Pom Information, Pomeranian Colours

Complete Rare Pomeranian Colors—full Details with Photos.

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Last Updated on 19/12/2023 by Denise Leo. Post first published on December 19, 2023.

Pomeranians, a popular dog breed known for their fluffy coats and expressive eyes, come in various colors, many of which are not rare.

Among these, chocolate Pomeranians stand out with their deep, rich brown coats, often having a slightly reddish hue. This color results from a specific gene and is distinct from the black color in some Pomeranians. Chocolate Pomeranians can sometimes have light brown or hazel eyes, differing from the more common dark eyes in the breed.

Orange Pomeranians are one of the breed’s most recognized and traditional colors. These Pomeranians have a vibrant, sunny hue ranging from light to dark orange.

The orange sable Pomeranians, a variation, have orange coats with black-tipped guard hairs, giving them a more textured look. This sable effect is due to a specific genetic pattern and is quite common in the breed.

Blue merle Pomeranians are another color variant, characterized by a unique merle pattern that creates a mottled effect of different colors on their coat. These dogs can sometimes have blue eyes, a rare trait in most other Pomeranian colors. The dilute gene plays a role in creating this distinctive merle pattern, and careful breeding is required to maintain the health and appearance of these dogs.

Lavender Pomeranians are a more unusual color with a soft, pastel-like hue. This color results from a combination of the chocolate and dilute genes, leading to this unique shade. The lavender color is subtle and can change under different lighting conditions.

Isn’t it amazing how many different markings and colors Pomeranian comes in? Some appear more often than others, while others are rare and unusual.

Pomeranians are dignified small dogs that will keep you young at heart with a little attitude. The diverse markings and colors of the Pomeranians are just one reason these little guys are so popular among households.

Read on to discover more about these rarest colorings available with this breed.

Key Reminder: While the diverse array of Pomeranian coat colors is captivating, it’s crucial to understand that they do not influence the dog’s temperament, personality, or health. The sole exception is the double merle Pomeranian, which we will discuss later, as it can impact the dog’s health. Now, let’s delve into exploring the rarest Pomeranian colors!

Rare Pomeranian Colors
Rare Pomeranian Colors

Chart of the 7 Rarest Pomeranian Colors

RankColor
1Lavender
2Brindle
3Blue
4Wolf Sable
5Beaver
6White
7Merle

What are Pomeranian Standard Colors?

Pomeranians can come in 18 different coat colors and several patterns and markings. According to AKC Breed Standard, Pomeranian colors are 

Pomeranians have many patterns, markings, and coat color variations. The accepted Pomeranian markings are:

Rarest Pomeranian Color
Brindle Pomeranian

Rare Pomeranian colors

Let’s have a look at some rare Pomeranian colors:

  • Lavender
  • Brindle
  • Blue
  • Wolf sable
  • Beaver
  • True White
  • Merle

Pomeranians come in a variety of rare and unusual colors. The rarest colors of Pomeranians are lavender, brindle, and blue. Rare colors in Pomeranians can be exceptionally expensive. The genes of both parents determine the Pomeranian puppy’s color. 

Lavender Pomeranians
Lavender Pomeranians

1. Lavender

Lavender Poms are considered to be the rarest variation of the Pomeranian breed. Their coats look amazing and unreal, and are known for their pinkish-grey coats. Lavender Poms have hints of purple among their gray fur. Lavender Poms are a magical sight, With their silvery pink coats ranging from rich mauve to pale lilac.

Lavender Pomeranians are a more unusual color with a soft, pastel-like hue. This color results from a combination of the chocolate and dilute genes, leading to this unique shade. The lavender color is subtle and can change under different lighting conditions.

They’re known by other names, too, such as the Lilac Pomeranian, the Isabella Pomeranian, the Lilac Merle Pomeranian, and the Diluted Chocolate Pomeranian.

A lavender coat is made possible by two rare dilution genes. When this gene combines with the chocolate coat, it results in Lavender. Lavender poms are produced when two purebred Pomeranians carry the dilute genes breed.

Lavender Pomeranian pups are more expensive than standard Pom puppies. They are usually expensive because of the carried recessive gene. AKC doesn’t recognize Lavender as a standard base coat color for Pomeranians.

Brindle Pomeranian Dogs
Brindle Pomeranian Dogs

2. Brindle

Brindle Pomeranians have black stripes in their coat, giving them a subtle tiger-like aesthetic. That’s why they’re also known as Tiger Stripes. 

The stripes are black and appear over tan or brown fur. Due to the Pomeranian’s longer guard hairs, their markings can be difficult to distinguish and are often broken up.

However, the markings can sometimes be very clearly seen, especially on the Pomeranian’s back, paws, and forehead. Brindle Poms can often demonstrate black face mask markings, but not all brindle Poms have this trait.

