How to Groom a Pomeranian: Step-by-Step Home Guide

How To Groom a Pomeranian: Key Points

• Brush your Pomeranian daily to prevent mats.
• Never shave a Pomeranian’s double coat too short.
• Use the right tools for double coats.
• Groom on a regular schedule all year-round.
• DIY grooming saves money and builds bonding time.

Introduction

The Pomeranian’s fluffy coat is part of what makes this little dog so adorable—but it also needs regular care to stay healthy and tangle-free. Luckily, grooming at home is easier than you might think, and it’s a great way to bond with your pup while keeping them looking their best.

From styles to costs, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about grooming a Pomeranian, so you can give your pup the best care possible at home!

Understanding the Pomeranian Coat

Before you start grooming, it’s important to know what makes a Pomeranian’s coat special. Their thick, double coat gives them that fluffy look but also means they need more maintenance than some other breeds. The coat has two layers: a dense, soft undercoat that keeps them warm and a longer outercoat that protects against dirt and weather. If either layer is neglected, tangles, mats, and skin problems can quickly follow.

Characteristics of a Pomeranian’s Double Coat

The double coat is what gives Pomeranians their plush, cloud-like appearance.

• Undercoat: Soft, dense fur that provides insulation.
• Outercoat: Longer guard hairs that repel dirt and help protect the skin.
• Shedding: They shed seasonally, often “blowing” their coat in spring and fall.
• Tangle risk: Without regular care, the undercoat can knot with the outercoat, creating painful mats.

Knowing how each layer works helps you choose the right tools and techniques for grooming.

Short Hair vs. Long Hair Pomeranians

Not all Pomeranians have the same coat length or texture. Some have naturally shorter, softer coats, while others have long, show-style fur.

• Short hair Pomeranian: Needs less trimming but still requires brushing several times a week to control shedding and prevent mats.
• Long hair Pomeranian: Needs more frequent brushing (ideally daily) to keep tangles at bay.
• Coat texture: Fine hair mats faster, while thicker hair may require more powerful grooming tools.

Whether your Pom is short or long-haired, the right care routine keeps their coat shiny, healthy, and easy to manage.

How Often Should You Groom a Pomeranian

A Pomeranian’s coat stays healthy and beautiful when it’s cared for on a consistent schedule. Grooming isn’t something you can do once in a while—it’s a regular part of keeping your Pom comfortable and mat-free. The right schedule depends on your dog’s coat length, lifestyle, and even the season.

Daily, Weekly, and Seasonal Grooming Schedule

Keeping up with your Pomeranian’s coat is easier when you break it down into a routine.

• Daily: Quick brush-through to remove loose hair and prevent tangles, especially behind the ears, under the legs, and around the neck.
• Weekly: A more thorough brushing session that gets all the way to the undercoat. Check nails, ears, and teeth.
• Monthly: Bathing and a full groom, which may include trimming feet, sanitary areas, and light shaping.
• Seasonal: Extra brushing during spring and fall shedding seasons (known as “coat blow”), when mats form more easily.

How Long Does It Take to Groom a Pomeranian?

The time you spend grooming a Pomeranian depends on the coat condition and whether you’re doing a quick tidy-up or a full session.

• Quick daily brush: 5–10 minutes
• Weekly brushing: 20–30 minutes
• Full bath and groom: 1–2 hours (including drying)
• Puppies or nervous dogs: May take longer if you’re working in short, positive sessions

Remember, it’s better to break grooming into smaller steps than to rush through it. A calm, patient pace will make the process easier for both you and your Pom.

Tools You’ll Need for Grooming a Pomeranian

Having the right grooming tools will make the process easier, faster, and more comfortable for your Pomeranian. The wrong tools can damage their coat or even hurt their skin, so it’s worth investing in quality items.

Brushes and Combs for Double Coats

Pomeranians need tools that can reach through their outercoat to the undercoat without pulling or breaking hair.

• Slicker brush: Removes loose fur, tangles, and small mats.
• Pin brush: Helps maintain the coat’s fluffy look and is gentle on longer hair.
• Metal comb: Ideal for working through stubborn knots and checking for hidden tangles behind the ears, legs, and tail.

