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The noble Pekingese are an
ancient breed that dates
back to the Tang Dynasty in
the eighth century in China.
Originally only the royal
family could own Pekingese.
Anyone not of royal blood
found with one of these
little darlings was
beheaded, and the dog was
given to the empress
herself.
It is said that the Empress
kept a small Pekingese in
each sleeve of her gown to
prevent assassination
attempts.
In the 1800's, Briton
invaded China's Summer
Palace, and finding five
pekes there, took them back
to England when they
returned. They were
presented to Queen Victoria
as a gift. From these five
treasures began the modern
Pekingese as we know it.
The breed was recognized by
the AKC in 1906
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