Side by side
Put a few breeds side by side before you make up your mind.
Pick up to four. The URL updates as you go, so you can send this comparison to whoever you are arguing with.
| Breed |  Pekingese |  Yorkshire Terrier |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | The Pekingese descends from small palace dogs kept by Chinese emperors for centuries, considered sacred companions and sometimes smuggled out of the Forbidden City only after it fell in 1860. Bred purely for companionship rather than work, the breed's independence and sense of self-importance reflect its courtly history. | England |
| Group | Toy | Toy |
| Size | Small | Toy |
| Coat | Long, straight double coat with a thick undercoat and a distinctive mane around the neck and shoulders. | Long, silky, fine hair with no undercoat |
| Weight | 3 to 6.5 kg | 2 to 3.2 kg |
| Height | 15 to 25 cm | 18 to 23 cm |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 yrs | 13 to 16 yrs |
| Exercise need | 2/10 | 6/10 |
| Affection | 8/10 | 8/10 |
| Grooming needs | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Barking | 5/10 | 7/10 |
| Good with children | 4/10 | 4/10 |
| Good with other dogs | 5/10 | 5/10 |
| Trainability | 3/10 | 6/10 |
| Prey drive | 3/10 | 7/10 |
| Copes alone | 5/10 | 3/10 |
| Drool | 2/10 | 1/10 |
| Shedding | 6/10 | 2/10 |
| Flat fit | 9/10 | 9/10 |
| Running cost | €92 / month | €100 / month |
Pekingese verdict
A lap dog with opinions: imperial dignity wrapped in a lion's mane.
Get one if
- · Owners who want a calm, affectionate lap dog rather than an active breed
- · Flat dwellers with modest space and no stairs to manage
- · People happy to commit to daily brushing and face-fold cleaning
Think again if
- · Active owners wanting a jogging or hiking companion
- · Households expecting instant obedience from every command
- · Homes with very young or boisterous children unsupervised
Yorkshire Terrier verdict
A spirited, confident toy terrier with a big personality and a high maintenance coat.
Get one if
- · Owners willing to commit to daily brushing or regular professional grooming
- · Households looking for a small dog with a big, brave personality
- · Apartment dwellers who can provide daily mental and physical stimulation
Think again if
- · Households with very young children or boisterous large dogs
- · Owners wanting a low maintenance, wash and go coat
- · People away from home for long periods of the day