Discover the Pomeranian, a breed celebrated for its friendly, intelligent, and loyal nature. Recognized as a small toy dog, Pomeranians have their origins in Germany, where they were initially bred for herding starting in the 18th century.
In this post, we share insights from nearly 100 Sniffspot Pomeranian owners, offering practical advice for new and prospective Pomeranian owners. Whether you’re considering adopting or rescuing a Pomeranian or already have one, you'll find valuable tips on how to care for and enjoy life with a friendly Pomeranian.
As Sniffspot user Elizabeth says, "My Pom is very lovable and playful with her owners and people she knows."
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
Pomeranian Quick Characteristics
- Breed Type: Toy
- Size: Small
- Life Expectancy: 12 to 16
- Healthy Weight Range: 3 to 7
- Height Range: 6 to 7
- Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Loyal
- Coat Type: Long, double coat
- Color: Orange, black, white, cream, blue, brown, red, and a variety of other combinations
About the Pomeranian
According to nearly 10,000 Sniffspot community users who shared real-world data about their Pomeranian, we learned that these dogs are friendly and intelligent. The Pomeranian is also known to be very friendly and social with children and cautious around new pets.
When living with a Pom, 65% of our owners indicated that a large house with a fenced yard is ideal. Additionally, 56% of owners found that a apartment or condominium with regular walks is also acceptable. This dog is moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer and owners say that the Pomeranian learns best with positive reinforcement, consistent routines, and socialization.
In terms of exercise, 35% of Sniffspot owners say their Pomeranian benefits from moderate exercise every day, including between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. The Sniffspot Pom community would recommend this dog for first-time owners.
History and Origin of Pomeranian
The Pomeranian, a small and lively breed, originated from the historical region of Pomerania, which lies on the coast of the Baltic Sea in present-day Germany and Poland. Despite their small size today, Pomeranians are descended from much larger spitz-type dogs that were originally bred for herding and sledding in Arctic regions. The breed became smaller over time, and its popularity skyrocketed during the 18th century when Queen Victoria of England fell in love with the breed, helping to popularize it as a fashionable companion dog.
Queen Victoria’s affection for Pomeranians is said to have inspired breeders to make the breed even smaller, solidifying its status as a toy breed. The modern Pomeranian we know today typically weighs between 3 and 7 pounds and retains its characteristic fluffy coat, erect ears, and fox-like face. Their compact size, combined with a vibrant and bold personality, made them especially popular among European aristocracy and the general public alike.
Today, Pomeranians are beloved for their intelligence, outgoing nature, and striking appearance. Despite their small stature, they maintain a big-dog attitude, often displaying high energy and a strong desire to be the center of attention. They thrive as companion dogs and can adapt well to various living environments, from city apartments to large homes.
Pomeranian Traits and Characteristics
- Temperament: Friendly, Intelligent, Loyal
- Energy Level: Moderate
- Trainability: Moderately trainable - Learns commands with consistent training and practice.
- Grooming needs: High maintenance - Requires frequent grooming, including regular brushing, bathing, and trimming.
- Good with Kids: Very friendly and social with children
- Good with Other Pets: Cautious around new pets
What to Expect as a Pomeranian Dog Owner
As a Pomeranian owner, it's important to know the best dog breed tips and what to expect from current Pomeranian owners.
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Research 2024
Grooming Needs
Pomeranian dogs require high maintenance grooming. This means Pomeranian owners should expect frequent grooming, including regular brushing, bathing, and trimming. Pomeranian dogs have a long, double coat, which is ideal for insulation from cold weather. Their long, double coat is considered moderate shed.
To keep your Pomeranian's coat healthy and up to breed standards, brush at least twice a week to avoid matting. Of the coat types for breeds in the toy group, the grooming needs for Pomeranian are considered to be high maintenance.
Exercise Needs
Pomeranians require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Poms are considered a very athletic, high-energy breed.
Poms make great pets and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Poms report their dogs especially love playing with squeaky toys, puzzle toys, and running/jogging.
When small breeds like Poms don't get sufficient exercise, they're more likely to act out with undesirable behaviors like excessive barking, stubbornness, and separation anxiety. They need consistent training, mental activity, and regular moderate exercise to avoid excess energy.
