According to Chinese lore, the Pekingese is a result of a love affair between a lion and a marmoset monkey (aka "pocket monkeys," usually around 8 inches long).

Dowager Empress Cixi set the breed standard for the Pekingese in the late 19th century, which included the need for a variety of coat colors, a dignified ruff, and hairy feet to ensure a silent gait.

The Irish Doctor Heuston changed the public health landscape of China by introducing smallpox vaccination clinics throughout the country. As a token of gratitude, the Chinese minister gifted him a pair of Pekingese.