Pomeranians are famously known for their lavish fluffy coats, while having an equally bright and vibrant personality. Though they’re some of the best lap dogs we have, potential owners may wonder if their fluff means heavy shedding.
Pomeranians are moderate to heavy-shedding dogs. Thanks to their thick double coats, Poms tend to experience excessive shedding twice a year when they “blow their coats” during the spring and fall seasons. Otherwise, expect the usual consistent year-round moderate shedding.
There are specific reasons why Pomeranians typically shed much more than other dog breeds. After all, they were bred to have these coats for a reason. Read on to learn why these little dogs shed so much and how to deal with it.
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4 Reasons Why Pomeranians Shed
Unless you own a rare hairless dog breed, chances are your dog will shed to a certain degree no matter what breed. It’s just in their nature to shed their fur. But why do Pomeranians shed so much more than say a Poodle?
Pomeranians have a somewhat unique coat that fewer than 80 recognized breeds have, that is, a double coat. In addition, there are other external factors that may influence shedding, such as malnutrition. Read on to find out more.
1. Pomeranian’s thick coat for the cold
Nearly all dog breeds that sport a big fluffy coat have originated from a cold region, and the Pomeranian is no exception. Without the protection of a fluffy exterior, dogs simply won’t be able to survive in cold climate.
Pomeranians are German dog breeds (and Polish), developed for the harsh winter climates of northeastern Germany. In this region of Central Europe, temperatures can alarmingly reach as low as negative 10 degrees Fahrenheit.
In order to combat the brutal winters of this region, Pomeranians needed to have a coat that could keep them warm while outdoors. And sure enough, Pom breeders did just that. These spitz dogs are well-equipped with their fluff.
And just like the Siberian Husky, the Pomeranian was originally bred for pulling sleds. That’s right! When Pomeranians used to be 3 to 4 times larger in size, they were also used as guard dogs, herding dogs and worked various jobs.
And because Pomeranians primarily worked outdoors in the snow, a thick coat makes a lot of sense. It’s completely necessary to protect them from the winter cold streaks and constant snowing. But with more hair, more shedding will follow.
2. The Pomeranian’s double coat
The double coat is a type of coat the Pomeranian has. As mentioned, double-coated dogs are definitely the minority. However, these coats help protect the dog from cold temperatures and other environmental elements.
The Pomeranian’s coat is made up of two layers of hair: the topcoat and undercoat. Both of which, serve a purpose in protection of the dog’s skin.
For example, the Pomeranian’s undercoat has a wool-like feel that’s both short and dense. It mainly serves to keep your dog warm – similar to actual wool. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the most effective insulator that dogs have.
On the other hand, the topcoat is made up of longer hairs, also known as “guard hairs.” As given by the name, these hairs will guard the Pomeranian’s skin from potential hazards in the environment, such as the snow a Pomeranian often encounters.
And according to Pet 4 Homes, there are roughly just 78 recognized dog breeds with a double coat. Even so, some of the most popular dog breeds sport this coat, including the Aussie, Blue Heeler and dog breeds of working lineage.
So with two layers of fur, you can expect double the opportunities to shed their coats. However, what truly make double-coated dogs excessive shedders is when there’s a change in season. As such, they’re shed more depending on the month.
3. Pomeranian’s seasonal shedding
Most dog breeds will shed more during a change in season, though the severity can depend on the dog breed. Unfortunately, seasonal shedding can be especially bad for Pomeranians and other double-coated dogs.
Twice a year, around spring and fall, Pomeranians typically experience heavy or excessive shedding. These smart dogs are highly adaptable to their environment, but so are their coats.
When winter is around the corner, Pomeranians will start to shed their lighter summer coats to make room for their thicker, winter coats. And since they’re essentially replacing their whole coat, expect major shedding.
I have a Pomeranian mix who has clumps of white fur that pull out easily when it gets hot. However, it seems to be more present in the back of the legs.
