Pekingese

Although the true origins of the Pekingese have been lost in the sands of time, it is likely that these little dogs have not altered that much over centuries. Chinese legend tells of a lion that fell in love with a marmoset and in order to marry to her, the lion begged the patron saint of the animals, Ah Chu, to reduce him to the size of a pigmy while at the same time retaining his large lion heart and character. The offspring of this union was the Fu Lin or Lion Dog of China which paved the way for the Pekingese to make its mark on the whole of China. Whatever the breed’s true origin recent DNA tests have revealed the Peke to be one of the most ancient of all dog breeds, along with 13 others.

The charming Pekingese's ancestry is an illustrious one that can be traced back to China's Tang Dynasty with similar little dogs having been popular in China even before that particular time in Chinese history. However, it was during the Tang Dynasty that these little lion dogs became a firm favourite around the Imperial Courts. They were so highly prized that a decree was passed stating that only royals and nobles could own a Pekingese and that no commoners were allowed to purchase or own a Pekingese dog and if they did, it was at their own peril.

It was only in 1860 that common people were allowed to buy one of these charming little, lion-like dogs which was when the British took over the city of Peking. It was at this time that four Pekes were taken back to England where they were quite an immediate hit. Later more dogs were taken back to the UK and the breed was finally recognised by The Kennel Club in 1910, although the Pekingese was accepted by the American Kennel Club the previous year. Today, the Pekingese remains one of the most popular choices both as a companion dog and family pet thanks to their charming looks and endearing natures.