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The world admits bears in pits do it, Even Pekingeses at the Ritz do it, Let’s do it, let’s fall in love. – Cole Porter

Pekingese Dogs 101 Facts

Good day, I’m Leroy with Animal Facts, the channel with the surprisingly, simplistic name. Today, we list 10 facts about the dignified, supremely confident, and one of the most independent of the toy breeds, the Pekingese. As always, if you like this video please hit the thumbs up and subscribe for more. Let’s get started. Pekingese Dogs 101

10. The Pekingese breed gets its name from the ancient city of Peking in China, ya know the one with the duck. The city is now called Beijing.

9. Pekingese were bred to resemble “foo dogs,” or Chinese guardian lions. These dogs have been in China since about A.D. 700 and at least some of their popularity is attributed to the rise of Buddhism in China. Lions and, therefore, lion-like dogs, were symbols of Buddha, and these small dogs with their flamboyant flowing manes fit the bill. They were available exclusively to royalty. This meant punishment of death should a commoner be found with one.

8. In the 1800s, the Pekingese was the darling of the Imperial Chinese court. In the sacking of Peking by the British in 1860, only a few Pekingese survived, at least one of which made it to England and became the darling of Queen Victoria. Once again, royal favor led to popularity and the Pekingese has not looked back since.

7. The Pekingese breed was officially recognized by the AKC in 1906. The Pekingese is a member of the toy group, ranging in height from six to nine inches and in weight from six pounds for the tiniest to 14 pounds at the heaviest. Pekingese under 6 pounds are known as “Sleeve Pekingese.”

6. Pekingese are long bodied, low dogs with the limbs somewhat bowed. The body is sturdy despite its small size, and its build contributes to a “rolling” gait. Pekingese are readily recognized by their shortened muzzles, prominent large eyes and “v” shaped nose wrinkle. The ears hang long off the massive round head, and the tail is carried majestically over the back.

5. It’s a low-energy breed that needs a couple short walks a day and some indoor playtime. The Pekingese makes a great “apartment” dog, meaning she doesn’t need a huge yard, as long as she is exercised daily. Calm and quiet indoors, she lies on the sofa cushions much of the time, observing her kingdom with her direct, inscrutable gaze, with sudden bursts of comic playfulness.

4. Pekingese dogs possess a regal dignity, intelligence and strong sense of self-importance. They are also good-natured, opinionated and affectionate.

3. The Pekingese breed comes in 10 colors with three different types of markings. Their fur gets long without regular trims.

2. Pekingese tend to be very stubborn and prideful. Training these pups is definitely a difficult task–but not an impossible one. They often think they’re in charge and, if trained too harshly, will fight back.

1. A Pekingese, called Sun Yat Sen, was one of three dogs to escape the sinking RMS Titanic in 1912 when Henry and Myra Harper brought their Pekingese aboard Lifeboat #3. Of the dogs aboard, the owners had planned to hold a dog show aboard the ship on the morning of April 15th but the Titanic sank the preceding night.

Well, there you have it, 10 royal facts about the small but extremely sturdy, Emporers of the Sofa, the Pekingese. Did we miss any facts? Let us know in the comments below. And as always, if you have an animal you’d like us to cover, drop us a line. Don’t forget to like and subscribe for more fun fauna facts. Catch ya next time.

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