THE ORIGIN OF THE PEKINGESE



The origin of the pekingese is veiled in Oriental Mystery and Romance. It is believed that the breed is a miniature version of the ancient "Fo Dogs" of China which, because of their terrifying lion-like appearance, were thought to ward off evil spirits. Such dogs appear in Chinese works of art dating to 900 A.D.) and bear a striking resemblance to the present-day Pekingese. The small dogs became favourites of the Chinese Imperial court where they were bred in great numbers but only those within the royal circle were permitted to own one. The dogs were lavishly tended, considered to be bringers of good fortune and possessed of the courage of the lion.

Closely watched over within the palace precincts, the breed did not reach the Western world until after British troops stormed the Summer Palace in Peking in 1860. There they found five small dogs protecting the body of the Imperial Princess who had taken her own life. These dogs were of the "sleeve'' type- that is, all weighed about five pounds. The five were looted and taken back to England. A pair was presented to the Duchess of Wellington and to the Duchess of Richmond, and one female was given to Queen Victoria, who promptly named her Looty. In the years that followed, by various means, more Pekingese were smuggled out of China, brought to England, and became the foundation stock of what was soon to become the most popular toy breed in Britain. The Pekingese was first exhibited in the show ring in 1894 and in 1898 was accepted for registration by The Kennel Club (England). In that same year the first standard for the breed was draughted.

News of the breed's romantic background quickly travelled, and created great interest in the Pekingese. First imports began arriving in the United States early in the 1900s, and in 1909 the Pekingese Club of America was founded. The following year the first of the breed were registered in Canada.

The most illustrious Pekingese of them all was International Champion Chik T'Sun of Caversham, bred in England, who was to become the world's top winner of' Best in Show awards. His record of 125 top awards still stands.

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