Pekingese

The Pekingese is the lion dog of the Chinese imperial court, and for centuries stealing one was punishable by death.

History

It was bred in the Forbidden City to resemble the guardian lions of Buddhist iconography, and could be owned only by the imperial household. British troops looted five during the sacking of the Summer Palace in 1860; one was presented to Queen Victoria and named, with no delicacy at all, Looty. Every Pekingese outside China descends from that handful.

Temperament

The breed is known for being dignified, self-possessed and stubborn, devoted to its own people and indifferent to impressing anyone else. It is affectionate on its own terms.

Care and training

Exercise needs are small and should be modest in warm weather. The long double coat needs daily brushing and the facial folds want regular cleaning. Training requires patience; the breed does not see the point of repetition.

Health

The flattened face brings brachycephalic airway problems and real heat intolerance, along with eye injuries from the prominent eyes and intervertebral disc disease from the long back. These are known patterns for the breed and a matter for a breeder and a vet; the measured facts are in the panel.