2025 Alopecia Research Study

The APC is very interested in investigating the possibility of genetic influence in the incidences of Alopecia-X in Pomeranians. Researchers Dr. Leigh Ann Clark and Dr. Tori Rudolph of the University of Georgia have applied to AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) for a research grant to study the DNA of male Pomeranians to better understand the genetics that may be involved in this condition in hopes for a genetic test in the future to help provide breeders an
avenue to eliminate this ongoing breed health issue.

Doctors Clark and Rudolph presented at the 2025 APC Health Seminars held in conjunction with the 2025 Pomeranian National in Louisville, KY with preliminary findings. We are hopeful that the study will be funded by AKC CHF. In the interim, to prepare for the study, the researchers are collecting DNA from Veteran male Pomeranians (age 7yrs+ and fully coated) and male Pomeranians (any age) affected by coat-loss.

Click the link below to complete their survey to see if your Pomeranian would qualify for the study. If so the researchers will reach out to you with information on sending blood samples.

The link below will allow you to download and distribute a flyer to publicize the survey, for example at Pomeranian club events or at local vet offices or anywhere else Pomeranian owners might be found.

The APC Health and Genetics Committee (Vikki Oelerich, Christine Goodin, Amy Gross, Fotina Karavas) thanks everyone for their support of this project.