Pekingese History
The Pekingese breed can be
traced back as far as 2000 B.C. when it was known as the "little lion dog of Peking,". According to
legend, it was the product of the union of a doting lion and a graceful squirrel. Chinese painting
and sculpture of the Celestial Empire show him much as he is today.
The Pekingese arrived in Europe
over 100 years ago when English officers presented several of them to Queen Victoria. The story goes, that in
1860, when English and French soldiers plundered the Imperial Palace in Peking, they found a dozen
or so of Pekingese dead; having been killed by court officials so that they wouldn't fall into the hands of the conquerers. Several Pekingese did survive though, an were given to the Queen.
Pekingese Description
The Pekingese is a small, yet sturdy dog, weighing not more than 14 pounds (6,4 kg.). The Pekingese has a
distinguished presence and a lively, intelligent expression. It is exclusively a companion dog.
The Pekingese is known for it's
affectionate disposition, and is loyal and obedient toward its owners. Even though the Pekingese is a rather small dog used in the home, it is not a timid dog.
The nose of a Pekingese is short with
wide, black nostrils, the legs are short and their plumed tail curls back.
The coat of the Pekingese, when maintained, is long and straight, thick and soft. It needs to be combed daily. It's recommended that any tangles be undone using your fingers, lightly coated with petroleum jelly, like Vaseline.
Pekingese coat colors include many shades of biscuit, black (with or without shades of grey), black and tan, grey sable, fawn brindle, red brindle,platinum, and liver.