Pets and Aristocrats
This wonderful statue is the Chinese Happa Dog, a short coated dog believed to be the ancestor of the Pekingese, the Pug and many other short faced breeds. This section examines those Toy Breeds evolved purely as pets mainly for the aristocracy and the wealthy. As such they have always enjoyed privileged lives!
Pekingese
Amongst many pictures painted on the Summer Palace colonnade in Beijing (formerly Peking) is this pair of Asian Toy Spaniels. This type of Spaniel was looted by British soldiers and taken back to England during the conflict of the Second Opium War of 1860. Some sources claim Pekingese history dates back to 2,000 BC and is closely associated with Buddhism. As such these Asian Toy Spaniels were worshipped in Chinese temples and were favourite pets of Chinese Emperors.
Pekingese Beginnings
When Queen Victoria was presented with an Asian Toy Spaniel, she appropriately named it Lootie. Queen Victoria was a great dog lover but Lootie soon became her favourite, famous because of her charm and aristocratic manner. Lootie and the other 4 Asian Toy Spaniels plundered from the Summer Palace founded the modern Pekingese which then developed in England. Today, the Pekingese is still a moderately thick set aloof little dog possessing great dignity, seemingly aware of his aristocratic past.
The Pekingese becomes modernized
It is interesting to observe how the interpretation of the Breed Standard has changed the appearance of the Pekingese over the last century or so as the Pekingese becomes one of the most glamorous of the Toy Breeds. When one compares the winning showdogs and puppies of the last century, they were not so far removed from the the Asian Toy Spaniel represented by Lootie. But don't be deceived! Under the glamour of the modern coat, responsible breeders have been rewarded with the absolute soundness demanded throughout today's Breed Standard. The coat and grooming of the Pekingese has changed its appearance more than its overall structure. This can be observed from the accompanying photographs.
The Breed Standard today calls for a head that is fairly large with a flat skull, appearing to be wide between the ears rather than deep. His nose is shorter than that of his ancestors but his nostrils should still be large and open. A slight wrinkle, preferably broken, may extend from the cheeks to the bridge of the nose over his definite stop. The muzzle is relatively short and wide with a well-defined chin which should not be obscured by the upper lips. The nose, eye rims and lips must be black and in many Pekingese this black marking extends to varying degrees over the whole face giving the impression of a mask. When the eyes are also round, dark and not too large, this completes the Pekingese’s unique expression.
Comparisons over the last century
The comparison of this Peke puppy of around 80 years ago compares favourably with those of today! With such seemingly sound front legs, one would also expect the body of the 1935 pup to be as sound as the promising modern puppy pictured moving.
The Pekingese has a lion-like build partly due to its relatively short body and distinct waist. As with his Asian Toy Spaniel ancestor, his broad chest is slung past the elbows of his slightly bowed front legs, to accommodate the ribcage. His hindquarters are moderately lighter than his forequarters. His feet are large and flat, his high set tail with its long feathering and his slow gait with a typical roll in front, completes his dignified appearance.
The modern Pekingese coat
With today's grooming products and techniques, the coat of the Pekingese has become his crowning glory. His double coat is moderately long and straight. Not extending beyond the shoulders, his mane forms a cape around his neck adding to his lion-like appearance. He also has feathering on his ears, the backs of his legs, and toes. He comes in all colours and colour combinations except liver or albino and typically should weigh just over 5 kilos or 11-12 pounds, unusually with bitches slightly heavier than dogs.
Pug
The Pug also probably originated in China, descending from the Happa Dog. Most authorities agree that the Pug was taken to Europe by merchants and crews aboard the ships of the Dutch East India Company which traded between Europe and Asia between 1602 and 1796. Exactly when the Pug first reached the Netherlands is unclear. However what is clear is that once he did, his popularity spread through Europe and then on the England by the early 1800's.
The Modern Pug
Today his head is large and round with wrinkles on his forehead. His muzzle is short and square with a slightly undershot mouth. The wrinkle over the nose must never obscure the nose or eyes. These Pugs’ wonderful lustrous eyes are not too large, always round and dark in shape, with a soft, solicitous expression. His ears are small and thin and can be either rose or button.
The Pug is described in the Breed Standard as 'multum in parvo' which means it's body is square and cobby. The Pug’s front and back legs are very strong and of moderate length, with good turn of stifle in the rear. The tail is high set, curled tightly over hip with a double curl highly desirable.
A slight unexaggerated roll of hindquarters typifies gait gives the dog the great charm and dignity of his aristocratic past. He has a fine, smooth, soft, short and glossy coat that can be coloured silver, apricot, fawn clearly defined, to make contrast complete between colour, and the trace which is a black line extending from occiput to tail. He also should have a black mask. Alternatively, can be solid black. His ideal weight is just over 6-8 kg or 14-18 pounds.