Moults

It’s normal for a dog to shed. This shedding is part of the natural coat cycle and allows for its renewal throughout its life.

There are several types of shedding: puppy shedding, when the baby coat gives way to the adult coat; seasonal shedding, linked to temperature changes; and postpartum shedding in females after giving birth.

Most of this hair loss is normal. However, some shedding can be abnormal and indicate a health problem.

Knowing how to distinguish between these issues helps avoid unnecessary worry while recognizing situations where veterinary advice is necessary.

I – The First Shed

The most significant shedding occurs during the Spitz’s early puppyhood, generally between 4 and 7 months.

In some, it may appear later, between 11 and 14 months.
It is also possible for a puppy to go through both shedding phases in quick succession.

During this period, the puppy may lose a large amount of fur, sometimes almost all of its juvenile coat. This is colloquially referred to as a “monkey face,” due to the temporarily bald appearance of the face.

There is no need to worry: this is a natural phenomenon. The adult coat will gradually grow back, denser and more structured.

From around 8 months of age, the coat begins to transform and fill in, developing into the adult coat.

Special case: gradual shedding

Some dogs experience a more subtle and gradual shedding.

In this case, the puppy fur falls out as the adult coat grows. The transformation is then less spectacular and can go almost unnoticed.

Let’s take Sia’s and Saphir’s moult

Why does coat color change as a dog grows?

In Pomeranians, it’s perfectly normal for their coat color to change over the months.

This transformation is directly related to growth and the juvenile molt, which replaces the puppy coat with the adult coat. This intense molt results not only in sometimes dramatic hair loss but can also alter the overall appearance of the coat.

In addition to the amount of hair, changes in shade, intensity, or even distribution of color are often observed. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable in Pomeranians with orange, fawn, or brown coats, where variations in tone are easier to perceive.

Several factors explain these changes:

Puppy molting
The puppy’s fur is gradually replaced by the adult coat. This transition can alter the color, intensity, or overall appearance of the coat.

Pigment evolution
The natural pigments—eumelanin (dark) and pheomelanin (light)—can be expressed differently over time.
A very dark puppy may lighten, while a light puppy may see its color deepen or become warmer.

The appearance or fading of black markings
In sable or orange coats, the dark tips, known as “black markings,” may diminish or, conversely, become more pronounced as the dog grows.

Undercoat density and light
The denser adult undercoat alters the visual perception of color. It can give the coat a lighter, warmer, or sometimes slightly cooler appearance.

Let’s take the moult of Pom, a charcoal orange male

Daily deep brushing is essential to remove dead hair and properly support this period of transformation.

Its coat continues to grow and thicken until the end of its second year, gradually evolving into its adult coat.

To better understand these essential stages and adapt your grooming routine as the months go by, we invite you to consult the chapters dedicated to growth and grooming, which detail the Spitz’s development and the appropriate care for each stage of its life.

II – Seasonal Shedding

The Spitz’s coat is described as “complex” or “double” because it is composed of two types of hair:

long, strong outer hairs, called guard hairs;

a dense, soft, woolly undercoat, called down.

A dog’s hair grows, dies, falls out, and is constantly renewed.

Shedding is a period of increased hair loss. It plays a vital role in thermoregulation, allowing the dog to adapt to climatic variations.

It is generally more pronounced in spring and autumn, during significant changes in temperature and daylight. Shedding lasts on average about three weeks. These seasonal changes trigger the process.

1 – The Spring Shed

The spring shed is the most significant.
The thick undercoat accumulated during the winter gradually falls out, while the outer coat remains to protect the skin from the sun’s rays.

This shedding of down allows the skin to breathe better and helps the dog cope with the warmer summer temperatures.

2 – The Autumn Shed

The autumn shed is generally less dramatic.
The denser, thicker winter coat gradually takes over. The undercoat thickens to provide better insulation against the cold, while the outer coat protects against rain and inclement weather.

Note: Regular brushing promotes the removal of dead hair and stimulates regrowth, thus contributing to a healthy coat.

III – Postpartum moult

Let’s take the moult of mother Prune after the birth of her 5 puppies.

Postpartum shedding, also known as telogen effluvium, is a common hair loss in female dogs after giving birth or during lactation.

Why?
After pregnancy, significant hormonal changes cause many hairs to simultaneously enter the resting phase (telogen phase). These hairs then fall out in large quantities, sometimes several weeks after giving birth.

How does it manifest?
Significant hair loss, often in large clumps

Hair loss is generally symmetrical on the flanks, back, and sides

Skin appears normal (without redness or inflammation)

This shedding can occur up to three months after giving birth.

What to do?
Brush regularly to remove dead hair

Ensure a diet adapted to the needs of a pregnant or lactating dog

Consult your veterinarian if necessary

Key takeaway: Postpartum shedding is a natural and temporary phenomenon. The coat usually grows back within a few months.

⚠️ If hair loss persists beyond three months, worsens or is accompanied by unusual symptoms (redness, itching, fatigue), a veterinary consultation is recommended.

Reference : Cuteness.com – by Colleen O’Brien