Many people wonder how much coat care is involved with a hairy dog like a Pomeranian. Unlike many long coated toy breeds, Poms are fairly easy to maintain in full coat as long as you brush them regularly. I recommend a thorough brushing once per week with a pin brush (metal pins, without balls on the end). Brush down to the skin paying particular attention to the areas behind the ears, armpits, and rear end, as these can mat easily. I suggest a bath once per month and “as needed”. Poms who play outdoors in a yard may need more frequent bathing if they get dirty, smelly or muddy from rolling on the ground. Poms don’t shed much on a regular basis, but they will have a BIG coat blow about twice per year, when all the soft undercoat loosens up. When you see your Pom shedding little tufts of hair, it is time for brushing, ASAP! This loose hair will mat readily if it’s not removed in a timely fashion. Nails should be trimmed about once per month (bi-weekly if you plan to show) and should not be allowed to grow long enough that they “clack” on a tile floor.
If keeping up with the coat or doing nails or a bath is too much for you, then I recommend scheduling a regular monthly grooming at a reputable grooming salon. Make sure they do not plan to shave your Pom down unless that’s what you want. (Note: We don’t recommend shaving a Pom too close as sometimes the coat does not grow back in). A groomer may have no choice but to shave a Pom who has become too matted, so be sure to take your dog into the groomer before that sort of situation happens. I suggest you still try to brush the Pom weekly in between grooming visits just to make sure the coat is kept in good condition.