Pekingese have long hair with a soft undercoat, so they need regular grooming. Grooming this breed according to the standard is unacceptable, but many owners still cut their pets.
Why do you need a haircut? There are several reasons for this:
- Make life easier in the heat. Due to their thick fur coat, dogs do not tolerate high temperatures well. The situation is aggravated by the structure of the muzzle. The air in the nose does not cool well, which, combined with thick fur, can lead to heatstroke.
- Simplify care. Pekingese are very inquisitive dogs. The long fur on the belly is instantly covered with dirt. Often, animals refuse to wear overalls, which is why they get dirty on every walk. A trimmed pet will collect significantly less dirt, which will make grooming easier.
- Maintain attractiveness in old age. The coat of older Pekingese cats becomes dull, sheds, and changes color. A haircut will help make your pet visually younger.
- Protect from ticks. It is very difficult to notice a small parasite in dense cover. A short haircut will make it easier to find and prevent trouble.
Important: a groomed dog should not be left in the heat for a long time. Direct sunlight and hot air quickly provoke heat stroke.
Types of Pekingese haircuts
For dogs of this breed, three types of haircuts are used: hygienic, lion and puppy. The rest are just variations of them.
Hygienic haircut
Suitable for show dogs and if the owner wants to preserve the natural appearance of the pet. Using scissors, the fur on the belly, paws and elbows is slightly trimmed. The hairs on the muzzle are also cut off a little so that it is round. Split ends are removed from the ears.
The only place where the cover is cut short is the anus area. Removing hair from there allows you to maintain cleanliness and prevent the formation of tangles.
Under the lion
As a rule, this hairstyle is chosen only for male dogs. The body is cut short to 2 mm. The hair on the head, chest, neck, and sometimes shoulders remains long. At the tip of the tail there is a pompom like a lion. There is also some hair left on the feet.
Puppy style (Flatwork)
This hairstyle is common among Pekingese girls. With it, the dog visually looks younger and acquires cute puppy-like features.
The body is cut short (up to 2 mm). The hairs on the paws are also trimmed to make them look fluffy. The tail usually has long hair, but it can also be cut short.
The head is given a rounded shape, and the hair on the ears can be elongated, medium length, or completely removed.
Top-knot
The long hair of the Pekingese is what you need to create different hairstyles. This haircut is chosen by those owners who like to decorate their pets.
Several strands of hair remain on the dog's head, from which they are collected into ponytails or braids. Various accessories add an even sweeter look.
Blanding
Using thinning scissors, a smooth transition from long to short hair is created. This haircut requires regular updating and care.
Panties
The body is cut short, but the hair on the paws remains long, making them resemble pants. The muzzle is cut at the request of the owner.
Cut it yourself or leave it to a professional
Grooming a Pekingese has its own characteristics that must be taken into account during the haircut. On the one hand, grooming is hard and not easy work, especially if the owner wants the pet to have complex haircuts. On the other hand, after several lessons you can practice the skills yourself on your pets.
At home, owners often give Pekingese dogs hygienic haircuts. With it, the animal looks more well-groomed and, most importantly, will not “die” from the heat in the summer months.
Grooming: at home or in the salon?
Dogs of this breed have a thick and long coat, so it will be quite difficult for a beginner to cope with it.
The machine cannot be used regularly. It can ruin the appearance of your pet, and its fur will become like foam rubber. Not everyone knows how to use scissors correctly.
At home, you can only remove the fur between your fingers (with scissors with round ends!) and even out the ends a little.
The Pekingese's coat can easily be damaged by inept grooming. Animals become bald, unkempt, looking like mongrels and hedgehogs. The wool quality may never be restored.
Haircut at a salon is preferred. Professionals will find an approach to your pet and select the appropriate type of haircut that will not spoil the exterior.
Complex in a grooming salon
includes:
- bathing using professional cosmetics;
- drying;
- haircut;
- trimming nails;
- cleaning eyes and ears;
- perfume as desired.
Why do you need a Pekingese haircut?
Many people wonder whether it is possible to cut a Pekingese dog's hair. Every owner of a dog of this breed should know that cutting his hair is not only possible, but also necessary.
Note! If you strictly follow daily grooming, it is not necessary to cut your dog's hair. If the owner does not have enough time, then a haircut is the optimal solution to the problem.
Advantages of a haircut
Due to its considerable length, the coat is subject to severe contamination, because during a walk the dog practically sweeps the streets with its fur. It is also worth noting that the coat of this breed is thick, which causes suffering to the animal if it is hot outside and at home. In this case, trimmed pets will feel much more comfortable, and this will also have a good effect on their appearance.
Do not forget about the predisposition to the formation of tangles. To prevent their formation, your pet needs to be thoroughly combed daily. In summer, it is also better to remove the length of the fur, because this will reduce the likelihood of “catching” ticks.
Flaws
As for the shortcomings, the only thing that can be attributed to them is irritation of the skin. This is why you should not cut your Pekingese hairless (too short) or with a clipper.
Important! If the pet will be presented at various exhibitions, it is not recommended to trim the dog, since the presence of thick and long hair is the main advantage of the breed.
Self-care between salon visits
the washing up
The dog can be washed once a month. In a family with small children, this procedure is best done weekly.
The cover needs to be thoroughly wetted, and only then apply shampoo. After bathing, you need to soak the dog in two towels and dry it.
Eye and ear care
Ears should be cleaned with cotton pads soaked in a special product. The use of cotton swabs is prohibited.
