PEKINGESE

                                                              
The Pekingese is a small sized breed of dog originating in China ( Beijing the capital of China formerly known as Peking). It is considered to be one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, its origins are dating back some 2000 years ago.

Characteristics

Leonine in appearance, it can weigh from 7 to 14 lb (3.2 to 6.4 kg) and stand about 6–9 inches (15–23 cm). The Pekingese are fearless, loyal and sometimes stubborn dogs. Their loyalty and urge to protect their owner gives them reputation of aggressive dogs but aggressiveness is not in their nature. They have large head and wide between their eyes. The Pekingese body is short and heavier in front than rear. Their legs are short, thick and heavily boned. The Pekingese walking is slow and dignified. They have double coat, the hair is long and all colors and markings are represented but most common are gold, sable and red. The pekingese life span is 13-15 years, although sometimes they can live up to 18 years.


Legends and history


According to the legend this dog breed came as a result of the love between a lion and a monkey. The strength of their love softened the hearts of the Gods and they have allowed them to live together and as a product of that love a new breed of dog came - The Pekingese - dog with a heart of a lion and a face of a monkey. In china this breed is considered to be one of the representations of the legendary Foo dogs, dogs that used to chase away evil spirits. During the Second Opium War, French and British soldiers ransacked the Summer Palace. Although the royal guards were ordered to kill all the pekingese dogs, five of them survived and were brought to the English Queen Victoria. That's where the modern Pekingese dog breed also known as Peke has its origins.