Phone:
1-931-808-9208
or
or
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Pekingese History and Information
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Pekingese |
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Height: 8-9 inches |
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Weight: 8-14 lbs. |
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Life Span: 13-15 yrs. |
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Breed Group: Toy Companion Dogs |
Overview
The Pekinese, along with the Chow, shares the honor of being the national dog of
China. The original Pekingese, in fact, were held exclusively by the royal
family in the royal city of Peking. So valued was the breed by the royal family
that theft of one of the treasured dogs was punishable by death. The breed was
first seen outside of China when British army officers raided the palace in
Peking in 1860. These officers retrieved a few of these pampered royal pets and
made of a gift of one to Queen Victoria.
Admirers of the breed are very enthusiastic over the disposition of this dog, that is claimed to have the "nobility of the lion and the sweetness of a marmoset". Pekingese are affectionate and loving companions who show total loyalty to those they love. The Pekingese is possessed of great dignity, particularly in the presence of strangers or other dogs.
Pekingese are perfectly happy to accept all the comforts of modern civilization, as they seem to consider their due given their long-term association with royalty. While they are not afraid to get dirty, their ideal role is as a pampered companion.
Pekinese
are good with both adults and children. They are also natural watchdogs.
Appearance
The outer coat is long, straight, and coarse, yet soft; the undercoat is thick.
Feathering on the thighs, legs, tail, and toes is long and bushy; around the
neck is a lion-like mane.
The coat may be red, fawn, black, black and tan, sable, brindle, white, or parti-color. The Pekingese has a distinctive black mask and a short, broad, wrinkled muzzle.
Grooming & Exercise Needs
The Peke needs to be brushed and combed daily. Rather than exercise, this short,
bowlegged dog likes to lounge on laps.
Origins
Known as the Lion Dog of China, the Pekingese is thought to be an ancient breed
-- for centuries a favorite of the Chinese Imperial Court. In
18th-century
China, stealing a Pekingese was punishable by death. The Pekingese is known
traceable back to at least the 8th century. The Chinese had at least three
names for Pekinese, depending on what traits the individual dog possessed. The
Lion Dog was so named because of the bushy mane and tapering hindquarters
reminiscent of a lion. The Sun Dog was named in honor of his beautiful
golden-red coat. Finally, the smaller members of the Pekinese family were known
as Sleeve Dogs due to the practice of women from the imperial family carrying
their beloved pets in the large sleeves of their robes.
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www.akc.org
