The Pomeranian breed is one of the most adorable and captivating dog breeds in the world, known for their fluffy coats, lively personalities, and unique appearance. One of the most exciting aspects of owning a Pomeranian puppy is discovering what color they will grow into as adults. While Pomeranians come in a wide variety of coat colors, determining their final color can be a bit of a mystery, as their coats can change significantly during their early months of life.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the various factors that influence a Pomeranian puppy’s coat color, the genetics behind their coloration, the most common and rare coat colors, and how a puppy’s coat may evolve as they grow. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better understanding of what color your Pomeranian puppy might be and the fascinating processes that shape their coat over time.
Understanding Pomeranian Coat Colors
Pomeranians are known for their extensive range of coat colors. These colors can range from light and delicate hues to deep, rich shades, and everything in between. The breed standard allows for a variety of colors, and even within a litter of puppies, you may find significant variation.
Some of the most common Pomeranian coat colors include:
- Orange
- Cream
- Black
- White
- Blue
- Chocolate
- Beaver
- Sable (a mix of dark and light hairs)
- Brindle (striped pattern)
- Merle (mottled or speckled pattern)
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes more than 23 standard colors and patterns for Pomeranians, making them one of the most diverse breeds when it comes to coat color.
However, the color your Pomeranian puppy appears to be when they are born may not be their final adult color. Pomeranian coat color changes, also known as “puppy uglies,” are common during the first year of life, as the puppy sheds its soft puppy coat and grows into its adult fur.
The Genetics Behind Pomeranian Coat Colors
Pomeranian coat color is primarily determined by genetics, specifically through the inheritance of certain genes from the puppy’s parents. Like with many dog breeds, understanding the genetic makeup of Pomeranians can help predict what color their puppies may be, but there is no guaranteed outcome due to the complexity of their genetics.
Here are the key genetic factors that influence Pomeranian coat color:
1. Dominant and Recessive Genes
Pomeranian coat color is influenced by a combination of dominant and recessive genes. Dominant genes will typically mask the expression of recessive genes, meaning that a puppy can carry a gene for a particular color without it being visible in their coat.
For example, orange is a dominant color in Pomeranians, meaning that if one or both parents carry the orange gene, there is a high likelihood that their puppies will be orange. On the other hand, colors like blue and chocolate are the result of recessive genes, which means that both parents must carry the gene for the puppy to exhibit that color.
2. Dilution Genes
Some Pomeranian colors, like blue and beaver, are the result of dilution genes. Dilution genes lighten the color of the dog’s coat by reducing the amount of pigmentation in their hair. For example, a blue Pomeranian is essentially a black Pomeranian with a dilution gene that lightens the black fur to a bluish-gray shade.
The presence of a dilution gene can also affect nose, eye, and paw pad color, resulting in blue noses, light-colored eyes, or other features.
3. Agouti Gene
The agouti gene plays a role in creating sable or brindle patterns in Pomeranians. Sable Pomeranians have a mixture of light and dark hairs, often with darker tips on a lighter base. Brindle Pomeranians exhibit stripes, usually on a darker base coat.
The agouti gene can create a variety of different sable patterns, making these coats highly variable and unique.
Common Pomeranian Coat Colors
Now that we understand some of the genetics behind Pomeranian colors, let’s take a closer look at some of the most common Pomeranian coat colors and how they may change as your puppy grows.
1. Orange Pomeranians
By far the most common Pomeranian coat color and is often considered the “classic” Pomeranian look. Orange Pomeranians can range in hue from light apricot to deep reddish-orange. Many puppies that are born with orange coats will retain their color throughout adulthood, although the shade may darken or lighten slightly as they grow.
Orange Pomeranian puppies may be born a pale cream color, and their coats can deepen into a true orange shade as they mature.
2. Black Pomeranians
A black Pomeranian is striking and elegant, with a solid black coat that is rich and glossy. Black Pomeranians are born with a jet-black coat that should remain dark as they grow, although the coat may develop some gray or silver tones as the dog ages.
It is rare for black Pomeranians to change color drastically, but some black puppies may have lighter patches that appear in their undercoat as they mature.
3. Cream and White Pomeranians
Cream and white Pomeranians are also quite popular. White Pomeranians are born with a pure, snow-white coat, while cream Pomeranians have a softer, beige or ivory hue. Cream puppies may appear very light at birth and develop a more distinct cream color over time.
