Pomeranian Black and Tan: Color, Genetics & Characteristics
The Pomeranian black and tan is one of the distinctive coat colors in the Pomeranian breed. While many people search for “black and brown Pom” or “black and yellow Pom,” the internationally recognized term for this color pattern is black and tan. This isn’t a designer mix or new creation — it’s a historic coat color that appeared in the earliest years of breed development.
At Bánh Bò Pomeranian, we’ve worked with FCI/VKA standard bloodlines since 2012, and black and tan is one of the colors that professional breeders pay special attention to in terms of genetics and conformation standards.
What Is a Pomeranian Black and Tan?
A Pomeranian black and tan is a purebred Pom with a black base coat and tan (yellowish-brown) markings that appear in specific locations on the body. The tan points typically show clearly above both eyes, on both sides of the muzzle, inside the ears, on the chest, lower legs, under the tail, and around the anus.
The tan color can range from pale cream to deep reddish-brown. Poms with clear, rich tan points create a striking contrast against the black base coat. The nose, eye rims, lips, and paw pads must have black pigment.
Many people call this color “black and brown Pom” or “black and yellow Pom” — all referring to the same coat pattern. In professional breed terminology, “tan” is the precise term for these lighter-colored areas.
Important point: Pomeranian black and tan is NOT a mixed breed. This is a purebred coat color recognized in breed standards since 1892. Coat color doesn’t change the size, structure, temperament, or care requirements of the breed.
History of Black and Tan in the Pomeranian Breed
Black and tan isn’t a new or trendy color. Historical records show this pattern appeared very early in the development of the Pomeranian breed.
From 1892 to 1901, black and tan was listed among the accepted colors in the Pomeranian breed standard. Breed documents from that era specified that black and tan Poms must not have white markings, and while a few white hairs on a solid-colored dog wouldn’t disqualify it from competition, it would be heavily penalized.
After 1901, black and tan was removed from the official color list in the UK breed standard, though it was still mentioned in the nose pigment description. According to one veteran breeder, the reason was that at the time, black and tan Pomeranians often produced puppies with white markings on the legs and chest — considered a fault under the breed standard of that era.
From 1909 to the present, the UK Kennel Club and Dogs Australia breed standards consider tan points on Pomeranians “undesirable.” However, in the United States, the American Kennel Club (AKC) still recognizes black and tan as a standard color and requires the tan points to be clear and as rich as possible.
Is Black and Tan Accepted in Competition?
The answer depends on which country and registry system you compete under.
- In the United States (AKC): Black and tan is fully recognized. The breed standard accepts all colors and patterns, requiring equal judging. Tan points should be clear above the eyes, inside the ears, on the muzzle, throat, chest, lower legs, under the tail, and throughout the feathering. Rich tan color is preferred.
- In Australia and the UK: Current standards don’t list black and tan among the permitted whole colors. The UK Kennel Club explicitly states that tan points on non-white dogs are “highly undesirable.”
- Under FCI: Black and tan falls under the “other colors” group recognized for German Toy Spitz/Pomeranian.
In Vietnam, the Vietnam Kennel Association (VKA) is an FCI member, so in theory, black and tan falls under accepted colors. However, in practice, this color is rarely seen in domestic shows.
What Does a Black and Tan Pom Puppy Look Like?
Black and tan Pomeranian puppies are born with a black base coat and tan points, but in newborns, these markings may be very small or difficult to spot for inexperienced eyes.
The most reliable place to check a newborn is under the tail and around the anus — where tan points must always be present. Tan markings may also be visible above the eyes, on the cheeks, muzzle, inside the ears, chest, and lower legs, but they won’t be as pronounced yet.
As the puppy grows, these markings typically become more distinct and may deepen to richer reddish-brown or golden tan. An experienced breeder can usually identify a black and tan puppy from birth, but the depth, size, and boundaries of the tan points only become truly clear as the puppy matures and the adult coat comes in.
Critical note: A Pomeranian black and tan must have BLACK pigment on the nose, lips, eye rims, and paw pads. If these areas have BROWN pigment, that’s a chocolate/brown Pom, not a black and tan.
What Makes an Adult Black and Tan Pom Different?
When fully mature, a Pomeranian black and tan retains the black base coat and tan points in the same locations as when young. However, the thick double coat of an adult makes the overall appearance much fuller, and the tan points often become richer and more defined.
The black coat should be deep and glossy, with black pigment on the nose, lips, eye rims, and paw pads. The tan or reddish-brown points should appear clearly above each eye, inside the ears, on the muzzle, throat, forechest, lower legs, under the tail, and throughout the feathering. The clearer and richer the tan, the more striking the contrast with the black coat.
During the “puppy uglies” stage, the coat may become thin, patchy, and unimpressive as the puppy coat sheds to make way for the adult coat. This temporary phase can make a black and tan Pom look quite different for several months. The full adult double coat typically develops when the dog is around 12–18 months old, though some take longer.
How Does Black and Tan Genetics Work?
The black and tan coat color in Pomeranians is created by the interaction of multiple genes, not a single “black and tan gene.”
The black areas contain eumelanin pigment, while the tan points contain phaeomelanin pigment. The distribution of these two colors is primarily controlled by the ASIP gene (Agouti Signaling Protein) — often referred to in older genetic terminology as the A locus or Agouti.
The tan-point pattern in older genetics is often designated as at. Modern genetic research describes this pattern through ASIP promoter variants, but the visible result is still a dark coat with light points in characteristic locations.
To produce a black and tan Pomeranian puppy, both parents must carry this gene — either expressing the black and tan color themselves or being carriers. This is why professional breeders need a thorough understanding of their dogs’ pedigrees and coat color genetics.
What to Look for When Choosing a Black and Tan Pom
If you’re looking for a Pomeranian black and tan, here are the key points to remember:
- This is a purebred coat color: Black and tan isn’t a mix, not a “special line” or “rare find” in the marketing sense. It’s simply one of many coat colors in the Pomeranian breed.
- Check papers and pedigree: The puppy must have clear documentation. In Vietnam, reputable kennels provide VKA or FCI pedigrees. Avoid dogs with unclear origins.
- Coat color doesn’t determine health: Whether a black and tan puppy is healthy depends on breeding practices, care, vaccinations, and nutrition — not coat color.
- Avoid “teacup” or “mini” terminology: There’s no official classification called teacup Pomeranian or mini Pomeranian. The breed standard specifies only a weight range. These terms are often marketing tactics, and undersized dogs frequently face serious health issues.
At Bánh Bò Pomeranian, we work with FCI/VKA standard bloodlines, with transparent papers and pedigrees. Every puppy receives proper care, full vaccinations, and clear health records before going to their new home. If you’re interested in a Pomeranian black and tan or any other coat color, chat with us on WhatsApp for detailed guidance on each puppy — because every Pom needs to be not just beautiful, but RIGHT.
