It was in the year 1860 that British troops stormed the Imperial Palace in Peking, finding the five Lion Dogs or Pekingese, which were to become the founders of the breed in England. Before this date, these small and courageous animals were sacred dogs of China, guarded by special attendants whose duty it was to look after them on the penalty of death should harm befall one of their royal charges.
Pekingese and Pekingese and Pekingese and PekingeseJust when or how the Pekingese came into being is a question to which we have no definite answer. The popular ancient legend relates that he is the offspring of a lion and a marmoset, the former of which sacrificed......
Pekingese Article "Origin Of The Pekingese
I have long heard about various weaning practices among breeders. Many start very young with the goal of getting the puppies "away "from the mother as early as possible. I have heard of people starting as early as 3 1/2 or 4 weeks. Starting with various concoctions mashed and pureed. The argument for early weaning is to avoid "running down" the mother.
I strongly feel that we are causing health problems in our dogs by these practices. I base my opinion on what we have seen in human health care. Problems with weaning practices in infants can lead to a wide variety of health problems into adulthood. Much data is coming to light about the benefits of breast feeding, ranging from a decrease in allergies, to less risk of developing cancer. Too early an introduction of food to the infant translates into various allergies and sensitivities into adulthood. Mother's milk is the natural food for young animals. It is loaded with disease preventing properties, designed to be absorbed effectively by the digestive system without stressing the system in any way. It provides the puppy with enzymes that aid in digestion. It is liquid gold.
The normal healthy bitch is well equipped to nurse her litter up to 5 or 6 weeks if she wishes. Feed her well, give her as much good, quality food as she will eat. Increase the calories in her regular diet. If the nursing mother is caring for her puppies, the puppies are gaining weight, and she is eating well, do not get overly concerned about how underweight she may get. She will bounce back quickly after her litter is weaned. The argument that you want to show the bitch will normally be very redundant. She may keep her weight by taking away puppies early, but she will still lose the coat. Normally the weight is back at the time the coat also returns. I know that unusual circumstances can occur that warranty supplemental feeding of puppies, but be sure there is a reason to do it, don't be fooled by a false sense of "do gooditis". A bitch may be unable to produce milk effectively, she may be unwell, the puppies may not be getting enough nutrition, puppies may be too weak. These situations are the exception, not the rule.
Consider what your weaning practices are expecting your puppy's digestive system to deal with. This immature system is very sensitive, and designed to deal with mothers milk until 5 to 6 weeks of age. List the ingredients you may expose your puppy to: cows milk, cereal, eggs, canned food, (read carefully the list on that can - what different meats, chicken, beef, lamb, what grains, what preservatives, dyes). The list of different proteins that a very young puppy may be exposed to is ... .....
