Pomeranian

Temperament and Personality

Don’t be fooled by the pint-sized Pomeranian – these perky pups really pack a punch! The Pomeranian personality is outgoing, lively, courageous, and curious. Naturally extroverted, Pomeranians (also known as Poms) are funny little fluff balls and love to be the centre of attention, providing endless entertainment for their owners.

Being part of the Spitz breed group, Pomeranians are fiercely loyal, protective, and are always  on high alert, making them great personal watchdogs despite their miniature size. And while you might not see them, you’ll definitely hear them! Poms are known to be very vocal dogs with a distinctive ‘yap’.

Although bred over the years to be a toy companion dog, the temperament of a Pomeranian is not that of a lounging lap dog. They’re energetic with an independent, inquisitive streak, and love to explore their surroundings, so snuggling on the sofa all day isn’t for them. 

While Pomeranians are friendly, affectionate, loving dogs, they tend to form strong bonds with just one person. They’re also known to get a bit too big for their (little) boots. Their tiny size and incredibly cute faces can cause owners to forgive them for their wrongdoings, allowing Small Dog Syndrome to sneak in. This leads to behaviour issues such as stubbornness, entitlement, and even aggression. It’s important they know their place in the pack and that they’re not treated like the princes and princesses they believe themselves to be! 

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a small and spritely companion, the Pomeranian could be the breed for you.

What is a Teacup Pomeranian?

The standard Pomeranian size is very small, weighing only 1.5–3 kg and measuring just 13–28 cm in height. However, Teacup Pomeranians are even smaller. They’re not a separate breed, but the term is used to describe a Pom smaller than the breed standard. They’re the result of two naturally small Poms mating, but some breeders have resorted to using unethical practices – such as breeding runts or malnourishing the dogs – in order to produce the Teacup Pomeranian.

Pomeranian paw-sonality traits

• Spritely and spunky
• Intelligent and curious
• Extroverted and lively
• Alert and vocal
• Protective and territorial
• Brave, bold and confident
• Energetic and playful
• Cute and cheerful
• Loyal to owners
• High prey drive
• Fun to be around
• Thrives on attention
• Wary of strangers
• Loves fuss but isn’t a typical lap dog
• Forms strong bonds with one person
• Can be snappy if they feel threatened
• Needs a lot of mental stimulation
  

Pomeranian pros and cons

Are Pomeranians good family dogs?

Yes, Pomeranians can be a great addition to more mature families, given their size and low-maintenance exercise needs. While affectionate and loving little dogs, they’re often described as ‘one-man dogs’ which could cause a divide in a large household. They require regular grooming and are also prone to develop separation anxiety, so they need dedicated owners that want to spend lots of time with their pooch. In the right environment, the silly antics and fun-loving spirits of the Pomeranian are sure to keep the whole family entertained.

Are Pomeranians good with children?

Maybe. Although they’re delightful companions, these dinky dogs have a strong, feisty character. Pomeranians can snap and react defensively if they feel threatened, and demand respect for their boundaries. They also have a very fragile frame under all that fluff, so they don’t take well to rough play. Toddlers and young children could accidentally hurt a Pomeranian through no fault of their own, or end up being hurt themselves if a Pom snaps at them. This breed can also be stubborn and won’t take orders from anyone it sees as beneath them.

These dogs are better suited to a household with older children and teens who can respect boundaries, play gently and are generally more assertive. This doesn’t mean to say they can’t go paw-in-paw with little ones though. With thorough socialisation and exposing them to babies, toddlers and teens, the spunky Pomeranian can grow up to be a child’s best friend.

Are Pomeranians good with other pets?

Yes. If socialised and trained well from puppyhood, Pomeranians get along nicely with other dogs. They can even live with cats if they’ve been raised together from a young age. However, caution should be taken around big dogs. In a Pom’s mind, they’re the size of a lion and have no qualms in challenging large breeds, which could put them at risk. The Pomeranian also has a surprisingly high prey drive, so could be tempted to chase smaller pets such as guinea pigs and hamsters. 

Care Requirements

We all want our dogs to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Pomeranian properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered. 

