Grooming the Pekingese

COAT

The Pekingese coat is full-bodied, with long, coarse-textured, straight, standoff outer coat and a thick, softer undercoat. The coat forms a noticeable mane on the neck and shoulder area, with the coat on the remainder of the body somewhat shorter in length. A long, profuse coat is desirable, provided it doesn't obscure the shapeliness of the body or sacrifice correct coat texture. Long feathering is found on the back of the thighs and forelegs, and on the ears, tail, and toes — feathering on the toes is left in place but should never be so long as to interfere with free movement.

Per the breed standard, presentation should accentuate the dog's natural outline; obvious trimming or sculpting that detracts from that natural appearance is considered incorrect for showing.

CHARACTER

The Pekingese is a combination of regal dignity, self-importance, self-confidence, and exasperating stubbornness, which makes for a good-natured, lively, and affectionate companion to those who have earned its respect. That same regal independence can make a Pekingese a touch opinionated at the grooming table — patient, respectful handling generally goes much further than a rushed approach with this breed.

Recommended Cindra Grooming Products

• Cindra Texturizing Shampoo
• Cindra Reconstructor — a heavy, repair-grade conditioner for dry or damaged coat
• Cindra Cleansing Shampoo
• Cindra Maxi Care Leave-In Conditioner
• Cindra Texturizing Mist
• Cindra Super Coat

Common Coat Problems & Solutions

Source: adapted from Cindra's internal grooming reference archive.

Hands On Grooming Guide

Brush several times a week at minimum, daily for most Pekingese, using a pin brush or natural bristle brush worked in small sections from front to back. Mist the coat lightly with water or a coat conditioner before brushing — brushing a fully dry coat increases breakage and static, especially in the mane and feathering.

Fully saturate the coat with warm water before shampooing; the dense undercoat resists water penetration more than people expect, and an incomplete soak leads to an incomplete clean. Massage shampoo thoroughly through both layers of coat, then rinse extremely thoroughly — residue trapped in a coat this dense is a common cause of skin irritation and odor. A conditioning rinse afterward helps detangle and restore shine.

Dry on low heat while brushing through the coat in sections. Air-drying a fully coated Pekingese can take many hours, and damp undercoat left to dry on its own is a real setup for skin issues underneath.

Facial Wrinkle & Eye Care

This is arguably the most important daily task for this breed, separate from the coat entirely. The wrinkle across the bridge of the nose, along with the skin folds around the face, traps moisture, food residue, and tears, creating an environment where yeast and bacteria thrive if left unattended. Clean inside each facial fold daily with a soft, dry cloth or fragrance-free wipe, and make sure the area is left completely dry afterward — trapped moisture, not the wrinkle itself, is what causes the skin breakdown and odor people associate with flat-faced breeds.

The large, prominent eyes also need daily attention: wipe gently with a soft, damp cloth to remove accumulated debris, and keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short so it doesn't cause irritation or scratches. Because Pekingese lack the protective muzzle length other breeds have, their eyes are more exposed to injury — any squinting, redness, or discharge warrants a same-day veterinary check rather than a wait-and-see approach.

A Note on Heat & Breathing

The Pekingese is a brachycephalic (flat-faced) breed, and that matters directly during grooming. Always keep the grooming area cool, and use only cool or low-warm dryer settings — hot air can cause this breed to overheat quickly given its compromised airway structure. Watch for heavy panting or blue-tinged gums during any grooming session, which signal overheating and require immediate cooling and veterinary attention. The same caution applies outside the grooming routine: exercise and outdoor time should be limited in hot weather for this breed.

Does the Pekingese Shed?

Yes, and heavily — this double coat sheds year-round with significant seasonal coat blows in spring and fall. During these periods, daily brushing with an undercoat rake is genuinely necessary to manage the volume of loose hair; without it, the undercoat packs down and mats close to the skin within days. Outside of seasonal shedding, regular brushing two to three times weekly keeps shedding manageable.

Puppy vs Adult Coat Care

Quick Grooming Schedule

Pekingese Grooming Resources

• How Often Should You Bathe Your Dog
• How to Choose Dog Shampoo by Coat Type