History

To preserve the Pekingese is to preserve history itself.

An ancient companion of emperors, temples, and tradition

History of the Pekingese

Located 2hours from Toronto, Canada , Suanzi Pekingese is a preservation show kennel founded on respect for tradition, responsibility, and excellence. Our mission is to protect and advance the Pekingese breed through thoughtful, ethical breeding rooted in world-class bloodlines.

Beyond its role as a royal companion, the Pekingese was shaped by centuries of intentional breeding guided by symbolism, balance, and restraint. Every element of the breed—from its lion-like expression to its dignified carriage—was designed to reflect authority and spiritual presence rather than utility. This careful cultivation established the Pekingese not merely as a pet, but as a living representation of imperial culture and reverence.

Myth, symbolism, and imperial design

The Sacred Lion Dog of China

The Pekingese was bred to resemble the Chinese guardian lion, a mythical creature believed to protect temples, palaces, and sacred spaces. Although lions did not exist in China, their image was deeply embedded in art, folklore, and religion.

Through deliberate and selective breeding, Chinese breeders created a small dog that embodied the lion’s courage, dignity, and commanding presence, resulting in the unmistakable silhouette, expression, and bearing that define the Pekingese today.

Often referred to as “Lion Dogs,” Pekingese were believed to possess spiritual significance. Some legends described them as companions to Buddhist monks, while others claimed they carried the soul of a lion within a dog’s body.

A breed beyond the reach of common life

Exclusively Reserved for Royalty

For centuries, Pekingese were kept solely within the imperial palace, particularly inside the walls of what is now known as the Forbidden City in Beijing. Ownership by common citizens was strictly forbidden, and historical accounts suggest that theft of a Pekingese was punishable by death.

They were attended by servants, carried in the sleeves of royalty, and treated with profound reverence. Their breeding was tightly controlled to preserve their appearance, temperament, and symbolic meaning—making the Pekingese one of the earliest examples of true preservation breeding in history.

From the Forbidden City to European courts

Introduction to the Western World

The Pekingese remained unknown to the Western world until the mid-19th century. In 1860, during the Second Opium War, British forces entered the Imperial Summer Palace in Beijing. Five Pekingese dogs were discovered and brought back to England—one of which was gifted to Queen Victoria.

These dogs became the foundation of the breed in Europe and later North America. Their exotic appearance, dignified demeanor, and deep historical mystique quickly captivated aristocracy and dog fanciers, securing the Pekingese a place among the most admired companion breeds in the West.

Consistency born of respect

Preservation of Type Through the Centuries

Despite its global spread, the Pekingese has remained remarkably consistent in type when bred correctly. Its defining characteristics include:

These traits are direct reflections of the breed’s imperial origins. True preservation breeders strive to maintain this historic balance—avoiding exaggeration, fragility, or loss of character.

The Pekingese should never be timid, nervous, or overly delicate. It is a small dog with immense presence, dignity, and confidence—just as it was centuries ago.