Pomeranian Dog With Short Hair: 5 Hidden Facts Explained
Pomeranian dog with short hair may come off as strange as the breed is known for its thick double coat, but short coats are just a result of a number of factors like puppies still growing into their coats, the ‘puppy uglies’ growth stage, the shedding cycle, or even simple genetics.Having health conditions like Black Skin Disease, or Alopecia X can also result in the thinning or even the permanent loss of fur.
Taking care of your Pomeranian through consistent grooming, brushing, sufficient dietary, and going to a reputable breeder is sure to give you coat health in abundance. No matter if the Pomeranian has short or fluffy fur, their playful and loyal attitude still remains, making them all the more loveable.
Overview
It is highly likely that for most people Pomeranian dogs are small, irresistibly cute dogs that might be compared to small clouds resting on the floor. While that image does reflect the reality for the majority of Pomeranis as dog breeds, it is not a blanket statement. Every once in a while, you might cross paths with short haired pomeranian and it does raise the question of whether something might be wrong with the dog.
The fact of the matter is, the coat of a pomeranian dog is most likely going to differ depending on various factors ranging in age, level of health, genetics, and even the seasons. Dogs of the age of puppies are likely going to start with a short coat, while adult dogs might go through phases of having very little fluff.It is understandable then that a great number of owners might be shocked to learn how their pom does not fit the image that most breeders and rescue breeders claim to depict.
Being able to understand why your pomeranian dog looks the way he does, one must go beyond the dog’s visual appearance. Factors such as the dog’s health, and the type of coat and coat cycles must be considered.Understanding the factors that impact the coat of your pom so you might learn how to best care for your dog and not be needlessly stressed if his coat does not show the fluffy appearance.
5 Possible Explanations for a Pomeranian Dog With Short Hair
Pomeranians are renowned for their fluffy and voluminous coats that can make pet parents swoon at just the sight of them. Their lustrous fur is often the highlight of their adorable personality. Imagine their worry when a short-haired Pomeranian shows up! This article explores the causes and solutions for fur loss in Pomeranians.
Coat types, age, shedding, and even health conditions such as Black Skin Disease (BSD) can all explain the Pomeranian in front of you. While the breed is typically associated with a short-haired Pomeranian, one of the five reasons is likely at the core of the issue.
Actively addressing these simple factors can help solve the problem. The five areas are worry about the fur these adorable canines are expected to possess. With BSD and fur loss being such a serious health problem, there are likely mental fears. This article aims to reduce any anxiety, and instead lend informative support.
Reason 1 – Age
Age is one of the most common reasons you may see a Pomeranian with a shorter coat. Pomeranian puppies are born with very little fur, and in their first weeks, their coat is thin, soft, and silky. At around eight weeks old, when many new owners bring their puppy home, the hair is usually just one to two inches long.
As your Pom grows, the coat continues to change. By the time he reaches his first birthday, most of the adult coat has developed, although in some dogs it can take up to 14–18 months. This is when the thick outer layer and soft undercoat finally give that iconic fluffy look. Until then, it’s completely normal for a young Pomeranian to look like a short-haired dog rather than the cotton-ball pet you imagined.
The good news is that with proper grooming and brushing, your puppy’s coat will gradually fill out. Think of it like a teenager going through an awkward stage before finding their adult style—it just takes patience and a little care until the full coat comes in.
Reason 2 - Growth Stage
From 4 – 8 months of age, the Pomeranian will experience what the breeder and the owner affectionately refer to as the ‘puppy uglies’ stage. This is the age when the soft, fluffy, and dense undercoats slowly begin to shed as the adult coat begins to grow. This is considered to be the reason behind the Pom looking patchy and uneven and having sparse amounts of hair in some parts.
The first time there is a natural transition of a coat, the growth stage can be alarming. The chest and tail tufts of longer hair can be unclear, and there can be longer stretches of entirely sheer spots. These too will eventually grow back, as this streak is also a transition coat. In this phase, the Pom will shape the growing undercoat fluffy, soft, and dense double coat of the Pom, with a protective layer of soft guard hair.
Trust the process. This stage should be considered as a form of initiation. Regular, and routine scheduled, grooming can help to get rid of dull and dead hair. This stage needs to be accepted as a form of growth; without going through this stage, a Pom will never grow to the soft, lush coat which the breed is renowned for.
