Pomeranian

also known as Spitz Nain, Pom Pom, Deutsche Spitze, Spitz Enano, Zwers, Zwergspitz, Pom

Pros History


The Pomeranian is a small dog breed that originated in the region of Pomerania, now part of modern-day Germany and Poland. This breed is known for its fluffy coat, small size, and lively personality. The Pomeranian has a rich history that dates back to the 18th century.

The Pomeranian can trace its origins to the larger Spitz-type dogs that were used by the indigenous people of the region of Pomerania. These dogs were used for herding, hunting and as a watchdog. Over time, these dogs were bred down in size to create the smaller Pomeranian we know today.

In the 18th century, the Pomeranian was a popular dog among the European royalty. Queen Victoria of England was a particularly famous Pomeranian enthusiast, and her patronage of the breed helped to make it a popular pet among the upper classes.

In the late 19th century, the Pomeranian was recognized by the Kennel Club (UK) and the American Kennel Club, and the breed standard was established. The Pomeranian was also recognized by the FCI in 1888.

In the 20th century, the Pomeranian's popularity continued to grow, and it became a popular companion dog and show dog. They are known for their intelligence, trainability and affectionate nature. Pomeranians are also used as therapy dogs and as a companion dog for the elderly and disabled.

Nowadays, the Pomeranian is a small, active and lively dog, known for its fluffy coat and its friendly personality. They are highly trainable, and they excel in obedience, agility and tricks training. They are also great for apartment living, and they make a great companion for people of all ages.

Breed Information


Type

Is Pomeranian a purebred?

Purebred

Purpose

What were Pomeranians originally used for?

Companion, Working Dog

Lifespan

How Long Do Pomeranians Live? What is average life expectancy for a Pomeranian? How long can Pomeranians live?

12-16 years

The average Pomeranian lifespan is somewhere between 12-16 years, provided they aren't beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.

Pomeranian Height & Weight


How big is a full grown Pomeranian?

What is the average height of a Pomeranian? How big is a Purebred Pomeranian height? Pomeranian dog height:
Height
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 8-11 inches (20.3 - 27.9 cm) 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm)
Female 8-11 inches (20.3 - 27.9 cm) 4.5 inches (11.4 cm) 7.0 inches (17.8 cm) 8.5 inches (21.6 cm)
What is the average weight of a Pomeranian? How much should Pomeranians weigh?
Weight
Average 6 months 12 months 18 months
Male 3-7 pounds (1 - 3 kg) 3.0 pounds (1 kg) 4.0 pounds (2 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg)
Female 3-7 pounds (1 - 3 kg) 3.0 pounds (1 kg) 4.0 pounds (2 kg) 5.0 pounds (2 kg)
Weight Gain Potential

Do Pomeranians get fat easily?

The Pomeranian is a breed that has an average to high tendency to gain weight if their weight is not closely monitored. It is important to maintain a balance between exercise and food intake to keep them at a healthy weight. This can be achieved by scheduling at least one daily walk and engaging in regular playtime with them.

Hypoallergenic

Are Pomeranians Hypoallergenic?

No

Unfortunately, the Pomeranian is not hypoallergenic, making it not a good choice for a dog lover who suffers from pet allergies.

Temperament

What is a Pomeranian personality? What are Pomeranian dogs best known for?

Active
Friendly
Lively
Sociable
Extroverted
Intelligent
Playful
Attentive
Docile
Trainable

Shedding Level

Are Pomeranians heavy shedders? How Much Does a Pomeranian Shed?

Pomeranian dogs are not heavy shedders, but they will lose a significant amount of hair each year. To decrease the amount of shedding, you can regularly brush your Pomeranian. This will remove loose hair and keep his coat growing in the same direction.

Watchdog Ability

What is the watchdog ability of a Pomeranian dog?

The Pomeranian dogs are average watchdogs. If they sense something different, this breed will alert their owner.

Breed History


Origin

Where do Pomeranians come from?

Germany

Ancestry

What are Pomeranians descended from?

Norwegian Elkhound, German Spitz, Samoyed, American Eskimo Dog, Schipperke

Breed recognition

What organizations or kennel clubs recognize/register the Pomeranian breed?

American Canine Registry
American Kennel Club
America's Pet Registry
Canadian Kennel Club
Dog Registry of America Inc.
Kennel Club of Great Britain
North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
American Canine Association, Inc.
Australian National Kennel Council
Continental Kennel Club
National Kennel Club
New Zealand Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
Canadian Canine Registry

Date of Birth

When were Pomeranians first bred? How old is the Pomeranian breed?

