A big personality in a small package: enter the Pomeranian! Known for being energetic, vocal, social, and smart, this tiny but mighty dog can be a great companion. The breed’s popularity dates back to the late 1800s when Queen Victoria’s love for the breed inspired public affection. Music buffs even say that the Pomeranian may have inspired Chopin’s “Waltz of the Little Dogs”, and Michelangelo had one for a companion.
Fondly nicknamed “Poms,” these dogs are fairly low-maintenance, though pet parents should plan for routine brushing to keep that soft, fluffy coat in pristine condition. Despite their independent nature, Pomeranians enjoy the company of humans and can be an ideal companion for apartment living due to their petite size. Known as one of the louder breeds, Pom can be prone to barking, which means a little bit of extra training can come in handy when bringing one into your home.
Read on to learn more about this unique breed and discover if this breed is right for you!
Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: Pomerania
- Size:
- Weight: 3-7 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Appearance
With fluffy coats that range from orange sable to black or cream, Pomeranians are beloved for their soft, fluffy fur. Many Pom parents elect to keep the glorious double coat intact year-round, while others opt for the shorter teddy bear grooming style. Despite their thick fur, the breed sheds only a moderate amount, though a Pom’s long coat does require routine brushing.
These pint-sized dogs generally weigh between three and seven pounds, standing just seven to 12 inches high. The breed is also known for its arched, fluffy tail, pointy ears, and fox-like face that almost looks as though it’s boasting a happy smile.
Personality
What this dog lacks in size, it makes up for in personality! These dogs are charismatic, lively, and bold— even in the presence of much bigger canines. This larger-than-life demeanor may call for caution during encounters with new or off-leash dogs since your brave Pomeranian might think he or she is invincible. As with any breed, finding the proper leash and harness is key for safely walking the neighborhood.
These fairly independent companions are a versatile pet for young families, older people, and everyone in between. Like all dogs, they enjoy the opportunity to satisfy their playful and curious nature with a visit to the park or walk where they can explore plenty of good sniffs. Poms benefit from regular exercise, but their activity needs are lower than dogs such as Border Collies or Aussies.
Ideal Environment
With their small size and lower-maintenance exercise needs, Pomeranians can thrive just about anywhere. They’re a great dog for smaller homes, though they can require training to curb excessive barking. For tips on constructively training your dog to keep their barking to a minimum, check out this Rover guide.
Poms are typically friendly when interacting with children, pets, and strangers. Since they tend to dive into new encounters with impressive boldness, their dainty size can require supervision when teaching young kids how to gently play with a small dog, or when introducing a larger animal.
Pom parents should be mindful of keeping their pets out of extreme heat since this small dog’s thick double coat means the breed can easily overheat under certain conditions. While this breed can do well in any climate, those living in warmer places should familiarize themselves with the signs of overheating (excessive panting, shaking, etc.) and ensure their canine is cool and hydrated.
Ideal Human
Though Queen Victoria’s love for Pomeranians went down in history, the Average Joe can enjoy this great affectionate breed, too. Poms make for great lap dogs, which means their ideal human is someone who prefers a pint-sized companion with lots of personality. They also tend to form a strong bond with one human and can be fiercely loyal to them.
If you’re an endurance runner seeking a canine running companion, this is not the dog for you, though the Pomeranian still needs with plenty of opportunity to explore the outdoors. Since their coats require some maintenance, a Pom’s ideal human should be prepared to keep up with their Pom’s regular grooming needs, too.
Training
Headstrong and outspoken, Pomeranians will benefit from TLC and house training when integrating into their new home. Pet parents will likely want to guide their new family member in crate training, especially if he or she is a puppy. And while Poms garner a reputation for being notoriously yappy, a little barking 101 can help reduce this habit.
Like with any breed, socialization is a major part of your dog’s adjustment. By introducing your pet to new situations, people, and animals, they will begin to feel comfortable and safe in their forever home. Your smart, outgoing Pomeranian might also enjoy learning new tricks, especially where treats are involved!
Grooming
If you want your Pom to boast the super-cute, short-haired teddy bear cut, you will have to get her professionally groomed. Although Poms look great au naturel too, with basic, regular grooming.
Brush your Pomeranian a couple of times a week to keep that gorgeous coat looking its best. This reduces matting and tangled fur, which can be difficult to groom, and is an excellent way to bond with your pet and promote their well-being. Finding a good slicker brush or detangling comb is essential.
The AKC strongly recommends “that you find a groomer to do a full groom including bath, brushing, ears, nails, and anal glands every four to six weeks, if you are not comfortable with doing this at home.”
You’ll also want to keep a close eye on oral hygiene. Small dogs like Pomeranians are prone to dental disease, so it’s important to brush your Pomeranian’s teeth and have your veterinarian check them regularly, too.
Health
As with any dog, it’s important to stay up-to-date on annual vet visits to monitor your pet’s health and well-being. Pomeranians are at risk for eye problems, dental issues, hypoglycemia, knee problems, collapsed trachea (due to excessive pulling on a leash attached to a collar), and overheating. However, the typical lifespan for a Pomeranian is 12 to 16 years, and with proper diet, exercise, and vet care, Poms can live a long and healthy life. You might also consider pet insurance for your Pomeranian to help you afford care for the lifetime of your pet.
Breed History
As part of the Spitz dog family, Pomeranians descend from a breed of larger sled dogs. Other present day breeds in this family include the Samoyed, the Chow Chow, and the Siberian Husky. While your Pomeranian probably isn’t pulling you across any snowy terrain, the smallest member of the Spitz family still bears resemblance to its relatives in facial features and thick, silky coat.
During a visit to Italy in the late 1800s, Queen Victoria fell in love with this breed and brought several Pomeranians to England. She began showing them in dog shows—helping to elevate their public profile and popularity—and even helped breed them down to their current small size.
Pomeranians were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1900 and quickly became popular in the United States, ranking 23rd in 2022 among 199 breeds recognized by the AKC.
Getting a Pomeranian
Are you considering adopting one of these lovable fuzzballs? Whether you’re looking to bring a tiny Pom puppy into your home or rescue an older dog, adding a pet to your family can be rewarding.
Pomeranian Mixes
Popular Pomeranian mixes include the Pomsky (Pomeranian-Husky), the Yorkie-Pom (Pomeranian-Yorkie), and the Pomapoo (Pomeranian-Poodle) which can be a great way to enjoy the fun traits of a Pomeranian if you don’t adopt a purebred.
Finding a Pomeranian through a breeder
When looking for a purebred Pomeranian, it’s crucial to find a reputable breeder and avoid buying a pet from a puppy mill.
Make sure to do your research, ask for (and contact) references, and meet the breeder at their facility or home to see the dogs and how they are cared for. A trustworthy breeder will be transparent and happy to answer all your questions. They will be able to provide a record of the parents’ lineage and health history, specifics about the litter, and they will also be interested to know about you and the puppy’s new environment in your home. You should also be prepared for the cost, as popular purebreds can cost upwards of a couple thousand dollars.
Finding a Pomeranian through a rescue
Since the Pomeranian is such a popular breed, some of these dogs find their way into rescue centers. Whether a litter has been saved from a puppy mill or an adult dog requires a rehome, you may be able to find your Pom through a local shelter or rescue.
Rescuing a dog can be a special and heartwarming way to add a companion to your life, as you are providing a home for a deserving pet, and making room in the shelter for another one to be rescued.
More on Pomeranians
Are you sufficiently Pomeranian-obsessed? For more on this breed, check out these articles.
