Spitz or Pomeranian: how to groom a double coat in Brussels

A Spitz or Pomeranian is groomed without clippers: deshedding the undercoat, bathing, drying right down to the skin and shaping with scissors, every 4 to 8 weeks. In Brussels, our WAMI salon in Uccle, Chaussée de Waterloo 1115, welcomes Spitz dogs of every size. Here is what a good grooming session should include, why shaving is a bad idea and what to ask before you book.

The Spitz double coat in brief

Toy Spitz, Pomeranian and Zwergspitz are the same dog: the smallest of the German Spitz varieties, about 21 cm at the shoulder according to the FCI breed standard. Small or large, every Spitz has the same two-layer coat.

Underneath, a short, thick, cotton-like undercoat that insulates. On top, long straight guard hairs that give the volume. The undercoat sheds all year and heavily during moulting seasons. If it is not removed, it packs into tight mats against the skin that you cannot see from the surface: behind the ears, under the front legs, in the “trousers” and at the base of the tail.

A proper Spitz groom, step by step

1. Detangling and deshedding. Dead undercoat comes out before the bath, because water tightens knots.
2. Bath. Dog shampoo, then a thorough rinse: any residue left in the undercoat irritates the skin.
3. Drying down to the skin. This is the step that matters most. An undercoat left damp mats and causes skin irritation.
4. Scissor finish. Rounded feet, ear tips, trousers and hygiene area: a neat outline that still looks natural.
5. Nails and ears. Nail trim and ear cleaning.

At WAMI Uccle, a full groom for a Pomeranian takes about 90 minutes and starts at €80. The final price depends on size and coat condition.

Why you should not shave a Spitz

A short clip, the “teddy” or “boo” cut, causes three problems:

• Regrowth can stall. After a close shave, hair normally grows back in 3 to 4 months, but some dogs take 12 to 24 months. Vets call it post-clipping alopecia, and it is reported more often in breeds with long, dense coats.
• It does not keep the dog cool. Dogs cool down by panting, not through their skin.
• It does not reduce shedding. The dog still moults, just with shorter hairs.

Shaving is justified on veterinary advice or when matting cannot be undone without pain. Symmetrical hair loss with darkening skin, without any previous shave, is a matter for your vet: Pomeranians are predisposed to alopecia X.

In Brussels, rain wears down the undercoat

In Uccle, the Royal Meteorological Institute records rain on about 190 days a year on average. Your Pomeranian comes home wet one day in two. After every rainy walk, dry at least the belly, trousers, paws and the back of the ears: these areas mat first. Mud from the parks and the Sonian Forest comes out more easily once dry, with a brush.

Between appointments

Brush your Spitz 2 to 3 times a week, and daily during moulting. Work in lines: lift the coat, brush the section underneath down to the skin, then move up. A soft slicker brush and a metal comb are enough; if the comb catches, there is still a knot.

For a puppy, the “puppy uglies”, when the fluffy coat falls out between roughly 3 and 6 months, are normal and no reason to shave. It is the right time to get your puppy used to grooming: our 15-minute introduction session welcomes puppies aged 8 to 16 weeks.

Questions to ask a groomer about your Spitz

• Do you work the double coat by deshedding and scissoring, without clipping?
• How do you dry the undercoat, and is it dried down to the skin?
• How long does the session take and what does it cost for a Pomeranian?
• How do you handle an anxious dog?

Frequently asked questions

How often should a Pomeranian be groomed?
Every 4 to 8 weeks at the groomer, with 2 to 3 brushing sessions a week at home.

Can I shave my Spitz in summer?
No. Shaving does not cool the dog and can stall regrowth for months. Remove the dead undercoat instead.

My Pomeranian was shaved and the coat is not growing back. What should I do?
If there is no regrowth after 4 months, see your vet.

How much does Spitz grooming cost in Brussels?
At WAMI Uccle, from €80 for a full groom of about 90 minutes, depending on size and coat condition.

Book in Uccle

Our WAMI Grooming Uccle salon at Chaussée de Waterloo 1115 is open Monday to Saturday, 9:30 am to 6:30 pm. Book online and mention that your dog is a Spitz or Pomeranian.