Cute and sassy, Pomeranians love to warm laps and soak up cuddles, making them the ideal companion for owners who have time to share.
Personality and temperament
An adorable ball of fluff, these tiny dogs have bigger personalities than you might think. Their perky, alert nature combines playfulness, confidence and a little bit of sassiness to create the perfect companion. While they’re prone to barking at strange noises, if socialised well Pomeranians make friends with other pets quickly.
Size and appearance
Pomeranians have a small, fox-like face, short legs and teeny-tiny paws. With a thick double coat, they can appear larger than they are, however most weigh little more than three kilos and stand no more than about 30 centimetres. Their fur contains a soft under coat and a longer, tougher outer coat culminating in their signature frill around the neck and shoulders. They come in almost every canine colour, including white, black, light or dark brown, blue and orange.
History
Originally bred to be much larger, it’s believed Pomeranians came from the region of Pomerania, near the Baltic Sea. With their thick coats and alert nature, they were used to protect homes and herds of animals, and also to pull sledges. After being imported into England in the 1800s, they began to shrink in size and become popular after Queen Victoria famously owned an especially small Pomeranian. During Victoria’s reign, Poms shrunk even further to become the toy dog of choice for nobles – a Pom even survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.
Health conditions that can affect this breed
Pomeranians are small but hardy dogs, though they can be prone to:
- Tracheal collapse (leading to breathing difficulties)
- Patellar luxation (dislocating kneecaps)
- An underactive thyroid
- Alopecia X (Hair loss disorder
Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help minimise risks.
Food and exercise
Due to their size, it’s easy to overfeed these tiny dogs, so make sure you provide well-balanced meals and restrict treats to training time. While they do need a moderate amount of exercise, Poms can get by with 30 minutes to an hour of exercise a day broken up into smaller, snack-sized sessions. This can include indoor playtime, short walks and mental stimulation.
Grooming and maintenance
Pomeranians have a water-resistant, double coat that needs regular maintenance, although they shed naturally.
- Bathe: every 4-6 weeks
- Professional groom: every 2–3 months
How to groom a Pomeranian
- Fur: brush 2–3 times per week to prevent tangles and matting
- Nails: trim every 3–4 weeks
- Ears: clean bi-weekly
- Eyes: wipe gently to prevent tear stains
Training and space requirements
Despite a distinctly independent streak, these highly intelligent dogs welcome training, especially as it means more time with their humans. Along with firm, positive teachings, Poms need socialisation with other animals to help with their anxiety.
Thanks to their small size and moderate exercise needs, this breed is well suited to apartment or small space living and they may find large houses intimidating.
Best suited for…
Pomeranians are a great choice for any pup-loving household, including families who can spend a lot of time with their dog, and who can commit to their training and grooming needs.
