Occasionally, between the 16th and 20th centuries, the Dalai Lamas (the spiritual leaders of Tibet) presented small lion dogs as gifts to the Imperial families of China and to other dignitaries, as tokens of peace, prosperity and good fortune. (petwave.com)
Thought to trace to the Tibet region, dogs resembling small lions were treasured. (professorshouse.com)
I am quite shocked that while travelling so much and educating oneself one can still think that petting small lions in africa is a good idea. (travelbloggerinterviews.com)