How much exercise does a Pomeranian need?

When fully grown, these little guys and gals need about 30 minutes of physical exercise a day, ideally split into two 15 minute walks. Descending from the same dog group as the Husky, the Pomeranian is a keen and curious explorer that enjoys running, but owners should consider their size and sensitivity to heat.

Their brains also need a good workout too. Pomeranians are energetic, intelligent dogs who love to learn, so they need lots of mental enrichment to prevent boredom and excessive barking from kicking in. Puzzle toys, challenging games and learning new tricks will help keep their sharp minds occupied. 

As they don’t need much exercise and hate to be left alone, they’re an ideal companion for people who spend a lot of time at home.

How do you train a Pomeranian?

Pomeranians can be surprisingly easy to train as they’re eager to learn and enjoy working with their owner. However, they can be a little stubborn and unpredictable, so they might be better suited to owners with some experience. Also, like most toy breeds with tiny digestive systems, Poms can be harder to house train than other breeds.

Unleash their potential with some fun Pomeranian training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as these Turkey & Hemp Meaty Treats. Poms are quite sensitive and can be defensive if corrected harshly, so a gentle approach works best.

2. Prevent Small Dog Syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can cause them to develop behavioural issues, including aggression. Poms might try to push the limits of what they can get away with, so set boundaries and consistently enforce them, no matter how much they try to sway you.

3. Prioritise potty training. Poms need consistency when it comes to housetraining, so be sure to establish a routine for feeding times, potty breaks and playtime to help them understand what's expected of them.

4. Socialise front the start. Socialisation is crucial for the feisty Pomeranian. Expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

5. Keep the barking at bay. Pomeranians are natural watchdogs who are notorious for being yappy. They’ll bark at anything they perceive as a threat, including sounds and strangers. It’s important to desensitise your Pom to triggers by gradually exposing them to stuff that makes them bark. You should also teach them the ‘quiet’ command, remembering to only reward them when they’re silent.

6. Do trick training. Channel their love of attention by incorporating tricks into their obedience training. This breed loves to learn, so teach them how to do ‘high five’, ‘roll over’ or ‘spin’ and prepare to be entertained!

7. Establish who’s boss. The smart and confident Pomeranian is a strong-willed dog that may try to push the boundaries. Ensure to set clear rules and consistently enforce them. This will help your Pom understand what's expected of them and reduce any unwanted behaviour.

8. Keep them active. The Pomeranian is a lively breed that has bundles of energy, so engage them in mini agility or scent work to give their brains and bodies a good workout.

9. Be patient with their separation anxiety. While they should never be left alone for hours on end, you can help them be more comfortable with their own company by gradually increasing the amount of time you're away from home. Start with small increments (e.g., 5-10 minutes) and make sure they have a toy or puzzle to keep them busy.

How much grooming do Pomeranians need?

Pomeranians have a thick, long, fluffy double coat that sheds a lot throughout the year, especially during spring and autumn. The undercoat is soft and thick, while the top coat is straight, shiny and rougher to the touch. There’s a distinct ‘frill’ around the neck and chest, giving this breed a proud lionesque appearance.

This magnificent coat is the Pom’s crowning glory, but these locks do require a bit of upkeep. Here are some tips to help you learn how to groom a Pomeranian.

• Brush their coat daily or at least three times a week to prevent their fur from matting and tangling. Use a wire slicker brush followed by a metal wide-toothed comb.
  
  
• Ensure you brush all the way to the skin to remove dead hairs in the undercoat.
  Focus on problem areas such as the rear end where doggo dingleberries and other dirty bits could be hiding.
  
  
• Brush more regularly during shedding seasons.
  
  
• Trim away excess hair around their feet, face, ears, and rear end, and bathe regularly using a dog-friendly shampoo. Don’t overdo it though as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance of their skin and cause allergies to flare up.
  
  
• Clean around their eyes daily with a cotton pad to prevent issues from eye-tearing and staining.
  
  
• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.
  
  
• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
  
  
• Keep your Pom looking paw-fect by scheduling them in for regular professional grooms. This will include a bath, haircut, nail trim and the opportunity for a groomer to spot anything that might need your vet’s attention.
  
