Best Pet Insurance for Pekingeses
The Pekingese is an ancient imperial breed from China, kept exclusively by the Chinese imperial family for centuries. Regal, dignified, and slightly aloof with strangers, Pekingese are nonetheless devoted to their families and possess a charming, self-important personality. Their distinctive lion-like appearance — flat face, profuse mane, rolling gait — is immediately recognizable. Unfortunately, the same traits that define the breed create significant health challenges. Their flat face causes breathing difficulties, their short legs and heavy build stress the spine, and their large eyes are easily damaged. Prospective Pekingese owners should budget carefully and secure comprehensive insurance before bringing a puppy home.
Best Pet Insurance for Pekingeses (Ranked)
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Score Breakdown
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Pekingese Health Risks & Conditions
Understanding your Pekingese's specific health risks helps you choose the right coverage.
Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS)
very high riskBOAS is the defining health challenge of the Pekingese. Their extremely flat face creates narrowed nostrils (stenotic nares), elongated soft palate, and narrow trachea — all restricting airflow. Symptoms include loud snoring, exercise intolerance, overheating, and sleep-disordered breathing. Corrective surgery (nares widening, soft palate resection) costs $1,500–$4,000 and significantly improves quality of life. Without surgery, affected dogs are at ongoing risk of respiratory distress. Heat and exercise must be carefully managed in this breed year-round.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
moderate riskPekingese are chondrodystrophic (short-legged) dogs whose intervertebral discs age and mineralize prematurely, putting them at elevated risk of disc herniation. Herniated discs in the cervical or thoracolumbar spine cause neck/back pain, weakness, and potentially paralysis. Medical management for mild cases costs $500–$1,500. Spinal surgery (hemilaminectomy) for severe cases runs $3,000–$8,000. Physical rehabilitation post-surgery is essential. Restricting jumping and using ramps/steps helps prevent disc injuries.
Corneal Ulcers and Exposure Keratopathy
high riskThe Pekingese's large, prominent eyes are susceptible to corneal ulcers, dry eye (KCS), and exposure keratopathy due to their shallow eye sockets (exophthalmos). Minor ulcers are treated with antibiotic drops ($50–$200). Deep or indolent ulcers may require surgical intervention ($500–$2,000). Dry eye requires daily cyclosporine or tacrolimus eye drops ($40–$80/month) lifelong. Nasal fold skin can also irritate the cornea, requiring fold removal surgery in some dogs.
Patellar Luxation
moderate riskPatellar luxation affects many small breeds including Pekingese. The kneecap slips out of its groove, causing intermittent lameness and a characteristic 'skipping' gait. Grade 1–2 luxations are often managed conservatively. Grade 3–4 require surgical correction ($1,000–$3,000 per knee). Bilateral surgery (both knees) is common. Secondary cruciate ligament injury can occur with chronic luxation, adding to costs. Weight management is critical to reduce joint stress.
Skin Fold Dermatitis
high riskThe deep skin folds on the Pekingese face — especially the nasal fold — trap moisture and create ideal conditions for bacterial and yeast infections. Regular cleaning of skin folds (several times weekly) is essential for prevention. Active infections require veterinary treatment with topical or systemic antibiotics/antifungals ($100–$400 per episode). Recurrent cases may require surgical fold removal ($500–$1,500). Some Pekingese require ongoing medicated shampoos ($20–$50/month).
What to Look for in Pekingese Pet Insurance
Pekingese are a high-maintenance breed from an insurance perspective. BOAS surgery alone can run $4,000+, and the combination of airway, eye, spine, and skin issues creates substantial lifetime veterinary costs. Enroll young before conditions are diagnosed as pre-existing. Priorities: (1) BOAS/respiratory coverage — many insurers exclude brachycephalic conditions specifically; (2) Spinal/IVDD coverage; (3) Eye condition coverage; (4) Coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions. Top picks: Embrace (covers brachycephalic conditions with waiting period), Spot (no breed exclusions), Fetch (strong hereditary condition coverage).
Pekingese Quick Stats
Common Pekingese Health Conditions
All Providers Ranked for Pekingeses
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Excellent match for Pekingeses. Covers 5 of 5 key health risks with competitive pricing.
Covers your breed's key risks:
Consider alternatives with stronger hereditary condition coverage for Pekingeses.
Consider alternatives with stronger hereditary condition coverage for Pekingeses.