Looty the Dog and the British Empire's Complex Past

Looty was a beloved dog who became an unlikely symbol of the British Empire's complex past. She was a Pomeranian who accompanied her owner, Robert Hart, to India in 1860.

The British Empire was at its peak during this time, with India being one of its most valuable colonies. The Empire's influence extended far beyond its borders, shaping the lives of people and animals alike.

Looty's story is a poignant reminder of the human cost of colonialism, as she was forced to leave her homeland and adapt to a new environment. Her fate is a testament to the enduring legacy of the British Empire.

Additional reading: Cost of Pomeranian Dog in India

Looty was stolen from the Imperial Summer Palace in Beijing during the British and French invasion in 1860.

The five Pekingese dogs, including Looty, were brought back to England and separated among various owners, with Captain Hart Dunne sending two to the Duchess of Wellington and two to the Duchess of Richmond.

Looty was the smallest of the five dogs, a fawn and white female with silver bells around her neck, weighing only 3 pounds.

She was presented to Queen Victoria, who delighted with the little dog and renamed it "Looty", in reference to the spoils of war.

Looty was a lonely creature, taking exception to her Oriental habits and appearance, but eventually found a mate when one arrived from China six months later.

Looty died in 1872 and was buried in an unmarked grave at Windsor Castle.

Looty was stolen from the Imperial Summer Palace in Beijing during the British and French invasion in 1860.

The five Pekingese dogs were taken back to England, where they were separated and given to different people, including the Duchess of Wellington and the Duchess of Richmond.

The smallest dog, a fawn and white female with silver bells around her neck, was presented to Queen Victoria.

She was described as weighing only 3 pounds and resembling a Lo-sze, a type of smooth-haired Pekingese.

The Queen renamed the dog "Looty", referencing the spoils of war.

There are conflicting reports about whether Looty was male or female.

Looty was adopted by Queen Victoria and became a beloved pet.

The Queen's photographers, including William Bambridge, took many pictures of Looty, showcasing her unique appearance.

Looty always looked sad or angry in her photographs.

The other dogs in the palace took exception to Looty's Oriental habits and appearance, making her a lonely creature.

A mate for Looty arrived from China six months after she was taken to Sandringham, and the breeding of Pekingese dogs became a popular hobby among the aristocracy.

Looty died in 1872 and was buried in an unmarked grave at Windsor Castle.

Here's an interesting read: Corgi Dog Queen Elizabeth

The Pekingese dog breed has a rich history that's steeped in luxury and royalty. They originated in China over 2,000 years ago during the Han dynasty.

In their home country, the Pekingese were largely unknown beyond the imperial family, who were the only ones allowed to own them. They were bred to embody lion-like characteristics, such as flat snouts and a plentiful mane, which was influenced by Buddhist mythology.

The Pekingese lived in a marble pavilion on silk cushions, tended by eunuchs, and were even granted an official court rank. They were considered to be a symbol of the imperial family's wealth and power.

In fact, the Pekingese were so highly valued that they were often kept in a special royal kennel, along with other prized breeds like Pugs and Shih Tzu.

Additional reading: Are Boxer Dogs Good Family Dogs

Looty, the Pekingese, was one of five dogs stolen from Yuanmingyuan.

The dogs were later brought to England, where they were gifted to Queen Victoria.

Looty was a small fawn and white female adorned with silver bells, and was considered the most perfect little beauty by Captain John Hart Dunne, who discovered the dogs in Yuanmingyuan.

I've always been fascinated by the way art can transport us to different eras and cultures. The artwork in question is a prime example of this.

The artist's use of vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes creates a sense of energy and movement that's hard to ignore.

The artwork's title, "Ephemeral Dreams", is a nod to the fleeting nature of life and the importance of holding onto memories.

The artist's inspiration for this piece was the Impressionist movement, which valued capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life.

The artwork's dreamlike quality is achieved through the artist's use of soft, blended colors that evoke a sense of softness and vulnerability.

The artist's use of texture adds a tactile quality to the piece, drawing the viewer in and inviting them to explore further.

The artwork's themes of impermanence and the passage of time are timeless and universal, making it a piece that continues to resonate with viewers today.

The artist's unique style and perspective have captivated audiences and critics alike, solidifying their place in the art world.

Looty, a Pekingese dog, was stolen from Yuanmingyuan and later gifted to Queen Victoria, who named her "Looty" in a decision that was likely culturally insensitive.

The dog's discoverer, Captain John Hart Dunne, praised Looty's beauty, calling her the "most perfect little beauty" he had ever seen.

Looty was unhappy in her new surroundings at Balmoral, where she barely ate, a behavior that was expected given the Pekingese breed's selective eating habits.

The Pekingese breed's diet, which contributed to their identity as imperial dogs, included shark fins, curlew livers, quail breasts, and the milk of antelopes grazing in imperial parks.

Broaden your view: Persian Cat Breed

The British had a strong sense of entitlement to take whatever they wanted from other cultures. This mindset was reflected in the way they treated the Pekingese, a breed of dog that was considered a "treasure" because it was associated with the Chinese emperor.

The British believed they had a "God-given right" to take stuff from other cultures, which is why they were so casual about looting and taking valuable items from the Chinese palace. This attitude was deeply ingrained in British culture.

In 1861, Queen Victoria was given a Pekingese named Looty, which further solidified the breed's status as a symbol of British imperialism. The fact that the Queen had a Pekingese was an influence on why the breed became so popular in Britain.

The British saw the Pekingese as a way to connect with the exotic and mysterious cultures of the Far East, which was a key part of their imperialist ideology. This nostalgia for the cultures they were trying to dominate is a complex and contradictory aspect of British imperialism.

The British were willing to disrupt local cultures and take whatever they wanted, but at the same time, they were mourning the loss of those cultures and trying to preserve them in some way. This is reflected in the way they treated the Pekingese, which became a symbol of their imperialist ambitions.

Additional reading: Miniature Schnauzer Dog Breed Profile