If you have a good harness for your Pomeranian, you do not necessarily need a collar; however it is recommended. And the reason for this is just to stay extra safe in regard to the slight possibility that your Pom may dart out of the house and run off. Will this happen? Probably not. However, why take the risk?
Dogs can run away for a variety of reasons. One of the most common is that un-altered dogs run off to find a mate; it's canine instinct. With un-neutered males, it can be a near constant urge, and with un-spayed females, that desire will only happen around the time of the heat cycle.
But, even for reasons such as curiosity or just getting startled, a dog may dash out of the house when the door is open; they can be exceedingly quick and not easily stopped.
And though you Pom may love his harness, think of it as clothing, and not want you to take it off, it will typically only be used for walks.
So, at all other times, it's a good idea to have a lightweight collar for your Pom to hold his ID tags. That way, if he is every lost, your odds of getting him back are greatly increased.
Here what you will want to look for:
1) Material -
The best collar for a Pomeranian puppy
or dog will be a lightweight, waterproof material. While chains made of various metals can be cute (depending on their design) most will be too heavy for this small toy sized dog.
If it is not water resistant or water repellent, the collar may hold in moisture (from conditioner sprays, wet fur after baths, rain sprinkles, etc.) and could become smelly and create a breeding ground for bacteria between the collar and the fur.
Jeweled and decorated collars can be cute and as long as they are not heavy, these are just fine. The only thing you'll want to check is that the decorations are secure and cannot fall off, as they could then be mouthed and swallowed.
2) Width and Thickness -
When a collar is too narrow and thin, it can cut into a Pom's neck area, causing discomfort. Alternatively, if it is too wide or too thick, it can impede mobility; a dog can have trouble turning his head, dropping his head down to eat and drink, etc.
3) Proper Adjustability -
When you have a collar that only has segmented sections in which to choose for making it tighter or looser, you may find that none of the settings fit your particular Pomeranian.
The best type of collar for a Pom will have a sliding size adjuster that you can tailor to your puppy or dog's exact needs.
4) ID holder - There are two main types of collars in regard to how ID tags are held. Some have embroidered ID information or embedded brackets, which is a great all-in-one idea. The other is the more traditional collar and loop for ID attachment.
5) Quick snap or quick release
- Be sure that the collar has a snap/click buckle to allow it to be removed in an instant, if necessary. Do not use a design that resembles a belt.
The Right Fit for a Pomeranian's Collar
The collar should be adjusted so that you can slip TWO fingers underneath it and easily spin it; but not so loose that it could snag on anything or slip off.
When to Take the Collar Off
In order to properly groom your Pom, you will want to remove the collar every time that you brush the coat unless you're doing a quick touch-up. This will allow you to make nice, long sweeping strokes from the crown and down the back to pick up shedded hairs without having it in the way.
You'll also want to remove the collar for baths so that you can completely cleanse and condition the entire coat. Once your Pom is completely dry, it can be put back on.