How to Groom a Show Pomeranian

Pomeranians look like little balls of fluff in the show ring. Nature and a thick coat contribute to this appearance, but a thorough and planned grooming program the week before the show will make the pom's coat really stand up and catch the judge's eye. Bathing, trimming and brushing your pom are required before your dog is ready for the ring. A pomeranian's coat should feel slightly harsh to the touch and look full and lush for showing.

Things You'll Need

  • Pin brush
  • Slicker
  • Shampoo
  • Conditioner
  • Cotton balls
  • Ear cleaner
  • Towels
  • Dryer
  • Scissors
  • Mousse or texturizer
  • Dremmel or nail clippers
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Instructions

    • 1

      Prepare your pomeranian for a bath with a thorough brushing. Mist the coat with water or a mixture of half water, half conditioner. Lay the dog on its side on the grooming table and begin at the bottom of each leg, gently brushing up with a slicker or pin brush. Continue until you've brushed the entire side. Turn the dog over and repeat.

    • 2

      Bathe the dog two to three days before a show for a harsh coat, or four to five days prior if the dog has a softer coat. Apply shampoo and conditioner designed for your dog's coat type. Use mild, tear-free shampoo for the face and ears. Put a dab of soap on a washcloth and clean the face and outer ears. Rinse using the washcloth and clean water. Avoid the dog's eyes and nose. Put cotton balls inside the ears before bathing, and use an ear cleaner for the inside of ears.

    • 3

      Towel dry the dog, then blow dry on the grooming table, brushing the fur in an upward and forward motion, with a slicker or pin brush. Apply mousse or texturizer as needed to the coat.

    • 4

      Hold each ear between your thumb and forefinger at the end of the leather and trim excess hair off the tip, so the appearance is rounded and even. Brush the hair forward around the head and trim lightly so the ruff forms a circle around the head. Trim excess hair that is sticking out around the shoulders and body as your brush the fur forward.

    • 5

      Hold the tail up and trim any long hair underneath it so it looks even. Twist the tail hair and trim the very end to the point where it will lay well along the dog's back.

    • 6
      Once its groomed, give your pom a final brushing and you're ready for the ring.

      Turn your pom on its back and trim hair between the paw pads. Trim nails with a clipper or dremmel. They should be short enough to be able to trim the hair around the foot so it is rounded, like a cat's paw. Trim the hair around the foot into this shape next.