening of the facial skull: Breeding with dogs that suffer from a shortening of the facial skull and the associated problems or are genetically predestined for this is to be qualified as torture breeding if one of the following symptoms listed in § 5 is realized: Respiratory distress, malformation of the dentition.

Ectropion or entropion: Breeding with dogs that suffer from pathological changes of the eyes or are genetically predestined to do so is to be qualified as torture breeding if one of the following symptoms listed in § 5 is realized: inflammation of the conjunctiva and/or the cornea, blindness.

Vertebral body malformations and chondrodystrophy/chondrodysplasia, intervertebral disc disease: Breeding with dogs that suffer from pathological changes of the spine and limbs or are genetically predisposed to do so is to be qualified as torture breeding if one of the following symptoms listed in § 5 is realized: movement abnormalities, neurological symptoms.

Inflammation of the skin due to the dense, luxuriant coat or skin fold dermatitis: Breeding with dogs that suffer from skin fold dermatitis or are genetically predisposed to it is to be qualified as torture breeding, as the following symptom listed in § 5 is realized: inflammation of the skin.

Difficult births/cesarean sections: The breeding of Pekingese is already to be qualified as torture breeding due to the fact that it must be assumed with great probability that natural births are not possible.

c) Switzerland

Anyone wishing to breed with an animal that exhibits a trait or symptom that may lead to moderate or severe stress in connection with the breeding objective must first have a stress assessment carried out. Only hereditary stresses are taken into account in the stress assessment (see Art. 5 of the FSVO Ordinance on Animal Welfare in Breeding [TSchZV]) [114]. Dogs with defects that can be assigned to stress category 3 are subject to a breeding ban in accordance with Art. 9 TSchZV (129). It is also prohibited to breed with animals if the breeding objective results in category 3 defects in the offspring. Animals in category 2 may be used for breeding if the breeding objective is for the offspring to be less affected than the parents (Art. 6 TSchZV). Annex 2 of the TSchZV lists characteristics and symptoms that can lead to moderate or severe stress in connection with the breeding objective. Degenerative joint changes, skull deformities with disabling effects on the ability to breathe, the position of the eyes, the position of the teeth and the birthing process, excessive wrinkling, herniated discs, eye malfunctions, cataracts and entropion are explicitly mentioned. In addition, individual breeding forms are expressly prohibited in accordance with Art. 10 TSchZV. In other cases, however, a breeding ban is only imposed on a case-by-case basis. Animals that have been bred on the basis of impermissible breeding objectives may not be exhibited (Art. 30a para. 4 let. b TSchV).

d) Netherlands

According to Article 3.4 „Breeding with domestic animals“ of the Animal Keeper Decree, it is prohibited in the Netherlands to breed with domestic animals in a way that is detrimental to the welfare and health of the parent animals or their offspring.

In any case, breeding must prevent as far as possible that

1. serious genetic defects and diseases are passed on to the offspring or can occur in them;
2. external characteristics are passed onto the offspring or can develop in them that have harmful consequences for the welfare or health of the animals.

The following hereditary diseases or abnormalities according to article 3.4. are realized in the Pekingese: brachycephaly, eye diseases, abnormalities of the spinal column, abnormal reproduction (dystocia), patellar luxation.

Among other things, the following harmful external characteristics can be passed on to the offspring of Pekingese: short muzzle, short legs, long back, many nasal folds with skin infections.

In the Netherlands in accordance with Article 3.4. „Breeding with domestic animals“ of the Animal Keeper Decree and Article 2 sentence 1 of the Decree „Breeding with brachycephalic dogs“, it is forbidden to breed dogs whose muzzle is shorter than one third of the length of the skull and which have other of the above-mentioned associated problems: produce a secondary sound when breathing at rest; have moderate to severe narrowing of the nostrils; a nasal fold with hairs that touch or could touch the cornea or conjunctiva from the nasal fold or that is wet; signs of inflammation in one or both eyes related to the presence of the nasal fold; an eye with whites visible in two or more quadrants; an eyelid that cannot be fully closed when the eyelid reflex is triggered.

 

Detailed legal assessments and/or expert opinions, if already available, can be made available to veterinary offices for official use on request.

10. Relevant jurisdiction

1. Germany: Not Pekingese, but brachycephaly in French Bulldogs: VG Stade, decision of 07.07. 2022, 10 B 481/22 and OVG Lüneburg, decision of 25.10.2022, 11 ME 221722
2. Austria: not yet known.
3. Switzerland: not yet known.
4. The Netherlands: not yet known.
5. Sweden: not yet known.
6. Norway: not yet known.

