How to Brush a Pomeranian

If there's one skill every Pom parent needs to master, it's brushing. That glorious, fluffy double coat doesn't maintain itself — and if you're not brushing it correctly and consistently, you'll end up with a matted, uncomfortable dog and a much bigger grooming problem on your hands.

The good news? Once you know the right tools and technique, a full brush-out takes about 15–20 minutes and becomes a genuinely enjoyable bonding time. Let me walk you through everything.

The Tools You Actually Need

Don't skip this section. Using the wrong brush on a Pom coat is one of the most common mistakes I see, and it leads to either damage or ineffective grooming (usually both).

Slicker brush — This is your primary tool. A slicker brush has fine wire bristles that detangle the outer coat and remove loose fur. Look for one with flexible bristles and an ergonomic handle. You'll use this most often.

Metal pin comb — After brushing, a metal comb is how you check your work. Run it through sections of coat — if it moves freely from root to tip, you're done. If it catches, you have more work to do. This is the real quality check.

Dematting comb or mat splitter — If you encounter a mat (a tight, tangled knot of fur), you need a dedicated tool to break it apart before brushing it out. Never try to force a regular brush through a mat — you'll just drive it deeper and cause your dog pain.

Detangling spray — A light coat of detangling or conditioning spray before you start helps the brush glide through without breaking hairs. This is especially important during shedding season.

Skip the Furminator or de-shedding tools with blades — these are designed for short-coat dogs and can damage a Pom's double coat over time.

How Often Should You Brush a Pomeranian?

The minimum is 3 times per week. Daily is ideal, especially if your Pom has a full, thick coat.

Here's the honest reality: Pomeranians shed year-round, with two major "blow-out" seasons per year (usually spring and fall) when they shed their entire undercoat. During those periods, daily brushing isn't optional — it's survival. During a blowout, you can brush out what looks like an entire second dog over the course of a week.

If you let brushing slide for a week, you'll likely have tangles. Let it go two weeks, and you're dealing with mats. Mats close to the skin can cause pain, skin infections, and often require professional grooming or shaving to fix.

Step-by-Step: How to Brush a Pomeranian

Step 1: Lightly Mist the Coat

Never brush a completely dry coat. A little detangling spray or even plain water in a spray bottle helps the brush move through the fur without static and breakage. Just a light mist — you're not soaking the dog.

Step 2: Work in Sections

Don't just attack the top of the coat. Poms have a thick undercoat that needs to be reached. Divide the coat into sections — start at the back legs and work toward the head. Use your hand or a clip to hold the rest of the coat out of the way so you can focus on one section at a time.

Step 3: Brush from Root to Tip

This is the key technique. Part the coat horizontally with your slicker brush, lift the hair above the part, and brush downward from the root out to the tip. This ensures you're reaching the undercoat, not just smoothing the top layer.

Working from root to tip also prevents you from accidentally driving tangles deeper, which is what happens when you brush from tip to root.

Step 4: Check with the Metal Comb

After brushing each section, run your metal comb through it from root to tip. If it glides through without catching, move on. If it snags, keep working that section with the slicker brush until the comb moves freely.

The comb doesn't lie. Many Pom parents think they've done a thorough job because the coat looks smooth on top — but the comb reveals what's hiding underneath.

Step 5: Address Mats Carefully

If you hit a mat, don't panic and don't force the brush through it. Spray it with detangling spray, let it sit for a minute, then use your fingers or a mat splitter to gently tease the mat apart from the outside in — work from the ends, not the root. Once it's broken up, you can brush through it.

If a mat is tight against the skin or very large, let a professional groomer handle it. It's not worth hurting your dog trying to force it out.

Step 6: Don't Forget the Armpits and Collar Area

These spots mat fastest and get forgotten most often. Behind the ears, under the "armpits" (where front legs meet the chest), and under the collar — these areas get friction and mat quickly. Give them extra attention every session.

Seasonal Shedding Blowouts

Twice a year, your Pom's undercoat will release all at once. You'll notice dramatically increased shedding, a slightly "puffier" or uneven look to the coat, and clumps of soft undercoat coming out during brushing.

During a blowout, brush daily. You can also use a high-velocity dryer (held at a safe distance) to help blow loose undercoat free before brushing — this dramatically speeds up the process.

Do NOT shave your Pom during a blowout or at any other time. Shaving a double-coated breed can permanently damage the coat and interfere with their natural insulation system. I cannot stress this enough: no shaving, ever.

When to See a Groomer

Even with regular at-home brushing, a professional groom every 6–8 weeks is recommended. Groomers will handle the bath and blow-dry (which de-sheds far more effectively than home bathing), trim the sanitary areas, trim around the paws, and do a nail trim.

If mats have developed that you can't safely remove at home, book a groomer sooner. And if a groomer ever recommends shaving your Pom's entire coat — find a different groomer.