According to an ancient legend, a dog of the Beijing breed is the fruit of the passionate love of a little monkey and a mighty lion. The king of animals was so subdued by the monkey that he decided to turn to the wizard Hi-Ho for help. He reduced the lion to the size of his beloved, while preserving his courage, dignity and courage. So the royal Pekingese was born, having another name - the dog Fu Lin. From the mother, the descendants inherited a merry disposition and a dark muzzle, and from the father - dignity, fearless heart and beauty.
Breed history
The ancestors of the Pekingese first appeared in the Far East. Scientists believe that this happened in the VIII century. The ancient breeders managed to bring out very small fluffy dogs, which became the favorites of the nobility in China.
Numerous paintings on parchment and silk, which depict the heroes of our article, testify to the extraordinary popularity and honor given to these animals.
Over time, there was a dwarf royal Pekingese, which was called tubular. Only those close to the emperor could take these animals outside the palace, and the theft or attempted export of these babies was punishable by death. This companion dog came to Europe by accident. In 1860, when Britain conquered China, the ruler, leaving the palace, ordered to kill all the Pekingese. By some miracle, five dogs survived, which were discovered by English officers and taken to their homeland.
Breed characteristics
It should be noted that the Royal Pekingese is a frequently used, but at the same time unofficial name for dogs belonging to the show class. Breeders use it to emphasize the special qualities of the exterior and size. In fact, these are ordinary Pekingese, having standard sizes. In contrast, dwarf Pekingese are a tribal marriage. Such animals are not allowed for breeding and exhibitions.
Reasons for the separation of the breed
Probably, now many dog lovers will be surprised, because the Pekingese actually differ in size. Let's look at the breed standard No. 207 and carefully study it. There is not a single mention of "kings" or "dwarfs" in it. The standard stipulates only the ideal weight of these animals - 5.4 kg (females) and 5 kg (males). In other words, an animal that meets all the other requirements of the standard, but at the same time weighing 2 kg, is also recognized as a Pekingese.
The absence of strict indications of the desired height and minimum weight of the adult individuals caused the stratification of the breed into:
- Royal (standard Pekingese). These animals have an ideal breed weight. In accordance with the standard, they are allowed to breeding. In some rather rare cases, when two dogs of the Royal Pekingese breed are crossed, puppies can be born dwarf.
- Hose, mini, dwarf, the Pekingese, who have a weight of not more than 3.18 kg (in Canada and the USA - 2.72 kg, in England 3.17 kg). Mini-bitches are not allowed to breed because they can give birth to standard puppies. As a result, this will lead to the death of the mother.
As for the males, they actively mate with standard animals to obtain "dwarfs". This is always a more expensive litter. Mini-Pekingese are not allowed to exhibit, although in some countries - England, Canada, USA - the first step has already been taken to their exhibition career. Here amateur shows began to be held.
Dog lovers should be aware that royal Pekingese is no different from dwarf animals (except for size). The characteristics of the breed do not give any differences in the type of coat and color.
Royal Pekingese: Description
A small dog with a dense and compact physique. Growth at the withers - from 15 to 25 cm, weight - from 2 to 8 kg. The limbs are short, with the front legs slightly curved. The head is large, with a wide skull, flat between the ears.
Big eyes are round and noticeably convex. Ears are not too long, hanging, covered with hair. The neck is muscular, short. The tail bends in a ring on the back, not long.
Hair coat
The coat is long, lush, straight, slightly raised by a thick undercoat. It is shorter on the muzzle and on the outer sides of the legs.
The color is quite diverse: red and red, black and white (with the exception of albinos), sand, "chinchilla", which can be with or without a black mask. With a white color, it is desirable that the spots are located symmetrically on the head.
Dwarf (sleeve) Pekingese
To obtain such a title and become a representative of the breed elite, the Pekingese must have a weight of not more than 3.2 kg. The remaining characteristics of the behavior and character of these babies are fully consistent with the standard Beijing dogs.
As a rule, this companion dog is distinguished by good health, has a strong, well-developed skeleton, a proportionally folded body, and a power-gait characteristic of the breed. The shape of the muzzle, the head of the eyes, ears and nose - all this repeats the description of the animal breed standard (royal) Pekingese.
In the case when the small weight of the animal is due to underdevelopment, weak skeleton, fragile physique, such an individual is not recognized as dwarf. And once again we want to warn that dwarf toy Pekingese, mini, etc. in nature, as a separate breed, does not exist. These very funny and funny babies, appearing in the litter quite rarely, are very popular, but this is just a tribal marriage of standard Pekingese.
Puppies of dwarf Pekingese have noticeable imbalances in body proportions: their head is too large, the spine is often curved, and the bones are thin. Often, such dogs have genetic diseases that affect their lifespan. They are not long-livers, while they cost several times more than the regular (royal) Pekingese. Experts consider the appearance of such babies a sign of breed degeneration.
Character
Indoor dog breeds are often pampered and spoiled creatures. Recall the history of the Pekingese, who spent most of their lives on silk pillows in the imperial palaces. However, the owners of these animals and experienced dog handlers are unlikely to be able to call these dogs spineless sissies. They have the lion's dignity and truly regal manners.
The Pekingese requires special attention, while it exhibits an independent, sometimes bordering on obstinacy, character. For this reason, experts believe that such a dog is more suitable for an adult who can not infringe on her pride.
Pekingese is an independent creature that does not tolerate its own person, as a funny toy. Do not give the Pekingese for holidays and celebrations, even if such a gift is agreed in advance. The choice of the puppy must be conscious, and the future owner - prepared for a new member of the family. You should always remember the dignity of a pet. Do not try to impose your society on her; treat your four-legged friend as an equal creature. Only in this case, your tact in communicating with the dog will undoubtedly pay off with its love and gratitude.
Despite the peaceful nature and loyalty to strangers, the Pekingese are brave and courageous when meeting other dogs. Sometimes it seems that they simply forget about their very modest size. And, despite the fact that they belong to such a pampered category as indoor dog breeds, Pekingese can headlong into a fight, even if the opponent doubles them, not at all thinking about the consequences.
Care
The magnificent Pekingese fur coat is its advantage and at the same time the main problem for the owners of the animal. The first days of the Royal Pekingese in your home should begin with developing habits of hygiene. If you manage to achieve this, then in the future, daily combing of wool will not turn into torment for you and your pet. And to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for your pet, it is recommended to use a special talcum powder or aerosol, which will facilitate the care of the baby's fur coat.
They bathe the Pekingese no more than once a year, of course, if there is no urgent need for a water procedure when your pet is very dirty. To do this, use special shampoos and conditioners, which today are presented in pet shops in a wide range.
You can conduct a "dry bath". For this you will need special powders or baby powder. It is rubbed into the dog’s coat and then combed out.
Feeding
Pekingese is a healthy animal by nature. Therefore, by offering him a competent diet, you will keep your friend feeling good for many years. From the diet, it is necessary to completely eliminate smoked meats, milk, white bread, sweets, sausages, pork.
The diet of an adult animal should 1/3 consist of lean raw meat and fish. The menu will be complemented by cottage cheese, kefir, vegetables. As a treat, you can use fruits and quite a bit of honey. The dog needs to give chicken and offal only in boiled form.