What is a Pekingese Dog?
Pekingese dogs are elegant and affectionate family companions. They are referred as Lion Dog because they resemble the Chinese guardian lions. Pekingese dogs are intelligent and possess self-importance and high value for itself. They appear lion-like, implying dignity and courage.
They are inactive and will be pleased staying indoors. They love to walk but they are not capable of doing field task unlike the other dogs. Instead, they would like to stay at home and pat with the owner. They behave well in a peaceful environment and will be able to do well in apartment set up.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) categorized dogs into 7 groups:
- Herding
- Hound
- Non-sporting
- Sporting
- Terrier
- Toy
- Working
Pekingese dogs are recognized by American Kennel Club in 1906 and categorized under the toy group. Because this dog breed belongs to the toy group, these dogs are usually one of the major competitors in dog shows. Its good appearance is likely to win medals primarily because of its size, unique coat, and intelligence.
This dog breed is easy to please and would want outdoor play or exercise most of the time to proudly ramp their stuff. Older Pekingese dogs will enjoy the comfort indoors and will happily roam inside the house. They demand a lot of attention and is very affectionate.
Dog lovers have provided a list of characteristics to love about a Pekingese dog:
- Well-balanced
- Delicate
- Lion-like
- Dignified
- Self-esteemed
- Confident
- Courageous
- Intelligent
- High-valued
- Opinionated
- Affectionate
- Bold
- Happy
- Playful
- Attention-seeker
- Excellent
- Great pet
- Watchful
- Alert
- Adorable
- Well-behaved
- Family dog
- Companion
- Loving
- People dog
- Smart
Pekingese Dog History
The origin of the Pekingese dogs can be traced way back the Chinese Dynasties. They were pet dogs of the royalties and any person who will steal a Pekingese DOG will be sanctioned to death. DNA analysis has confirmed that the Pekingese DOG breed is one of the oldest breed of dog and centuries have gone that Pekingese dogs are owned only by members of the Chinese Imperial Palace. This is probably one of the reasons why these dogs think of themselves as highly important, an attitude that was transferred year after year until the present time.
In 1860s, after the Second Opium War break through, the Old Summer Palace of the monarchs in Beijing was occupied by British and French Troops. One of the member of the royal family committed suicide on the onset of the British Invasion and a lot of Pekingese DOG were seen mourning over the dead body. The Pekingese dogs were later on taken by the British troops before they turned down and buried the palace. The Pekingese dogs were one of the remnants of the historical turn-down of the Chinese Empire during that time.
Lord John Hay gave a pair of Pekingese DOG to his sister, the wife of the 3rd Duke of Wellington, Henry Wellesley. The other pairs were taken by Sir George Fitzroy and Lieutenant Dunne. The former gave it to his cousins, the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and Gordon, and the latter to Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and named the Pekingese dog as Looty.
It was after the dramatic fall of the Chinese Empire that the Pekingese dogs were introduced to different places. The Empress Dowager Cixi, for instance, sold the pairs of Pekingese dogs in his possession to several Americans, one of which is the daughter of Theodore Roosevelt. There were also Pekingese dogs introduced to the other parts of the world like Ireland.
In effect, the spread of the remaining Pekingese dogs after the British invasion to all parts of the world through trade enables the breed to subsist through centuries.
Lion-like, affectionate and intelligent dog
The AKC specifically categorized the Pekingese DOG under the toy group. An ideal Pekinese dog is good-natured, intelligent and affectionate.
The breed of Pekingese dogs are said to have stayed through time for over 2000 years. Their breed continues and never changes in appearance. They have low body built and have muscular and compact body. Their most obvious and unique characteristic is their flat face and long coat that covers their neck until the chest.
These dogs measure from 6 to 9 inches at the withers and can even be smaller. They weigh from 7 to 14 pounds. Their coat can be any color and the AKC allowed any color combination for a Pekingese dog if so desired.
It has a distinct temperament compared to the other dogs. Expert suggests that Pekingese dogs should not be left with children of tender years at home. The reason behind this is that Pekingese DOG tend to be possessive at times and it might hurt the child if he or she comes in the way. Also, this dog breed is attention seeker and it becomes resentful to the child once the attention is taken away.
A Pekingese DOG has an average life span of 11 years according to a UK survey.