1800s

Breed Group

What Breed Group is a Pomeranian?

Toy (AKC:1888)
Companion Breeds (UKC)

Pomeranian Appearance


Eye Color Possibilites

What color are Pomeranian eyes?

Blue
Brown

Nose Color Possibilites

What color can Pomeranian nose be naturally?

Black
Brown
Isabella

Coat Color Possibilites

What color can Pomeranian coat be naturally?

Silver
Cream
Red
Brown
Fawn
Gray
Black
White

Coat Length

How long is a Pomeranians coat?

The coat of a Pomeranian falls in the medium length category.

Coat Density

How Dense Is The Pomeranian Coat?

Coat Texture

What is the texture of the hair of a Pomeranian?

Straight

Litter Size

How many puppies can a Pomeranian have in a litter? How many puppies can a Pomeranian have in her first litter?

12-16 puppies per pregnancy

A Pomeranian can have a litter of 12-16 puppies on average. However, it's worth noting that the size of the litters can vary greatly. Factors that can influence litter size include the health of the mother, breeding history, and genetics.

Adaptability

Pomeranians are known for their adaptability and versatility, they are capable of adapting well to a wide range of lifestyle changes and living environments. They are a highly adaptable breed, and make great companions for families and individuals of all lifestyles.

Pomeranian Health Issues


Health Issues

Do Pomeranians have a lot of health problems?

The Pomeranian is generally considered to be healthy. However, like all breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues and it is important to keep an eye out for them and address them with your veterinarian as needed.

Major Concerns

What are the major health concerns to be aware of when owning a Pomeranian?

Patellar Luxation
Entropion
Mono/Bilateral Cryptorchidism
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Collapsed Trachea

Minor Concerns

What are the less significant issues to keep in mind when it comes to Pomeranians?

Cataracts
Allergies
Epilepsy

Occasional Tests

What are the occasional tests recommended for Pomeranian breed?

Eye
Knee
X-Rays
MRI
Eye Examination
Physical Examination
Allergy Tests

Pomeranian Needs and Activities


Energy

Do Pomeranians have a lot of energy?

For those who lead a balanced lifestyle, Pomeranians may be a good choice as they have an average energy level.

Social Needs

Do Pomeranians need socialization? How social are Pomeranians?

Pomeranian have very high social needs. These needs include regular mental and physical stimulation, a job or purpose, and companionship. They thrive in environments where they have a lot of interaction with humans and other dogs.

Exercise Needed

How much exercise should Pomeranians get?

The Pomeranians a breed that requires only a small amount of physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle. These breeds are ideal for people with busy lifestyles, elderly people or those who have limited mobility. They also make great pets for those who live in small apartments or have limited outdoor space.

Sleeping Need

How much sleep should a Pomeranian have? Do Pomeranians sleep a lot?

The Pomeranian breed is known for its moderate energy levels and normal sleep patterns, typically sleeping around 12-14 hours per day.

Drooling Tendency

Does a Pomeranian drool a lot?

The Pomeranian is a breed of dog that is characterized by its minimal drooling, making it an ideal choice for people who dislike drool marks on their clothing.

Tendency to Bark

How much does it bark?

The Pomeranian is a vocal breed, with a tendency to bark and howl frequently. They may not be the best fit for those seeking a quiet companion. Their barks can vary and can indicate different emotions and needs.

Territorial

Do Pomeranians exhibit aggressive behavior to safeguard their home and territory? Do they possess a natural tendency to guard?

These dogs are known for their strong territorial instinct and protective nature. They will fiercely defend their territory and are highly alert and vigilant against any perceived threat to their home and family.

Mouthiness

Are Pomeranians mouthy?

Roaming urge

What is the likelihood of a Pomeranian running away? Do they have a tendency to explore or wander frequently?

Prey Drive

Do Pomeranian dogs have a high prey drive?

Past times

What do Pomeranians enjoy doing? How do I keep my Pomeranian busy?

Walking, Barking, Petting, Eating Snacks, Nap, Brushing, Sleep, Bark, Walk, Observing, Sniffing, Fetch, Go to Park, Groom, Being talked to, Wrestling, Pets, Kisses, Running, Exploring, Slow walking, Sleeping, Growling, Run, Shake, Investigate, Play, Chase, Catch treats, Dog Parks

Activity Level

What is the energy level of a Pomeranian? How much energy does a Pomeranian have?

Medium

Pomeranians are medium-energy dogs and typically enjoy socializing and playing casual or even sustained games of chase with other dogs. They may also have occasional periods of barking or racing around the house.

