Background

There has been a long period in which there have been several discussions  about hair loss in Pomeranians simply being caused by breeding dilute dogs together. While hair loss is something found in some cases with double coated dogs, especially more common in Pomeranians, there is much more to it and simply saying it’s because of recessive color breeding is incorrect. As Pomeranians are a foundation breed in Pomskies, let’s get into it!

Alopecia X

Alopecia X is a specific type of alopecia, though there are many different kinds. This one in specific mostly applies to plush and double coated northern spitz type breeds. This includes Alaskan Malamutes, Siberian Huskies, Keeshonds, Pomeranians, Chow Chows, and Samoyeds. Several of the articles I dug up have research digging into and theorizing that these breeds may have a higher likelihood of developing this condition due to their genetic predisposition to certain hormonal imbalances.

More medically defined as an incompletely understood disorder often associated with abnormal levels of sex hormones (i.e. progesterone, estradiol, testosterone) originating from the adrenal glands. Additionally, dysfunctional hormonal receptors on hair follicles likely play a role.

Other names for Alopecia X : 
• Black skin disease
• Growth hormone-responsive alopecia
• Castration-responsive alopecia
• The coat funk
• Pseudo-Cushing syndrome
• Biopsy-responsive alopecia
• Follicular dysplasia of the Siberian husky
• Adrenal sex hormone alopecia
• Hair cycle arrest

Simple conclusion: though much more research needs to be done, IT IS NOT RELATED TO COLOR. We generally are NOT dealing with CDA(Color Dilution Alopecia). We are dealing with Alopecia X most of the time. Which is again most frequently associated with hormones. 

Color Dilution Alopecia or CDA

Color Dilution Alopecia could very well be a problem however that has been faced in the past by some Pomsky breeders, however it often has more to do with inbreeding and the prevalence of skin and health issues for dogs who are inbred. Which is incidentally where the thought of having more health issues in dilute dogs comes from. Blue is recessive and theoretically less likely to be produced, so people in the past have line bred to produce it, resulting in the prevalence of health issues in lineages. A great example are dd blue Dobermans.

Dogs that have any form of hair loss SHOULD NOT BE BRED regardless since most of them have genetic components. There are so many different conditions that can cause hair loss other than alopecia. Before a dog can get a diagnosis of Alopecia X, they must be tested for both Cushing’s Disease and Hypothyroidism to rule them both out.

Physical Signs and Potential Treatments

Physical Signs: Coat loss on the main body as well as darkly pigmented skin in the bald areas. The legs and head are generally spared and retain a normal coat development.

Treatments: Neutering of intact dogs is recommended and often causes temporary or permanent hair regrowth due to alteration of hormonal levels. Though not always recommended, as the loss of hormones from neutering and spaying may also cause issues. Discussion and further testing with a vet professional should be done before any decisions are made.

Medical treatment options, which can cause hair regrowth in some animals, include: melatonin, trilostane, and lysodren. Less commonly used drugs include: methyltestosterone, prednisone, and lupron. Many of these drugs can have adverse side effects and should be used under careful supervision of a veterinarian. 

Research Articles

Fatima Wingeier (2009) Alopecia X in Pomeranians - A Genome Wide Association Analysis. Master Thesis. Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of Bern.

Mausberg, E.-M., Drögemüller, C., Dolf, G., Leeb, T., Rüfenacht, S., & Welle, M. (2007). Evaluation of the CTSL2 Gene as a Candidate Gene For Alopecia X in Pomeranians and Keeshonden. Animal Biotechnology, 18(4), 291–296. https://doi.org/10.1080/10495390701547461

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11166340/

https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/alopecia-x-in-dogs/

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5655477/

https://animalallergycolorado.com/animal-disease-index/alopecia-x#:~:text=Alopecia%20X%20is%20a%20cosmetic,careful%20supervision%20of%20a%20veterinarian

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951938#:~:text=Testing%20is%20not%20inexpensive%20and,so%20we%20mention%20it%20here

https://www.medvet.com/alopecia-x-in-dogs-hair-cycle-arrest/#:~:text=Alopecia%20X%20is%20a%20name,dysfunction%20of%20plush%20coated%20breeds