Pomapoo Grooming

The Pomapoo is the cross of a Mini Poodle (tightly curled single coat) and a Pomeranian (fluffy, straight double coat)--so this hybrid's hair can be straight, curly, or somewhere in between. All the coat types, though, will need a good bit of care. Read on for further details on maintaining the Pomapoo coat, info on bathing, and descriptions of popular Pomapoo hairstyles.

Whether your Pomapoo's coat is straight, wavy, or curly, it will need a good bit of attention. These hybrids don't shed much, but their coats do tend to mat and tangle some, particularly if the coat is on the curlier side, so they'll need brushing 3-5 times per week. Bathing these dogs (described in more detail in the Bathing section) is necessary every 6-8 weeks, and depending on your preferred style, they'll need haircuts every 2-3 months.

The best brush for your Pomapoo depends on the dog's coat. Pomapoos with curlier coats will need a slicker brush; for those with straighter hair, a pin brush is best. Regardless of coat type, a good 2-in-1 comb will be handy to have as well. To brush a Pomapoo: first wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, then brush the dog section by section, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a stubborn mat or tangle, first separate it with your fingers, then continue working through it with the 2-in-1 comb.

These crossbreeds look great in numerous hairstyles, many of which can be done at home--but lots of Pomapoo owners rely on professional groomers to cut their dogs' hair. Even if you're a "DIY" kind of person, it's a good idea to visit a professional groomer at least once, as he or she can demonstrate how to give the haircut yourself, and provide tips on how to groom a Pomapoo in general.

A Pomapoo will generally need a bath every couple of months, if not more frequently. Luckily, these little hybrids are small enough to be bathed in the kitchen sink. Regardless of the curliness (or lack thereof) of its coat, a Pomapoo will do best with a gentle canine shampoo (and canine conditioner, if desired); using human shampoo will often irritate a dog's skin and make it itchy.

To bathe a Pomapoo: first wet the coat, then apply a small amount of shampoo to the dog's back and lather well, working downward and backward as you go. (And don't forget the legs!) Save the head for last, then rinse thoroughly. If you're using conditioner, repeat the process with that; once the water runs completely clear through the coat, towel- or blow-dry. Finish with another quick brush-through to make the coat look neat and clean.

(NOTE: Pomapoos often develop tear stains, a naturally-occurring (and painless) discoloration of the hair below the eyes due to excess tear production. In between baths, wipe the area with a damp cloth (sprinkled with a few drops of hydrogen peroxide, if desired) once a week, or use a commercial tear stain removal solution available at pet stores.)

This hybrid, with Mini Poodle and Pomeranian parents, looks adorable in numerous hairstyles. Pomapoo haircuts, whether the dog is more like a Poodle or a Pomeranian, are often the same as their purebred parents. Keep in mind, though, that a Pomapoo with its coat shaved short--particularly if the coat is double-layered like a Pomeranian's--may be a different color, since the undercoat is usually a darker shade than the outer one. Here are three popular Pomapoo hairstyles:

• Puppy Cut: Makes the coat lower-maintenance. The coat is shaved short (to 1-1.5 inches) all over; some choose to leave the head, ear, and facial hair a bit longer. Can be done at home with instruction.
• Lion Cut: This style makes a Pomapoo resemble a tiny lion. The head, chest, front legs, and front half of the body are left at full length, while the rear half of the body, hind legs, and tail (except for the tip, which has a "pom" furball) are shaved very short. Best done by a professional groomer.
• Teddy Bear Cut: An adorable style for this crossbreed! Similar to a Puppy Cut. The body is shaved fairly short, but the legs, head, and face are left a bit longer, and carefully rounded and sculpted to make the dog resemble a teddy bear. Can be done at home, but it might take some practice.