Pomeranian breed guide: Care, training, and fun facts
Breed guide overview
About Pomeranians
Temperament
Exercise
Grooming
Training
Diet
Health
About the Pomeranian breed
Pomeranians, often referred to as "Poms," are a small and lively toy breed that originated from the region of Pomerania in Europe (a historical region between Poland and Germany). Despite their small size, Pomeranians have a big personality.
Pomeranians are descended from larger sled-pulling dogs and were selectively bred down in size to become the lovable lap dogs they are today.
They have a thick double coat that comes in a wide variety of colours, including orange, black, white, cream, and more.
Weight, height and life expectancy
Pomeranians have an average height of around 18-30cm and weigh between 1.8 and 3.5kg.
Their life expectancy ranges from 12 to 16 years.
What is the temperament of a Pomeranian like?
Pomeranians are known for their confident and lively temperament. They are often described as extroverted, friendly, and curious.
Despite their small size, Pomeranians have a bold and assertive nature.They can be quite vocal and tend to bark to alert their owners of any perceived threats.
While they make excellent companion dogs, they may not be the best choice for families with very young children, as Pomeranians can be easily injured due to their small size.
Early socialisation and positive training are important to ensure they develop good manners and get along well with other pets and people.
Our Pomeranian Community
“A very lazy & calm pomeranian who only gets excited by treats and balls, which he can fetch for hours otherwise - he loves sleeping and cuddling…”
Simba’s owner, Nada from Essex
"Biscuit knows all the fun tricks, loves a treat and being outdoors. He doesn’t bark, is calm and loves snoozing after walkies."
Biscuit’s owner, Aggie from London
How much exercise does a Pomeranian need?
Pomeranians have moderate exercise needs and require approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. They are active little dogs and enjoy short walks, play sessions, and mental stimulation activities. However, it's important to be mindful of their small size and avoid excessive strenuous exercise that could strain their delicate bones and joints.
Keep in mind that each Pomeranian is unique, and their exercise requirements may vary based on age, health, and individual energy levels. As puppies they should have a lower level of exercise until they are around 12 months old.
Your vet can advise on the exercise needs of your individual pooch.
Need an extra hand exercising your Pomeranian? Find a local borrower today.
Do Pomeranians need a lot of grooming?
Pomeranians have a beautiful and fluffy double coat that requires regular grooming to keep it looking its best. Their coats need to be brushed at least a few times a week to prevent matting and tangling.
During shedding seasons, which can occur twice a year, Pomeranians may require more frequent brushing to remove loose hair. Additionally, occasional baths are essential parts of their grooming routine to maintain their overall health and hygiene.
Some Pom owners visit a professional groomer to help keep their pooch looking pawfect.
Like any dog, regular tooth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste twice daily is ideal. If you can’t manage that often, just do it as often as you can.
Are Pomeranians easy to train?
Pomeranians are intelligent dogs and can be trained with patience and consistency. However, they do have a bit of a stubborn streak, which can make training challenging at times.
Positive reinforcement methods, such as rewards and praise, work best when training Pomeranians. Keep training sessions short, engaging, and fun to hold their attention.
Socialisation is also crucial for Pomeranians to develop good behaviour and confidence in various situations.
Want to experience spending time with a Pomeranian to decide if this breed is right for you? Borrow a Pomeranian near you.
What do Pomeranians eat?
Pomeranians should be fed a high-quality, balanced diet formulated for small breeds. Their diet should provide them with the necessary nutrients to support their overall health and well-being.
It's important to feed them appropriate portion sizes to prevent obesity, as Pomeranians can be prone to weight gain. Most do well being fed twice daily.
Puppies should be fed a specially formulated puppy food until they reach around 12 months of age, as they have different nutritional requirements during their growth phase. Most puppies should be fed 3-4 times daily until 6 months old when this can be reduced to twice daily.
It's recommended to consult with your vet to determine the appropriate food and portion sizes for your Pomeranian at each life stage.
Are Pomeranians healthy?
Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health concerns. Some health issues that are more commonly seen in Pomeranians include:
Bones and joints
Elbow Dysplasia - this condition is where there is an issue with how the bones fit together at the elbow joint
Luxating patella - this is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of where it should normally be
Dental
Periodontal Disease - a buildup of plaque and tartar on a dog’s teeth leading to inflammation, infection and tooth loss
Eyes
Cataracts - a common cause of blindness due to a clouding of the lens of the eye
Entropion - this is where the eyelids roll in, causing eyelashes to rub onto the surface of the eye
Hormonal
Cushing’s Disease (hyperadrenocorticism) - when the adrenal gland produces too steroid hormone
Hypothyroidism - a condition where your dog does not produce enough thyroid hormone
Neurological
Syringomyelia - where fluid-filled cavities develop in the spinal cord, which can cause pain and neurological signs
Respiratory
Tracheal Collapse - when a dog’s windpipe collapses due to the weakening of cartilage leading to a narrowing or closing off of their airway, often first noted as a honking cough
Skin
Atopy - when the immune system overreacts to an allergen and results in skin irritation
This list is by no means comprehensive, if you have any concerns about the health of your dog, or if you want to discuss further if a Pom is right for you, consult with your vet.
Vet top tip
Be mindful of their delicate size and supervise interactions with larger pets or young children to prevent accidental injury.
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Information on this page should never replace advice given by your veterinarian. Potential health issues presented are given as a guide only and are not meant to be comprehensive. If you ever have any concerns about your dog's health, contact your local vet.
