Do Pomeranians shed a lot? Pomeranians do shed, but their shedding level is generally lower than many people expect from such a fluffy, double-coated dog. Rather than constantly dropping large amounts of hair, much of the loose undercoat remains trapped within the outer coat until it is removed through brushing.
How much a Pomeranian sheds depends on the dog’s age, sex, hormones, coat cycle and environment. Pomeranian puppy shedding occurs while the puppy coat is being replaced by the adult double coat. Adult Pomeranian shedding is usually seasonal, while females can experience much heavier hair shedding after a season or after raising a litter.
This guide is written by Denise Leo, Pomeranian specialist, published author and breeder and exhibitor of Pomeranians for over 50 years. Drawing on decades of hands-on experience, Denise explains when Pomeranians shed, why a Pomeranian may suddenly shed a lot and how to manage Pomeranian shedding correctly.
I have good news for Pomeranian dog lovers, while all dogs shed, Pomeranians and other long-haired dog breeds don’t shed every day. In contrast, smooth-coated dogs are heavy shedders, and these smooth-coated dogs usually shed lots of coats daily.
Quick Answer: Do Pomeranians Shed a Lot?
Pomeranians do shed hair, but their shedding level is generally moderate. Much of the loose undercoat remains trapped beneath the long outer coat until it is removed during brushing. A Pomeranian may shed more heavily during seasonal coat changes, while losing its puppy coat, or following hormonal changes in an adult female.
How Much Do Pomeranians Shed?
Pomeranians have a moderate shedding level, although the amount of loose hair found around the home is often less than people expect. Their long outer coat helps trap the shedding undercoat, so much of the dead hair is removed during brushing rather than falling directly onto floors, furniture and clothing.
How much a Pomeranian sheds varies throughout its life. A puppy gradually sheds its soft puppy hair as the adult double coat develops. Adult Pomeranian dogs usually experience light seasonal shedding, while an entire female can shed considerably more after a season or after weaning a litter.
A Pomeranian may therefore appear to shed very little for much of the year and then suddenly release a noticeable amount of undercoat. Regular, thorough brushing helps remove this loose hair before it forms tangles or mats.
When Do Pomeranians Shed?
Pomeranians can shed small amounts of hair throughout the year, but noticeable Pomeranian shedding usually occurs during a change in the coat cycle. The timing and amount of hair lost can be influenced by age, hormones, daylight hours, climate and whether the dog lives mainly indoors.
The three main Pomeranian shedding stages are:
- Pomeranian puppy shedding: The soft puppy coat is gradually replaced by the adult double coat.
- Seasonal Pomeranian shedding: Adult Pomeranians may shed part of their undercoat as daylight hours and temperatures change.
- Hormonal shedding in females: An entire female may shed after a season and usually experiences a much heavier coat loss after raising a litter.
Not every Pomeranian will shed at precisely the same time or lose the same amount of hair. Indoor heating, air conditioning and artificial lighting can make the natural Pomeranian shedding season less predictable.
When Does a Pomeranian Puppy Shed Its Puppy Coat?
Pomeranian puppy shedding usually begins between four and six months of age. During this stage, the soft baby hair gradually falls out as the longer guard hairs and dense undercoat of the adult Pomeranian coat begin to develop.
This normal coat transition is commonly called the Pomeranian puppy uglies. A puppy may temporarily look uneven or thin-coated, with shorter hair on the face and body and longer hair remaining around the head, legs or tail.
The change does not happen all at once. Pomeranian puppies shed their puppy hair gradually over several months, and every puppy develops at a slightly different rate. The adult coat generally starts becoming more noticeable from about 10 months, although it may take until 12 to 15 months—or longer—for the coat to develop fully.
A Pomeranian puppy’s colour may also change during this stage. For example, a heavily shaded orange sable puppy may mature into a clearer orange, while a pale puppy may develop into an orange adult.
Regular, gentle brushing helps remove loose Pomeranian puppy hair and prevents tangles while the two coat textures are changing. However, bald patches, inflamed skin, persistent itching or sudden, severe hair loss are not normal puppy shedding and should be examined by a veterinarian.
Do Adult Pomeranian Dogs Shed?
Yes, adult Pomeranian dogs shed, although their normal shedding level is generally moderate. Unlike many short-coated breeds that constantly drop visible hair, loose Pomeranian undercoat often remains caught beneath the longer guard hairs until it is removed during grooming.
