Professional Recommended
Pekingese
The Pekingese is an ancient Chinese toy breed with an imperial history and one of the most demanding coats of any small dog — a long, coarse double coat forming a distinctive lion-like mane around the head and shoulders. Without daily brushing the coat tangles rapidly, particularly in the mane, armpits, and behind the ears. Professional grooming every three to four weeks is strongly recommended.
Coat Type
Long, Coarse, Standoff Double Coat with Distinctive Mane
Groom Every
Every 3-4 weeks
Styles Available
5 cuts
Cuts & Styles
Grooming Styles
1
Full Show Coat
The natural coat maintained at maximum length, with the mane, skirt, and feathering brushed to full volume. The classic Pekingese presentation requiring daily brushing at home.
2
Puppy Clip
The coat trimmed to a uniform short length all over, including the mane. Dramatically reduces home maintenance while keeping the dog comfortable and clean.
3
Lion Cut
The body trimmed short while the mane around the head and shoulders is left fuller, evoking the breed's traditional 'lion dog' appearance with far less maintenance than the full show coat.
4
Maintenance Trim
The coat kept at a medium length throughout — shorter than show length but with the mane retained in a manageable volume. A popular compromise between elegance and practicality.
5
Summer Cut
The coat clipped very short all over to reduce heat retention in warm weather and to allow time for the owner to re-establish a brushing routine before the coat regrows.
Expert Advice
Care Tips
- The Pekingese mane forms the tightest mats behind the ears, along the collar line, and in the armpits — inspect these areas daily and never attempt to brush through a visible mat without first applying a detangling spray and working through it with a wide-tooth comb.
- The Peke's flat face creates skin folds around the nose and under the eyes; clean these folds daily with a dry cloth and check for redness, discharge, or odor that signals an infection.
- Daily brushing is non-negotiable for a full-coated Pekingese — the coarse, standoff coat tangles at the skin level within 24 to 48 hours. Use a metal comb from skin to tip after every brushing session to verify complete penetration.
- The Pekingese is prone to heat intolerance due to its flat face and dense coat — keep the dog cool in summer, and consider the puppy clip or summer cut in hot climates to reduce the risk of heat-related distress.
- The coat over the Pekingese's rear and tail area is especially prone to fecal contamination; keep this area trimmed shorter for hygiene regardless of which overall coat style is chosen.
Recommended Tools
What you'll need
Miller's Forge Quality Nail Clipper
Nail CareUsed by professional groomers worldwide. Made of high-quality Italian stainless steel with a heavy-duty spring for clean, sharp cuts.
$10 - $15
Mars Coat King Undercoat Rake
BrushThe ultimate tool for double-coated breeds. Strips dead undercoat without damaging the guard hairs.
$40 - $60
FURminator Long Hair deShedding Tool for Dogs
BrushThe professional-grade deshedding tool that reaches deep beneath the long topcoat to safely remove loose undercoat without cutting or damaging the guard hairs. Reduces shedding up to 90% with regular use. Essential for heavy seasonal shedders like Collies, Golden Retrievers, and Maine Coons.
$30 - $65
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Deep Dives
Pekingese Grooming Guides
Summer Grooming
Heat management, coat care, and seasonal tips.
Read guide
Winter Coat Care
Cold-weather protection and moisture balance.
Read guide
Shedding Season
Survive the seasonal blowout without losing your mind.
Read guide
Prevent Matting
Detangle, prevent, and protect their coat year-round.
Read guide
Best Brushes
The right tools for this specific coat type.
Read guide
Nail Trimming
Safe nail care frequency and technique.
Read guide
Ear Cleaning
Prevent infections with proper ear care.
Read guide
Bathing Guide
How often to bathe and which products to use.
Read guide
Grooming Cost
What professional grooming should cost for this breed.
Read guide
Hypoallergenic
Shedding, dander, and allergy-friendly coat care.
Read guide
First-Time Owner
Grooming basics for new owners of this breed.
Read guide
Skin & Allergies
Itchy skin, hot spots, and coat-sensitive care.
Read guide
Dental Care
Oral hygiene tied to coat and skin health.
Read guide
Flea & Tick
Parasite prevention without damaging the coat.
Read guide
Pro vs DIY
When to groom at home and when to hire a pro.
Read guide
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