The Pekingese breed, essentially Chinese, is one of the most ancient in the world. Once a sacred dog of the Tang Dynasty, the Pekingese was also known as the Lion dog for its shiny golden mane and sturdy frame, or the sleeve dog because its fanciers always kept the dog inside their sleeves. British soldiers took Peking in 1860 and brought five of the dogs to England. Today the main role of the Pekingese is as a companion and show dog.