What Exactly Is the Pomeranian “Ugly Stage”?
The “ugly stage” is the natural transition when a Pomeranian puppy sheds its soft, downy puppy coat to develop its luxurious, double-layered adult fur. While the name may sound harsh, this phase is temporary and essential for your dog to achieve its full, fluffy potential. During this time, the puppy’s fur can become thin, patchy, and uneven, and they may look a bit disheveled. Think of it as a “chrysalis” phase—your puppy is simply preparing to emerge as the beautiful butterfly you know it will be.
The process is a biological marvel. The puppy’s body is replacing a single layer of soft, puppy fur with a dense, double coat consisting of a soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat. This dual-layer system is what gives the Pomeranian its iconic puffy appearance and provides protection from the elements.
When Does the Ugly Stage Begin and How Long Does It Last?
The timeline for this magical transformation varies slightly for each Pomeranian, but there’s a general schedule you can expect. The ugly stage typically begins when puppies are between 4 and 6 months old and can last until they are 10 to 14 months old.
- Beginning Phase (4-6 months): The initial shedding of puppy fur starts, often appearing as thinning patches around the chest and face. This is when the characteristic “monkey face” look begins to emerge.
- Intense Phase (6-10 months): This is the peak of the shedding. Your puppy may look quite “naked” or unkempt as the fur loss becomes more dramatic. The coat may appear stringy and inconsistent across the body.
- Winding-Down Phase (10-14 months): The intense shedding subsides, and new adult fur begins to grow in, adding volume and thickness back to the coat.
- Completion Phase (14 months and beyond): The adult coat is largely in place, though it may take until the dog is 2 to 3 years old for the fur to reach its full, magnificent density and length.
It’s important to remember that this is a general timeline. Some Poms may finish this stage earlier, while others may show signs of it until they are 16 months old or even older. Patience and proper care are your best tools.
Signs and Appearance of the Ugly Stage
During this period, you may notice several changes in your Pomeranian’s appearance:
- Significant Fur Loss: The most obvious sign is heavy shedding, particularly on the body and face. It may seem like your puppy is losing all its fur, but this is a normal part of the process.
- Patchy, Uneven Coat: The new adult fur grows at a different rate than the old puppy fur sheds, leading to a coat that looks patchy, frizzy, or even wavy.
- “Monkey Face” Look: As the fur on the face thins, the facial features become more prominent, creating a distinct “monkey-like” expression that is a hallmark of this stage.
- Color Changes: Some Poms may experience a change in their coat color. A cream-colored puppy might develop a whiter or darker shade, and a brown puppy might get hints of red or black. These color changes are generally permanent and are a part of the dog’s final adult look.
- Thinning Around Ears and Tail: The fur around the ears and on top of the tail may also thin out noticeably.
All of these signs are a testament to your Pomeranian’s healthy growth. There is no need for alarm; simply embrace the journey!
Care and Tips for the Ugly Stage
Managing this period effectively involves a combination of proper nutrition, consistent grooming, and general health awareness.
1. Proper Nutrition: The Foundation of a Healthy Coat
A beautiful coat starts from within.
- High-Quality Protein: Choose a premium dog food that is rich in high-quality animal protein to support healthy hair follicles and coat structure.
- Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids: These are crucial for skin and coat health. Look for foods or supplements with ingredients like fish oil. These fatty acids help maintain a shiny, strong, and healthy coat.
- Biotin and Vitamin E: These vitamins are essential for skin and fur health. Ensure your dog’s food contains these nutrients or consult your vet about supplements.
2. Grooming: The Key to Management
Consistent grooming is vital during this phase.
- Gentle and Frequent Brushing: Brush your Pomeranian at least 3-4 times a week using a soft-bristled brush or a pin brush designed for Poms. This helps remove dead fur, prevents matting, and stimulates blood circulation, which encourages new fur growth.
- NEVER Shave Your Pomeranian: This is the most critical piece of advice. Shaving a double-coated dog like a Pomeranian can permanently damage its fur and even lead to a condition called Post-Clipping Alopecia, where the fur never grows back properly. It can also disrupt their natural insulation, making them more susceptible to temperature changes.
- Professional Grooming: A professional groomer who specializes in Pomeranians can provide a “puppy trim” or a professional bath and brush to help manage shedding without damaging the coat.
3. General Health: Rule Out Other Issues
While the ugly stage is normal, excessive fur loss can sometimes indicate an underlying health problem.
- Regular Vet Check-ups: Schedule regular check-ups to ensure the fur loss is indeed due to the ugly stage and not an underlying issue like parasites, allergies, or hormonal imbalances.
- Minimize Stress: Stress can exacerbate shedding. Provide a calm and stable environment for your puppy with a consistent routine, plenty of playtime, and positive reinforcement.
- Adequate Hydration: Make sure your dog always has access to fresh, clean water, as hydration is essential for healthy skin and fur.
At Pomeranian Boo House, we ensure that all our puppies are genetically healthy and receive the best care to navigate this stage successfully. Our puppies are raised on premium food and are regularly monitored to ensure their coat development is on track.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does every Pomeranian go through the ugly stage?
A: Yes, almost all Pomeranians will go through this phase to some degree. The severity and duration can vary, but the process itself is a natural part of their growth.
Q: Should I shave my Pomeranian during this period?
A: Absolutely not. Shaving can cause permanent damage to a Pomeranian’s double coat. You should only get a trim from a professional groomer who is familiar with the breed.
Q: How severe is the shedding during this stage?
A: The shedding can be quite heavy, and your dog may look noticeably “naked” in some areas. This is completely normal and not a cause for concern.
Q: Can I speed up or shorten the ugly stage?
A: This is a natural, genetically-programmed process that cannot be rushed. However, by providing the right nutrition and care, you can ensure your dog goes through it as healthily as possible.
Q: If I get an adult Pomeranian, will they have already gone through this stage?
A: Generally, Pomeranians older than 14 months have completed the most intense part of this stage. At Pomeranian Boo House, we provide detailed information about the developmental stage of any puppy you are interested in.
Q: Are the color changes permanent?
A: Yes, the color changes you see during the ugly stage are usually permanent and are part of your dog’s final coat color.
The ugly stage is a temporary and essential part of your Pomeranian’s journey to becoming a beautiful, fluffy companion. With patience, love, and proper care, your dog will emerge from this phase with a magnificent adult coat that will make all the waiting worthwhile.