Pekingese

According to tradition, Pekingese were sacred dogs in the Chinese imperial court, believed to have descended symbolically from a legendary union of a lion and a marmoset, and their small size and dignified bearing were meant to embody a "lion dog" in miniature. Theft of a Pekingese from the palace was historically punishable by death, and the breed remained almost unknown outside China until British troops looted the Old Summer Palace in 1860, taking dogs back to Britain, including one presented to Queen Victoria.

Living with a Pekingese means living with a dignified, sometimes stubborn companion who is fully aware of its own importance. It is affectionate with its chosen people but can be aloof with strangers, and it is not a breed that responds well to being rushed or handled roughly. Training requires patience, since the breed's independent streak, inherited from centuries as a pampered palace dog rather than a working animal, makes it less biddable than many companion breeds.

The long, flowing double coat requires daily brushing to prevent matting, particularly around the ears, legs and britches, and the breed's flat face means it is prone to overheating and breathing difficulty, so exercise needs to be gentle and never in hot weather. Its short legs and heavy coat suit sedate walks rather than vigorous exercise, matching its generally calm indoor temperament.

Today the Pekingese remains a popular show and companion breed, though its brachycephalic features have drawn increasing scrutiny, and responsible breeders are working to moderate the extreme flat face for better health and breathing.