White Pomeranians tend to retain their color into adulthood, but cream Pomeranians may darken slightly, especially around their ears and back.
4. Blue Pomeranians
Blue Pomeranians are rare and are a result of a dilution gene that lightens a black coat to a bluish-gray color. Most Blue Pomeranians are born with dark gray or bluish coats that remain consistent as they grow. In addition to their unique coat color, blue Pomeranians often have blue or gray noses, paw pads, and even light-colored eyes.
5. Chocolate Pomeranians
Chocolate Pomeranians have a rich, brown coat that is a result of a recessive gene. All Chocolate Pomeranian puppies are born with a deep brown coat, which may lighten or darken slightly as they grow. Like blue Pomeranians, chocolate Pomeranians often have brown noses and paw pads to match their coat color.
Rare and Unique Pomeranian Colors
In addition to the common colors, Pomeranians also come in a range of rare and unique coat colors and patterns. These colors are often the result of complex genetic combinations and can make for some stunning and unusual Pomeranian coats.
1. Beaver Pomeranians
Beaver is a rare coat color that results from a dilution of the chocolate gene. Many Beaver Pomeranians have a light brown or beige coat that can appear taupe or even silvery. Beaver puppies are often born with darker fur that lightens as they mature.
The beaver color is especially rare and is often prized by Pomeranian breeders.
2. Brindle Pomeranians
A brindle coat is characterized by dark stripes over a lighter base coat. This rare pattern can occur in various colors, such as brindle orange, brindle red, or brindle sable. Brindle Pomeranians are usually born with visible stripes that remain throughout their life, making them stand out due to their tiger-like appearance.
3. Merle Pomeranians
Merle Pomeranians have a mottled or speckled pattern that can appear in various base coat colors, including blue, black, or chocolate. They are especially striking due to their unique, often patchy coat patterns, and they may also have blue or partially blue eyes.
However, merle Pomeranians should only be bred carefully, as breeding two merle dogs together can result in genetic defects in their offspring.
4. Parti Pomeranians
Parti Pomeranians have a coat that features a mix of white and another color, such as black, orange, or chocolate. The white is usually dominant, and the colored patches are spread randomly across the coat. Parti-colored Pomeranian puppies are born with these distinct patches, which remain into adulthood.
5. Sable Pomeranians
A sable Pomeranian has a coat that features darker tips on a lighter base color. The sable pattern can occur in various base colors, such as orange, black, or cream. Sable Pomeranians often appear to have a “shadowed” coat, with the darker tips giving depth to their fur.
Sable puppies may be born with lighter coats that darken as their sable markings develop.
When and How Does a Pomeranian’s Coat Change?
Pomeranian puppies are born with a soft, fluffy coat of hair that is much thinner and finer than their adult coat. As they grow, their coat will go through several changes before reaching its final adult form.
1. The “Puppy Uglies” Stage
Around 3 to 6 months of age, many Pomeranian puppies go through a phase known as the “puppy uglies.” During this period, the puppy’s soft baby fur begins to shed, and the adult coat starts to grow in. This process can cause the coat to look patchy, thin, or scruffy, and the puppy may temporarily lose some of its fluffiness.
The puppy uglies stage can last several months, but it is an important part of the puppy’s coat development. Once the adult coat grows in, it will be much fuller, thicker, and more textured than the puppy coat.
2. Adult Coat Development
By the time a Pomeranian reaches 12 to 18 months of age, their full adult coat should be in place. At this stage, the color and texture of the coat are usually set, although minor changes in shade can continue throughout the dog’s life.
The adult Pomeranian coat is a double coat, meaning it has a soft, dense undercoat and a long, fluffy outer coat that gives the breed its characteristic look. Regular grooming and maintenance are essential to keeping the Pomeranian’s coat in good condition.
Conclusion
Your Pomeranian puppy’s color can be a delightful mystery that unfolds over the first year of their life. While genetics play a significant role in determining coat color, the process of growing into their adult coat involves various changes and stages. From common colors like orange and black to rare hues like blue and beaver, Pomeranian coat colors are as diverse as they are beautiful.
If you’re excited about discovering what your Pomeranian puppy’s coat color will be, remember that patience is key. Their coat will evolve, change, and fluff up over time, but no matter what color your Pomeranian turns out to be, they’ll always be a charming and beloved companion.