A true bantam, this breed is shorter than the ordinary bantam; they are often only 20-30 cm tall. Their feet and legs are completely covered by their feathers. 

Pekins are docile; with regular handling they will be happy to sit on their owner's lap to be stroked and petted. However, the Pekin cockerels can still be aggressive and defensive of their territory.

Pekins can come in a variety of plummage. Lavender Pekins as the name suggests have a soft lavender coloured plumage.