Diet and Nutrition
What should you feed your Pomeranian to keep them healthy? As a moderate energy breed, what you feed them is important. A reported 35% of our community feed their Pom commercial dry kibble.
With moderate exercise, Poms should eat 0.25 to 0.5 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight of around 3 to 7 lbs. However, your Pomeranian's ideal weight and food depend on your pet's sex, activity level, and age.
Pomeranian Health Concerns
The Pomeranian breed is most prone to dental problems (e.g., periodontal disease, tooth decay) and joint problems (e.g., hip dysplasia, arthritis). A reported 47% of our Pomeranian owners note dental problems like periodontal disease, dental calculous, tooth loss, bad breath, or an oral infection are common for their pets. Pom's risk for these challenges increases as they age.
Similarly, 30% reported joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. Lastly, 26% of Pomeranian owners claim their dog struggles with skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis — a common Pom health concern. If you're worried about any of these health issues above, talk to your Pom's vet.
How Friendly Are Pomeranians?
Another important thing to consider when adopting a Pom is whether or not this breed fits with your current family. How friendly are Pomeranians compared to other small-sized breeds?
Source: Sniffspot Community Breed Survey 2024
With moderate training, you can hone your Pom's toy instinct into a friendly and intelligent family dog. Introducing your pet to positive reinforcement (treats, praise, rewards) and consistent daily training routines early helps them avoid undesirable behaviors like barking, stubbornness, and separation anxiety. Our community Pomeranian owners comment on their pet's friendliness:
- I like how easily trainable they are so that they can always be learning new tricks. (Anon)
- She's obnoxiously energetic. She never sits still, is always down to play or be pet. (Kiko)
- He's always up for anything! (Anon)
Courtney Vitale on Unsplash
How to Train Your Pomeranian
Whether you're adopting a Pom puppy or an adult Pomeranian, training is a significant part of owning a small-sized breed. Without proper training, your Pom is more likely to display undesirable behaviors such as barking, stubbornness, and separation anxiety. Providing stimulating activities is a great first step, but this needs to be paired with the right training for your Pom.
As a toy breed, Pomeranians benefit from praise and positive reinforcement. Here's what our Pom community recommended based on their experience with their own dogs:
- Positive Reinforcement (93%): This includes treats, praise, rewards, and so on for positive behavior
- Consistent Routines (40%): A consistent training routine allows your pet to get comfortable with expectations
- Socialization (37%): Socializing your dog with other pets, dogs, and people prepares them to interact with the world
As dogs bred for herding, Poms are considered moderately trainable, often benefiting from a professional trainer.
What Do Owners Love About Pomeranians?
We asked Sniffspot Pom owners what they love the most about their Pomeranian pups, and here's what they had to say:
- They are full of fun energy and attitude and are just adorable all the way around. (Anon)
- Pierre is a rescue Pomeranian mix. His breed makes him naturally loyal and protective of his human and environment (including his rescue horse brother). He’s all bark and no bite making him a great teacher to people scared of dogs (and a LOUD deterrent to sketchy people approaching the car). He’s the guard dog no one asked for but everyone needs. (Maya + Pierre the pup)
- His energy and playfulness. He could play fetch for 4 hours if we let him. (Fiona)
What Are the Biggest Challenges for Pomeranian Owners?
Similarly, Pom owners shared some of the biggest challenges of living with their Pomeranian:
- Independence makes training challenging sometimes, noisy alert dogs! (Kezia)
- Maintaining their coat can be difficult or expensive, especially in the summer months, and just being aware of their size and making sure you don't overfeed. They tend to have dental problems earlier than most dogs. They have a tendency to be talkative as well, which may annoy neighbors. (Anon)
- The Velcro nature of the breed makes it tough to train sometimes. He’s so locked in on you, you can’t get space. Our professional trainer says she’s training Pierre with the opposite of what dog owners usually need (“stay away from me” instead of “come back to me”). Their spatial awareness is challenging. (Maya + Pierre the pup)
Is a Pomeranian Right for a First-Time Dog Owner?
