Sleeve dogs: an ancient form of mace?

Chinese emperors and courtiers carried small Pekingese dogs in their sleeves as an ornamental accessory. The smallest and most ferocious dogs were called “sleeves” because royalty would tote the canines in their garments’ roomy sleeves. Serving as an “ancient Chinese version of mace,” the dogs would scare off anyone threatening the courtiers. The fashion was later taken up by the west during the renaissance period.

https://www.britannica.com/animal/Pekingese

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2018/02/animals-dogs-china-holidays-pets/