The Pekingese, also known as the Imperial Lion Dog or Peking Lion Dog, is an ancient Chinese breed with over 4,000 years of history. Compact and balanced, with a heavier front and lighter hindquarters, the Pekingese is both expressive and proud, resembling a small lion. This breed embodies courage, boldness, and self-respect, which are prized traits above mere beauty or refinement.
Cultural significance and mythology
Myth and legend surround the Pekingese. Its appearance resembles the mythical Tibetan “Xiang Shi,” or Tibetan Lion Dog, a creature in Chinese mythology symbolizing protection and wisdom, combining the strength of an eagle and a lion. Legend has it that placing an eagle chick in a human hand would eventually transform it into a Xi Shi dog.
After Buddhism spread from India to China, stories of the Pekingese became intertwined with Buddhist lore, with Buddha’s faithful lion companion transforming into a smaller dog at his side. This legendary dog could reportedly transform between a dog and a lion depending on its master’s need for protection or companionship.
Archaeological findings in ancient tombs show the Pekingese breed existed more than 2,000 years ago. Some even suggest that the mythical guardian “Qilin” draws inspiration from the Pekingese. A close look at Qilin sculptures reveals a striking resemblance to the modern Pekingese.
Evolution and Distinct Types
Over the past decades, the Pekingese has undergone selective breeding, resulting in several distinct versions, each reflecting different eras: (1) Original Pekingese, (2) New Pekingese, (3) Eagle Pekingese, and (4) Eagle-influenced Pekingese. Each version has distinguishing characteristics:
The original Pekingese is known for its flat face and exposed nose, but it also boasts a rich, dense coat.
New Pekingese: Developed with a fuller, more prominent face and a covered nose, these were highly valued, with top-quality dogs fetching over a million yuan.
The Eagle Pekingese is known for its raised face and loose skin, which differs from the New Pekingese’s tighter structure.
Eagle-Influenced Pekingese: This improved version of the Eagle Pekingese features even looser skin, a waterfall-like drape on the head, a domed, drum-shaped head with broad jaws, and a distinctive overbite.
The Pekingese lineage currently divides into four main phases and eight generations. This genetic evolution reflects the principles of selective breeding, with repeated inbreeding and trait selection creating diverse variants. These techniques led to the evolution of both appearance and lineage in the Eagle Pekingese.
Phoenix Lee https://chinese-tradition.com/beijings-specialty-breed-the-pekingese.html