Last Updated on February 8, 2026 by Denise Leo
Taking your Pomeranian to the ring — everything you need to know.
Choosing to show your Pomeranian is an exciting decision. Whether you’re aiming for titles, improving your dog’s handling, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of the show ring, this guide will walk you through every step—from registration and grooming to ringcraft and sportsmanship. With decades of hands-on experience by breeder Denise Leo, you’re about to access expert-level advice tailored for the Australian show scene.
Decided your little Pom deserves the spotlight? Whether you have one that turns heads in the backyard or you aspire to step into the ring with a contender, showing your Pomeranian is a rewarding journey for both you and your dog.
From understanding the official breed standard and obtaining the correct paperwork to mastering grooming, presentation, and behaviour, this page will guide you every step of the way. With expert insight and practical tips tailored for the Australian show scene, you’ll be equipped to confidently prepare, present, and enjoy the experience of exhibiting your Pomeranian—whether for fun or for champion success.
Where Do I Start to Exhibit My Pomeranian Show Dog?
Join Your State Canine Association & Understand the Basics
Before you can exhibit your Pomeranian, you’ll need to join your local state canine association and ensure your dog is correctly registered on the ANKC Main Register. Check that your dog meets the breed standard for conformation, and talk to your breeder about show potential and pedigree. A pet-quality Pom can be wonderful at home, but the show ring demands structure, movement, coat, and type that meet the standard.
The ANKC is the administrator for all matters related to purebred canines in Australia. However, it does not deal directly with breeders, judges, or exhibitors of purebred dogs.
Is Your Pomeranian Show Quality? A Quick Checklist:
| ✓ | Item |
|---|---|
| Registered on ANKC Main Register | |
| Displays correct size and type | |
| Moves soundly and confidently | |
| Exhibits a stable, confident temperament | |
| Breeder affirms show potential |
Paperwork & Registration Check
Confirm all registry details: your membership is current, your dog’s name and pedigree are correct, and any prefixes or titles are officially recorded. Arrive at the show with your membership card, exhibit number holder, and entry receipt—being organised reduces stress for you and your dog.
Show Day Essentials—Gear Checklist
- Grooming trolley or table
- Number armband/holder
- Grooming brush, comb, spray bottle
- Show-lead and small slip-chain or fine lead
- Chair, shade, water bowl
- Grooming products: coat conditioner, freshening spray, bag for grooming items
- Caravan, tent, gazebo or car-boot setup for ring breaks
Plan ahead—gear is part of the experience.
Presentation & Good Sportsmanship
How you present yourself matters. Dress neatly and confidently. Show respect to your fellow exhibitors, stewards, judges, and the ring. Smile. Be calm. Your dog will mirror your attitude. Win or lose, the best dog at home is still an amazing companion. Maintain your dog’s dignity, thank the judge, and remember: you’re representing the breed.
Grooming & Ring Preparation
To stand out in the ring, your Pom must look and move like a champion. Start with coat preparation weeks in advance: maintain fullness, remove debris, treat the coat to shine, and use grooming sessions to reinforce calm behaviour. On show day, focus on cleanliness, trimming feet and a tidy belly, removing excess staining, and ensuring nails and paw pads are clean. Line up with confidence and let your dog shine.
Time & Cost: What to Expect
Showing a Pomeranian demands dedication. Expect travel, early starts, grooming sessions, equipment purchases, and entries. You’ll spend time and money—but you’ll also gain friendships, improve your knowledge of the breed, and enjoy moments when your Pom looks their very best.
Showing your Pomeranian
Now it’s time for you to grab that lead, brush your Pomeranian, make your way to the ring, and have plenty of fun!
Whilst you may not win on your first time, remember not to be discouraged. You have to be in it to win it. Attend lots of shows, get to know people, get to know yourself, and remember to enjoy yourself.
Pomeranians love pleasing their owner and are natural performers. They excel in the show ring because of their love for audiences. Their faces are gorgeous, and their coats shine, making them easy to spot in any situation.
The decision to show your Pomeranian (or any other breed) is very exciting but also daunting. It’s definitely not for the faint-hearted. Although it’s fun to train, there’s a lot of work as well. An apt analogy is this: “You reap what you sow.”
Hours of planning, training, and grooming are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes time for your show. There’s a financial commitment that includes attire, equipment, and entries. You’ll also have to investigate the cost of buying a Pomeranian show dog.
