Pekin — breed guide
The classic white farm duck: big, sociable, and too heavy to fly over the garden fence.
At a glance
- Group
- heavy duck
- Size
- Medium
- Weight
- 3.6–5 kg (8–11 lb)
- Life span
- 8–12 years
- Coat
- Snow-white feathers, orange bill and feet
Living with a Pekin
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Light grooming — a brush now and then.
- Light shedding.
- Trainable with consistency.
- Barks readily.
- Good with children.
- Not always easy with other dogs — introduce carefully.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Not well suited to a flat — space, exercise need or voice works against it.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Handles cold well.
Temperament
Friendly · Chatty · Greedy
Health to watch
- Bumblefoot
- Leg strain at weight
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
The AFLAC duck and Donald are both Pekins — the definitive duck-shaped duck.
Questions people ask
Is a Pekin good with kids?
Generally yes. Pekins are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Pekin good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Pekin need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Pekin handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Pekin's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.