Royal Pekingese: a description of the breed, character, features of the content. Companion dog

As the ancient legend says, the dog of the Peking breed is the fruit of the passionate love of a small monkey and a powerful lion. The king of beasts was so subdued by the monkey that he decided to seek help from the wizard Hi-Ho. He reduced the lion to the size of his lover, while retaining his courage, dignity and courage. So there was born a royal Pekingese, which has one more name - dog Fu Lin. From the mother, the descendants inherited a cheerful disposition and a dark muzzle, and from the father - dignity, fearless heart and beauty.

History of the breed

The ancestors of Pekingese first appeared in the Far East. Scientists believe that this happened in the VIII century. Ancient breeders managed to bring out very small fluffy dogs, which became favorites of the nobility in China.

Numerous paintings on parchment and silk, on which the heroes of our article are depicted, testify to the extraordinary popularity and the favor shown by this animal.

Over time, a dwarf royal Pekingese appeared, which was called the sleeve. To take these animals out of the palace were only persons close to the emperor, and the theft or attempted export of these kids was punishable by death. In Europe, this companion dog came by accident. In 1860, when Britain conquered China, the ruler, leaving the palace, ordered to kill all Pekingese. Some miracle survived five dogs, which were found by British officers and taken them to their homeland.

Characteristics of the breed

It should be noted that the royal Pekingese is often used, but at the same time unofficial name of dogs belonging to the show class. Breeders use it to emphasize the special advantages of the exterior and size. In fact, these are ordinary Pekeses, having standard sizes. In contrast, dwarf Pekes are a tribal marriage. Such animals are not allowed to breed and exhibit.

The reasons for the division of the breed

Probably, now many dog lovers will be surprised, because Pekingese really differ in size. Let's look at the breed standard # 207 and study it carefully. There is not a single mention of "kings" or "dwarfs" in it. The standard specifies only the ideal weight of these animals - 5.4 kg (bitches) and 5 kg (males). In other words, an animal that meets all other requirements of the standard, but weighs 2 kg, is also recognized as a Pekingese.

The lack of strict indications of the desired growth and the minimum weight of adult individuals and served as the reason for the exfoliation of the breed in:

• Royal (standard Pekingese). These animals have the ideal weight for the breed. If they comply with the standard, they are allowed to work on breeding grounds. In some, rather rare cases, when crossing two dogs of the breed, royal Pekingese puppies can be born dwarfish.
• Sleeves, mini, dwarf, those Pekingese who weigh no more than 3.18 kg (in Canada and the US - 2.72 kg, in England 3.17 kg). Mini-bitches are not allowed to breed, since they can be born standard puppies. As a result, this will lead to the death of the mother.

As for the males, they actively knit with standard animals to obtain "dwarfs." It is always a more expensive droppings. Mini-Pekingese are not allowed to exhibitions, although in some countries - England, Canada, the USA - the first step to their show career has already been made. Amateur shows were held here.

Dog lovers should know that the royal Pekingese are no different from dwarf animals (other than size). Characteristics of the breed does not give any difference in the type of coat and color.

Royal Pekingese: description

A small dog with a compact and compact body. Growth at the withers is from 15 to 25 cm, weight is from 2 to 8 kg. The limbs are short, with the front paws slightly curved. The head is large, with a wide skull, flat between the ears.

Large eyes round and markedly convex. The ears are not too long, hanging, covered with hair. The neck is muscular, short. The tail is bent to the back with a ring, not long.

Coat

The coat is long, lush, straight, slightly raised with a thick undercoat. The shorter it is on the muzzle and on the outside of the legs.

Color quite diverse: red and red, black and white (except for albinos), sand, "chinchilla", which can be with a black mask or without it. In white color, it is desirable that the spots are located symmetrically on the head.

Pygmy (baggy) Pekingese

To obtain such a title and become a representative of the elite elite, a Pekinese must have a weight of not more than 3.2 kg. The other characteristics of the behavior, the character of these kids fully correspond to the standard Beijing dogs.

As a rule, this companion dog has good health, has a strong, developed, skeleton, a proportionally folded trunk, characteristic of the breed is a stiff gait. The shape of muzzle, head of eyes, ears and nose - all this repeats the description of the animal breed standard (royal) Pekingese.

In the case when the small weight of the animal is due to underdevelopment, a weak skeleton, a fragile physique, then such an individual is not recognized as a dwarf. And once again we want to warn you that there are no dwarf Toy-Pekineses, mini-d., In nature, as a separate breed. These very funny and funny kids, appearing in the litter quite rarely, enjoy great popularity, but this is just a breeding marriage of standard Pekingese.

Puppies of dwarf Pekingese have noticeable violations of body proportions: their head is too large, the spine is often curved, the bones are thin. Often such dogs have genetic diseases that affect life expectancy. They are not long-lived, and they cost several times more expensive than the usual (royal) Pekingese. Specialists consider the appearance of such babies as a sign of degeneration of the breed.

Character

House breeds of dogs are often pampered and spoiled beings. Let us recall the history of Pekingese, who spent most of their life on silk pillows in the imperial palaces. However, the owners of these animals and experienced cynologists can hardly name these dogs as spineless sissies. They have a lion's dignity and truly royal regalia.

Pekingese requires special attention, while he shows an independent, sometimes bordering stubbornness, character. For this reason, experts believe that such a dog is more suitable for an adult person who can not infringe on her self-esteem.

Pekingese is an independent creature, not tolerant of its own person, as an amusing toy. Do not give Pekingese for holidays and celebrations, even in the event that such a gift is stipulated in advance. The choice of the puppy should be conscious, and the future owner - prepared for a new member of the family. Always remember the dignity of the pet. Do not try to impose your society on her, treat your four-legged friend as a peer. Only in this case your tact in dealing with the dog will, undoubtedly, pay off with her love and gratitude.

Despite the peace-loving nature and loyal attitude towards strangers, the Pekingese are brave and courageous when they meet other dogs. Sometimes it seems that they simply forget about their very modest size. And, despite the fact that they belong to such a pampered category as dog breeds, Pekingese can rush headlong into a fight, even if the rival exceeds them twice, without even thinking about the consequences.

Care

Luxurious coat of Pekingese - its dignity and at the same time the main problem for the owners of the animal. The first days of royal Pekingese in your home should begin with the upbringing of habits to hygiene procedures. If you can achieve this, then in the future, daily combing of wool will not turn for you and your pet into anguish. And to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for your pet, it is recommended to use a special talc or aerosol that will facilitate the care of the baby's coat.

Bathe Pekingese no more than once a year, of course, if there is no urgent need for an aqueous procedure, when your pet is very dirty. To do this, use special shampoos and conditioners, which are now represented in pet stores in a wide range.

You can carry out a "dry bath". To do this you will need special powders or baby powder. She is rubbed into the dog's hair and then combed.

Feeding

Pekingese - by nature the animal is healthy. Therefore, by offering him a competent diet, you will keep your friend feeling well for many years to come. From the diet it is necessary to completely exclude smoked products, milk, white bread, sweets, sausage, pork.

The diet of an adult animal should be 1/3 of lean raw meat and fish. Supplement the menu with cottage cheese, kefir, vegetables. As a treat you can use fruits and just a little honey. Chicken and offal to the dog must be given only in boiled form.