Peke-A-Pap

The Peke-A-Pap is a designer dog developed by crossing a purebred Pekingese and a purebred Papillon. The Papillon descends from the tiny spaniels called Continental Toy Spaniels and Dwarf Spaniels which go back to the 16th Century. The name “Papillon” means “butterfly” in French and refers to the erect, fully fringed ears of the breed. The drop-eared variety is called the Phalène, meaning "moth” and both types can be found in a single litter. The history of the Papillon can be traced through works of art by the likes of Rubens, Watteau, Boucher, Van Dyke, Rembrandt, and Fragonard. The breed was incredibly popular in both Spain and Italy as well as in France and they were often transported between the countries by mule. Louis XIV of France, Marie Antoinette and King Henry III were believed to have owned these dogs. The Papillon was first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935 with the formation of the Papillon Club of America. Originating in Western China over 2000 years ago, Pekingese were owned by members of the Chinese Imperial Palace. In 1860 when British troops stormed the summer palace in Beijing many of these dogs were killed. But five survived and were taken back to England with the smallest given to Queen Victoria. They are also known as the Lion Dog, Peking Lion Dog, Pelchie Dog, or Peke and have become popular in the United Kingdom and the United States. In 1894 the first Pekingese was exhibited at a British dog show while the first Pekingese registered by the American Kennel Club was Rascal, in 1906. The Pekingese Club of America was formed in 1909.