CHINESE ROYALTY
From as far back as the Tang Dynasty
of the 8th Century the Pekingese were prized and bred in the Royal
Palaces. They
were jealously guarded as personal companions to the Chinese Royalty,
who would carry them inside the large billowing sleeves
of their robes. Pekes came in a multitude of colors as they
were to match or compliment the Royal owner's robes. Death
was the reward for anyone caught attempting to steal one of these
dogs.
BREEDING
DOGS ARRIVE IN EUROPE
When the Chinese Emperor and family fled
during the war in the 1860s, five Pekingese were left behind in
the Summer Palace. These were the foundation for the known
breeding of Pekingese outside the Chinese Royal family. Other
Pekingese were added to the ranks as time went on, ostensibly when
the Chinese would steal them and sell them for a good price to
Europeans buyers.
THE LION DOG
Pekingese have been known as the
Lion Dog due to their appearance and to the Chinese belief that
they were representations of the lions which Buddha made from his
fingers.
AN EXCEPTIONAL COMPANION TODAY
The Pekingese are
spunky intelligent companions who are loyal and loving to their
family members. They will keep their owners
amused and intrigued, and have that special talent of making themselves
seem very indispensable! Well socialized Pekingese are also often confident
with other humans and dogs, as well as being capable of living
in harmony with other species of animals. They can occasionally
be strong willed, and typically are fastidious about their bathroom
habits.