One of the most well-known little dog breeds around the world is the China-hailed Pekingese. This miniature breed of dog is believed to be one of the ancient breeds and that it was developed from Asian Fox breeds. Its name was derived from the capital city of China which is Peking, now Beijing, and the Chinese people have a high regard for this dog.

The Pekingese is an important part of the Imperial Household of China and they refer to this breed as a Foo Dog or Lion Dog, a guardian that drives away evil spirits. In fact, this dog is a favorite among Chinese royalties for many centuries. Even the Chinese citizens, during the ancient times of China, were ordered to bow after this breed and that killing or stealing of them was punishable by death.

Being small is not just the only lovable feature of the Pekingese as there is also its flat face, and compact and low to the ground body. This breed has bow legs and it is said that they were intentionally developed that way in order to prevent the dogs from wandering off the palace. Moreover, the ears, tail and legs of Pekingese are all densely covered with luscious hair.

This breed has a double coat that requires regular grooming such as daily coat brushing or combing. Most of the Pekingese come out in colors of red, sable and gold. There are litters, however, that appear in colors of black, white, cream, tan, and light gold; and these are perfectly acceptable.

There are Pekingese dogs too that come out in rare colors of blue or slate grey. The face of this breed is almost bushy if not for the exposed skin of its nose, muzzle, lips and eye rims which are all colored black. The gait of this breed is also unusually in a rolling motion and may be caused by its bow legs.

Normally, a Pekingese weighs seven to fourteen pounds and stands six to nine inches in height. However, there are some Pekingese that are born smaller than seven pounds and these are called Sleeves. The Sleeves are the smallest member of the Pekingese family and were very popular in ancient China.

This small Pekingese is called Sleeve due to the fact that during the ancient times, Chinese royalties would carry this breed inside the very capacious sleeves of their robes. When the Second Opium War broke out, the Pekingese almost perished because Chinese royalties ordered their execution so that Westerners would never have them. There were five Pekingese, however, that survived and these were shipped back to Europe as gifts to the royalties.

The temperament of the Pekingese, according to the American Kennel Club, may be described as a combination of regal dignity, intelligence and self-importance make for a good natured, opinionated and affectionate companion to those who have earned its respect. Although small, this breed is highly independent that housebreaking may be difficult at times. It is also sensitive and quite loving to the master and makes an absolutely effective watchdog.