Pomeranian
The Pomeranian originated from modern-day Germany and Poland, is a courageous and lively toy breed with a long coat and a distinct mane around its neck. Referred to as a Pom, this breed usually displays a friendly disposition but may exhibit bossy behaviour on occasion. Nevertheless, the Pomeranian is incredibly devoted to its loved ones and can serve as a capable watchdog despite its small size.
With appropriate instruction, the Pomeranian can be an outstanding companion, but this breed may not be suitable for everyone. Families with young children may not be the best environment for a Pom, although the breed often interacts well with older and calmer children.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Toy
HEIGHT: 6 to 7 inches
WEIGHT: 3 to 7 pounds
COAT: Long double coat
COAT COLOR: Comes in many colors, though the most common are red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 16 years
TEMPERAMENT: Bold, alert, lively, affectionate
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: Germany/Poland
Characteristics of the Pomeranian
Pomeranians are lively and bold dogs with a big personality that belies their small size. They are affectionate with their owners and can serve as alert watchdogs.
| Affection Level | High |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Kid-Friendly | Medium |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Exercise Needs | Medium |
| Playfulness | Medium |
| Energy Level | Medium |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
Pomeranian Care
Pomeranians require consistent training, regular exercise, and proper grooming. Their thick coats need weekly brushing to prevent tangles and mats, with heavier seasonal sheds requiring more frequent brushing. Owners must also be cautious in hot weather and protect their dogs from predators.
Exercise
Despite their small size, Pomeranians have a medium energy level that requires at least an hour of physical activity per day, such as walks and playing with toys. They should also have the opportunity to run around freely every day, and puzzle toys can provide mental stimulation. However, Poms can overheat in hot weather due to their thick coat, so keep outdoor activity to short sessions and protect them from predators.
Grooming
The Pomeranian has a long, thick double coat that requires frequent grooming. Brush your Pom’s coat weekly to remove loose fur and prevent tangles and mats. As Poms typically experience heavier seasonal sheds as the weather changes in fall and spring, they require more frequent brushing, multiple times a week.
Bathing is required approximately every four to six weeks, and you should also clean their ears and express their anal glands if necessary. Trimming nails every 4-6 weeks and daily toothbrushing are also necessary. Consider using a groomer or vet for these tasks if you are uncomfortable doing them at home.
Training
Pomeranians are moderately trainable but can be stubborn. Consistency and patience are key when training and socialising them from an early age. Start with house-training and socialise them with different people and environments to reduce barking.
While Pomeranians can coexist with other household pets, they generally do not back down from a fight, even with a larger dog. Additionally, they can be injured in friendly yet rough play. Please make sure all household pets—and people, especially young children—are well-mannered and gentle to safely live together.
Pomeranians can easily injure themselves jumping on and off furniture, so consider training them to use a ramp or keeping them off furniture altogether.
Common Health Problems
Pomeranians are typically healthy dogs. But they are prone to a few common health conditions, including:
- Luxating patella
- Hypothyroidism
- Congestive heart failure
- Seizures
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Diet and Nutrition
Pomeranians have a lower food intake compared to larger breeds. Generally, feeding your Pom two meals per day of high-quality, nutritionally balanced dog food is recommended. However, the amount of food needed will depend on factors such as size and activity level. It’s best to consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate amount of food for your pet, and to monitor your dog’s weight closely. Even a slight weight change of 1 pound can be significant for Pomeranians. Additionally, it’s important to provide your dog with fresh water at all times, particularly during exercise and in hot weather.