The Pekingese (also spelled Pekinese) is a breed of toy dog, originating in China. Another breed, the Shih Tzu, has its English name derive from the same source as this breed's Chinese name which translates to 'lion dog'. The leading cause of death for Pekingese, as for many other Toy breeds, is trauma. Top leading causes of organ systems include neurologic and cardiovascular, e.g., congestive heart failure. When diagnosed early and successfully treated with medication, a Pekingese with this problem can expect to live many years. A heart murmur is a potential sign of a problem, and must be evaluated by a veterinary cardiologist. Very often, the problem does not surface until the dog is 6 or more years old, so it is very difficult to screen the problem in a pup.
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