Original breed purpose thread

Question:
 I was watching the end of a conformation show on animal planet and it got me thinking(scary I know). There are so many breeds out there, and there are many I know what the original prupose was and many I don't. I mean yopu have sporting, working, herding,etc so are the nonsporting dogs that had nothing better to do :rofl: OK kidding, kidding, but there are a lot of breeds that I don't know. I also know that many have similar purposes but originated in different areas. SO I thought this would be fun to do. It will also get people researching a little about different breeds.
I will list a breed that I want to know the original prupose of. Someone who knows posts the answer and lists another breed they would like to know. Sure I could look them all up myself, but this way everyone learns. LOL!!
*hopefully this isn't considered too much a game thread. If so and needs to be closed, my apologies.
So first:
What was the orignal purpose of the pekingese

Answer:
 german shepherds
tend sheep....not gaurd thus the dark coloring to stand out against the sheep at long distances and for predetors to see the flock was not an easy target. Also of strong bone struycture not too light and feminine and proper angulation for flying trot all day. Rear angulation moderate not extreme for quick and agile turning ability while working sheep. Intelligence, free thinking and tons of drive requireing all day activity to keep them from getting bored. A gsd should not be happy laying about nearby all day they should need exaustive excersize and have the drive to demand it. A thick double water repelent coat with the outer coat harsh and stiff to maintain proper body heat in the cold wet weather.
added:
I am sorry it was not till I was proof reading I saw the last line of the pekes... could a mod please move my post to it's own thread?

Answer:
 The Pekingese was a sacred dog of China. People were hired to protect them, and if any harm should happen to the dogs, the attendant of the dog would be killed. They were supposed to look like golden lions, and be carried in the sleeve of a yellow robe, yes, match the wardrobe. It's body shape is supposed to look like a lion stalking prey. They were fed tea, and antelope milk to drink, and ate sharks fin, and other true gourmet meals.
As far as purpose goes- nothing other than looking good. :rofl:

Answer:
 Dating back to 2000 BC. For Centuries the Pekingese was worshipped in the temples of China, and was custom for the emperor to select four Pekes who were to become his 'bodyguards'. These four Pekes would precede the emperor on occasions of state, two of them announcing his approach at correct intervals with sharp, piecing barks, the other two daintily holding the hem of his royal robe in their mouths. Theft of a Peke, or Injury to one of them was considered to be a crime punishable by death. The Peke was not a mere toy. He was made small so that he could go after and destroy little demons that might infest the palace or temple. But his heart was big so that he could destroy even the largest and fiercest.
Old legend of the lion who fell in love with a marmoset. In order for him to be wedded to his lady love, the lion begged the patron saint of the animals, name Ah Chu, to reduce him to the size of a pigmy but to let him retain his great lion heart and character. From the offspring of this union descended the dogs Fu Lin, or the Lion Dog of China.
Others say that a lion fell in love with a butterfly and because of the size difference Buddha made the lion smaller and the butterfly larger. Again, the result was the Pekingese.

Answer:
 :applaud:Very good..

Answer:
 Thanks guys, ok who has another breed they want to know

Answer:
 What about a Chihuahua?

Answer:
 Good question! LOL

Answer:
 "The Chihuahua (help·info) is the smallest breed of dog in the world and is named after the state of Chihuahua in Mexico, where it was discovered in 1850.[1] Some academics believe the Chihuahua to be descended from Chinese hairless dogs—who may have crossed over from Asia to Alaska on a land bridge before continental separation created the Bering Strait—and bred with the ancient Toltec and Aztec Techichi dog, creating the modern-day Chihuahua.[1][2] The American Kennel Club registered its first Chihuahua in 1905"
"After the Aztecs conquered the Toltecs, the [COLOR=blue! important][COLOR=blue! important]small [COLOR=blue! important]dog[/color][/color][/color] was still highly regarded by the rich. Both the Toltecs and the Aztecs often used the Techichi as a connection in the worship of deities as well as the voyage of the dead into the afterlife. They became popular pets with the rare blue colored being considered as sacred. The red colored ones were used as sacrifices. These sacrifices were burned to ashes with the corpse of the human dead because it was believed the sins of the human could be transferred in the burning to the dog. Once the sins were settled upon the dog, any anger by the Gods towards the human could be averted. The Techichi were also accredited with steering the human’s soul though the dark, vast regions of the underworld while protecting it from evil until the soul reached his or her final resting point. "
/edit- added link- http://mdmd.essortment.com/chihuahuasfacts_rfey.htm