Pomeranian Breed Information

Pomeranians are toy dogs that are bold, inquisitive, and full of life. They are affectionate with family and do reasonably well with young children and other dogs in the family. They have limited exercise needs (short walks and indoor play) and can therefore do well with laid back families and urban dwellers. There’s a reason Pomeranians are called the ideal companions – they have a vivacious, lively personality and an alert, inquisitive nature that keeps their humans on their toes. The foxy face and gorgeous coat make Poms strikingly good looking, which is why they have historically been the favorites of royals.

In terms of size, Pomeranians are tiny. The average height of a Pomeranian is 6-7 inches and the average weight is 3-7 pounds. The life expectancy of a Pomeranian is 12-16 years on average. Standard colors in Poms are black, brindle, tan, blue, blue, merle, chocolate, cream, orange, red, sable, and combinations of these colors with white, merle, brindle, sable, and tan markings.

Pomeranians are generally healthy, but they are prone to certain congenital conditions. Ask the breeder to show you the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) results of a Pomeranian puppy’s parents (dam and sire health screening results).

If you’re thinking of bringing a Pomeranian puppy home, know that the abundant coat which gives this dog its good looks is also high maintenance. You’ll need to brush your Pom’s coat frequently to keep the hair from matting. Unless you’re a pro, you’ll need to take your Pomeranian to a professional groomer every 4-6 weeks.

Pomeranians are toy dogs and lap dogs but they do require some exercise, although minimal. Indoor play and short walks are usually sufficient. If you have a yard, make sure there are no areas in the fence from where your Pom can escape – they are very good at climbing over short fences and squeezing under gaps. Also, always supervise your Pomeranian when outdoors as this small dog can be mistaken for a squirrel or rabbit by predatory birds.

Training your Pomeranian will require patience, consistency, and firm but loving direction. This is an alert and intelligent breed that learns quickly.

In terms of nutrition, always feed your Pomeranian high-quality dog food that’s appropriate for her age. Have fresh, clean water available at all times. Use treats in moderation as they can quickly lead to obesity and related health problems in Pomeranians, as in other breeds.