Many people have owned Pomeranians for years but still believe outdated myths—from shaving their dog to keep them cool to misunderstanding size categories. Here are three essential facts every Pom owner needs to know, based on real-world experience at Bánh Bò Pomeranian, a VKA/FCI-registered kennel in Ho Chi Minh City specializing in this breed since 2012.

Orange Pomeranian with thick coat standing on display table against gray background with purple lighting

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Shaving a Pomeranian Does NOT Keep Them Cool

This is the most common misconception. When summer arrives, many owners rush to shave their Pom completely, thinking it will make them more comfortable. The reality is exactly the opposite.

Pomeranians don’t release heat through their skin the way humans do. Their cooling system works completely differently: they release heat primarily through their belly skin and paw pads. A Pom’s thick coat actually acts as insulation, protecting the skin from direct sun and helping maintain stable body temperature.

Shaving doesn’t help—it makes things worse. It leaves the skin vulnerable to sunburn and irritation, and damages the coat structure. Pomeranian fur grows back very slowly, and in many cases never returns to its original quality after shaving.

Young orange Pomeranian puppy lying in crate with blue and pink mat, red heat lamp beside

How to Cool Down Your Pom the Right Way

Instead of shaving, you can cool your dog quickly and safely with these methods:

Use a damp paper towel or cool cloth to gently wipe your dog’s belly and paw pads—these are the main heat-release zones
Let your Pom rest in an air-conditioned room
Always provide fresh, cool drinking water
Avoid outdoor time during peak heat from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Brush regularly to keep the coat airy, but DON’T cut it too short

Pomeranians Don’t Come in Different Sizes

You’ll often hear terms like tiny Pom, mini Pom, teacup Pom, or standard Pom. But according to official breed standards, Pomeranians are not divided into size categories at all.

Young Pomeranian puppy with orange and white coat standing on display table indoors

No international breed standard from any reputable kennel club (FCI, AKC) recognizes separate size categories for Pomeranians with different weight ranges. This breed has ONE standard for height: 18 to 23 cm (7 to 9 inches) measured from the shoulder to the ground when fully grown.

Weight in Poms is entirely relative. Two dogs both standing 20 cm (8 inches) tall—one lean, one heavier-boned—will have different weights. That’s why you can’t use weight to define size or evaluate a dog’s conformation. Advertising “1.5 kg Pom” or “2 kg Pom” (3.3 lb or 4.4 lb) as if these are separate categories is inaccurate.

What matters is that your dog has balanced bone structure, good health, and proper nutrition—not deliberately underfeeding to keep weight artificially low. Dogs that are too small for the standard often come with serious health problems.

Two young Pomeranians with brown and orange long coats sitting in display area

Pomeranian and Pom Are the Same Dog, Not Two Different Breeds

This is a question we hear every day: “What’s the difference between a Pomeranian and a Pom?” or “I want a Pomeranian, not a Pom Pom.” In reality, these are just two names for the same breed.

“Pomeranian” is the international breed name, originating from the Pomerania region of Germany and Poland. “Pom” is simply a nickname. Both refer to the same dog—like saying “German Shepherd” versus “GSD.”

Small white and cream Pomeranian on leash standing on outdoor pavement

So why do some Poms look beautiful while others don’t, with huge price differences? It’s not because they’re different breeds—it’s because of breeding quality. A Pomeranian’s quality depends on:

Genetics and pedigree: whether the parents have clear registration with VKA/FCI or other kennel clubs
Conformation to standard: short baby-face muzzle, thick fluffy coat, balanced body structure
Health: free from genetic diseases, properly cared for from puppyhood
Coat color and rarity

A pedigreed Pomeranian with imported parents and excellent conformation will be worth much more than a dog with unknown background. But they’re all Pomeranians. They’re all Poms.

Small white Pomeranian sitting on white scooter seat

What to Know When Choosing a Pomeranian

Understanding the breed correctly will help you avoid confusion when choosing and caring for your Pomeranian. Don’t believe in made-up size categories, don’t shave your dog in summer, and don’t think “Pomeranian” costs more than “Pom.”

What matters is choosing a puppy from a reputable kennel with transparent pedigree documentation and complete health care. At Bánh Bò Pomeranian, every puppy comes with clear VKA/FCI pedigree, regular health checks, and lifetime care support.

If you have any questions about Pomeranians—from choosing a puppy to care advice to export procedures for the USA or Canada—chat with us on WhatsApp for detailed guidance from someone with over 10 years of experience breeding and caring for Poms.