How to produce and care for the coat have been subjects of constant study by exhibitors, fanciers, and breeders from the time Pomeranians first became a distinct breed. Many controversies have arisen, many contradictory schedules of care have been presented, many conflicting “feeding formulas for coat” have expounded. Brushing, itself, is a point for disagreement, with advocates for every system. All of preparations have been used on hair and skin and given credit or blame for the results.

Actually, if a good coat is not in the genetic makeup of the dog, no amount of brushing or abstinence from brushing will put it there. But, given a good coat in the genetic make-up of the Pom, many factors can cause deterioration or lack of coat. While diet alone will not produce a good coat, a Pom must be provided the best diet obtainable in order to maintain the coat in optimum condition. Contrary to popular belief, coat dressings will not grow hair, in fact, overuse of such preparations may have a harmful effect. But of all the factors that tend to destroy coat, perhaps the most devastating are parasites, external and internal. The owner must be Constantly alert for the first sign of these scourges, for if they are overlooked or ignored, they can soon do irreparable damage but I do want to emphasize that I prefer the powders and sprays put out for cats, for they are milder and less likely to irritate the skin, yet work well on Poms. The soft skin of the breechings above the hocks is especially loved by fleas and especially susceptible to fungus.

Fungus infection looks something like athlete’s foot and is treated in much the same way. Damp grass, damp sleeping quarters, and dirty surroundings are conducive to its spread. Powdered sulphur sprinkled on grass, sleeping quarters, and grounds helps to combat this in­sidious enemy. Of course, any skin problem should be diagnosed by your veterinarian and his advice followed.

A healthy Porn is inherently a hardy dog and his heavy coat allows him to be an outdoor dog in spite of his small size, but he must have shade available, and dry, draft-free, clean sleeping quarters. It would be in­human to keep him in the house days and then put him out nights, for rapid changes in temperature or exposure to extreme cold could prove fatal. But Pomeranians housed in a cool place will generally grow a heavy, thick, luxuriant coat, while those sleeping indoors in an over-heated room, especially in the owner’s bed or on an electric blanket, will have a skimpy, dry coat.

Wind, sand, and dirt combine to act as an abrasive and wear off the coat, especially on the elbows, hocks, and breechings. Keeping a Pomeranian clean is a major breed problem, for bathing too often will soften the coat and cause it to break. I have worked out a system that is a bit different for the male and ,female, but it keeps their coats in good condition.

Not less than twice a week, males in adult coat need a “stomach wash” to keep them smelling clean and prevent any urine burn. (And hair on the penis shaft should be trimmed to about a quarter inch, to help keep the area clean.) I have a deep laundry tub with a swing spout that mixes hot and cold water and is ideal for this partial bath. I stand the male on his hind feet in the tub with his back toward me. Putting the palm of my left hand on his chest, I hold his front feet firmly with my fingers. I direct the water from the spout toward his stomach, then lather with a mild soap or an antibacterial cleanser, rinse thoroughly, and dry.

I also wash the area around the anus at this time, but place the Porn’s front feet on the table surface that ad­joins the tub on the left side and, holding the tall with my left thumb and with the rest of my hand underneath the dog, I again direct the water where needed, clean with soap, and then rinse. After the coat is dry, I apply either powder or antiseptic ointment (the ointment just to the anus opening, of course). Bathing the anus area is necessary for both male and female, for if feces sticks to the area, it will cause irritation and often loss of coat. Puppies should become accustomed to this pro­cedure when young.

A daily light brushing keeps the Pom looking well groomed. Always brush against the lay of the coat.