Showing dogs is rewarding and difficult. It’s regarded as a sport for genuine dog lovers. Generations of people have practiced it and have used it as a method for bettering and preserving breeds.
It can be hard to get into showing Pomeranians, owing to small litter sizes and the scarcity of people dedicated to breeding show-quality Pomeranians here in Australia.
Plenty of Australian Pomeranian breeders are very keen to help people get started, so if you show your high level of commitment, then luck may be on your side.
After you have picked the brains of numerous knowledgeable Pomeranian show breeders/exhibitors, read plenty of articles online, and purchased as many Pomeranian books as possible, you’re probably wondering – “what’s next?”
Pomeranian Grooming Equipment
Pomeranians are a double-coated breed and need various items of Pomeranian show grooming equipment to guarantee they’re perfectly groomed.
You’ll need a variety of products, including: a slicker brush, a pin brush, a comb, normal scissors, thinning scissors, hairspray, nail clippers, baby wipes, talcum powder, spray bottles, and more.
At the shows, observe your fellow Pomeranian exhibitors as they prepare their dogs, the products they use, and how they utilise them. Ask your breeder for guidance on grooming products required.
Dog Show Lead for a Pomeranian Puppy in Australia
The leads for a Pomeranian puppy must be both strong and fine. Pomeranians are shown on very fine leads. Some exhibitors like glitzy show leads with beads, while other Pomeranian show breeders in Australia prefer thin, plain cord leads.
Exhibit Number Holder
Your dog will have an exhibit number. This number is collected at the Show secretary’s office on the Show day, as well as a catalogue listing all dogs entered that day. The armband displays your exhibit number and is simple to wear, and won’t be in the way.
Camping Chair
Whether it’s just a morning show or one that lasts the whole day, camping chairs make it more comfortable because you can spend a great deal of time sitting around and end up last on the show list. You can purchase such chairs in shops, including Kmart, at the lower budget end, right up to a really comfortable chair from a camping outlet. You can spend $8 right up to and over $200.
Gazebo
Because the majority of shows are run outdoors, it’s wise to buy a gazebo. The weather is very unpredictable, but the show will go on, rain, sun, or hail.
Odds & Ends
There will always be a variety of other things you’ll require at shows. The list includes: a packed lunch, water for you and your little friend, doggie treats, cash to buy things at various stalls, baby wipes, tissues, towels, spare shoes, insect repellent, an umbrella and a stand, and a waterproof jacket.
Pomeranian Show Grooming
Grooming is vital to his overall presentation, especially when showing your Pomeranian. New Pomeranian exhibitors must learn all the tricks of grooming their Pomeranian like a show dog. Pomeranian show grooming is not difficult, but learning a suitable and correct Pomeranian show cut for your pom dog takes many hours of practice.
How to Groom a Pomeranian for Show
Purchase a copy of my Pomeranian Grooming eBook. Quickly learn correct grooming procedures for your Pomeranian like a show dog, and how to trim a Pomeranian for show.
Sportsmanship at Dog Shows
Nobody likes a bad sport. Never forget that you’re on show as much as your furry friend. It might be fine to bitch and moan in private, but in and around the ring, keep your opinions to yourself. The Pomeranian show dog scene is a small community, and they love to talk, so pretty much anything you say will be heard or shared. A humble winner is also a good loser.
What is Dog Showing?
Dog shows (aka conformation shows) are competitions where judges with extensive familiarity with a breed assess the dogs exhibited. The judge assesses how well the dog conforms to a Pomeranian Breed Standard, which has been established for each dog breed.
GLOSSARY
Dog Judge
A judge is a qualified person who evaluates dogs at conformation shows. In small shows, one judge may do all classes and breeds.
Purebred Dogs
Any modern dog breed that has a documented ANKC pedigree listed in a State Canine Association stud book.
Pomeranian Breed Standard
These guidelines cover the requirements for each dog breed, including temperament, movement, and appearance specific to that breed. The Pomeranian Breed Standard used within Australia can be downloaded HERE: Pomeranian Breed Standard.
Conclusion
No matter what happens in the ring, walk out with your head held high—because at the end of the day, you’re going home with the best dog in the world. Respect in the dog show community is earned through good sportsmanship, kindness, and humility, whether you win or lose.
Stay curious, keep asking questions, learn from every experience, and above all… enjoy the journey. Showing your Pomeranian should always be fun for both you and your beautiful Pom.
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References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
Learn All About Pomeranians in The Pomeranian Handbook
( Printed and shipped in Australia).