  
• Don’t forget their teeth and gums. Pomeranians are prone to dental issues, so use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste daily to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stinky breath.
  
  
• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the dog dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Pomeranian lifespan is between 12 and 16 years. However, like many beautiful purebreds, there are some specific health problems for the dainty Pom.

Common Pomeranian health issues

• Allergies. Allergies can be triggered by food or environmental factors like pollen, grass, household chemicals, dust mites or flea bites. Allergies cause itchy skin and digestive issues. If your dog is excessively scratching, rubbing their face, licking their paws, vomiting or having bouts of diarrhoea, they may be suffering from an allergy.
  
  
• Patella Luxation. This is when the kneecaps slip out of place, causing discomfort and pain. Pet owners can help prevent this by stopping their pooch from engaging in high-impact activities or jumping up and down from furniture.  
  
  
• Hip Dysplasia. This is a genetic condition where the hip joint doesn’t fit together properly, potentially leading to arthritis and mobility issues. Those looking to bring a Pomeranian puppy home should aim to buy from reputable breeders who disclose the hip scores of the parents. Diseases of the joints can usually be managed with a combination of pain relief, anti-inflammatories, joint supportive dog food, and joint supplements.
  
  
• Legg-Perthes Disease. This hereditary condition causes the head of the femur to receive less blood supply, eventually leading to necrosis where the femur and pelvis connect. It usually affects young dogs with the main sign being gradual lameness of the back legs. It can be treated successfully through surgery.
  
  
• Distichiasis. This is a condition where the eyelashes grow inwardly, leading to inflammation of the eye, excessive discharge and a lot of pain for your pooch. If left untreated, it can cause corneal ulceration. Treatments vary depending on the severity of the symptoms.
  
  
• Eye Problems. Poms are prone to a number of eye problems, including cataracts, dry eye and issues with overactive tear ducts. Young adult dogs can develop these issues and if left untreated, can lead to more severe outcomes such as blindness.
  
  
• Tracheal Collapse. This condition affects the dog’s windpipe, causing a chronic cough and a reduced ability to exercise. It’s often seen in small dogs, especially those whose lead is attached to just their collar and not a harness. Treatment can include medication, surgery, or both.
  
  
• Hypoglycemia. This is where dogs experience a sudden drop in blood sugar, and is more commonly seen in small breeds and pups under 3 months old. If your dog shows signs, such as weakness, lack of appetite, shaking, or seizures, you should seek medical assistance immediately. A low-quality diet or underfeeding is generally attributed to Hypoglycemia.
  
  
• Dental Issues. Their miniature mouths can lead to overcrowded teeth or teeth growing in at odd angles, leading to abscesses and infections. Keep on top of their oral hygiene and consider using specially formulated dental treats and dog food.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Pomeranian a well balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Pomeranian eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Pomeranian will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity levels and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed. 

As Pomeranians have high metabolism and lack of fat stores, it’s encouraged to feed them small amounts frequently throughout the day. A good suggestion for adult Poms is 3 times a day, ensuring they’re well fueled for all their activities. 

The best food for a Pomeranian is one that’s been developed with their medical needs in mind. Dog food made especially for small breeds is also recommended as the size of the kibble is smaller – perfect for their tiny teeth!

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Feed a balanced diet
Their disposition to become hypoglycemic means Pomeranians need a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets their nutritional needs. You should also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil, which helps to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.

Protect their joints
To help keep the patella luxation at bay, don’t over exercise your Pomeranian or allow them to jump up and down from furniture. Also, consider adding Joint Tablet supplements to their diet as an extra preventative measure.

Use a harness
Walking your Pomeranian using just a collar can lead to tracheal collapse, so always use a harness to protect their delicate windpipes.

Monitor weight
A healthy Pomeranian weight is anywhere between 1.5kg and 3kg. A portion of their daily calories should be allotted to yummy dental treats and chews to help keep their teeth nice and healthy, such as these Dental Probiotic Meaty Treats.

Monitor blood sugar levels
As Poms are prone to Hypoglycemia, create a plan with your vet to manage their blood sugar levels.

