Pomeranian: Your Complete Guide
The Pomeranian dog is easily recognizable, and these small dogs have large fluffy coats, cute foxlike faces, and sweet dispositions. Many families love the Pomeranian due to their affectionate nature and their ability to live in small spaces, and the Pomeranian makes a name for itself as an intelligent and active companion.
If you are interested in adding a Pomeranian dog to your life, it’s important to understand more about this breed and how to properly care for the Pomeranian. Our article gives you the essential details you need to know about this dog, including facts about their temperament, exercise needs, potential health concerns, and more.
Quick Look at the Pomeranian
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of their physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 7 to 12 inches, 3 to 7 lbs |
| Coat Type | Double coat, soft, straight |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding |  |
| Temperament | Intelligent, affectionate, playful |
| Good With Kids | |
| Good With Other Animals | |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 12 to 15 years |
What Is the History of Pomeranians?
The Pomeranian dog breed is believed to date back to around the 1760s, and this dog most likely used to be much larger, coming in at around 30 pounds. The Pomeranian was historically used to pull sleds, though the toy size of the Pomeranian is known as a companion animal and lap dog. The Pomeranian grew incredibly popular in the late 1880s when Queen Victoria adopted a Pomeranian, pushing this breed into the limelight.
As time went on, more and more people saw the benefits of such a small, intelligent, and loyal dog, and the Pomeranian became an important companion for people who lived in small spaces. The American Kennel Club (AKC) registered this dog officially in 1888, and Pomeranians remain a popular and well-loved dog breed around the United States to this day.
What Do Pomeranians Look Like?
The Pomeranian is small, and they have a distinctive fluffy fur coat. These dogs have a foxlike face with bright, alert eyes, and their ears are small, rounded, and upright. Your Pomeranian will have a spitz-style tail, meaning that their tail curls over their back, and they have an overall short stature and cuddly appearance. The Pomeranian comes in over two dozen colors and various patterns, with shades of brown and tan being the most common.
What Size Is a Pomeranian?
The Pomeranian is a small dog, often classified as a toy breed. This dog will stand between 7 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder, and they will weigh between 3 and 7 pounds.
What Is a Pomeranian’s Coat Type and Length?
The Pomeranian has a thick double coat, and it is quite long. These dogs appear very fluffy and poofy, with many owners choosing to have their dog’s fur trimmed into a more circular shape. The fur of a Pomeranian will typically be straight and soft, and it requires a fair amount of brushing to keep tangle-free.
What Is a Pomeranian’s Temperament?
Pomeranians have bold personalities, and these dogs are known for being loyal, affectionate, and alert. Your Pomeranian is likely to be a little sassy yet very loving, and this breed is quite playful. Pomeranians are happy to accompany their owners from room to room in the home, and they love going outdoors on adventures, even if it is just to the local park or to a dog-friendly store.
You can expect your Pomeranian to have a stubborn streak from time to time, and these dogs may easily start to think that they run the household if they are not properly trained. With proper training, socialization, and a consistent routine, your dog can thrive in your home, and you will not have to deal with bad behaviors.
Are Pomeranians Good With Kids?
Your Pomeranian may be good with children if the dog is properly socialized and your children are old enough to understand how to safely interact with such a small dog. Very young children are not recommended for the Pomeranian, as these children may play too rough or be subject to barking and growls if the Pomeranian feels like it is being bothered too much. Homes with older children make the best choice for this breed.
Are Pomeranians Good With Other Animals?
The Pomeranian may get along with other animals, though they will need to be socialized from a young age to ensure they don’t exhibit any territorial behavior over their owners. This dog gets along well with dogs and cats in addition to prey animals, though you will always need to monitor your Pomeranian and their interactions with larger animals to ensure no accidental injuries occur.
Are Pomeranians Aggressive?
Pomeranians aren’t necessarily aggressive, but they can be territorial and overly protective of their homes and favorite people. This behavior can exhibit itself as barking, nipping, and growling, and they may also do the same if they are very frightened. Making sure your Pomeranian is properly trained and socialized will minimize the chances of them exhibiting any aggressive behavior inside or outside of the home.
Do Pomeranians Bark?
Pomeranians are known to be quite vocal, and this dog may bark often at things inside and outside of the home. Your Pomeranian may be loud, and they might not be the best choice for spaces where there are noise restrictions, as even with training to curb excessive barking, these dogs are still fairly rambunctious.
Are Pomeranians Affectionate?
Pomeranians are a very affectionate breed, and this dog is a great choice for individuals who want a dog that loves to cuddle or acts as a lap dog. Pomeranians are small enough to cuddle up with you in most places, and they will enjoy being brought along on adventures outside the home if it means they get to stick by their favorite person. This breed may be a little distrustful of strangers at first due to their protective nature, but they could warm up to people once they see there is no threat.