– Dmwlakewylie (City Data)
Similarly, Poms will shed their warm winter coats during spring time. This is in preparation for their lighter summer coats. Because their winter coats are thicker, this may be the time that Pomeranians shed the heaviest. So it all depends on the season.
While a double-coated dog is shedding his or her coat, you can expect plenty of fur around the house. And given that Poms are primarily indoor dogs, you’ll need to be prepared to brush and clean up after their “mess.”
If you’re allergic to dogs, then this time will be especially bad for you. Humans are allergic to dog dander (dandruff), which is released into the air as a dog shed its fur. For sensitive owners, we suggest choosing a hypoallergenic dog instead.
4. Malnutrition can lead to shedding
Believe it or not, poor nutrition can cause excessive shedding in your Pomeranian. Just like with humans, a poor diet can potentially lead to all types of health problems in dog. It’s just that shedding is one of the most common problems.
According to Dr. Roy Cruzen (DVM), “the number one reason for excessive shedding is a poor diet.” He continues by suggesting that many owners buy cheap dog food that barely meet the nutritional quality requirement for dogs.
An imbalanced diet will almost always lead to excessive shedding – and not the good or normal kind. In addition, Dr. Pete Lands (DVM) says that gluten-free diets can cause the same health issue in your Pomeranian.
So when picking out dog food for your dog, it’s always best to look at the highest quality foods. Dr. Cruzen suggests something around the $4 per pound range is good enough. Though it’ll cost a bit more, your dog (and their coats) will thank you for it.
Dawn Logas DVM suggests boosting your dog’s coat health with some minerals. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-6, can be the key to a healthy coat. Not only does it add a healthy shine to the coat, but also replaces oils in the dog’s skin.
How Much do Pomeranians Shed?
According to Chewy, Pomeranians are one of the 31 heaviest shedding dog breeds. In fact, the Pom is in the same category as notorious shedders like Huskies, Corgis, Chow Chows, Aussies and Golden Retrievers.
But to really understand and gauge just how much these dogs shed, real Pom owners always know best. And sure enough, we surveyed the Pomeranian Subreddit and other forums to ask owners this question. Here’s what they had to say:
Real Owner Answers:
1. Shinadoll says Heavy: “Our all-white Pomeranian boy is made up of 65% floof. The solution – we just stopped wearing black and learned to love his fur tumbleweeds.”
2. Dooter says Low: “To be honest, I don’t really think that my Pom sheds that much. They do shed but it seems like the fur gets trapped in the undercoat. Just make sure you brush or matting will be a problem.”
3. Richpom76 says Moderate: “Oh yeah, they shed and there’s really not much you can do about it but clean up after them.”
4. Cutername says Heavy: “Our pomeranian will be one year at the end of December. This fall, he started shedding like crazy and it is getting worse as the weather gets colder.”
5. Lilianbeebee says Low: “My pom doesn’t really shed that much, but I’ve heard that others do quite a lot. Regular grooming is a must when it comes to maintaining a healthy coat.”
6. Rcjeng says Heavy: “Our Pomeranian mostly lived on our patio and depending on the month, we would see large tumbleweeds of fur. Brushing is the best way to avoid this!“
7. Annasutra says Moderate: “I’m a little worried my pom isn’t shedding as much as a lot of other pomeranians. Melo is just experiencing a little messy fur, slight shedding, but a huge change in coat color.“
8. Brilliantg710 says Heavy: “If you’re not willing to do the grooming, don’t get a pom! My dog is a little shedding machine and there’s no stopping it.”
How to Deal with Pomeranian Shedding
Many dog owners make the mistake of thinking they have no control over the shedding of their dog. However, this is simply not true. While you may not be able to control genetic shedding, you can help minimize shedding through grooming.
There are plenty of ways you can help your Pomeranian minimize shedding, all while helping them maintain a healthy coat. Here’s how to deal with Pomeranian shedding and essential grooming tips for all owners.
