Facts about Pekingese
- 09
Three Pekingese were among the survivors of the RMS Titanic disaster in 1912, rescued in lifeboats alongside their owners.
- 08
In 1898, the first Pekingese to arrive in America was exhibited at the Westminster Dog Show, sparking widespread fascination with the breed among wealthy American dog enthusiasts.
- 07
Pekingese were historically carried in the sleeves of Chinese imperial robes and served as portable foot warmers for emperors and empresses during court ceremonies.
- 06
Ancient Chinese emperors valued Pekingese so highly that stealing one from the imperial palace was punishable by death during the Tang and Song dynasties.
- 05
The Pekingese's distinctive gait, called a 'rolling' walk due to their short legs and long body, was intentionally bred to mimic the movement of lions in Chinese imperial culture.
- 04
During the 1860 Boxer Rebellion, British and French forces looted the Chinese imperial palace and discovered five Pekingese dogs, which were subsequently brought to England and became the foundation of the breed's Western population.
- 03
Weighing between 7 and 14 pounds, Pekingese are among the smallest dog breeds but require daily grooming to maintain their double coat of 2 to 3 inches in length.
- 02
Their distinctive flat faces cause Pekingese to experience breathing difficulties, with studies showing they have airway obstruction rates exceeding 50 percent compared to other dog breeds.
- 01
Bred exclusively in Chinese imperial palaces for over 2,000 years, Pekingese dogs were considered sacred and never sold to commoners during the Ming and Qing dynasties.