The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese breed that was brought back to Europe after the Boxer Rebellion. In 1860, when the British invaded the Summer Palace of Peking, 5 Imperial Pekingese were looted from the women’s apartments.
Prior to the invasion, it was forbidden for anyone to own other than the Chinese Royal family to own this breed and their theft was punishable by death. This breed has always been a companion dog.