Tolerance of being left alone

Walks per Week

How far should a Pomeranian walk each week? How many miles should a Pomeranian walk every week?

5 miles / week

There's really no limit to how far you walk your dog as long as they're comfortable. For Pomeranian, it's at least 5 miles / week. Just remember to build distance and stamina gradually over time.

Activity per Day

How much a Pomeranian should exercise a day? How much activity does a Pomeranian need?

40 minutes

In general most Pomeranians usually need at least 40 minutes of exercise daily. This can be spread across the day and include all sorts of high-energy activities, like walking, running and playing.

Grooming

What level of grooming should be provided for a Pomeranian?

The Pomeranian is a breed of dog that requires an average amount of grooming effort.

Brushing Frequency

How often should you brush a Pomeranian?

Daily

Ideally, Pomeranian should be brushed at least 2 or 3 times a week (preferably daily) improve shedding.

Brushing Tools

What are the most commonly used brushing tools for Pomeranians?

Slicker Brush
Comb
Deshedder
Nail Clipper

Costs


Cups

How many cups of food does a Pomeranian eat?

1 cups

For an average 3-7 pound (1 - 3 kg) Pomeranian feed 1 cups daily. But, keep in mind, the amount you feed is going to be dependent on the quality of the food you are feeding.

Daily Cost

How Much Does a Pomeranian Cost Daily?

$1.40 - $2.80 / day

The average cost of a Pomeranian is somewhere $1.40 - $2.80 per day.

Monthly Cost

How Much Does a Pomeranian Cost Per Month?

$35 - $42 / month

The average per month expenses of a Pomeranian is between $35 - $42. This makes an average of $420 - $504 per year. It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots.

Pomeranian Characteristic


Intelligence

How intelligent is a Pomeranian?

The Pomeranian breed is considered very intelligent and easy to train.

Sensitivity Level

How sensitive is a Pomeranian dog?

This dog breed is more sensitive than others and easily overwhelmed by new surroundings and people. They need gentle handling and a calm, stable home environment with positive reinforcement training.

Affection Dependance

Are Pomeranian dogs affectionate?

Apartment Friendly

Do Pomeranian do well in apartments? Are Pomeranians good indoor dogs?

Pomeranians are known for being excellent apartment dogs. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Child Friendly

Are Pomeranians good with kids? Are Pomeranians good around children?

Pomeranians are not the most kid-friendly dogs. If you have children, you might want to reconsider adopting another dog as a companion.

Senior-friendly

Are Pomeranians good for elderly?

Cat Friendly

Are Pomeranians good with cats? How friendly Pomeranians are toward cats?

Pomeranians are very cat friendly dogs. They generally make good companions for cats.

Dog Friendly

Do Pomeranian dogs get along with other dogs? Are Pomeranians OK with other dogs?

Pomeranians are average friendly towards other dogs. If they are raised with other dogs, they are likely to get along with them. And, if they are socialized properly from a young age, they will usually be great with other dogs.

Pet friendly

How do Pomeranian dogs interact with other pets? Are they considered pet-friendly?

Stranger Friendly

Are Pomeranians friendly with strangers?

Pomeranians are below average friendly around strangers. Keen of eye and sharp of tongue, most Pomeranians are very quick to announce strangers at the door. Once the visitor comes in, some Pomeranians will be friendly and outgoing. But many others have the standoffish or suspicious towards strangers.

Playfulness

Do Pomeranians like to play? Are Pomeranians playful?

Pomeranians have an average level of playfulness. The Pomeranians, like other dogs, like to play. But they are not the most playful dog breed.

Trainability

Are Pomeranian easily trained?

Pomeranian dogs are known for their ease of training and ability to learn quickly, making them a popular choice for pet owners and trainers alike.

Pros Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Small size
    Suitable for small homes or apartments
  • Cat Friendly
    Pomeranians and cats tend to be a suitable pairing.
  • Good with children and other pets
    Making them a great family pet
  • Service Dog
    This breed is a good fit for service dog training and work.
  • Therapy Dog
    This breed possesses the necessary traits to succeed as a therapy dog.
  • Intelligent
    Easy to train, suitable for obedience and agility training
  • Affectionate
    Loyal towards their owners, making them great companion dogs

Cons

  • Tendency to gain weight
    Not paying attention to a Pomeranian's weight can cause it to become overweight.
  • Not suitable for office environment
    Pomeranians may struggle to adapt to an office environment.
  • Not Hypoallergenic
    Allergy sufferers may want to consider a different breed of dog, as Pomeranians may not be a good fit due to the potential for allergic reactions.
  • Barking
    The Pomeranian breed is known for its loudness.