Pekingese

What was once an exclusively palace breed in China, Pekingese is now regarded as an ideal pet for smaller homes.

Origin: Another of the ancient Oriental breeds, whose ancestry can be traced back to the Tang dynasty about 1,200 years ago. The Pekingese of the Chinese imperial court were held in far greater esteem than the companion dogs of European royalty. They were only allowed to be kept by the nobility. They were known as sleeve dogs, because their small size enabled them to be carried within the flowing robes of the emperor. Pekingese were regarded as sacred and no effort was spared in ensuring that pure breeding lines were maintained. The dogs were jealously guarded under the supervision of the Chief Eunuch of the Court, and few have ever found their way into the outer world.

Then in 1860, Pekingese was finally brought to Europe for the first time, following the seizure of Peking by British troops. They were an immediate success, and the breed rapidly became very popular in Britain and America.

Temperament: Aloof. Dignified. A surprisingly assertive little dogs, which makes a good watch dog. They enjoy being lavished with affection as befits their royal ancestry. Pekingese is an ideal breed for people who are at home on their own throughout the day, as it will form a strong bond with its owners. If left alone to their own devices for long, this intelligent and mischievous side of their nature will soon become apparent and they are likely to prove destructive.

Grooming: Prepared to groom the flowing coat every day in order to prevent from matting and tangled.

Exercise: Extra care when exercising them during hot seasons as Pekingese can suffer from heat stroke. And despite its glamorous appearance in the show ring, Pekingese enjoys nothing better than a good long scamper in the mud.

Health: Great attention should be paid with reference to the frequent, almost certain, presence of worms, which trouble seems more prevalent with Pekinese than with any other breed. They also have a tendency to develop breathing problems.

Physical appearance of the Pekingese

Head: Massive, broad skull, wide and flat between the ears (not dome shaped); wide between the eyes.

Nose: Black, broad, very short and flat with wide nostrils

Eyes: Large, dark brown, prominent, round, lustrous and are set wide apart.

Stop: Deep.

Ears: Heart shaped; not set too high; leather never long enough to come below the muzzle; not carried erect, but rather drooping, long feather.

Muzzle: Very short and broad; not under hung nor pointed; wrinkled.

Mane: Profuse, extending beyond shoulder blades, forming ruff or frill round front of neck.

Body: Heavy in front, broad chest falling away lighter behind, lion like, not too long in the body.

Coat: Long, with thick undercoat; straight and flat, not curly nor wavy; rather coarse but soft; feather on thighs, legs, tail and toes, long and profuse.

Color: All colors allowable, red, fawn, black, black and tan, sable, brindle, white and parti-colored. Black masks, and spectacles round the eyes, with lines to the ears, are desirable.

Legs: Short; forelegs heavy, bowed out at elbows; hind legs lighter, but firm and well shaped.

Feet: Flat, not round; should stand well up on toes, not on ankles.

Tail: Curled and carried well up on loins; long, profuse straight feather.

Weight: Being a toy dog the smaller the better, provided type and points are not sacrificed. Anything over 18 lb. should disqualify. Ideally, 3 to 6kg

Height: 15 to 23 cm / 6 to 9 in

Movement: Free, strong and high; crossing feet or throwing them out in running should not take off marks; weakness of joints should be penalized.

Faults to avoid in the Pekingese

The Pekingese differs from the Japanese dog in that it appears to be far stronger in constitution, and withstands the changes of the English climate with much greater ease; in fact, they are as hardy, under healthy conditions, as any English breed, and the only serious trouble seems to be the weakness which is developing in the eyes. Small abscesses frequently appear when the puppies are a few months old, and, although they may not affect the sight, they almost inevitably leave a bluish mark, while in some cases the eye itself becomes contracted. Whether this is one of the results of inbreeding it is difficult to say, and it would be of interest to know whether the same trouble is met with in China.