The Pomeranian is the smallest of the spitz-type dogs. He weighs 1.5–2.5 kilos and stands 13–28 centimetres at the withers. It takes him 7 to 10 months to reach his full size.
He has a slightly flat skull and small erect ears. His head and nose have a foxy outline. He has dark and almond-shaped eyes. His nose can be dark or take the same colour as its coat.
The Pom has a thick double coat. It is comprised of a long, straight, and harsh outer coat with a soft and fluffy undercoat. His hair is thicker around the neck, shoulders, and chest. He has a noticeable feathering around his forequarters, thighs, and hind legs.
According to the Kennel Club, all coat colours are permissible on the breed. However, there should be no black or white shadings. Common colours include black, white, brown, and blue. Merle is considered a fault.
Do Pomeranians shed?
The Pomeranian breed is not a heavy shedder, but it noticeably leaves behind some stray hairs.
A Pomeranian puppy starts shedding around 4 to 6 months. Once he reaches 10 months old, he should have a complete, adult coat. Full-grown Poms shed throughout the year and heavily during spring and summer.
Spring shedding occurs when their winter coat is replaced by a lighter summer coat. On the other hand, a thick winter coat replaces their summer coat during summer shedding.
The Pomeranian is not a hypoallergenic dog breed. Although his fur does not trigger allergic reactions, it can transport dander. Thus, the more loose hairs the Pom sheds, the more dander there will be. For this reason, the breed is not the best choice for people with allergies.
If you still wish to have a Pomeranian as a pet, there are ways to lessen dander in your home. Brushing and Bathing him regularly effectively reduces dander.
Cleaning your home often also helps prevent allergen build-up. Make sure to wear a mask to avoid inhaling allergens. You may want to invest in High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters which greatly help in getting rid of dander.
When it comes to grooming, keeping the Pomeranian's coat in top shape requires time and effort. Since it is long and fine, brushing it a few times daily is important to keep shedding at bay. This also prevents matting and tangles.
Certain areas need to be regularly trimmed like the face, ears, backside, and feet. Bathing should be done at least once or twice a month. Taking the Pom to a professional groomer four to five times a year helps keep his coat tidy and manageable.
Grooming your Pomeranian's coat may take up most of your time, but other grooming needs must also be met. Careful grooming and weekly examination will help in the early detection of health problems.
Make sure to brush your Pomeranian's teeth two to three times a week as he is prone to dental problems. Trim his nails and clean his ears weekly. Inspect his body for ticks, fleas, redness, and other signs of inflammation.
Note that the Pomeranian breed is prone to tear stains. It is characterised by a reddish or brownish discolouration beneath and around its eyes. This is caused by debris from dirt, sand, food bits or eye crusts which stick to the coat.
To remove tear stains, use a soft damp washcloth or dog-safe eye wipes. Make sure to dry the wet area around the Pom's eyes after cleaning. Allowing it to remain moist regularly can lead to red yeast infection.