10 Pekingese Colors That Deserve A Closer Look

Pekingese aren’t just known for their lion-like attitude. Their coats come in shades that carry history, symbolism, and a lot of personality. Some are rare, others iconic, but all are worth a second look. Now scroll responsibly—fur may cause sudden favorites.

Red Pekingese

Red Pekingese are commonly born with darker coats that gradually become lighter and reveal bright reddish-brown or golden tones as they grow. This thick fur, like a lion’s mane, has historically symbolized strength and nobility in ancient China.  A few develop black tips on their hair, creating a bold contrast that gives them a striking, royal appearance.

Gray Silver Pekingese

The Gray Silver Fox Pekingese is valued for its rare silver-gray coat, a result of the dilute gene (d locus) that transforms black pigment into a soft, shimmering gray. Graying doesn’t always come with age—sometimes, it’s there from the start. Interestingly, true silver Pekingese generally have lighter eye rims and paw pads, which highlights their distinctive charm.

Parti-Colored Pekingese

Parti-colored Pekingese are admired for their eye-catching fur, which typically combines shades of white with black or sable in asymmetrical patches. This multicolored pattern arises from the interaction of dominant and recessive traits, creating rare and unpredictable markings such as facial masks or saddle patches across the chest and legs.

Black Pekingese

Black Pekingese were known as sleeve dogs because they were small enough to be carried inside the wide sleeves of royal robes. Their dark fur was especially valued, as black symbolized protection and mystery. Unlike lighter-colored Pekingese, they were believed to ward off evil spirits.

Cream Pekingese

Cream Pekingese were once seen as emblems of purity and good fortune. In ancient China, dogs with the lightest coats were prized above all others. Their pale fur was thought to attract positive energy and protect against misfortune, elevating their spiritual significance beyond mere beauty.

Black And Tan Pekingese

The Black and Tan Pekingese has a bold mix of a deep black coat with tan accents on the chest and face. These markings highlight the dog’s expressive eyes and distinct eyebrows, which give it a regal and confident look. Revered by Chinese emperors, the dog became a symbol of luxury, dignity, and affection.

White Pekingese

Once reserved for Chinese royalty, the White Pekingese represents purity and status. Their snowy coats require careful grooming to prevent staining, especially around the eyes and paws. Due to low pigmentation, they are more sensitive to sunlight. Owners often use whitening shampoos and eye wipes to maintain their bright, clean appearance.

Tawny Pekingese

Tawny Pekingese stand out with their golden-brown coats that catch hints of red in the right light. The fur tends to darken slightly with age, especially along the spine and ears. It’s a popular color for the breed—bold enough to turn heads but still easy to maintain.

Brindle Pekingese

Brindle Pekingese features a mix of dark and light streaks across their coat, creating a striped or marbled effect. This color pattern is less common but genetically stable, resulting from the interaction of multiple pigmentation genes. Brindle can appear over a base of red, fawn, or even cream, giving each dog a unique and textured appearance.

Fawn Pekingese

The fawn coat on a Pekingese sits between tan and light caramel, sometimes with a touch of apricot. Many also have black markings around the face. It’s a familiar and well-loved color, known for aging well and looking naturally elegant with minimal effort.