Check their eyes and skin
Regular eye tests can detect early signs of cataracts, and a balanced diet rich in omega-3s (found in fish) can help support eye health. Pomeranians are also prone to allergies, so routinely check their skin and ears, and consult with your vet if you notice anything suspicious. Frequent grooming will also prevent matting and tangling which often exacerbates skin irritability. You could also consider feeding your Pom a dog food designed with allergies in mind. 

Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Pomeranian’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Pomeranian is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.

How much is a Pomeranian puppy?

The price of a Pomeranian can cost anywhere between £700 and £2,500. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The average monthly total cost for owning a Pomeranian is between £50 to £80.

Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, feeding a Pomeranian costs between £20 and £30 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs
As this breed is prone to a few health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance for your Pomeranian should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Pomeranian even more with these tidbits and tales about everyone's favourite fluff ball!

• Pomeranians are not actually from Pomerania. While they were hugely popular and predominant in this region in central Europe, their birthplace was actually Iceland.
  
  
• Pomeranians used to pull sleds and herd reindeer, and no, we’re not pulling your tail! Poms are part of the Spitz dog family and used to be a much larger breed. They’re closely related to Huskies, Malamutes, Samoyeds, and Akitas.
  
  
• Pomeranians are at home with the rich and famous. Michelangelo, President Theodore Roosevelt, Elvis, Charles Darwin, Marie Antoinette, Isaac Newton, and Mozart have all owned Pomeranians! Mozart dedicated a musical piece to his pooch, Pimperl, and Michelangelo’s pup was said to have relaxed on a satin pillow while he painted the Sistine Chapel. It certainly is a dog’s life!
  
  
• Queen Victoria was crazy about Pomeranians. She’s thought to have owned 35 throughout her life, and before she passed in 1901, she formally requested that her beloved Pom, Turi, was by her side.
  
  
• Two Pomeranians survived the 1912 Titanic sinking, proving these spunky dogs don’t go down without a fight.
  
  
• Did you know you can get Pomeranian mix breeds? A Chihuahua Pomeranian cross is called a Pomchi, a Pomeranian Husky mix is called a Pomsky, a Jack Russell Pomeranian cross is called a Jackaranian, and a Pomeranian Poodle mix is called a Pomapoo!
  
  

History and Origin

The history of the Pomeranian is an interesting one! They’re widely considered to be direct descendents of the Spitz dog group that originated in Iceland. Spitz breeds have wolf-like characteristics, such as small pricked areas to mitigate frostbite, and a thick fuzzy coat to keep them warm in icy temperatures. These arctic dogs were bred to herd reindeer and pull sleds, but the first Pomeranians would have been a lot bigger than the pint-sized pooches we know and love today – potentially hitting the scales at a whopping 22kg compared to the modern day 3kg Pom.

They eventually made their way to Europe, and got their namesake from an old region called Pomerania (which is now northwestern Poland and northeastern Germany.) Queen Consort Charlotte, the wife of King George III, played a big role in the Pom’s popularity amongst royal circles when she brought a pair over to England in 1767. These dogs, named Phoebe and Mercury, appear in artwork by Sir Thomas Gainsborough, and it’s clear from the paintings that they were much bigger than modern day Poms. Even in 1873 when the English Kennel Club was formed and recognised the Pomeranian (then called the Spitz dog) as a breed, they still weighed about 8kg.

It was Queen Victoria who really put Pomeranians on the map though. In 1888, she fell in love with a Pomeranian in Italy called Marco, who only weighed around 5.5kg. It’s thought that this is what inspired her to breed Pomeranians down to a smaller size. After showing her new fluffy dogs in the 1891 Crufts Dog Show – and winning – this small breed became an overnight sensation, and encouraged breeders to continue producing the smaller Pom.

Ever since, these adorable little bright sparks have continued to win hearts all around the world with their looks and personalities.

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Pomeranian. 

1. Research the breed. Pomeranians can’t be left alone for too long and fair better in a child-free home or household with older children, so you need to make sure your lifestyle is suited. 

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Pomeranian puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Pomeranians and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Pomeranian, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Pomeranians in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.