Here are some of the characteristics of the Pekingese breed as determined by the American Kennels Club published breed standard.

Size: up to 14 pounds

Coat: long, coarse, straight, with an outer coat that tends to stand out from the body over a thick, soft undercoat; there is a mane around the neck

Colour: any

Eyes: large, round, very dark, and set wide apart

Ears: heart-shaped, set on the front corners of the top skull

Muzzle: very flat, broad

Nose: broad, short, black, with wide, open nostrils

Tail: fringed, high-set, slightly arched, carried over the back

Country/Region of Origin: China
Original purpose: pet
Name: from "Peking," old spelling of Beijing , capital of China , where the dog breeds originated; also known as "Dogs of Fu"
Historical notes: According to DNA analysis, the Pekingese dog breed is one of the oldest dog breeds. Chinese monks once revered these dogs, who resemble Chinese lions. In the later centuries of imperial China , the Pekingese breed was reserved for pet dogs of the Emperor and his family. Pekingese's first came to the West after British imperialist armies sacked the Old Summer Palace and stole the Pekingese dogs belonging to an elderly aunt of the emperor who had committed suicide. The dogs were given as gifts to various British royals, including Queen Victoria .