Pomeranian Grooming & Care (Double Coat — Never Shave)

That magnificent powder-puff coat is the first thing most people notice about a Pomeranian — and it is also the part of owning one that needs the most regular care. Poms are not a wash-and-go breed. With a sensible routine they are very manageable, but their thick double coat asks for consistent attention, and there is one rule above all others: never shave a Pomeranian. Here is how to groom and care for yours properly.

Understanding the Pomeranian coat

Pomeranians have a double coat: a soft, dense, insulating undercoat beneath a longer, harsher outer coat of guard hairs. Together these create the breed's signature stand-off, fluffy look and the dramatic ruff around the neck. The double coat is not just for show — it insulates against both cold and heat and protects the skin from the sun. Like all Spitz breeds, the Pom carries a lot of coat for its size, which is exactly why grooming is such a central part of caring for one.

Why you must never shave a Pomeranian

This is the single most important grooming rule for the breed. Shaving a double coat down to the skin can damage how it regrows. The undercoat tends to grow back faster than the guard hairs, so a shaved Pom can be left with a patchy, woolly, uneven coat — and in some dogs it never returns to normal. The breed is also prone to coat-loss conditions such as Alopecia X (sometimes called black skin disease), and shaving can trigger or worsen poor regrowth. On top of that, removing the coat strips away the insulation and sun protection it provides. If your Pom is too hot or matted, the answer is brushing, de-shedding and a light tidy from a groomer — not a shave.

How often to brush

Plan on brushing several times a week, working right down to the skin rather than just over the surface. Regular brushing removes loose undercoat before it tangles, distributes natural oils, and lets you spot any skin problems, parasites or sore spots early. Use a slicker brush and a comb, and work methodically across the body, paying attention to the mat-prone areas: behind the ears, under the legs (the armpits), around the collar area, the chest ruff and the trousers on the back legs. Our grooming brushes include suitable tools for a double coat.

Coping with the coat blow

Pomeranians shed steadily and then 'blow' their coat — a heavier seasonal moult, often in spring and autumn, when large amounts of undercoat come away. During a coat blow, increase brushing to daily and use a de-shedding tool or undercoat rake to keep on top of it; otherwise the loose undercoat mats quickly and ends up all over your home. Puppies also lose their soft 'puppy coat' and grow their adult coat over the first year or so, a stage owners sometimes call the 'puppy uglies' — it passes, so do not panic.

Dealing with mats and tangles

Mats form where there is friction and trapped loose hair — behind the ears, in the armpits and around the collar. If you find one, tease it apart gently with your fingers and a comb, working from the edges inwards while supporting the skin so you do not pull. Never cut a mat off with scissors, as it is easy to nick the loose skin underneath. For severe or close-to-skin mats, ask a professional groomer to deal with them safely. As always, prevention through regular brushing is far easier than dealing with mats after the fact.

Bathing

Pomeranians do not need frequent baths — over-bathing dries the skin and coat. Bath occasionally when genuinely dirty, using a dog-specific shampoo, rinsing thoroughly, and drying carefully (a damp double coat left to dry slowly can mat). Always brush out the coat before a bath, as water sets any existing tangles tighter.

Nails, teeth and ears

Grooming is about more than the coat:

• Teeth. Dental disease is very common in toy breeds, so brush the teeth with dog toothpaste and keep up regular vet dental checks — see our dental care range.
• Nails. Trim every few weeks if they are not worn down, taking only the clear tip and avoiding the quick. See our nail care.
• Ears. Check occasionally for wax, redness or odour, and wipe only the visible part with a vet-approved cleaner if needed. Never push anything into the ear canal.

Walks, weight and the harness rule

Grooming and care go hand in hand with the rest of a Pom's routine. Use a harness rather than a collar to protect the windpipe (see our dog harnesses), keep your dog lean to protect those small knees, and feed measured portions — our pet calorie calculator helps. For more on the breed, see our guides on health problems and lifespan.

*This is general guidance. If you find sore skin, stubborn mats, sudden coat loss, or any ear, dental or skin problem you cannot easily manage, see your vet or a professional groomer.*

Sources

• The Kennel Club — Pomeranian breed information and grooming (thekennelclub.org.uk).
• PDSA — dog grooming, coat and dental care (pdsa.org.uk).
• Blue Cross — grooming your dog (bluecross.org.uk).
• RSPCA — dog care and welfare (rspca.org.uk).