11. Order example available?

No.

Examples of orders are only made available to veterinary offices for official use on request.

12.  Bibliography/ References/ Links

Only a selection of sources on the defects described above and, where applicable, general literature on breed-related defects in dogs is given here. More comprehensive literature lists on the scientific background will be sent exclusively to veterinary offices on request.

Note: The description of health problems associated with the trait, for which there is not yet sufficient scientific evidence, is based on the experience of experts from veterinary practice and/or university institutions as well as publicly accessible databases or publications from animal insurance companies and therefore originates from different evidence classes.

As breeding and showing are international nowadays, the information does not usually only refer to the prevalence of defects or traits in individual associations, clubs or countries.

Sources:

AGRIA Pet Insurance Sweden. (o. J.). Pekingese Agria Breed Profiles Veterinary Care 2016-2021.

Asher, L., Diesel, G., Summers, J. F., McGreevy, P. D., & Collins, L. M. (2009). Inherited defects in pedigree dogs. Part 1: Disorders related to breed standards. The Veterinary Journal, 182(3), 402–411. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tvjl.2009.08.033

Bellumori, T. P., Famula, T. R., Bannasch, D. L., Belanger, J. M., & Oberbauer, A. M. (2013). Prevalence of inherited disorders among mixed-breed and purebred dogs: 27,254 cases (1995–2010). Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 242(11), 1549–1555. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.242.11.1549

Bergström, A., Nødtvedt, A., Lagerstedt, A., & Egenvall, A. (2006). Incidence and Breed Predilection for Dystocia and Risk Factors for Cesarean Section in a Swedish Population of Insured Dogs. Veterinary Surgery, 35(8), 786–791. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1532-950X.2006.00223.x

Brown, E. A., Dickinson, P. J., Mansour, T., Sturges, B. K., Aguilar, M., Young, A. E., Korff, C., Lind, J., Ettinger, C. L., Varon, S., Pollard, R., Brown, C. T., Raudsepp, T., & Bannasch, D. L. (2017). FGF4 retrogene on CFA12 is responsible for chondrodystrophy and intervertebral disc disease in dogs. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 114(43), 11476–11481. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1709082114

Bundesamt für Lebensmittelsicherheit und Veterinärwesen (BLV). (2015). Verordnung des BLV über den Tierschutz beim Züchten. https://www.fedlex.admin.ch/eli/cc/2014/747/de

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Chai, O., Harrosh, T., Bdolah-Avram, T., Mazaki-Tovi, M., & Shamir, M. H. (2018). Characteristics of and risk factors for intervertebral disk extrusions in Pekingese. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, 252(7), 846–851. https://doi.org/10.2460/javma.252.7.846

Costa, J., Steinmetz, A., & Delgado, E. (2021). Clinical signs of brachycephalic ocular syndrome in 93 dogs. Irish Veterinary Journal, 74(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13620-021-00183-5

Di Dona, F., Della Valle, G., & Fatone, G. (2018). Patellar luxation in dogs. Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports, Volume 9, 23–32. https://doi.org/10.2147/VMRR.S142545

Fawcett, A., Barrs, V., Awad, M., Child, G., Brunel, L., Mooney, E., Martinez-Taboada, F., McDonald, B., & McGreevy, P. (2018). Consequences and Management of Canine Brachycephaly in Veterinary Practice: Perspectives from Australian Veterinarians and Veterinary Specialists. Animals, 9(1), 3. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani9010003

Geiger, M., Schoenebeck, J. J., Schneider, R. A., Schmidt, M. J., Fischer, M. S., & Sánchez-Villagra, M. R. (2021). Exceptional Changes in Skeletal Anatomy under Domestication: The Case of Brachycephaly. Integrative Organismal Biology, 3(1), obab023. https://doi.org/10.1093/iob/obab023

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Genetics Committee of the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists, (ACVO). (2023). ACVO 2023 The Blue Book—Ocular disorders presumed to be inherited in purebreed dogs (15th Edition). https://ofa.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/ACVO-Blue-Book-2023.pdf

Hale, F. A. (2021). Dental and Oral Health for the Brachycephalic Companion Animal . In Health and Welfare of Brachycephalic (Flat-faced) Companion Animals (1., S. 235–250). Taylor and Francis Group. https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.1201/9780429263231-14/dental-oral-health-brachycephalic-companion-animal-fraser-hale

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