How did the Pekingese come to be?

How did the Pekingese come to be?

ORIGIN: Pekingese hail from the ancient city of Peking, China, now known as Beijing. They were originally bred as a lap dog, watch dog, and companion dog. It was from these five puppies that the modern Pekingese was formed. They were first recognized in America in 1909.

What does Pekinese mean?

pekinese. (pikɪniz ) also pekingese. Word forms: pekineses. countable noun. A pekinese is a type of small dog with long hair, short legs, and a short, flat nose.

When was the Pekingese first discovered?

“ARISTOCRATIC” Pekingese were first introduced to Europe when Western armies pillaged the Summer Palace in Beijing and stole several of the Qing court's dogs during the Second Opium War in the late 1850s. The breed was seen in the West as an exotic luxury and a favorite at dog shows.