Are Pomeranians Intelligent?
The Pomeranian is considered a very smart dog, and these little pups are curious, loving, and alert. Your Pomeranian may easily learn tricks, and they will need to receive plenty of mental stimulation throughout the day to ensure they stay happy.
Are Pomeranians Energetic?
The Pomeranian is pretty playful and energetic, though their smaller size generally means that their exercise needs aren’t too extensive. This breed will require at least two to three walks per day in addition to dedicated playtime every day with their favorite toys. You can take your dog on an outdoor adventure or to a dog park regularly to ensure they get all of their energy out and have time to play with other dogs.
Are Pomeranians Easy to Train?
Pomeranians are surprisingly easy to train, something that is attributed to their high intelligence, eagerness to please, and curious natures. These dogs can learn both basic obedience tasks and more complex tricks, and they may even be good candidates for agility training or dog show competitions.
Are Pomeranians Good Watchdogs?
Even though Pomeranians are small, they make wonderful watchdogs. These dogs are brave, protective, and alert, and they will waste no time informing you of a threat around your home. You can expect your dog to be quite vocal, and while they will bark at threats, they may also bark at many other things, requiring training before they can truly excel at their watchdog duties.
Are Pomeranians Good Service Dogs?
While Pomeranians aren’t suited to service dog tasks that require larger size and strength, such as guide dog or mobility service dog work, they are well-suited to acting as a medical alert dog or a psychiatric service dog as needed. These dogs are easily trained, and they enjoy working alongside their owners. Your Pomeranian may also be a good candidate for acting as an emotional support animal or a therapy dog.
How to Care for a Pomeranian?
Pomeranians are lovable little dogs that require plenty of exercise and time spent with their owners. These dogs form strong bonds with their families, and they are very loyal, so you shouldn’t leave your dog home alone for long hours, as this may result in anxiety and destructive behavior.
You will need to walk your Pomeranian several times a day and ensure they are properly socialized, in addition to taking them outside on adventures with you when possible. Your Pomeranian will need a healthy diet or high-quality dog food in addition to regular veterinary visits to make sure they stay in good health.
Training for your Pomeranian is a good idea to keep them mentally stimulated and to curb any behavioral issues, such as excessive barking.
Do You Need to Groom a Pomeranian?
You will need to groom your Pomeranian, as these dogs have higher maintenance grooming needs than other dog breeds. The long fur and thick double coat of the Pomeranian must be brushed daily, and you will need to give your dog baths on a regular schedule. Your Pomeranian can benefit from routine visits to the groomer every other month to trim their fur and nails, clean their ears, and help keep their coats looking their best.
Regular grooming can also help you detect any signs of skin conditions before they get too serious.
Do Pomeranians Shed?
Pomeranians shed an average amount, and these dogs are not considered hypoallergenic. They have long fur and a thick double coat that requires some maintenance to prevent tangling; regular brushing and baths help to collect shed fur before it ends up all around your home.
What Health Problems Do Pomeranians Have?
Pomeranians, like many other types of dogs, are prone to experiencing certain health issues due to inherited problems and genetic issues. It’s important to keep an eye out for the following health problems, as quick treatment is often essential to helping your dog feel better.
- Hypoglycemia
- Collapsing trachea
- Obesity
- Skin conditions and allergies
- Luxating patella
- Dental disease
Regular veterinary appointments can help your Pomeranian stay healthy and catch any potential health issues before they become too serious.
How Long Do Pomeranians Live?
On average, you can expect a Pomeranian to live between 12 and 15 years old. Smaller dogs tend to live longer lives in general, and your Pomeranian’s exact lifespan will depend on any health issues and the care they receive throughout their life.
What Should a Pomeranian Eat?
Your Pomeranian’s diet depends on their exact size, their age, and how much energy they expend during the day. You can expect a Pomeranian to eat between 1/4 and one cup of food per day, and you can feed your dog wet food, dry food, or a combination of both types of food. We recommend speaking with your vet if you have any concerns or questions about how much and what to feed your dog.
Is a Pomeranian the Right Dog for Me?
Small, lively, and intelligent, the Pomeranian is the perfect dog for individuals who love to be active or those who are looking for a playful companion to stay at their side. Pomeranians have big personalities, and they often form strong bonds with their owners, acting as loyal companions with enough love that far exceeds their size.
The Pomeranian is the right dog for you if you are looking for a smart dog that can live with you in a smaller space, and you are prepared to keep your dog both mentally and physically stimulated in addition to meeting the Pomeranian’s higher maintenance grooming needs.