- Pekingese
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/pee'keuh neez", -nees"/; esp. for 2-5 also /pee'king eez", -ees"/, n., pl. Pekingese for 1, 4, adj.n.1. one of a Chinese breed of small dogs having a long, silky coat.2. the standard Chinese language.3. the dialect of Peking.4. a native or inhabitant of Peking.adj.5. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Peking.Also, Pekinese /pee'keuh neez", -nees"/.[1840-50; PEKING + -ESE]
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Breed of long-haired toy dog developed in ancient China, where it was held sacred and was kept in Peking's Imperial Palace.Looting English forces introduced the breed to the West in 1860. Known as the "lion dog" for its full mane but perhaps also for its courage, it stands 6–9 in. (15–23 cm) and weighs up to 14 lbs (6.5 kg). It has hanging ears, a short, wrinkled muzzle, and a black mask across the face. The coat may be solid or variegated. Chinese royalty carried very small Pekingese, called "sleeve dogs," in their sleeves.* * *
▪ breed of dogbreed of toy dog developed in ancient China, where it was held sacred and was kept as a palace dog by members of the imperial family. It was introduced to the West by English forces that looted the Imperial Palace at Peking ( Beijing) in 1860. The Pekingese has been known, both in the East and in the West, as the “lion dog”—presumably because of its appearance, although it is also acclaimed as having lionlike independence and courage. It stands about 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm) and weighs up to about 14 pounds (6.5 kg). The celebrated “sleeve dogs” are very small Pekingese once carried by Chinese royalty in the sleeves of their robes. A long-haired dog, the Pekingese has a full mane and heavily haired thighs, forelegs, tail, and toes. Its head is broad and flat, with hanging ears and a short, wrinkled muzzle. The coat may be solid or variegated in colour, but there is always a black mask across the face.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
