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Pekingese or Pekinese is an ancient breed of toy dog, originating in China. They were the favoured imperial pet. Good-natured and happy, these dogs enjoy family environments, but require regular cleaning if in outdoor environments. Their eyes are very delicate as they sit above the socket rather than within the socket.
These dogs are also called Dogs of Foo (or Fu) by the Chinese,
and how much they are revered can be seen in the number of
Chinese artworks depicting them. They were considered a
guardian spirit as they resembled Chinese lions (see Lion
dance).
Appearance: The Pekingese breed is over 2000 years
old and has hardly changed in all that time. One exception is
that modern breeders and dog-show judges seem to prefer the
long-haired type over the more-traditional spaniel-type coat.
All breed standards allow all sorts of color combinations.
The most common is red sable; this is the color of the
majority of Westminster Pekes. Black and tan is popular as
well, but blonde seems to be preferred over black and tan for
show dogs. The solid white (except face) or solid black
Pekingese is quite striking. The face is usually black with
deep brown eyes. There was, supposedly, in a British Pekingese
line, a blue (gray) pekingese. Albino dogs are not within the
standard.
The Pekingese gait is like no other in the dog world.
Because the Chinese originally bred them to be companions to
the Emperor of China and his ladies and eunuchs, they are
bowlegged to discourage wandering. However, they can and will
keep up with the big dogs when allowed. The bowleggedness
makes their walk, run, or trot quite striking.
Pekes weigh from 7 to 14 pounds (3-6 kg) and stand about
6-9 inches (15-23 cm) at the withers.
Temperament: These dogs can be stubborn and jealous. This
is not a dog for someone who wants a dog that always comes
when it is called. Pekes are sometimes aggressive, especially
to other dogs. It may take a long time for Pekes to get used
any other dogs except puppies, mates, and siblings. However,
Pekes can be properly socialized with dogs and other types of
pets and can become fast friends. It is easy to believe that
Pekes know that they are royalty and expect you to know it,
too. This might make them unsuitable for the first-time dog
owner.
The Pekingese personality has been compared to a cat,
although this isn't quite right. Where a cat can be trained, a
Pekingese needs to be convinced that the training is
beneficial to him as well as to you. But, if they love you
they will do anything for you, even fight to the death to
protect you.
The Pekingese is generally a one-person dog. They decide
who they like best, and it might surprise you. They more than
tolerate the others in their person's life, but that person
might have to withhold some attention from the Peke if there
is a danger that the Peke sees a child as a rival. Most
healthy and well-trained Pekes are fine with children.
Unfortunately, because they are among the 'cute and I know it'
breeds, many people don't properly train their dogs and end up
with difficult jealousy problems.
Health: Pekes' main problems are eye issues and
breathing problems, resulting from its tiny skull and
flattened face, and skin allergies (and hotspots). An
especially common problem is eye ulcers, which may develop
spontaneously. Pekes should never be kept outside as their
flattened faces and noses can develop breathing problems,
which makes it difficult for them to regulate their body
temperature in overly hot or cold weather. Their long backs,
relative to their legs, make them vulnerable to back injuries.
Care should be taken, when picking them up, to give Pekes
adequate back support: one hand under the chest, the other
under the abdomen. Short legs give some Pekes difficulty with
stairs; older dogs may not be able to go up or down stairs
alone.
Care: Keeping the Peke coat healthy and presentable
requires brushing once a day. If you do this, they will need
to see a groomer only once every 3 months. If a Peke becomes
dirty, it is important to take it to a groomer as soon as
possible, as it is difficult to remove dirt from its coat once
it has dried, but this can be avoided if by brushing
regularly, especially the belly, and between the front and
hind legs. It is also important to remove dirt from the eye
pores daily, and from the creases on the face to prevent sores
(hotspots).
History: The breed originated in China in antiquity,
most likely from Asian wolves. Recent DNA analysis confirms
that the pekingese breed is one of the oldest breeds of dog.
For centuries, they could be owned only by members of the
Chinese Imperial Palace.
During the Second Opium War, in 1860, the Forbidden City
was invaded by Allied troops. The Emperor Xianfeng had fled
with all of his court. However an elderly aunt of the emperor
remained. When the ‘foreign devils’ entered, she committed
suicide. She was found with her five Pekingese mourning her
passing.
They were removed by the Allies before the Old Summer
Palace was burnt. Lord John Hay took a pair, later called
‘Schloff’, and ‘Hytien’ and gave them to his sister,
the Duchess of Wellington, wife of Henry Wellesley, 3rd Duke
of Wellington. Sir George Fitzroy took another pair, and gave
them to his cousins, the Duke and Duchess of Richmond and
Gordon. Lieutenant Dunne presented the fifth Pekingese to
Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom, who named it Looty.
The Empress Dowager Cixi presented Pekingese to several
Americans, including John Pierpont Morgan and Alice Lee
Roosevelt Longworth, daughter of Theodore Roosevelt, who named
it Manchu.
The first Pekingese in Ireland was introduced by Dr.
Heuston. He established smallpox vaccination clinics in China.
The effect was dramatic. In gratitude, the Chinese minister,
Li Hung Chang presented him with a pair of Pekingese. They
were named Chang and Lady Li. Dr. Heuston founded the
Greystones kennel.
Famous Pekes:
Bambi, pet of Miss Marjory Warner, upon whom James
Herriot based his characters Mrs. Pumphrey and Triki Woo
Chu-Chu from Amazing Chan and the Chan Clan
Fifi the Peke
Manchu, pet of Theodore Roosevelt's daughter,Alice Lee
Roosevelt Longworth.
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