PEKINGESE

COOK'S PEKINGESE

JOANN COOK

56736 HENRY GEORGE RD.

COQUILLE, OR 97423

PH 541 396 4934  

It was in the year 1860 that British troops stormed the imperial palace in Peking, finding the five Lion Dogs or Pekingese, which were to become the founders of the breed in England. Before this date, these small and courageous animals were sacred dogs of China, guarded by special attendants whose duty it was to look after them on the penalty of death should harm befall one of their royal charges.

The miniature breeds have existed for 1,500 years and for centuries they were exclusive property of the Chinese Imperial Court. The animals were cherished and honored within the royal circle but sacrificed on the deaths of their masters, whom they were to protect in after life. Seventh-century chronicles recount how some of the dogs rode on cushions placed in front of the mounted emperor,

Veneration of the miniature dogs was such that commoners had to bow to them, and theft of Pekingese was punishable by death.

Just when or how the Pekingese came into being is a question to witch we have no definite answer. But undoubtedly the breed is of the most ancient origin. Through the centuries we find reference to these little Lion Dogs in early Chinese literature, and they often appear in Chinese paintings or porcelain.

This Tiny dog continues to have a marked taste for silk cushions and a aversion to long walks. As one American writer noted. "Once a palace Pooch always a palace pooch."

The ancient Pekingese were bred to very in size, as they are today. ranged from the tiny sleeve dogs popular with the ladies, to the larger and more sturdy type. Pure white Pekingese were not popular, The Empress loved color, and the shadings of the Lion Dogs were especially pleasing to her.

The Pekingese combines marked dignity with an exasperating stubbornness which serves only to endear him the more to his owners. He is independent and regal in every gesture; it would be a great indignity to attempt to make a lap dog out of him. Calm and good tempered, the Pekingese employs a condescending cordiality toward the world in general, but in the privacy of his family enjoys nothing better then a good romp. Although never aggressive, he fears not the devil himself and has never been known to turn tail and run. He has plenty of stamina, much more in fact than have a number of larger breeds, he is very easy to care for. Since he has been brought down from his pedestal in Chinese temples, the Pekingese has but one purpose in life, to give understanding companionship and loyalty to his owners. It may be truly said that the Pekingese fulfills his mission to perfection

If you've thought of breeding your beloved Pekingese, proceed with extreme caution. Breeding Pekingese is not for beginners and can result in heartbreak.

Pekes have very large heads and have a hard time having babies. Due to their large heads, Peke deliveries often require Caesarean

 Because Pekes are hard to raise they are expensive. You are looking at hundreds of dollars in vet bills. Breeding Pekes is for experienced breeders only.