Also Known As:
The Little Dog Who Thinks He Can
Area of Origin:
Norway, Germany, and Poland
Breed Birthday:
18th Century
Breed Type:
Toy
Personality Traits:
Vivacious, Sprightly, Smart, Extroverted
Related Breeds:
Norwegian Elkhound, Schipperke, German Spitz, American Eskimo Dog, Samoyed
Best Breeds For:
Anyone without super small children, who might not be gentle enough for the Pom’s small frame. They aren’t very needy and make good companions.
Trainability:
Super easy to train. They’re especially good at learning tricks, but do need consistency to keep them well-disciplined.
Apartment/House:
Either. An evening walk, a few laps around the yard, or a little bit of playing around in the apartment will be enough to satisfy a Pomeranian’s exercise needs.’
History
Pomeranians used to be much bigger. They’re descendants of Icelandic sled dogs and were once as large as 30 pounds. Their name, Pomeranian, comes from a place in Germany and Poland along the Baltic Sea where they were bred down to the size they are today—Pomerania, which means “seacoast.” Though these days most Poms are only four to seven pounds, there are still some litters with larger Pomeranian puppies that grow up to be as large as 14 pounds, a throwback to the Pom’s larger sheep-herding and sled-pulling ancestors.
Good To Know
They’re definitely small enough to sit on your lap, but most Poms are independent and curious, and not super cuddly. They prefer to walk around and explore on their own legs.
Health & Care
Height: 7” to 12” at the shoulder
Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
Lifespan: 14 to 16 years
The majority of Pomeranians are healthy dogs, though some may have issues with their back, hips, and knees. Keep your Pom’s back and legs safe by making sure they don’t jump down from high spots, even a jump from the couch to the floor can be dangerous. Poms are prone to alopecia, which causes hair loss.
Grooming: Poms have a luscious thick double coat that requires daily brushing and care. While some choose to shave their Pom’s coat in summer, the coat may never return to its former glory after doing so. Additionally, a double coat’s insulating powers work both ways— keeping warmth in or out.
Personality
Pomeranians are outgoing little puffballs who are extremely intelligent and love to hang out with their humans. It’s no wonder they’ve been companions to some of the world’s smartest and most creative thinkers, artists, and musicians. While Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, his Pomeranian sat on a satin pillow and watched him. When Mozart finished one of his arias, he dedicated it to his Pom, Pimperl. Chopin, inspired by his friend’s Pomeranian, wrote “Waltz of the Little Dogs”. Isaac Newton’s Pomeranian, Diamond, once chewed on the corners of his owner’s manuscripts.