The eyes are the weak point of the Pekingese. Mucus constantly accumulates there, since due to the structure of the muzzle it cannot drain naturally.
Hair often gets into the eyes, and animals rub their faces against the carpet, wanting to get the annoying hair. Because of this, ulcers appear. Therefore, this area should be wiped daily with cotton pads soaked in boiled water.
Claws
They must be pruned regularly. Frequency depends on the activity of the dog and the characteristics of the body. If a dog walks on asphalt, the claws do not grow as quickly as those of those who only walk on the ground.
Nails that are too long can grow into your fingers, which is very painful. It is best to trim after bathing - they become softer and easier to give in. Cut at an angle of natural growth. The main thing is not to touch the vessel.
How to brush a Pekingese
The dog needs daily brushing. The long and thick fur gets tangled, so it is important to look after it carefully.
To make the procedure easier, you can use a product designed for hard and coarse hair. Then you need to comb your pet with a metal comb, starting from the chest and head against the height. The tail is combed last.
You can't pull out tangles. They must be carefully disassembled by hand or, in extreme cases, cut off.
How to cut a Pekingese haircut
A novice groomer should first carefully familiarize himself with the step-by-step algorithm for cutting a Pekingese.
Important! Before grooming your dog, it is recommended to wear a cotton T-shirt, otherwise the hair will become electrified, which will complicate the work.
First of all, you need to figure out the time when the dog will be calm. First you need to show affection, scratch your pet with a soft brush, because at the sight of cars and metal objects he may get scared.
Grooming a Pekingese at home includes the following set of activities:
- Carefully comb the coat along its entire length.
- Trimming the body and neck. It is preferable to use a machine the first time, this way you will be able to achieve a more even result.
- Processing the muzzle and ears with small scissors.
The tail and paws do not need to be cut, it depends on the personal preferences of the owner.
Hygienic haircut includes the following manipulations:
- Hair removal in the groin and butt area.
- On the “pants” the length is equalized.
- The hair between the toes and inside the ears is trimmed.
You can only begin grooming your pet at home if you have previously purchased all the necessary materials and tools for the job. It is recommended to take several lessons from groomers who will familiarize you with the main features.
Grooming a Pekingese at home
Another common question is how often the procedure is performed. The fact is that Pekingese hair does not grow back constantly, for example, like Yorkshire terriers. That is why you can trim your pet again only after it has completely grown long hair.
A trimmed Pekingese looks much more attractive than an overgrown and unkempt pet. That is why, when purchasing this breed, you need to be fully aware of how much time and attention you will need to devote to it.
Caring for dogs of any breed includes caring for the coat, no matter what length, type, or hardness it is. Pekingese have a fluffy, long coat, so they need to be trimmed regularly. Some use the services of grooming salons, others use their hairdressing skills at home. Grooming a Pekingese is an important part of keeping a pet, relating not only to aesthetic issues, but also to health.
Answers to frequently asked questions
How quickly does fur grow back?
Everything is individual. Growth is affected by the condition of the animal, nutrition, age, and vitamin intake. Hair grows quickly on the back and slowly on the head. On average, a new fur coat grows in 4 months.
Does the color change after a haircut?
Yes, the coat becomes lighter and softer. But this is only if you cut your dog's hair frequently. If the procedure is carried out 1-2 times a year, nothing will happen.
How to relieve your dog's condition in the heat?
To make it easier for your dog, you can spread wet towels around the house. It is also necessary to leave the bathroom doors open so that the dog can lie on the cool tiles.
You should not completely wet your pet’s body in order to cool it down. This can cause ulcers to form. It is better to spray a little on the head, paws and belly.
It is advisable to transport a dog in a car in hot weather if the air conditioning is running.
Trust your pet's haircut only to professionals. This will help preserve the beauty of the breed and prevent harm to health.
Preparing the site and tools
If the pet owner has decided to cut his hair at home, you need to purchase a minimum set of tools:
- A special machine designed for grooming dogs. Devices from Andis or Moser are very popular. The kit should include a set of attachments, including knives with a width of 10, 15 and 22 mm.
- A rubber mat on which the dog will be comfortable to stand throughout the entire procedure.
- Scissors with rounded ends, designed for trimming paws and face. As an analogue, you can buy thinning scissors, but provided that you have experience using them.
- Three types of combs: an iron comb with sparse long teeth, a slicker brush and a soft brush.
Note ! A nail clipper must be purchased if the pet is indoors and does not go outside.
Haircut at home or in a salon
The main factor determining the choice of visiting a salon or performing the procedure at home is the price of the procedure - on average 1,500 rubles. If possible, experts advise always contacting a groomer; if not, it is advisable to take the dog to a professional at least once to observe the progress of the work, then repeat it yourself. Haircut at home does not require any special hairdressing skills. The procedure begins with the body, the hair is given the same length, the hair is cut from the back to the chest, then the sides are processed. After a haircut, the stomach usually itches, so you should immediately try to shake off excess hair from it.
If your Pekingese's butt itches after a haircut, you need to rinse it well and treat it with an antiseptic.
Particular attention is paid to the paws. Groomers use special small scissors for this; at home, you can cut with regular scissors, but slowly and carefully. All excess on the pads is removed. All excess hairs on the panties are also removed.
Thus, grooming a Pekingese is not only a matter of the aesthetic appearance of the animal, but also of its health and general condition. Removing excess fur makes life easier for him in the hot season and makes his walks freer. The procedure can be performed both at home and in grooming salons; in the first option, you need to take care of purchasing the necessary tools in advance.