Brindle is a dominant trait that can only be suppressed by solid black. You can have brindle patterns over any Pom color, but the most notable are Blue Brindle Pomeranians and Black Brindle Pomeranians.

Blue Pomeranian bred by Beau James Pomeranians.
A blue Pomeranian bred by Beau James Pomeranians.

3. Blue

Blue Pomeranians are rare, unique, and yet incredibly beautiful. They have a solid coat color without any markings. Although they’re called the Blue Pomeranians, the color is more grey. These dogs can appear dark grey, silver, or greyish-blue. Blue Pomeranians have dark blue guard hair or dark gray guard hair and a grey undercoat.

Blue Poms have a diluted black coat but with blue points. Some Blue Poms can appear so dark that they can be mistaken as black Poms. However, a blue Pom’s nose, eye rims, and paw pads will always be blue, not black. The easiest way to spot a blue Pomeranian is by looking at the nose.

The dilute (d) recessive gene in Pomeranians will dilute black pigment to blue. Its effects are most dramatic on a solid black, which turns blue.

Blue Pomeranians usually appear silver when they’re born. Later, as they mature, they develop a silver or grey undercoat and a darker outer coat. A Blue Pom can be produced by breeding two Black Pomeranians. AKC recognizes Blue as a standard base color for Pomeranian.

wolf sable Pomeranian
Wolf sable Pomeranian

4. Wolf Sable

A true wolf sable Pomeranian is a rarity. Sable is a color pattern where Pomeranians have black tips on their fur. With lots of sabling, the wolf-sable Pom can appear gray. With less, a wolf-sable Pom can appear cream-sable

In most cases, the wolf sable Pomeranians will have a cream coat. With light sabling, you’ll see that color. However, if the sabling is heavy and covers just about the entire Pom coat, a wolf sable Pomeranian can appear to be a grey Pom.

In wolf sable Poms, the term ‘wolf’ doesn’t refer to the Pom’s base coat. Wolf refers to a very rare gene in Pomeranians. 

Wolf sable Poms have black eye rims, noses, lips, and paw pads.

Just by looking, it’s impossible to know that a Pomeranian is a wolf sable. Many Pomeranians are mislabeled as wolf sable pomegranates. You can’t identify a true wolf Sable just by visual confirmation. Only DNA testing can confirm this. In many cases, sabling fades off, completely or to some degree, as a Pomeranian matures. 

AKC recognizes wolf sable as a standard base color for Pomeranian.

Beaver Pomeranian
Beaver Pomeranian

5. Beaver Pomeranians

Beaver Pomeranians present a unique coloration, lacking any black pigmentation in their fur or on their bodies. This means a Pomeranian with black hair, black points, black markings, or black fur is not a Beaver Pomeranian.

Their enchanting beaver coat is a special dilute shade of brown or chocolate, varying from a delightful cream-beige to a captivating pale orange-brown hue. This color was once known as “biscuit” because it resembles baked cookies’ warm, golden tones.

At a casual glance, a beaver Pomeranian might seem similar to a cream Pomeranian, but its notable characteristic differentiates it. Beaver Pomeranians are characterized by liver or beige-brown colored noses, eye rims, lips, and paw pads.

6. True White Pomeranians

White Pomeranians are another striking variety. They boast pure, snow-white coats without any markings or secondary color. This solid color is highly sought after, making it a favorite among Pomeranian breeders and enthusiasts. Their pristine white fur can sometimes pose a challenge for upkeep but is undoubtedly a head-turner.

White Pomeranian
White Pomeranian

True white Pomeranians, known for their stunningly pure and icy coats, are highly sought after today but are notably challenging to acquire.

Breeding a Pomeranian with such a brilliant white coat and dark points is a complex task, primarily because the gene responsible for this striking color is recessive. To produce a true white Pomeranian, both parent dogs must carry this recessive gene, and even then, the outcome is not guaranteed.

The rarity and difficulty in breeding true white Pomeranians add to their desirability and prestige. These dogs are admired for their pristine, snow-like fur, which sets them apart from other color variations in the breed. Their unique coat requires careful grooming to maintain its luster and pure white appearance, making them a gem among Pomeranian enthusiasts.

Merle Pomeranian Dog
Merle Pomeranian Dog

7. Pomeranian Merle Dogs

The merle gene is a relatively recent addition to the Pomeranian breed. This gene manifests itself in eye-catching color patterns. Remarkably versatile, the merle coloring can overlay any Pomeranian base color, leading to an endless array of unique and striking variations.

How Does Pomeranian Color Genetics Work?

Despite the huge variety in Pomeranians’ coat color, only two basic pigments determine the color of Pomeranians. These pigments are eumelanin (black) and phaeomelanin (red), both forms of melanin.

These two pigments create different color variations. If one gene is dominant and the other is recessive, the dominant one will appear, and the recessive one will be hidden. A recessive gene in Poms can only appear when two of them exist. 

