Clipping A Peke

[frufru]

Thought I would update siince people are still looking. Gabby was gorgeous....very regal and self assured for 3 months. Her parents were lovely and mum has had pekes in the past and coundn't resist when she happened to see her in the pet shop window. She was beautifully groomed and clean (not much for me to do really) I gave her a scissor all over leaving the coat about an inch long - spent most of my time snuggling her. I know why people like Pekes now

[Erny]

If you had seen some of the pekes in rescue and the hopelessly matted coats, you'd maybe encourage these people who obviously care enough to pay the money (today, anyway) to clip the coat if they can't/won't maintain it.

I was thinking the same thoughts, GM. If time is sparce and what time there is is taken up with exercise etc. etc. but no time left to groom to avoid matting, then clipping IMO would be the next best option.

But I don't quite understand the necessity to groom a puppy ..... it's coat wouldn't be that thick (under & top coat) would it? But hey ..... at least the owners care enough to do it. There are many that don't. Hope they're conscious about the extreme weather changes we've been having (at least here in Vic and NSW) and ensure the pup is kept warm given the loss of his puppy coat.

[frufru]

Erny, as I only really tipped the coat making it the same length allover it's not really an issue. I would take more off a standard poodle puppy of the same age going in its first show! I am very pleased that someone with a coated breed is establishing a grooming routine so early on - makes it much less traumatic. I feel sorry for once/twice per year clip offs who are often completely terrified by the noises and proccedures of the grooming salon and difficult for the groomer to handle. Or the owners of coated breeds who bring it in for its first clip at 8 months of age - same deal.

[Erny]

Erny, as I only really tipped the coat making it the same length allover it's not really an issue. ... I am very pleased that someone with a coated breed is establishing a grooming routine so early on - makes it much less traumatic.

Ahhh ..... I imagined a complete clip off. Yes - you're right that getting a pup in early and having regular trips to the groomers is good 'socialisation' to this sort of 'activity'.

With the ones that only come in once or twice a year ........ the part I hate is that a number of those people don't think they have to groom or maintain in the meantime and the dogs come in with mats on mats. How uncomfortable for them.

[mita]

My opinion only, based on my experience owning a related, double-coated breed (as pets) Tibetan Spaniels.

I shied away from even considering clipping their beautiful double-coated coats (both ex-showgirls & Australian Champions). The appalling heat of last summer was too much...& one of the girls had developed a skin allergy after coming from the south to Qld (vet said not uncommon).

I discovered that keeping her skin cool & not damp was one of the things that helped.

Took the plunge & made careful enquiries before getting them clipped. I was recommended to a highly experienced dog-groomer here in Brisbane. Yes, she'd clipped Tibbies before.

With heart in mouth, I passed the 2 girls over....the intended clip would be similar to the summer clips often given Shih-Tzus.

When I went to pick them up, I couldn't believe it. I'd expected little stripped rabbits. They looked astoundingly beautiful...lovely shapes of solid little bodies, with gorgeous tails just trimmed a tiny bit across at the end.

For weeks later, the 2 blondes attracted even more attention from strangers than usual...which says a lot. And they even looked blonder! Best of all, their spirits lifted... & they literally gambolled (sp?) around like little shorn sheep. And it contributed enormously to better skin health for the one with a skin allergy.

If I owned a Peke as a pet here in Brisbane...speaking only for myself...I'd do the same. As to the question of age....that would be one of the things I'd discuss re suitability for clipping, or extent of clipping, with that experienced groomer.

Edited November 17, 2006 by mita