Pekingese
Toy Group
General Appearance:
The Pekingese is a well-balanced, compact dog of Chinese origin with a heavy front
and lighter hindquarters. Its image is lion like.
Temperament:
A combination of regal dignity, intelligence and self-importance make for a good
natured, opinionated and affectionate companion to those who have earned its
respect, courage, dignity, boldness and self-esteem rather than daintiness or delicacy.
Pekingese History:
The legend of the lion that fell in love with a marmoset is at the foundation of
Pekingese lore. In order for him to be wedded to his lady-love, the lion begged the
patron saint of the animals, Ah Chu, to reduce him to the size of a pigmy, but to let
him retain his great lion heart and character. The offspring of this union are said to
be the dog of Fu Lin, or the Lion Dog of China.
The earliest known record of the Lion Dog is traceable to the Tang Dynasty of the
8th century. Breeding of these little dogs, now called Pekingese, reached a zenith
during the Tao Kuang period (1821-1851). However, the oldest strains were kept
amazingly pure. Imperial Dog Books, illustrated with pictures of the most admired
dogs, were used as the standards. Though records of pedigrees were not kept,
breeding was the subject of much thought and many elaborate theories. Prenatal
impression was the method most in vogue: mothers were taken several times daily to
see pictures and sculpture of the most beautiful dogs. The desired colors for their
coats were hung in their sleeping quarters, where they slept on sheepskins to suggest
a profuse coat. The characteristics we seek to retain and perfect today were in
evidence in these earliest dogs.
The Dowager Empress is part responsible for the appearance of the Pekingese in the
United States by giving many of the little dogs as gifts to influential Americans. At
one time Americans could probably claim the largest population of authentic palace
dogs. The AKC first registered the Pekingese in 1906. This dog has but one purpose
in life, to give understanding, companionship and loyalty to his owners.
Please note: This information is copyrighted and property of LECK Farm it may not be copied or reproduced.
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