Melanocytes surround each hair follicle of Pomeranians. Depending on your dog’s underlying genetic makeup, a melanocyte produces either type of melanin, eumelanin, or phaeomelanin.

Wolf Sable Pomeranian Dogs
Wolf Sable Pomeranian Dogs

Do Pomeranians Change Color as They Get Older?

In short, yes!

The Pomeranian puppies will undergo many coat color changes from when they’re born to when they are seniors. Just like humans get grey hair, so can dogs.

It’s common among the breed to change color within the first year of life. This is when you’ll see the most significant change in their coats.

However, Pomeranians can gradually change their coat coloring over the years or begin to change once they hit their senior years. If the parent has a changed color coat, their offspring will too.

The color change in Pomeranians is a notable feature. Puppies may be born with a certain coat color that can change as they mature. This is particularly true for some colors like blue merle and sable.

Do Pomeranian Colors Affect their Temperament?

A dog’s color should never affect its temperament. If it does, it would mean that the dog has been irresponsibly inbred by an unethical breeder who favors money over the betterment of the breed.

Reputable breeders will always ensure that all their breeding dogs exhibit the perfect Pomeranian temperament before allowing them to breed.

Do Pomeranian Colors Affect Their Health?

Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs with few fatal hereditary issues. The only concern is double Merle Poms. If a Pomeranian puppy inherits two copies of the Merle gene, they are often deaf and blind. They might also suffer from health issues that Pomeranians with only one Merle gene don’t have to deal with.

Merle to Merle Pomeranian breedings will produce half-defective puppies that are largely white. So, breeding Merle Poms to a full Black or Chocolate Pomeranian is recommended, as light dogs might carry a hidden Merle gene.

Many breeders steer clear of breeding merle-colored Pomeranians, as the merle gene, while harmless in its recessive state, can lead to complications when two merle Pomeranians are mated. This pairing can produce double-merle offspring, often susceptible to various health problems.

Breeding Sables to Merles is not recommended. Sable Merle Pomeranians are often mistaken for normal sable Poms and bred together, resulting in problematic Pom puppies.

Price of Rare Pomeranian Dogs

Compared to the Pomeranian’s solid coats, the rarest colors, such as blue, lavender, wolf sable, and brindle, are the most expensive. There is not much difference between a rare-colored Pomeranian to a standard Pom. The main difference is the color of their coat.

The average cost for a Pomeranian ranges between $800 to $2,000 but can get even more expensive. Some rare-colored Pomeranians can cost as much as $4000 or $5000.

Blue Pomeranian Puppy bred by Beau James Pomeranians.
Blue Pomeranian Puppy bred by Beau James Pomeranians.

Final Thoughts on Rare Pomeranian Colors

In conclusion, Pomeranians come in various colors, from the traditional orange to the unique lavender and blue merle. These different colors and potential changes in coat color and eye color make Pomeranians a fascinating and diverse breed, much beloved by dog enthusiasts worldwide.

Queen Victoria, known for her love of dog breeds, particularly favored Pomeranians, and her influence significantly popularized the breed.

Rare-colored Pomeranians are one the most exciting developments in this delightful breed. When considering a rare color Pom, it’s important to find a reputable breeder with good breeding practices. 

The Pomeranian Breed Standard of the American Kennel Club disqualifies some rare Pomeranian colors. If you are not planning to show your Pomeranian in competitions, this shouldn’t affect your decision to own a rare color.

No matter whether Pomeranians are lavender, sable, blue, or white, they’ll all inherit the Pom’s signature temperament. The rarest colored Pomeranians are sweet like other Poms.

Coat color will not affect your dog’s personality. Even if your Pom is a disqualifying color, he’ll still have that playful Pomeranian temperament.

Please do your research before buying a Pomeranian. Sacrificing your dog’s future health is not worth the bragging rights of having a rare dog. Be a responsible dog owner, and enjoy your dog’s long, healthy years.

I hope you enjoyed reading this article! If you have any comments, please do let me know. I am always happy to hear from my readers. 

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References and Further Reading:
[1] Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
[2] English Kennel Club Pomeranian Breed Standard, 2017.
[3] Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
[4] Milo G. Denlinger “The Complete Pomeranian.”
[5] Kimbering Pomeranians “1891-1991”.
[6] William Taplin’s “The Sportsman’s Cabinet.”
[7]  E. Parker “The Popular Pomeranian.”
[8] Lilla Ives “Show Pomeranians.”

7 Rarest Pomeranian Colors
7 Rarest Pomeranian Colors

About

Dochlaggie

Pomeranians are my passion, and I have shared my life with these darling little dogs for many decades. The creator and face behind this website is published author and Pomeranian breed authority Denise Leo of Dochlaggie Pomeranians.

Denise Leo
Denise Leo