Shampoos, Conditioners, and Sprays

A healthy coat starts with skin-friendly products.

• Dog-specific shampoo: Choose a gentle formula free from harsh chemicals.
• Conditioner: Keeps the coat soft, reduces static, and helps prevent tangles.
• Detangling or conditioning spray: Perfect for quick touch-ups between baths and to make brushing easier.

📑 Looking for the perfect product? Check out our guide to the Best Dog Shampoo for Itchy Skin, Allergies, and Odor to keep your Pomeranian’s coat fresh, healthy, and irritation-free.

Clippers, Scissors, and Dryers

For trimming and finishing, you’ll need the right cutting tools.

• Round-tip grooming scissors: Safe for trimming around sensitive areas like the face and feet.
• Pet-safe clippers: Best for sanitary trims or shaping (never shave a Pomeranian’s double coat).
• High-velocity pet dryer: Cuts drying time and helps fluff the coat for a polished finish.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Groom a Pomeranian at Home

Grooming a Pomeranian at home may seem like a big job, but breaking it into simple steps makes it easy and enjoyable. With patience and the right tools, you can keep your Pom’s coat healthy, fluffy, and mat-free!

Brushing Out Mats and Tangles

Brushing is the foundation of grooming a Pomeranian. It keeps the coat clean, prevents mats, and distributes natural oils.

• Start with a slicker brush: Work in small sections, brushing from the skin out toward the ends.
• Focus on trouble spots: Behind the ears, under the legs, around the neck, and under the tail are mat-prone.
• For mats: Use a detangling spray, then gently work them apart with your fingers or a metal comb—never yank.
• Prevent future tangles: Brushing a few minutes each day will keep knots from forming.

📑 Want more brush recommendations? Check out our guide to the Best Dog Brush for Shedding to find the perfect tool for keeping your Pomeranian’s coat healthy and tangle-free!

Bathing Your Pomeranian

Bathing keeps your Pomeranian’s coat clean and smelling fresh while helping remove loose hair.

• Brush first: Always remove tangles BEFORE getting the coat wet, as water can tighten mats.
• Use lukewarm water: Too hot or cold can stress your dog.
• Shampoo gently: Work a dog-safe shampoo into the coat, avoiding the eyes and ears.
• Rinse thoroughly: Leftover shampoo can irritate the skin.
• Condition: Follow with a conditioner to keep the coat soft and manageable.
• Towel blot: Gently press/pat with a towel. Don’t rub, as it can cause tangles.

Drying for a Fluffy Finish

A proper dry is the secret to that signature Pom fluff.

• High-velocity dryer: Use on a low or medium setting, keeping the nozzle a safe distance from the skin.
• Fluff drying: Brush as you blow dry to straighten and volumize the coat.
• Check for damp spots: Make sure areas like under the legs and behind the ears are fully dry to prevent odor or mildew.

Trimming Around Feet, Face, and Sanitary Areas

A little trimming goes a long way in keeping your Pomeranian neat and tidy.

• Feet: Trim excess fur between paw pads for better grip and cleanliness.
• Face: Use round-tip scissors to trim around the eyes and muzzle for visibility and comfort.
• Sanitary trim: Carefully trim fur around the rear and underbelly to prevent mess.
• Safety first: Keep your dog calm and steady, and always use blunt-tip scissors in sensitive spots.

If your Pom is nervous during trimming, break the process into shorter sessions and offer treats as rewards.

Pomeranian Grooming Styles

One of the most enjoyable parts of grooming a Pomeranian is choosing a style that suits their personality, lifestyle, and coat type. Whether you prefer a show-ready look or something low-maintenance, the right trim can make your Pom both stylish and comfortable.

Teddy Bear Cut

This is one of the most popular Pomeranian grooming styles, giving your dog a soft, rounded appearance.

• Look: Evenly trimmed all over with a rounded face that resembles a teddy bear.
• Maintenance: Brush every other day to prevent tangles. Touch-up trims every 4–6 weeks.
• Best for: Pet owners who want a cute, playful look that’s easy to maintain.

Show Cut

The Show Cut is designed to meet breed standards and highlight the Pomeranian’s natural outline.

• Look: Full, fluffy coat with careful trimming to enhance the breed’s signature silhouette.
• Maintenance: Daily brushing and frequent touch-ups to keep the shape perfect.
• Best for: Owners entering dog shows or who love the traditional Pom look.

Short Summer Trim

Ideal for hot weather, this style lightens the coat without shaving (which can damage a Pomeranian’s double coat).

• Look: Trimmed shorter overall while leaving enough length to protect the coat’s structure.
• Maintenance: Brush 2–3 times a week; re-trim every 6–8 weeks.
• Best for: Active dogs or those living in warmer climates.

Puppy Cut

A timeless choice that works for both young and adult Pomeranians.

• Look: Even trim around the body with slightly longer fur on the face for a youthful appearance.
• Maintenance: Brush several times a week; trim every 6–8 weeks.
• Best for: Pet parents who want an adorable, low-maintenance style.

Common Grooming Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to make mistakes when grooming a Pomeranian at home. Knowing what not to do can save you time, protect your dog’s coat, and prevent discomfort or injury!

❌ Overbathing: Bathing too often can strip natural oils, leading to dry, itchy skin. Stick to once a month unless your Pom gets especially dirty.

❌ Shaving the double coat: Removing too much fur can permanently damage coat growth and leave your Pom vulnerable to sunburn and temperature changes.

❌ Using the wrong tools: Cheap or harsh brushes can break hair and irritate skin. Invest in quality grooming tools designed for double coats.

❌ Skipping the drying step: Leaving the undercoat damp can lead to mildew smells, hot spots, or skin infections.

❌ Trimming too close to the skin: This can cause nicks, irritation, or uneven regrowth—especially around sensitive areas like the paws and face.

If you’re unsure about a grooming step, start conservatively. You can always trim more, but you can’t put fur back once it’s cut.

Cost of Grooming a Pomeranian

When you compare professional grooming prices to the cost of doing it yourself, the savings are hard to ignore. A single trip to the groomer can easily cost as much as buying your own set of tools—and once you have them, you can groom your Pomeranian at home for  FREE! By learning the right techniques, you’ll not only save hundreds (even thousands) of dollars over your dog’s lifetime.

Plus, you’ll also get the bonus of regular bonding time and total control over how your Pom looks!

Average Salon Costs in the U.S.

Professional grooming is convenient, but you’ll pay for it—over and over again. The average cost per groom is typically between $100-$200. Given that most pet parents visit the salon upwards of 6-10 times per year, those numbers add up quickly. You could be spending anywhere from $600-$2000+ per year on just professional dog grooming.

(And that number only gets bigger if you have more than one dog!)

Think about it: that’s how much money you’ll be SAVING every year by grooming your dog(s) from home instead. Not to mention, grooming your own dog also results in hundreds of hours’ worth of quality time. Plus, every groom will be done on YOUR schedule—when you want it, where you want it.

DIY Cost Breakdown

With DIY grooming, you really only need to make a one-time investment. From there, that investment quickly pays for itself within just a few sessions.

• Brushes and combs: $15–$40 each (last for years)
• Shampoo and conditioner: $10–$30 per bottle (multiple uses)
• Clippers and scissors: $30–$100 (last for years with care)
• High-velocity dryer: $80–$200 (optional but speeds up drying)

Once you own these tools, your ongoing cost is nearly zero. You’ll save hundreds (possibly thousands) of dollars each year!

How to Save Money Without Cutting Corners

• Invest in quality tools: They last longer, work better, and make grooming easier.
• Learn proper techniques: Courses and tutorials (such as those taught online at Paw Parent Academy) prevent mistakes that can lead to vet bills or ruined coats.
• Mix DIY with occasional pro shaping: Maintain your Pom at home, and book a pro groom once or twice a year if you want a special style refresh.
• Prevent mats with regular brushing: This avoids expensive de-matting fees at the groomer.

Grooming Pomeranian Puppies

Pomeranian puppies are bundles of fluff and energy, but their coats are delicate and their grooming needs are a little different from adults. Early, gentle grooming teaches them to enjoy the process and sets them up for a lifetime of stress-free care.

When to Start Grooming a Puppy

You can introduce light grooming as soon as your puppy comes home, usually around 8–10 weeks old.

• Start small: Begin with short, positive sessions that last just a few minutes.
• Get them used to touch: Handle their paws, ears, and tail gently so they learn these aren’t scary.
• Delay full baths: Unless they’re very dirty, stick to brushing until they’re comfortable.

Training Puppies to Enjoy Grooming

Making grooming a positive experience is just as important as the grooming itself.

• Use treats and praise: Reward calm behavior during each step.
• Keep sessions short: Gradually increase time as your puppy gets more comfortable.
• Introduce tools slowly: Let them sniff and inspect brushes, combs, and dryers before use.

Gentle Techniques for Young Dogs

Puppy coats are softer and more prone to tangling than adult coats, so extra care is needed.

• Soft brushes only: Use a gentle pin brush or soft slicker brush to avoid scratching.
• Low dryer settings: If using a dryer, choose the lowest heat and airflow.
• Avoid sharp scissors: Stick with round-tip safety scissors for any light trimming.
• Focus on comfort: At this stage, grooming is about getting used to the process, not perfecting a style.

Make sure to keep puppy grooming sessions in a quiet, calm space. This will help your Pom associate grooming with relaxation and not stress!

Expert Tips from a Professional Groomer

Learning from an experienced groomer can make the difference between a coat that looks good and one that truly shines. These expert-approved tips will help you avoid common mistakes and get salon-quality results at home.

✔️ Brush in layers: Instead of skimming the surface, part the fur and work section by section so you reach the undercoat.

✔️ Keep tools clean: Wash brushes and combs regularly to remove dirt, oils, and loose hair.

✔️ Don’t rush drying: A fully dry coat fluffs better and stays cleaner longer.

✔️ Trim gradually: If you’re unsure about how short to go, take off a little at a time.

✔️ Use grooming as bonding time: Talk to your Pom, keep the tone calm, and reward them with treats after each session.

✔️ Invest in quality products: The right shampoo, conditioner, and detangling spray protect the coat and make grooming easier.

Final Thoughts

Grooming your Pomeranian at home isn’t just about saving money; it’s about giving your dog the comfort, care, and love they deserve. With the right tools, techniques, and a little patience, you can keep their coat healthy, their skin happy, and their style on point all year long. Not to mention, grooming sessions are also a special bonding time that strengthens your relationship and builds trust!

Learn How To Groom a Pomeranian with Paw Parent Academy

If you want to take your skills to the next level, our How to Groom a Double Coat Course is the perfect next step. You’ll learn professional techniques from an award-winning groomer through easy-to-follow, coat-specific video lessons—designed for pet parents who want salon-quality results at home.

Learn more about our classes and enroll today to start grooming like a pro, without ever leaving your home!

How To Groom a Pomeranian: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the proper way to groom a Pomeranian?

Start by brushing out mats and tangles, then bathe with a gentle dog shampoo, rinse well, and condition the coat. Dry thoroughly while brushing to fluff the fur, and finish with trimming around the feet, face, and sanitary areas.

What are the best grooming tools for Pomeranians?

A slicker brush, pin brush, metal comb, dog-safe scissors, and a high-velocity dryer are top essentials. Quality shampoo, conditioner, and detangling spray also make grooming easier and more effective.

Should you cut a Pomeranian’s hair?

You can trim and shape a Pomeranian’s coat but avoid shaving it too short. The double coat protects against heat, cold, and sunburn. Thus, removing too much can cause permanent damage.

What is the best haircut for a Pomeranian?

The best style depends on your dog’s lifestyle and maintenance needs. Popular options include the Teddy Bear Cut, Show Cut, Short Summer Trim, and Puppy Cut.

Any tips on how to groom a Pomeranian for beginners?

Start with short, calm sessions and focus on gentle brushing. Use treats and praise to keep grooming positive. Learn the basics of bathing, drying, and light trimming before attempting more advanced styles.