Reason 3 - Black Skin Disease (BSD)
The problem of growing short hair is not always associated with gloomy health scenarios. Another problem with Pomeranians is well known as Black Skin Disease or Alopecia X. It manifests as thin or completely absent fur which makes an otherwise fuzzy Pomeranian look hairless in patches.
The disease starts with the coat taking a dull or uneven shape and gradually progressing to loss of hair. The BSD is not painful itself, however, the skin can turn sensitive and thus require the owner to employ protective measures like a sunscreen and other forms of skin cover for sunny days. There is no known permanent cure. BSD however can be tamed to an extent with a change in lifestyle.
As a pet owner, if you ever find your Pomeranian to be bald, it’s best to consult a vet. While BSD is a well known issue, loosing a coat can also be triggered by other serious medical issues. It is essential to be aware of BSD to be able to keep your Pomeranian comfortable and healthy for a long time.
Reason 4 – Genetics
Genetics can affect individual traits like a Pomeranian’s coat, causing them to have short hair. Many people do not realize that any dog can have coat traits inherited from blood relatives, similar to how people inherit certain features. In this case, your Pom may have less fluff than usual if any of its parents or grandparents had a coat that was less thick.
The dog breeding industry spends a lot of time working on the the coat’s length and density. For example, some Pomeranian dogs may have an undercoat that is significantly thicker than the range recommended by the American Kennel Club (AKC); however, this is still within the limits of the breed. In any event, the slipping outer coat still meets the standard.
This explains why there there is such a wide variety of Pomeranian puppies. For example, the coat’s health, the dog’s quality, and the Pomeranian’s temperament are all taken into account by responsible breeders. On the other hand, a puppy mill may breed purely for profit, ignoring many of these factors. Even if your Pom’s coat does not match the picture perfect coat of a show dog, the dog is still lovable.
Reason 5 - Shedding
Another reason a Pomeranian may appear to have short hair is due to shedding. These little fluff balls have a double coat and shed heavily at least twice a year when they ‘blow coat’. This is when the undercoat sheds in large amounts and the fur appears flat and thinned.
Poms can appear scruffy or patchy when shedding. This is completely normal and might come as a shock to those who do not expect it. Grooming and brushing on a regular basis helps control the shedding by encouraging regrowth and healthy hair as well as minimizing the chances of matting.
While the shedding cycle may make a Pomeranian appear less fluffy at the moment, it’s important to note that it is a phase and it will pass. The coat can regain its fullness with the right care. Adhering to a good grooming routine will help a Pom remain comfortable and keep that signature, fluffy coat.
Final Thoughts On Pomeranian Dog With Short Hair
A short-haired Pomeranian can certainly be eye-catching. And unlike some people may think, there are short-haired Pomeranians. The causes of short coats are mostly benign, like age, seasonal shedding, and ‘puppy uglies’, while others can be more concerning like BSD or other genetic and health-related issues.
The most important of all is to pinpoint what is abnormal and what is standard. If age is indeed the factor, the best course of action is to wait it out. If shedding or transitional phases of the coat are indeed the reasons at play and accompanied with some other issues you may suspect, the wait and patience technique paired with eccentric brushing and the vet technique awaits you.
Admittedly there are endless reasons someone may prefer a Pomeranian with short hair, while there are others who think a coat featuring thick, luscious, and fluffy hair is the most handsome. Regardless, all Pomeranians will provide the same love and joy which is the most important factor of all. And at the end of the day they will fill your home not just with their character and joy, but devotion and deep affection as well.
🌐 Want to read more about pomeranian dog breed : American Kennel Club – Pomeranian Breed Info
FAQs
Yes there is no specific variety of Pomeranian with short hair. All Pomeranian have a double coat of fur. Some may look short-haired due to age, growth stage, genetics, shedding or even conditions like Alopecia X (BSD).
The price is primarily determined by the breeder. Pomeranians can cost between $1,000 to $3,500, which is most likely the price of a basic pedigree Pom. Blowers (if the supply is sufficient), $50 to $500 can be charged. Show lines usually priced above $4,000.
The Pomeranian is considered one breed with “teddy-bear, fox, and baby-doll” being informal descriptions of the head type.
These may include age, puppy uglies phase, having health issues, severe alopecia, or even genetics. Shaving can also prevent coat growth.
Around the age of 12 to 18 months, most Pomeranians develop their full coat. Some may finish growing their coat a bit later, closer to 18 months.