The Pekingese is one of the oldest dog breeds in the world.

The Pekingese dog breed started in ancient China where only the Imperial family were permitted to own them. They were bred for religious purposes, but they became the pet of the emperors and his family. Pekingese were royal pets and they were treated royally – which can help to explain their temperament. Common people had to bow down to a Pekingese, if one of them were to pass nearby. The penalty for being cruel to or removing one from the royal palace was the death penalty.

The British brought the cute dog breed to the Western world in 1860 by way of a presentation to Queen Victoria.

More Info: pekingesecentral.com