Some Pomeranians experience another noticeable coat change between 12 and 18 months of age as the adult double coat continues to mature. After this stage, most adult Pomeranians shed small amounts throughout the year and lose more undercoat during seasonal coat changes.
The amount of Pomeranian hair shedding varies between individual dogs. Coat density, sex, hormones, climate, indoor heating and the amount of natural daylight can all influence when and how much a Pomeranian sheds.
Regular brushing is essential even when an adult Pomeranian does not appear to be shedding a lot. Removing the loose undercoat helps prevent tangles and mats while keeping the skin and coat in good condition.
Why Is My Female Pomeranian Shedding So Much?
Hormonal changes can cause an entire female Pomeranian to shed considerably more hair than an adult male or desexed dog. Increased Pomeranian shedding may occur following a season, but the heaviest coat loss usually happens after a female has raised a litter.
A mother Pomeranian often begins shedding heavily when her puppies are approximately six to eight weeks old. She may lose much of her undercoat and appear considerably less fluffy. This is a normal hormonal coat change and does not mean her beautiful coat has been permanently lost.
It commonly takes six months or longer for a female Pomeranian’s full coat to return after a litter. Recovery time can vary according to her coat cycle, general health, nutrition and the amount of coat she carried before having her puppies.
Although hormonal shedding is expected, a veterinarian should examine a female showing bald patches, irritated skin, persistent itching, poor condition or hair loss that does not begin to improve. These signs may indicate that something other than normal Pomeranian hair shedding is involved.
What Is Pomeranian Shedding Season?
Pomeranian shedding season is the period when an adult Pom releases more of its undercoat in response to changes in daylight and temperature. This seasonal Pomeranian shedding often becomes more noticeable during spring and autumn, although there is no single shedding timetable that applies to every dog.
During spring, a Pomeranian may shed part of the dense undercoat carried through the colder months. Another coat change can occur during autumn as the dog’s coat adjusts to shorter days and cooler weather.
Pomeranians living mainly indoors may not follow a clearly defined shedding season. Artificial lighting, heating and air conditioning can affect the natural coat cycle, causing a Pom to shed smaller amounts of hair over a longer period.
Seasonal shedding should generally occur evenly across the body without leaving completely bald areas. More frequent brushing during this time helps remove the loosening undercoat before it becomes tangled within the longer guard hairs.
Why Is My Pomeranian Shedding So Much?
A Pomeranian may suddenly shed a lot because it is losing its puppy coat, experiencing seasonal shedding or responding to hormonal changes. These normal types of Pomeranian shedding generally occur evenly across the coat without causing inflamed skin or completely bald patches.
Other possible reasons for increased Pomeranian hair shedding include:
- Stress or a significant change in routine
- Poor nutrition or a dietary imbalance
- Fleas, mites or other parasites
- Skin allergies or infections
- Thyroid and other hormonal disorders
- Excessive bathing or unsuitable grooming products
- Coat damage caused by incorrect grooming or clipping
- Alopecia X and other conditions that affect coat growth
A large amount of loose undercoat coming out during brushing can look alarming, particularly during Pomeranian shedding season. However, there is an important difference between normal shedding and abnormal hair loss.
Arrange a veterinary examination if the shedding produces bald patches or is accompanied by itching, redness, sores, flaky skin, an unpleasant odour or changes in your Pomeranian’s general health. Normal shedding should not make a Pomeranian uncomfortable or leave the skin inflamed.
How Do You Manage Pomeranian Shedding?
Regular grooming is the most effective way to manage Pomeranian shedding. Because loose undercoat can remain trapped beneath the long outer coat, a Pom may appear not to be shedding until a considerable amount of hair is removed during brushing.
During an active Pomeranian shedding stage, brush the coat thoroughly each day or every second day. Work through the coat in small sections, beginning close to the skin and brushing outwards. Pay particular attention to areas where loose hair and tangles collect, including behind the ears, under the front legs, around the ruff, beneath the body and through the trousers and tail.
