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The Pekingese is named after its city of origin, Peking, known today as Beijing. Like their cousins, the Shih Tzu and the Pug, the Pekingese (or Peke) breed is descended from royalty and is recognized as one of the oldest companion breeds in existence. These small dogs have been known to exist in China since the eighth century. Surviving for more than thirteen hundred years, the breed was first referenced in the ancient artwork of the Tang Dynasty. Like the Pug and the Shih Tzu, the Peke was believed to be a type of ancient Chinese “Foo Dog,” possessing the power to expel evil spirits. Therefore, the Peke was regarded as sacred and divine. They served as a companion to Chinese royalty only since it was illegal for anyone other than those in the emperor’s court to own a Pekingese. In fact, stealing one of the little dogs was a crime punishable by death. While this law kept the Peke strains pure, it almost resulted in the breed disappearing as well.

There is much speculation about the origin of the Old English Mastiff, also called English Mastiff, or just simply Mastiff. The ancestors of the modern-day Mastiffs were found in what is now present-day Britain by Roman soldiers during the expansion of the Roman Empire. The Romans called these dogs Canes Pugnaces Britanniae, which roughly translated to “British Fighting Dogs.” These dogs were imported from Britain to Rome to fight in the amphitheaters and coliseums for entertainment. They were also employed as dogs of war in combat during the expansion of the Roman Empire.

Moving into an apartment? Already live in an apartment? Wondering what dog would make the best roommate? On this episode of Talkin’ Dogs, we’re going pick up from the last video and tell you some more great dogs for apartment living.

Ancient hounds have existed in Irish legends, lore, and literature since the beginning of Ireland's recorded history. They were protectors of kings, defenders of life, and hunters of game up until the fifteenth century. From that point, they were used specifically to hunt wolves, a job in which they excelled. As the number of wolves living in Ireland diminished in the late eighteenth century, the need for wolfhounds dropped, as did the number of dogs. They became all but extinct during the Great Irish Famine, only to be revived by Captain George Augustus Graham in the late 1800s. Thanks in part to his efforts, the Irish Wolfhound is easily recognized as one of the tallest dog breeds in the world.

Schnauzers are renowned for their versatility and ability to be trained to do a number of jobs, from watchful family guardians to all-around farm dogs. They are intelligent, eager to learn and work, responsive to their handlers, and courageous. They make excellent family pets or working dogs. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed.