Pomeranian dogs have a double coat, which consists of an undercoat and top coat. These coats come in a wide variety of colors. Dog shows allow all Pomeranian dogs to enter regardless of color. The American Kennel Club recognizes 19 different colors and five different marking patterns for Pomeranian dogs. Some Pomeranian puppies actually change coat color as they shed their puppy coats and grow adult coats.
Undercoat
The undercoat is soft, dense fur. The individual hairs of the undercoat, or ground hairs, are shorter than the top coat hairs, or guard hairs. The undercoat holds up the guard hairs and helps keep the Pomeranian warm during cold months. Pomeranian dogs shed their undercoats during the spring and summer. You can aid the shedding process by brushing your Pomeranian with an undercoat rake or comb. This will help prevent matting and keep your Pomeranian cooler during the summer.
Top Coat
The top coat consists of straight, coarse hairs called guard hairs. The guard hairs are longer than the hairs of the undercoat. The top coat protects the undercoat and skin from the elements, such as water and sunlight. Pomeranian dogs with less undercoat or shorter top coats may appear less fluffy and round. These foxy coats may be easier to groom, but a full, round coat is preferable for shows. The undercoat and top coat may be different colors, but the top coat is more visible.
Coat Colors
The American Kennel Club recognizes 18 standard coat colors and one alternate coat color. The standard coat colors are black, black and tan, beaver, blue, blue and tan, blue brindle, blue merle, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, cream sable, orange, orange sable, red, red sable, sable, wolf sable, white sable and white. Chocolate sable is the alternate coat color. There are also three recognized standard color markings and two alternate markings. The standard markings are black muzzle, brindle and parti-color. The alternate markings are black mask and white markings. The American Pomeranian Club's website includes a coat color chart and example photos.
Pomeranian Color Change
Pomeranian puppies shed their puppy coats and grow adult coats between four and eight months of age. Sometimes the puppy coat and adult coat are not the same color. Many puppies that appear to be white turn out to be cream, parti-colored or orange dogs. Dark colored puppies can also grow up to be lighter colored dogs. Viewing the parents of a puppy may give you a better idea of what color the puppy will be as an adult.
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Writer Bio
Ellen Murphy began her writing career by transcribing classical works in 2005. She has laboratory experience in experimental molecular biology and has studied archaeology and chemistry. Murphy graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Science in biology and a minor in biomedical engineering. She then went on to study virology and molecular biology at the University of Florida.