Useful Pomeranian grooming tools include:
- A large, soft slicker brush for separating the coat and removing loose undercoat
- A quality pin brush for gently working through and finishing the coat
- A wide-toothed metal comb for checking that no tangles remain close to the skin
- A dog dryer for blowing out loosened undercoat after bathing
Always use a light coat-conditioning spray before brushing rather than brushing a completely dry coat. This helps reduce static, breakage and unnecessary damage to the guard hairs.
Bathing with a suitable dog shampoo and conditioner can also help loosen dead undercoat. After bathing, dry the coat thoroughly while gently brushing it in sections. Never shave a Pomeranian to control shedding, as clipping does not stop the natural shedding cycle and may damage the double coat.
Do Pomeranians Shed Hair Around the House?
Yes, Pomeranians shed hair around the home, but usually not in the same way as many short-coated dogs. Loose Pomeranian undercoat often becomes trapped beneath the longer outer coat and is removed during brushing instead of being continuously dropped onto furniture, carpets and clothing.
The amount of visible Pomeranian hair shedding around the house will increase during puppy coat changes, seasonal shedding and hormonal shedding. Owners may notice small tufts of soft undercoat on bedding, carpets and places where their Pom regularly rests.
To reduce loose Pomeranian hair in the home:
- Brush your Pomeranian regularly before loose undercoat can accumulate.
- Groom outside when the weather is suitable.
- Wash your dog’s bedding frequently.
- Use a lint roller on clothing and upholstered furniture.
- Vacuum carpets and floors regularly with a machine designed to collect pet hair.
- Bathe and thoroughly blow-dry the coat during a heavy shedding period.
Finding some hair around the home is normal. However, excessive hair loss accompanied by bald patches, itching or irritated skin requires veterinary attention.
Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic?
No, Pomeranians are not hypoallergenic. Although the Pomeranian shedding level is generally moderate, these dogs still release hair, dander and saliva proteins that may trigger allergic reactions in sensitive people.
Dog allergies are usually caused by proteins found in skin flakes, saliva and urine—not simply by the amount of hair a dog sheds. A Pomeranian’s fluffy double coat can also carry dander, dust, pollen and other environmental allergens.
Regular grooming, bathing, washing bedding and vacuuming may reduce the amount of loose hair and dander around the home, but these measures cannot make a Pomeranian hypoallergenic.
Anyone with dog allergies should spend time around adult Pomeranians before bringing one home. Individual reactions vary, and a person who tolerates one Pomeranian may still react to another.
Pomeranian Shedding FAQs
Do Poms Shed?
Yes, Poms shed their puppy hair and adult undercoat. However, much of the loose hair remains trapped within the double coat until it is removed during brushing.
How Bad Do Pomeranians Shed?
Pomeranians are generally moderate shedders. They may shed more noticeably while losing the puppy coat, during seasonal coat changes and following hormonal changes in an entire female.
Do Pomeranian Dogs Shed Hair Every Day?
A Pomeranian may lose small amounts of hair throughout the year, but most adult Pomeranian dogs do not constantly drop large quantities of coat. Noticeable shedding usually increases during a coat change.
How Much Does a Pomeranian Shed?
How much a Pomeranian sheds depends on its age, sex, hormones, coat cycle and environment. Regular brushing usually removes most of the loose undercoat before it spreads around the home.
When Do Pomeranians Shed the Most?
Pomeranian puppy shedding usually begins between four and six months. Adult dogs may shed more during seasonal changes, while females commonly experience their heaviest shedding after raising a litter.
Why Is My Pomeranian Shedding Hair in Clumps?
Small tufts of loose undercoat can be normal during Pomeranian shedding season. Hair loss that creates bald patches or occurs with itching, redness, sores or changes to the skin should be examined by a veterinarian.
Does Shaving a Pomeranian Stop Shedding?
No. Shaving does not stop the natural Pomeranian shedding cycle and may damage the double coat. Regular brushing, bathing and careful blow-drying are safer ways to control loose hair.
Do Pomeranians Shed a Lot? The Final Answer
Pomeranians do shed, but their shedding level is generally moderate. Most loose undercoat becomes trapped within the longer outer coat and is removed through regular brushing rather than being constantly dropped around the home.
Pomeranian shedding is most noticeable during puppy coat changes, seasonal shedding and hormonal coat loss in females. With correct grooming and regular coat care, Pomeranian hair shedding is usually easy to manage.
Copyright Pomeranian.Org. All Rights Reserved.
References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook”.
