Pomeranian coat care: why the coat shouldn't be clipped short
The Pomeranian is a small dog with a luxurious, voluminous coat that gives it its unique look. But behind that beauty is a special coat structure that needs knowledgeable, gentle care.
In my work I often see Pomeranians whose coats look very different: some dense, springy and airy, others dry, brittle, matted or with their natural volume gone.
I always tell owners: caring for a Pomeranian properly is not just a pretty hairdo. Above all it is about keeping the coat's natural structure and the skin healthy.
Why is a Pomeranian's coat special?
The Pomeranian has a double coat made of two layers.
Guard hair: longer and springy; it protects.
Undercoat: dense, soft and fluffy; it creates the typical volume and helps with insulation.
The two layers work together to protect the skin from the outside world.
That is why a Pomeranian's coat cannot be treated like a poodle's or a Yorkshire Terrier's.
Don't miss the puppy's first moult!
One of the most important periods in caring for a Pomeranian is the change from puppy coat to adult coat.
It often becomes especially noticeable at about 6–7 months, though the timing varies.
The soft puppy coat is gradually replaced by the adult coat. During this time a Pomeranian may look less fluffy, sometimes even a bit gangly. It is a natural stage of growing up.
But this is exactly when the coat needs special attention.
I notice that some owners are afraid to brush the puppy thoroughly. They think it will hurt, or that the brush will take out too much coat.
As a result the shedding puppy coat can stay trapped inside the dense coat, tangle and form tight mats.
It is very important not to miss this period and to help the puppy coat change over in time.
Professional care includes correct bathing, conditioning, thorough drying with a high-velocity dryer and gentle removal of hair that has already come loose.
At the same time you must not brush out the undercoat aggressively or try to remove all the soft coat in one session.
Brushing done correctly should not hurt the puppy.
Too little care during the first moult can lead to mats, skin irritation and a coat in poorer condition. However, it would be wrong to call a missed moult a proven cause of alopecia X.
My advice to owners of young Pomeranians: don't be afraid of the first moult, but don't leave it unattended either.
Why don't I clip Pomeranians short with a machine?
Owners sometimes ask for a short clip, especially in summer. They think the dog will be cooler and the coat easier to look after.
But a short clip is not a reliable way to protect against overheating and can create extra problems.
After a short clip, the coat of some Pomeranians grows back slowly or unevenly. Guard hair and undercoat can grow at different speeds, which changes the structure and look of the coat.
Sometimes individual patches stay without full regrowth for a long time.
This does not mean it will happen to every dog. But the risk exists, and I don't think it is justified to expose the animal to it for easier upkeep or a fashionable cut.
At Pet Beauty I do not clip Pomeranians short with a machine for a cosmetic effect.
My priority is keeping the natural coat.
A Pomeranian's coat needs moisture
This is one of the most important parts of my professional care.
A dense, voluminous coat is not necessarily well moisturised or in excellent condition. It can become dry, lose elasticity, break and tangle more easily.
So when I work with Pomeranians I pay special attention to professional moisturising masks and conditioners.
I add special cosmetic oils to the masks, choosing them according to the condition of the coat.
This helps soften the hair, reduce dryness, improve elasticity and make later brushing easier.
But balance matters here. The coat should stay light, airy and voluminous, not heavy and greasy.
A small professional detail of mine: I don't put masks with oils on the ears or behind the ears. The coat there is easily overloaded with products; it can quickly look greasy, lose its airiness and start clumping into strands.
So even on one dog I treat different areas of the coat a little differently.
Why is it important to remove undercoat correctly?
During shedding, loose hairs can stay trapped inside the dense coat. If they aren't removed in time, the coat becomes compact, dries more slowly, can tangle and hold moisture against the skin.
In my work I use professional bathing, conditioning, gentle brushing and a powerful high-velocity dryer. The directed airflow helps part the coat, remove loose hairs and dry the dense undercoat thoroughly.
But it's important not to overdo it.
My job is to remove hair that is already dead and loose, not to brush out as much undercoat as possible.
Brushing too hard, the wrong tools and rough handling can damage the coat and irritate the skin.
Good grooming is not about how much coat comes out, but about the condition of the coat afterwards.
How to care for a Pomeranian at home
Salon care and the right care at home should complement each other.
I recommend that owners check the coat regularly, especially behind the ears, on the chest, the belly and where it rubs.
Use tools suitable for a double coat, and don't try to force tight mats apart.
After a bath, dry the coat thoroughly, paying attention to the dense undercoat. Don't leave it damp for long.
Don't use too many products or apply oils without considering the condition of the coat: too much product can weigh it down and leave a greasy film.
And if the coat starts to thin noticeably, or bald patches or skin changes appear, see a veterinarian. Such problems are not always caused by wrong grooming.
A Pomeranian's beauty is in its natural coat
I like working with Pomeranians precisely because their coat needs attentive, individual care.
A well-managed first moult, timely removal of shedding undercoat, moisturising, gentle drying and regular care at home help keep these dogs naturally beautiful.
My main principle: do no harm, keep the coat's natural structure and make every session as comfortable as possible for the dog.
With care for your pets,
Viktoriia Kutsenko
Pet Beauty, Vaasa, Finland