|
Search over 100 encyclopedias and dictionaries: |
Research categories | Follow us on Twitter |
Research categories
View all topics in the newsView all reference sources at Encyclopedia.com |
|||
Pekingese
Pekingese , breed of small toy dog developed over many centuries in China. It stands from 6 to 9 in. (15.3-22.9 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 6 to 14 lb (2.7-6.4 kg). The long, straight, soft coat forms a ruff around the neck and fringes of feathery hair on the ears, legs, and tail. It may be any color. The Pekingese is believed to have existed in its present form as early as the 8th cent., when it was kept as a palace dog by the Chinese emperors. For centuries its breeding was closely guarded by the court; the punishment for stealing a Pekingese was death. When the imperial palace at Beijing was invaded by the British in 1860, several of these royal dogs were taken and subsequently introduced into the West. Today the Pekingese is a very popular companion and house pet. See dog . |
|
|
Cite this article
"Pekingese." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Pekingese." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Encyclopedia.com. (February 12, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Pekinges.html "Pekingese." The Columbia Encyclopedia, 6th ed.. 2008. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-Pekinges.html |
|
Pekingese
Pe·king·ese (also Pe·kin·ese) • n. / ˈpēkəˌnēz; -ˌnēs/ (pl. same) a lapdog of a short-legged breed with long hair and a snub nose, originally brought to Europe from the Summer Palace at Beijing (Peking) in 1860. • adj. / ˌpēkingˈēz; -ˈēs/ of or relating to Beijing, its citizens, or their culture or cuisine. |
|
|
Cite this article
"Pekingese." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. 12 Feb. 2012 <http://www.encyclopedia.com>. "Pekingese." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Encyclopedia.com. (February 12, 2012). http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-pekingese.html "Pekingese." The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English. 2009. Retrieved February 12, 2012 from Encyclopedia.com: http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1O999-pekingese.html |
|