Pekingese
Sunday, April 19, 2020
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A small dog favorite of the Western world, the Pekingese was a favorite of the Imperial household of China centuries ago, but just how long ago nobody can be sure. However, even the standard of the Pekingese Club of America takes note of his Oriental origin:
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“Expression must suggest the Chinese origin of the Pekingese in quaintness and individuality, resemblance to the lion in directness and independence and should imply courage, boldness, self esteem and combativeness rather than prettiness, daintiness or delicacy.”
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The standard is notably correct, since the Pekingese is no lap dog but one with an extra measure of courage coupled with stamina not generally credited to the toy breeds. The reference to the lion is not accidental, since in China they were called Lion Dogs, possibly because of their massive fronts and heavy manes even though there were no lions in China.
Sacred dogs to the ancient Chinese, so much so that theft of one was punishable by death, the Pekingese entered the Occident through an 1860 invasion by the British. Looting of the Imperial Palace in Peking produced four live dogs in the apartment of the Emperor's aunt. Others were said to have been killed to keep them from the invaders. One, a fawn and white, was presented to Queen Victoria. Admiral John Hay bred the others.
More than thirty years elapsed, however, before the Peke entered the British show picture. Mrs. Loftus Allen entered one in the 1893 Chester show. Toward the end of the last century the Dowager Empress T’Zu Hsi presented some to prominent Americans, but most of America's breeding stock was from England.
Pekingese Characteristic:
Very brave little dog; loyal and affectionate; not good with children or other pets: generally healthy and long-lived, may be prone to eye trouble.
Color: Red, fawn, black, black and tan, sable, brindle, white and part-colors.
Weight: Not more than 14 lb.
Coat type: Long, straight and flat with thick undercoat; groom daily with soft bristle brush, paying attention to the underbody and using baby powder to separate the hair; bathing is rarely necessary.
Exercise: Should not be overexerted or overheated; steady walking for short distances is sufficient.