Histological and Trichographic Differences Between Coat Types in Non-Alopecic Pomeranians and Those With Alopecia X

February 2026 in “ Veterinary Dermatology ”

Ilse van Hensbergen, Chiara Brachelente, Jaco J. van der Lugt, J. van den Broek, Annette van der Lee

Alopecia X histological differences trichographic differences

TLDR Coat-type differences in Pomeranians affect Alopecia X diagnosis and treatment.

The study compared histological and trichographic characteristics among 72 Pomeranians, including 30 with Alopecia X (AX), 22 with woolly coats (W), and 20 with shiny coats (S). AX dogs exhibited fewer follicles per group (4.1) compared to W and S (both 5.1). The anagen stage was predominant in S (60.2%), while telogen was more common in W (39.4%) and AX (39.8%). AX dogs also showed higher frequencies of kenogen and atrophic groups, as well as increased hair fragility and trichorrhexis nodosa ratios. These findings highlight coat-type differences that are important for diagnosing AX in Pomeranians.

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