The Pekingese, a breed steeped in ancient Chinese history, is admired not only for its distinctive facial features and regal demeanor but also for its stunning variety of coat colors. Originally bred to resemble the lions of Chinese mythology, this breed carries a majestic air complemented by its lush, flowing coat. Pekingese colors range from rich solids to exotic multi-color combinations, each adding a layer of beauty to this charming breed. In this article, we’ll explore seven stunning Pekingese color variations, each reflecting the breed’s diverse genetic palette and how these colors enhance their regal bearing.
1. Fawn
The Fawn Pekingese possesses a warm, light brown color that exudes a soft and charming appearance. This color can range from a pale, creamy fawn to a deeper, rich brown that highlights the luxurious length and texture of their coat. Fawn Pekingese often have darker shades on their ears, muzzle, and the tip of their tail, which accentuates their expressive, passionate eyes and enhances their lion-like expression. This color variation is one of the most beloved, as it shows the gentle but noble nature of the breed.
2. Black
The Black Pekingese is a striking sight, with a deep, shiny coat that makes their compact and sturdy body more durable. The intense black color highlights their dense, mane-like fur around the neck and shoulders, embodying the lion-like appearance the breed is known for. Black Pekingese have a certain mystique, with their dark coat contrasting dramatically with their bright eyes, giving them a sharp gaze that is hard to miss.
3. Gray
The Gray Pekingese, which often appears in a silvery gray, carries an elegant and almost noble air that is quite fitting for this imperial breed. Their silvery coat catches the light, accentuating the silky texture and fur around their ears, legs, and tail. The Gray Pekingese is particularly mesmerizing in the sunlight, as their fur can shimmer and give off a luminous quality that enhances their regal bearing.
4. Cream
The Cream Pekingese has a light, almost ethereal coat color that can range from almost white to a lighter creamy shade. This lighter color beautifully shows off the Pekingese’s flat face and large, dark eyes, creating a stunning contrast that accentuates their sweet, somewhat melancholy expression. Cream Pekingese are highly prized for their soft, almost fluffy appearance, which makes them appear like a living teddy bear.
5. Party-Color
The parti-color Pekingese features a combination of colors, which can include any of the standard Pekingese colors with patches of white. This pattern adds a playful element to the Pekingese’s appearance, where white patches often appear on the eyes, chest, and legs, breaking up the darker colors and giving them unique and individual look. Each parti-color Pekingese is different, with no two dogs having the same pattern.
6. Sable
Sable Pekingese are particularly stunning, with their fur showing a blend of colors, often featuring darker tips on a lighter base. This coloration gives them a colorful, dynamic appearance as if their coat is constantly changing colors depending on the light and angle. The Sable Pekingese often looks radiant, with their fur offering a variety of colors that enhance their vibrant personalities.
7. White
Pure white Pekingese are rare and considered highly desirable. Their snowy coats provide the perfect backdrop for their dark, expressive eyes and the black pigmentation on their muzzles and noses. White Pekingese can look particularly striking against darker backgrounds, making them stand out in any setting. Their pristine appearance requires diligent grooming to maintain, but it’s a small price to pay for such stunning beauty.
In conclusion, the Pekingese breed offers an impressive spectrum of colors that not only accentuate their luxurious coats but also their overall majestic presence. From soft cream and fawn colors to striking black and white contrasts, each color variation brings out a different aspect of this breed’s rich heritage. Whether adorned with the unique beauty of pure white or the intricate shade of sable, each Pekingese has its own special appeal, making this breed a perennial favorite among dog lovers around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pekingese Colors
1. What are the most common colors found in Pekingese?
The most common Pekingese colors are fawn, black, and cream. Fawn Pekingese can range from light beige to a deep, golden color, often with a black mask that adds to their expressive faces. The Black Pekingese is notable for its shiny, deep black coat, which gives it a noble and bold appearance. Cream Pekingese offers a lighter, more subtle appearance, ranging from almost white to a soft buttery shade. These colors are widespread due to their strong representation in the breed’s genetic pool, making them favorites among breed enthusiasts.
2. Can a Pekingese have a multi-colored coat?
Yes, the Pekingese can have a multi-colored coat, commonly known as parti-colored. These dogs exhibit coats of two or more colors, with white usually combined with patches of other colors such as black, fawn, or gray. Parti-colored Pekingese are especially famous for their unique and striking appearance, which makes each dog uniquely individual in its pattern and color.
3. Are there rare colors in Pekingese?
White is considered a rare color in the Pekingese, often sought after for its striking contrast with the breed’s typical facial markings and dark eyes. Another rare color is true sable, where each hair shaft has multiple colors, fading from light to dark. These rare colors can be harder to find and can be highly prized in the show ring or by breed enthusiasts.
4. Do Pekingese’s colors change as they age?
Yes, Pekingese coat colors can change as they age. Puppies can start out a darker or lighter shade and develop their permanent color as they grow. For example, a sable puppy may appear darker at birth and lighten as it ages. This color transformation is part of the breed’s beauty, giving owners the enjoyable experience of watching their Pekingese’s coat change.
5. How does sunlight affect the color of the Pekingese coat?
Sunlight can cause the Pekingese coat to lighten, especially in darker colored dogs. Prolonged sun exposure can fade darker coats, turning rich blacks or deep fawns into lighter shades of brown. Owners should be mindful of excessive sun exposure to maintain the vibrancy of their Pekingese’s coat color.
6. What eye color does the Pekingese have?
Pekingese typically have dark brown eyes, which complement their rich coat colors and enhance their facial expressions. The darkness of the eyes is a breed standard and is considered one of the defining aesthetic characteristics of the Pekingese, providing a stark contrast to lighter coat colors such as cream or white.
7. Is coat color linked to health issues in Pekingese?
In general, Pekingese coat color is not directly related to health issues. However, as in many other breeds, certain genetic color combinations, especially those involving dilute colors such as blue or lilac (which are very rare in the Pekingese), can be associated with specific conditions of health such as color dilution alopecia. It is important for breeders to perform health checks and genetic testing to ensure healthy offspring, regardless of coat color.
8. Can Pekingese be gray?
Gray or silver Pekingese are relatively rare but do exist. These colors usually show up as a soft, silvery-gray shade that gives the dog an elegant, almost mystical look. Gray Pekingese can be particularly stunning with their contrasting dark eyes and green coat.
9. What determines the coat color of a Pekingese?
A Pekingese’s coat color is determined by genetics. A combination of genes inherited from both parents influences coat color, pattern, and texture. Dominant and recessive genes play an important role in the resulting coat color variation found in the breed.
10. How does grooming affect a Pekingese’s color appearance?
Regular grooming is essential for maintaining the appearance and health of a Pekingese’s coat. Brushing helps distribute natural oils, which can enhance the coat’s shine and luster. Bathing, when done correctly, can brighten a dull coat and bring out natural colors. For lighter-colored Pekingese, grooming is particularly important to avoid staining and matting, which can dull their beautiful colors.
