Last Updated on 03/05/2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on November 28, 2022.
Owners often ask if their Pomeranian is a teddy bear Pomeranian, baby doll Pomeranian or fox face Pomeranian. Not that it matters, all Pomeranians are beautiful. Teddy Bear Pomeranian, Baby Doll Pomeranian, and Fox Face Pomeranian are several nicknames often used by Pom dog lovers when describing specific faces of Pomeranians.
Are there 3 Different Pomeranian Faces?
The answer here is NO. There are NOT 3 types of Pomeranian faces. People misunderstand the breed standard and often think the Pomeranian should look like a fox.
Details of The Pomeranian Head Shape
The standard for Pomeranians contains two phrases: “foxy in outline” and “fox-like expression”. This isn’t saying that Pomeranians MUST have a face or a head which resembles a fox.
The mention of “foxy in outline” and “fox-like” expressions has caused much confusion; with some not realizing this reference doesn’t mean a long-nosed type of Pomeranian.
Teddy Bear vs Fox Face Pomeranian
Fox Face Pomeranian
The picture above is a type of Pom dog who could be described as a foxy Pomeranian, fox-faced Pomeranian or a fox Pomeranian. The fox-type Pomeranian is an incorrect Pom face and is more typical of the German Spitz dog.
This long nose Pomeranian dog, unfortunately, doesn’t have enough head coat, he has large ears, and this dog lacks a correct stop.
As a standard guideline, the tip of the nose to the stop and from the stop to the back of the head will measure 1:2 in the majority of Pomeranians. The middle dog’s head does not have the correct proportions for a Pom dog. Instead of the required Pomeranian measurements of 1:2, this dog is would measure closer to 1:1.
For more detailed Pom dog breed information regarding the Pomeranian head please see our page which discusses the Pom dog’s head requirements of the breed standard.
It is very unfortunate any reference to a fox is included in the Pomeranian breed standards.
The U.S.A Pom Breed standard includes the following reference “Expression – may be referred to as fox-like, denoting his alert and intelligent nature. “ The U.K. and Canadian Breed Standard refers to the head as “Head and nose foxy in outline “.
Teddy Bear Pomeranian
The face of the cute Pom you can see above could be described as having a teddy bear pom face.
There’s a distinct difference in the shape of his face. The teddy bear face Pom is a short nose Pomeranian.
The teddy face Pomeranian snout is significantly shorter, with a well-defined stop and the cheeks appear to be fuller. This Pom also has the correct full head and body coat. This dog has a Pomeranian boo face and could also be described as a Pomeranian that looks like a bear.
Multi Best in Show Supreme Champion Dochlaggie Dragon Heart could be described as a Teddy Bear Face Pomeranian.
People looking to purchase teddy Pomeranian puppies or searching for a teddy bear Pomeranian breeder are best to locate a show or preservation Pom dog breeder.
Baby Doll Face Pomeranian
The Pomeranian pictured above is Pom bred by Dochlaggie Pomeranians. This Pomeranian could be described as a doll face Pomeranian.
As you can see, this look is similar to a teddy bear face Pomeranian, also being a short snout Pomeranian. The baby-doll face Pomeranian differs with this type of Pomeranian head being dainty in appearance, not being as chunky and broad as the teddy bear Pom.
How Many Pomeranian Face Types Exist?
Baby doll face Pomeranian and teddy bear Pom faces are not official Pomeranian terms or official types mentioned in the Breed Standard. These descriptive nicknames are often used by slick salespeople to sell litters quickly. They’re also used by puppy buyers looking for a top-quality Pom that would have similarities to a show Pom.
To guarantee that you get a Pomeranian that matches the breed standard, you should always purchase from an active show breeder of Champions.
The Term Teddy Bear Pomeranian Face May have other Meanings
One reason why you may call a Pomeranian a teddy bear isn’t connected to his face. Instead, it’s a nickname sometimes used to describe a type of coat trim. Trimming him to resemble Boo the Pom is just one example and it could be named the teddy bear trim or the Pomeranian teddy bear cut.
In the section called “Clipping the Pomeranian,” I explain that a lot of care must be taken when trimming because many years of selective breeding have produced the Pom’s thick double coat.
The breed standard demands Pomeranians have double-layered coats. The outer layer (aka guard hairs) is long and stronger. The inner coat layer is short, soft, and dense. If the outer coat is trimmed right down to the undercoat, it’s likely that the Pom’s coat may never grow back properly.
Having explained this, Pomeranians can gain many benefits from being carefully trimmed. Careful trimming can create shape and balance and even make him look like a teddy bear Pom.
If you don’t trim enough, you can always touch it up later. If you trim too much in an attempt to get that teddy look, it’s too late and it can easily take years to grow back if at all.
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References and Further Reading:
Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.