| The Pekingese, an ancient toy dog breed from China, | | | | and were taken to Queen Victoria. It was from these |
| where the favored imperial pet. Also called Dogs of | | | | five surviving brave dogs the modern Pekingese has |
| Foo (or Fu) they were extremely revered by the | | | | descended. In 1909 the breed was nationally |
| Chinese. The general public had to bow to them and | | | | recognized in the US. |
| those who stole them were put to death. Furthermore, | | | | The Pekingese breed is over 2000 years old and has |
| when an emperor died, his Pekingese were sacrificed | | | | barely changed in all that time. Frequent grooming and |
| to protect him in the afterlife. | | | | daily combing are essential. Regular dry shampooing is |
| In 1860, during the Second Opium War, British and | | | | also recommended. They are prone to herniated disks, |
| French troops invaded a palace. British and French | | | | dislocated kneecaps, trichaiasis, breathing problems and |
| troops over ran the Summer Palace during the | | | | heart conditions. Regular veterinary visits can help |
| Second Opium War. To prevent the Pekingese from | | | | prevent most disorders before they become life |
| being stolen by "foreign devils", the Imperial Guards | | | | threatening. |
| began killing them. Fortunately, five Pekingese survived | | | | |