Brushing Your Pomeranian
One of the best ways to minimize Pomeranian shedding is to brush their coats. Not all owners enjoy this tedious task, but it helps a lot – especially for dogs that have double coats. Dummies recommends that you brush your Pomeranian at least every day.
Of course, not all owners may have the time or patience for this. But at a minimum, three times a week seems reasonable. However, you may want to consider brushing the dog every day during shedding season.
For double-coated dogs, such as the Pomeranian, I highly recommend the Furminator De-shedding Tool. It’s not just my recommendation – there’s a huge community of Pom owners that absolutely love and swear by this brush.
This amazing brush was practically much made for double coated dogs. We don’t suggest a Furminator for single-coated dogs because it’s a tough and strong brush that can easily cut the skin of the dog if you’re not careful.
If you plan to try out the Furminator, make sure you’re very gentle, especially if you do plan to brush your Pomeranian every day. But as long as you’re careful and mindful during the session, it’s very unlikely they’ll get cut.
Also, you’ll want to get a small size and long hair model for a Pomeranian. I highly suggest you check it out here on Amazon. The Furminator is a little bit on the pricey-side, but it’s well worth it and can save you a ton of time!
Bathing a Pomeranian
Giving your Pomeranian baths is something that’s necessarily, as you don’t want the dirt build-up to cause matted fur. It can potentially be painful for them. Plus, it’s good hygiene and will keep them smelling clean and fresh.
However, another reason to frequently give them baths is that it’s an easy way to wash away all the loose hair on the dog. As such, bathing can be extremely useful during the shedding seasons. The bathing-brushing combo is quite effective.
Still, you don’t want to give them baths too often either. The coat of your Pomeranian contains essential oils that help protect their skin. So, frequent baths may wash away all these oils before allowing time to recover.
With that said, Pomeranians should be bathed once every 2 to 3 months. But because they’re mostly indoor dogs, they’ll probably stay relatively clean for longer periods. It really depends on your dog and their living situation.
Pomeranian Shampoo Recommendations
The best and most popular options are oatmeal-based dog shampoos. They’re natural and easy on the skin and coat of the dog. Here are just a few of my favorite ones (that we have or still continue to use on our dogs):
- Pro Pet Works All Natural Oatmeal Dog Shampoo – Made from all natural oatmeal, this shampoo is also made in the USA too! I use this, my dog loves it and so will your Pomeranian!
- Earthbath All Natural Dog Shampoo – The Earthbath is truly a time-tested shampoo. It’s been on the market for a long time and people in the dog community love it.
- Paws and Pals Dog Shampoo – Used with my sister’s corgi, Paws and Pals Shampoo comes from a very reputable brand. They aren’t the most popular, but it works great! Her corgi is always soft and fluffy.
As for dog shampoo, you’ll want to go as natural as possible, which make these options perfect for all dogs. Never use human shampoo with your Pomeranian, as their skin is sensitive and human shampoo can be too harsh.
Is the Pomeranian For Me?
Pomeranians are the perfect lap dogs for kids, adults and seniors. And if you’re okay with some fur on your lap, then they’re a fantastic dog breed to bring home. Just make sure you have the time and patience to deal with grooming.
These dogs have cheerful and bright personalities, making them suitable playmates for older children who know how to respect the dog. At the same time, they’re also great companions for the elderly because they’re relatively easy to keep.
On the other hand, Pomeranians do bark quite a lot. They may not make the best apartment dogs (sorry neighbors), but they’re highly adaptable and can make it work if need be. All it takes is some extra patience with obedience training.
If this sounds like the ideal companion dog for you, then I urge you to consider the Pomeranian. Yes – dealing with their heavy shedding can be a bit difficult, but with consistency, you’ll easily get used to it in no time.
But if the shedding is too much for you (or your sinuses), I would consider looking into one of the many fantastic hypoallergenic dogs on the market. There’s plenty to choose from!
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