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PekingeseColumbia Encyclopedia entry: Pekingese
Pekingesepē′kĭnēz', breed of small toy dog developed over many centuries in China. It stands from 6 to 9 in. (15.3–22.9 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 6 to 14 lb (2.7–6.4 kg). The long, straight, soft coat forms a ruff around the neck and fringes of feathery hair on the ears, legs, and tail. It may be any color. The Pekingese is believed to have existed in its present form as early as the 8th cent., when it was kept as a palace dog by the Chinese emperors. For centuries its breeding was closely guarded by the court; the punishment for stealing a Pekingese was death. When the imperial palace at Beijing was invaded by the British in 1860, several of these royal dogs were taken and subsequently introduced into the West. Today the Pekingese is a very popular companion and house pet. See dog.
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Wikipedia search results for: Pekingese
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Pekingese or Peke is an ancient breed of toy dog, originating in China. They were the favored pet of the Chinese Imperial court, and the name relates to the city of Beijing where the Forbidden City resides. The breed has several characteristics and health issues related to its unique appearance.
The Pekingese breed is over 2000 years old and has hardly changed in all that time. One exception is that modern breeders and dog-show judges seem to prefer the long-haired type over the more-traditional spaniel-type coat.
The Pekingese's flat face is one of the breed's most obvious characteristics. The body is compact and low to the...more »
Columbia Encyclopedia search results: Pekingese
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- toy dog
Toy dog, classification used by breeders and kennel clubs to designate very small breeds of dogs kept as pets. Some are selectively bred diminutive forms of larger breeds and others are natura...
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Shih Tzu, breed of active, alert toy dog originating in Tibet centuries ago. It stands from 8 to 11 in. (20.3–27.9 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 9 to 18 lb (4.1–8.2 kg). Its double ...
- dog
Dog, carnivorous, domesticated wolf (Canis lupus familiaris) of the family Canidae, to which the jackal and fox also belong. The family Canidae is sometimes referred to as the dog family, and ...