Source: Sniffspot 2024 Community Dog Breed Survey
According to 72% of our Sniffspot community, Pomeranians are a great first-time dog. This comes from their friendly nature and moderate exercise needs. Pomeranian owners say it best:
- His energy and playfulness. He could play fetch for 4 hours if we let him. (Fiona)
- I like how easily trainable they are so that they can always be learning new tricks. (Anon)
- She's obnoxiously energetic. She never sits still, is always down to play or be pet. (Kiko)
Advice for Pomeranian Owners
Luckily, our Sniffspot community is full of experienced, trustworthy Pom owners. These Pomeranian breed owners share the most essential dog breed tips and advice for prospective or new dog owners:
Prepare for a high-energy, big personality in a small package.
- Prepare for a real dog! Some Pomeranians are content as a lap dog, but I have found most are not. Mine are high energy both physically and mentally. (Kezia)
- Do your research, meet the breed, ask good questions. They are small and adorable but have big attitudes and feelings. (Deb)
Start training early, especially for barking.
- Work on barking behaviour right away, otherwise your neighbours are going to hate you. And just because they are smaller breeds, don’t underestimate the level of exercise and energy draining Pomeranians need especially for preventive health. Find outlets that work for your dog - it may be fetch, it may be tug, it may be games, it may be sniffing… (Maya + Pierre the pup)
- Be ready to train young and be willing to listen to lots of barking. (KR)
Grooming and dental care are essential.
- Just make sure you can afford regular grooming and dental care. (Anon)
- Make sure you research everything and understand the grooming requirements. (SC)
Socialize them early to prevent behavior issues.
- Need to socialize early with lots of training and some shedding. (Jeannette)
- Treat them like a large dog and socialize in all environments. (Brytany)
Frequently Asked Questions about the Pomeranian
What is the average lifespan of a Pomeranian?
The average lifespan of a Pomeranian is typically between 12 to 16 years.
What is the size of a Pomeranian?
An adult Pomeranian weighs between 3 to 7 pounds and stands between 6 to 7 inches tall.
How much grooming does a Pomeranian need?
Pomeranian dogs require high maintenance grooming. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and manageable. Pomeranian dogs have a long, double coat, which is well-suited for insulation from cold weather. They are considered moderate shedders.
To maintain your Pomeranian's coat, it's important to brush at least twice a week to avoid matting. Among toy breeds, Pomeranian grooming is categorized as more complicated.
How much exercise do Pomeranians need?
Pomeranians require moderate activity each day. Though one of the most popular dog breeds, Poms are classified as a moderately athletic, somewhat high-energy breed.
Poms are excellent companions and thrive with between 1-2 hours of activity each day, including walks and active play sessions. Owners of Poms note that their dogs particularly enjoy playing with squeaky toys, puzzle toys, and running/jogging.
If small breeds like Poms don't receive enough exercise, they may develop unwanted behaviors. These dogs need ongoing training, mental stimulation, and consistent exercise to channel their energy effectively.
How friendly are Pomeranians with children?
According to our data, Pomeranians are very friendly and social with children with children.
How well do Pomeranians get along with other pets?
Our research indicates that Pomeranians are cautious around new pets with other pets.
What should you feed your Pomeranian to keep him healthy?
As a moderate energy breed, the diet of your Pom is crucial. A significant 35% of our community feed their Pom commercial dry kibble.
For optimal health, Poms should consume 0.25 to 0.5 cups of vet-recommended food to maintain a healthy weight around 3 to 7 pounds. The exact amount and type of food will depend on your Pomeranian's sex, activity level, and age.
What health concerns are common for Pomeranians?
The Pomeranian breed is particularly prone to dental problems like periodontal disease, dental calculous, tooth loss, bad breath, or an oral infection and joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. Our data shows that 47% of Pomeranian owners reported dental problems like periodontal disease, dental calculous, tooth loss, bad breath, or an oral infection. Pom's risk for these health issues increases as they age.
Additionally, 30% reported joint problems like arthritis, elbow dysplasia, degenerative issues, and osteosarcoma. Finally, 26% of Pomeranian owners indicated their dog struggles with skin conditions like allergies, yeast infections, impetigo, ringworm, alopecia, and folliculitis, which are common Pom health concerns. If you have concerns about any of these health issues, consult your Pom's veterinarian.
Resources for Pomeranian Owners
Whether you're a current Pomeranian dog owner or you're considering adopting a Pom, Sniffspot is here to lend a helping hand. Here are some of the most relevant resources for Pomeranian owners.
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