- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Pomeranians, or Poms, are one of the most beloved small dog breeds worldwide, highly sought after for their feisty show-dog personalities. In this article, we’ll review intricacies of Pomeranian pricing, the factors that influence their cost, and what you can expect to pay throughout their lives.
At a Glance: Pomeranian Traits and Temperament
Typically weighing between 3 and 7 pounds and standing just 12 inches high, Pomeranians are most recognizable for their small stature and fluffy orange fur—though you’ll also see cream, brown, blue, and black Pomeranians.
With a sassy, playful personality, Pomeranians are well-suited for many different environments and types of families, and they typically welcome the company that comes with busy family life.
A healthy lifespan for a Pomeranian usually falls between 12 and 16 years.
Costs of Buying or Adopting a Pomeranian
The amount a pet parent will spend on buying a Pomeranian can vary. A reputable breeder will often charge between $1,500 and $3,000, while Pomeranian puppies with championship show lineage may cost as much as $10,000. The rarer colors of Pomeranian will likely set you back about $5,000, while teacup Pomeranians average out to around $1,800.
Adopting a Pomeranian from a pet rescue or shelter is typically the most cost-effective option. On average, adopting a Pomeranian will cost between $100 and $300, which may include costs for spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.
Pomeranian Costs: First Year to Adolescence
Pomeranians remain puppies until about 10 months of age, though most of their growth happens during the first six months.
Below are expenses that are typical of Pom puppies, though prices will depend on your location and the specific services and items you choose.
Item | From | To |
Initial vaccinations and preventive care | $375 | $1,085 |
Microchipping | $60 | $80 |
Spaying/neutering | $340 | $1,500 |
Dog care basics | $120 | $1,460 |
Food* | $68 | $625 |
Treats | $96 | $192 |
Grooming | $400 | $1,200 |
Training | $119 | $300 |
Annual Exams** | $280 | $440 |
Pet Insurance | $336 | $1,080 |
Annual Cost | $2,194 | $7,962 |
*$12 per 4-lb. bag, every 3 weeks to 2 months at ¼ cup to 2 ¼ cups of kibble per day
**$70-$110 per visit, at 4 visits
Ongoing Expenses for Adult Pomeranians
Like many toy breed dogs, Pomeranians are generally finished growing by the time they’re one year old.
Below are typical expenses pet parents might expect to spend on their adult Pom, though costs will vary based on your location and specific services or items.
Item | From | To |
Annual vaccinations and preventive care | $270 | $615 |
Annual exams | $70 | $110 |
Food* | $173 | $1,040 |
Treats | $75 | $151 |
Grooming | $400 | $1,200 |
Dental care | $300 | $2,500 |
Other supplies | $125 | $410 |
Pet Insurance | $336 | $1,080 |
Annual Total | $1,749 | $6,106 |
*$20 per 2.5-lb. bag, every 1-6 weeks at ¼ cup to 1 ⅜ cups of kibble per day
Possible Expenses for Senior Pomeranians
While there’s no official age for when a pet becomes a senior, small dogs are typically considered senior pets between 10 and 12 years of age. Because senior Poms are more likely to run into health issues, pet parents will often spend much more on veterinary care at this stage of life.
One ongoing expense for many senior Poms is bloodwork. Regular blood testing ensures their medications are working properly, and the process typically costs between $100 and $200 per vet visit.
Because of ongoing and additional costs like these, it’s worth considering purchasing a pet insurance policy when your Pomeranian is young—before pre-existing conditions come into play—or starting a pet savings account early so it has time to grow.
Pomeranian Costs: Common Health Conditions
As they age, Pomeranians are prone to several health conditions, including tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, eye issues like cataracts, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, a hereditary condition found in small breeds.
Here’s what Pomeranian parents may expect to pay to treat these problems:
- Tracheal collapse: Up to $30 for mild cases; $2,000-$5,000 for stent surgery
- Patellar luxation: $1,500-$3,000 per knee for surgery
- Cataracts: $2,700-$4,000 for cataract surgery
- Legg-Calves-Perthes: $1,200-$2,500+
Pet parents should be aware that vet prices will vary depending on where you’re located and the kind of clinic or practice you choose.
Pomeranian Costs: Dog Training
Pomeranians tend to be chatty dogs, and many love to bark. Training and socialization can help your friend adjust to life’s adventures—and help you not have to hear about everyone who passes the house.
Training costs will be different for every Pomeranian, varying based on where you’re located (cities tend to be more expensive) and the type of training your Pom receives. Some Pomeranians will do best in group classes with lots of social time, while others will thrive in private one-on-one sessions.
You might expect to pay the following:
- One-on-one: $89-$400 per hour
- Group classes: $119-$300 for a 6-week training course
- Online training: $60 per session
- Professional service dog training: $150-250 an hour, total cost dependent on sought-after services
Saving for Unexpected Costs
Being a pet parent often comes with unexpected costs that are tough to plan for financially. This includes things like:
- Emergency vet bills due to an accident or illness
- Dental care, including treatments and preventive care
- Boarding fees, due to a planned trip or unexpected family emergency
How dog insurance can help
Surprise vet bills can end up costing hundreds or even thousands in vet bills. A pet insurance plan can help manage the burden of unexpected costs, and signing up when your Pomeranian is young increases the chances that health conditions will be covered down the road.
Unsure if pet insurance is worth it? Check out our guide: Is Pet Insurance Worth It? How To Know If It’s a Good Deal for Your Pet.