News from China
Xi’an, China – Archaeologists in this Chinese city have
reportedly found what may be the earliest terra-cotta figures of domestic
dogs. The dog figurines, each about ten
inches high, are believed to represent Imperial War Pugs. They were discovered by accident during
excavations at an 11th century BCE Zhou Dynasty site last week.
According to Chinese legend, War Pugs were first bred by
Emperor Ku, who was said to bestow the dogs on his most favored generals. The dogs were not meant to be warlike; indeed
their serenity was said to exert a calming influence on his generals, who were
otherwise known for their ruthless efficiency in battle.
The image of a War Pug standing by his General’s side,
gazing impassively over a field of fallen soldiers, is iconic in Chinese
literature of the period.
Though ordinary Pug dogs were exported from China legally,
the purebred War Pugs remained a closely guarded secret until a few specimens
were captured by British soldiers during the looting of the Summer Palace in
Beijing, in 1860. Even today, few dog fanciers know the history
of this remarkable breed.
Archaeologists plan to return to the site where the figurines
were discovered next month in hopes of making additional discoveries.
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