Pomeranian Coat Grooming Tips

The Pomeranian descended from the sled dogs of Iceland. In the late 1800's, Queen Victoria of England fell in love with the breed and its popularity spread from there. In early times and today, caring for a Pomeranian involves a lifetime of grooming. The long, lush double coat requires continuous care. Luckily, learning few tips and tricks, helps cut down on grooming time.

The first step in grooming a Pomeranian successfully is early preparation. Since the Pomeranian requires routine grooming, it is important she learns early to accept the process. Teaching her to stand for grooming and lie on her side or back when she is a puppy helps make grooming pleasurable for the puppy and the groomer. She should enjoy the bonding time associated with grooming and not dread it.

Brushing the Pom daily is ideal, since his thick, double coat will get matted and tangled. However, not every pet owner has an extra 30 minutes a day. In this case, two weekly brushings is the minimum you can get by with to maintain his soft coat. Using a curved-bristle slicker brush, start with the hair on the Pom’s back and hold a section in your free hand. Brush downward from the part using a method referred to as “line brushing.” When brushing your Pom, make sure you don’t bear down too hard and scratch his skin. Follow up with a metal comb, and make sure all mats and tangles are gone. If any remain, hold the hair out from the skin and work them out using the comb, starting at the end of the hair and working toward the skin.

The Pomeranian requires a bath only about once a month. After a thorough brushing, wet the Pom and apply a dog shampoo for sensitive skin, such as oatmeal shampoo. Rub the shampoo in until it forms suds. Rinse the Pom well and spritz his coat with a light leave-in conditioner for dogs. Finish up his bath by blotting his coat dry with a towel. Dry the Pom completely using a hairdryer on the lowest setting. Use a slicker brush to enhance the coat’s shine.

Many Pomeranian owners and breeders choose not to worry with grooming the thick coat. In this case, they choose a lion cut. This cut may be a low-maintenance solution; however, it takes away from the natural protection. Also, once the Pom’s coat is cut short, it may never grow back with the same thickness and shape it had previously. Therefore, scissoring only the anal area and hair under the paws is recommended by the Pet Pom website. Additionally, plucking the hair out of the Pomeranian’s ears helps prevent ear infections. A groomer should clip the Pom's toenails when they are long.