A combination of the power of the lion and the loyalty
of a dog, the Buddhist "Lion-Dog" has a fascinating
history and encompasses such breeds as the Pekingese,
the Shih Tzu, the Llasa Apso, and others derived from
them.
The lion-dog's ancestors endured long and dangerous voyages
by land and sea, savages attacks, famines and devastating
plagues and through it all, their human admirers have found
it worthwhile to ensure their survival. For the most part,
the lion-dogs have been more fortunate than many larger Asian canines as their human protectors treasured them
and cared for them well.
THE PEKINGESE - A LION DOG
OF ASIA
When Marco Polo was in China in 1270-1368, he observed
"lions" in the palace courtyards. He described them as
small and short of body and he may have seen large lion-
dogs rather than actual lions.
The dog known as the Pekingese became an established
breed in England in 1895 with the creation of the Japanese
and Pekingese Club. In 1904 the Pekingese and the Japanese
Spaniel, now known in the U.S.A. as the Japanese Chin,
were separated and thereafter each evolved as a separate
breed.
Following is a quote from the book by Barbara Hambly
called "Bride of the Rat God" which features Chang Ming,
Black Jasmine and Buttercreme:
"Chang Ming changed first, although later Norah could
not recall how this happened, only that what had been a
flat faced sturdy little dog of eleven pounds or so was
suddenly huge, nearly hip high, thick muscled and sleek
--a dog more like a lion, with a lion's heavy mane and
broad powerful muzzle, a lion's uncaring rage. By the
time Norah realized what was happening, Black Jasmine and
Buttercreme had already taken on their other forms; their
true forms, fu-dogs, the hunters of demons, as they looked
in the presence of the creatures that were their enemies."
