If you share your home with a Pomeranian, you already know the fluff gets everywhere. Poms are small, but they carry a big, thick coat, and many new owners are surprised by how much hair ends up on the sofa, on their clothes and in every corner of the room. The good news: Pomeranian shedding is completely normal and very manageable once you understand how the coat works.
Do Pomeranians shed a lot?
Yes. Pomeranians are a moderate-to-heavy shedding breed. They have a double coat: a soft, dense undercoat that keeps them warm, and a longer, coarser outer coat that gives them their famous "puffball" look. Both layers shed, but the undercoat is responsible for most of the loose fluff you find around the house.
Most Poms shed a little every day and then go through bigger "coat blows" once or twice a year, usually in spring and autumn, when the old undercoat comes out in clumps.
When do Pomeranians shed the most?
- Seasonal coat blow – In spring your Pom drops the heavy winter undercoat, and in autumn the summer coat makes room for a thicker one. A coat blow can last two to four weeks.
- The "puppy uglies" – Between roughly 4 and 10 months of age, puppies lose their soft puppy coat. They can look patchy and scruffy for a while, which is normal. The adult coat grows in over the following months.
- After heat or giving birth – Unspayed females often shed heavily after a heat cycle or after having puppies because of hormone changes.
- Stress, illness or poor diet – Sudden, unusual hair loss can be a sign that something is not right.
How to manage Pomeranian shedding
1. Brush two to three times a week
Regular brushing is the single most effective way to control shedding. Use a slicker brush and a metal comb, and brush in small sections, lifting the hair and working from the skin outward ("line brushing"). During a coat blow, brush every day. A comfortable grooming table makes the job much easier for you and keeps your Pom calm and in one place.
2. Bathe every 3–6 weeks, not more
Bathing loosens dead undercoat, but too many baths dry out the skin. Use a gentle dog shampoo and conditioner, and a soft bathing brush to work the shampoo down to the skin.
3. Dry the coat completely
A damp undercoat can mat and irritate the skin. Towel-dry first, then use a dryer on a cool or low setting while brushing. A drying bag is a handy option for Poms who dislike the noise of a hair dryer.
4. Feed a quality diet
A complete, balanced diet with good-quality protein and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids supports a healthy coat and skin. Ask your vet before adding supplements.
5. Never shave a Pomeranian
It is tempting to shave a shedding Pom, especially in summer, but shaving a double coat can damage it permanently. The coat may grow back patchy or not at all, and it also removes the natural protection against sun and heat. A light trim of the feet, ears and rear is fine; a full shave is not.
When shedding is not normal
Contact your vet if you notice bald patches, red or flaky skin, constant scratching, or darkening skin with thinning hair. Pomeranians can be affected by a condition called Alopecia X (sometimes called "black skin disease"), which causes symmetrical hair loss, usually on the body and tail. Only a vet can diagnose it and rule out other causes such as thyroid problems or allergies.
Keep your Pom comfortable
A well-groomed Pom sheds less around the house and feels better too. Explore our Pomeranian grooming and care essentials for brushes, grooming tables, drying bags and paw cleaners made for small dogs.
FAQ
Are Pomeranians hypoallergenic?
No. Pomeranians shed and produce dander like other dogs, so they are not considered hypoallergenic. Regular brushing and cleaning can reduce the amount of loose hair at home.
How long does a Pomeranian coat blow last?
Usually two to four weeks. Daily brushing during this time removes the loose undercoat faster and prevents matting.
Can I use a deshedding tool on my Pom?
Use deshedding tools gently and not too often, because aggressive tools can damage the outer coat. A slicker brush and comb are usually enough for a Pomeranian.