Pomeranian dog portrait

Pomeranian

A tiny ball of fluff and attitude.

Toy group Germany / Poland Toy
Lifespan12-16 yr
Weight1.4-3.2 kg
Height15-18 cm
OriginGermany / Poland

The Pomeranian is a tiny spitz breed with a big personality and a fox-like fluffy coat. Lively, bold and alert, it is a popular companion and watchdog in a very small package.

Great points

  • Tiny and portable
  • Lively, bold and fun
  • Alert little watchdog
  • Long lifespan

Things to consider

  • Can be yappy
  • Fragile and easily injured
  • Coat needs regular brushing
  • Prone to dental and trachea issues

The story

Bred down from larger spitz sled dogs in the Pomerania region, the Pomeranian shrank into a toy favoured by European royalty. Queen Victoria's love of the breed helped make it smaller and famous.

Training

Poms are smart and capable but can be willful and noisy, so early socialisation and reward-based training, especially around barking, pay off.

Grooming

Brush the thick double coat two or three times a week to prevent mats, and more during seasonal sheds.

Food & diet

About 0.25 to 0.5 cup of small-breed food a day, fed in small meals to avoid low blood sugar.

Exercise

Low to moderate. Short walks and indoor play are plenty for this little dynamo.

Health to watch

Prone to dental disease, collapsing trachea, luxating patella and coat thinning. Dental care and a harness help.

Fun fact. Two Pomeranians were among the only three dogs known to survive the sinking of the Titanic.

Frequently asked questions

Do Pomeranians bark a lot?
Yes, they can be quite vocal. As alert little watchdogs they bark at noises and visitors, so early training helps manage it.
Are Pomeranians good with kids?
They do best with older, gentle children, since they are tiny and can be injured by rough handling.
Do Pomeranians need a lot of grooming?
Their fluffy double coat needs brushing a few times a week to prevent mats, plus more during seasonal sheds.

Essential gear for the Pomeranian

A few breed-right basics for a new Pomeranian.

Crate

24" dog crate

Right-sized for a small dog, cozy not cramped.

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Bed

Small orthopedic bed

Joint support, sized to a small frame.

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Grooming

Grooming brush

Regular brushing for a healthy coat.

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Food

Small-breed formula

Right kibble size and calories.

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