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The Pekingese, also known as Peking Palasthund and Little Lion Dog of Peking, are among the favorite American pets of the twenty-first century. The Pekingese is also referred to as a sleeve dog because it is said the Chinese royalty carried the little Peke in the sleeves of their robes.

There were no real lions in China. However, the Lion of Buddha was a sacred symbol from about the first century A.D. The artist of those days portrayed Buddhist's symbols remarkably like the emperor's palace dogs. The Pekingese were probably the artists' models. Until 1860 the Pekingese was kept only by the imperial family. The Imperial family designated three types:

' Lion Dogs for their manes and large forequarters;
' Sun Dogs because of their golden red coats;
' And Sleeve Dogs because they were often carried inside the rather large sleeves of the royal families.

According to historians when the British raided the Chinese Imperial Palace in 1860, they carried off five of these little dogs. One of these little dogs was presented to Queen Victoria and named 'Looty.' The remaining four were given to Admiral John Hay. In John Hay's Greenwood Castle these four Pekingese became the foundation stock for today's Western Pekingese.

Very little is known or available of the ancestors of the Pekingese. We do know Oriental breeding was common to produce small type pug-faced dogs with flowing coats.

The Pekingese is probably better suited to adult families or those with older children who understand the need of careful handling of small dogs. The Pekingese is sociable and loves to romp with its family. He can be somewhat stubborn, never loses courage or dignity. He is even-tempered, intelligent and affectionate. The Pekingese is a loyal companion. He is best trained with gentleness, consistency and with great patience. Reward every appropriate action with a kind word and a special treat. The Pekingese is usually not known as an alarm dog. He usually resents strangers, is bold, brave and may develop into a watchdog if encouraged.

The Pekingese have not changed a lot since they were residents of the royal palace of China. They are still small and compatible little dogs. They were bred to please their royal owners. Following the fall of the Chinese palace in 1860 they were seen in Great Britain. The AKC registered the Pekingese in 1906 and the breed has grown in popularity since that time.

Pekingese do not require a lot of exercise, long walks with its owner and backyard playtime is plenty for the Peke.

Grooming

You guessed it'..the Pekingese does require quite a bit of grooming. Its coat is abundant, long, straight, flat and flowing. Most Pekingese have a black mask that extends to the ears and are seen in many different colors. Grooming should begin very early in the life of a Pekingese puppy. The fine coat tangles easy. Care must be taken to straighten or clip out mats as they form. The top coat is coarse with a thick undercoat. There is a profuse mane extending beyond its shoulders which forms a cape around the neck.

You will need a slicker or pin brush and a wide-toothed comb. Brushing regularly is essential. Pet Pekingese are more comfortable having their stomach, chest and genital area clipped very short. Show dog Pekingese, however, are not clipped in this manner.