Author: Connie Limon
The Pekingese, also known as Peking Palasthund and Little Lion
Dog of Peking, are among the favorite American pets of the
twenty-first century. The Pekingese is also referred to as a
sleeve dog because it is said the Chinese royalty carried the
little Peke in the sleeves of their robes.
There were no real lions in China. However, the Lion of Buddha
was a sacred symbol from about the first century A.D. The
artist of those days portrayed Buddhist's symbols remarkably
like the emperor's palace dogs. The Pekingese were probably the
artists' models. Until 1860 the Pekingese was kept only by the
imperial family. The Imperial family designated three types:
. Lion Dogs for their manes and large forequarters;
. Sun Dogs because of their golden red coats;
. And Sleeve Dogs because they were often carried inside the
rather large sleeves of the royal families.
According to historians when the British raided the Chinese
Imperial Palace in 1860, they carried off five of these little
dogs. One of these little dogs was presented to Queen Victoria
and named "Looty." The remaining four were given to Admiral
John Hay. In John Hay's Greenwood Castle these four Pekingese
became the foundation stock for today's Western Pekingese.
Very little is known or available of the ancestors of the
Pekingese. We do know Oriental breeding was common to produce
small type pug-faced dogs with flowing coats.
The Pekingese is probably better suited to adult families or
those with older children who understand the need of careful
handling of small dogs. The Pekingese is sociable and loves to
romp with its family. He can be somewhat stubborn, never loses
courage or dignity. He is even-tempered, intelligent and
affectionate. The Pekingese is a loyal companion. He is best
trained with gentleness, consistency and with great patience.
Reward every appropriate action with a kind word and a special
treat. The Pekingese is usually not known as an alarm dog. He
usually resents strangers, is bold, brave and may develop into
a watchdog if encouraged.
The Pekingese have not changed a lot since they were residents
of the royal palace of China. They are still small and
compatible little dogs. They were bred to please their royal
owners. Following the fall of the Chinese palace in 1860 they
were seen in Great Britain. The AKC registered the Pekingese in
1906 and the breed has grown in popularity since that time.
Pekingese do not require a lot of exercise, long walks with its
owner and backyard playtime is plenty for the Peke.
Grooming
You guessed it...the Pekingese does require quite a bit of
grooming. Its coat is abundant, long, straight, flat and
flowing. Most Pekingese have a black mask that extends to the
ears and are seen in many different colors. Grooming should
begin very early in the life of a Pekingese puppy. The fine
coat tangles easy. Care must be taken to straighten or clip out
mats as they form. The top coat is coarse with a thick
undercoat. There is a profuse mane extending beyond its
shoulders which forms a cape around the neck.
You will need a slicker or pin brush and a wide-toothed comb.
Brushing regularly is essential. Pet Pekingese are more
comfortable having their stomach, chest and genital area
clipped very short. Show dog Pekingese, however, are not
clipped in this manner.
About The Author: Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at
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