Pekingese

Little Lion Dog

            The Pekingese is an ancient breed of dog that originates from China.  Once a pet of the imperial family it was a crime punishable by death to steal one of the little dogs.  For centuries the Pekingese was only owned by members of the Chinese Imperial Palace.

            Pekingese are small dogs; they stand between 6-9 inches and weigh only 8-10 pounds.  The breed’s coat comes in any color combination, but the most common is red sable.  Black and tan is also a common variety, and white Pekingese were prized in ancient China, both for their rarity and the belief that they held the spirit of a great man.  Their muzzles are short and wrinkled; their faces are almost always black.  The Pekingese also is bowlegged, most likely bred this way by the Chinese to prevent the dog from wandering far from their masters.

            The earliest known record of the Pekingese’s ancestors reaches back to the 8^th century.  Chinese legend tells that a lion fell in love with a marmoset.  In order for him to be with his love the lion begged, Ah Chu, the saint of animals, to reduce him in size, but allow him to retain his lion’s heart and character.  Their offspring are said to be the Fu Lin, the Lion Dog of China, and today’s Pekingese.  The breed was introduced to the western world in 1860 when Allied troops took Peking.  Five dogs were found in the Summer Palace, one of the dogs was later given to Queen Victoria, who named the dog Looty.  Today the Pekingese is more common outside of China then within it.

            Pekingese are a stubborn breed, and easily can become jealous.  They can be dog aggressive, and therefore socialization as a pup is a must.  Generally they are a one dog person, and they may see children as a rival.  The Pekingese is not recommended for the first time dog owner.