Pomeranian

Don’t underestimate the little powderpuff that is the Pomeranian. While it could be easy to dismiss this cloud-shaped creature as just a bunch of (literal) fluff, they’re smart, inquisitive, and high-spirited dogs who love to put on a show.

The Pomeranian is a tiny dog whose fur is often the red-orange of a sunset, with enough fluff to give off lion vibes. They have dark, almond-shaped eyes and alert ears set high on their fox-like heads. Their expressive, feathery tail curves over the back of their double coat.

Their feathered coats may be various shades of gold, from light to dark. As they age, some Golden Retrievers even develop a wise white-golden hue across their face.

1. Ears Poms’ ears are small, alert, and sit high on the head.
2. Eyes Their medium-sized eyes are almond-shaped and most commonly dark brown, though other colors are possible.
3. Nose Poms have a black nose, but it can also be the same color as their fur in blue-gray, chocolate, or beaver (a brown with shades of cream, beige, or orange).
4. Coat Length Pomeranians have a double coat, with short, thick fur below and an abundant coarse outer coat.
5. Coat Color Pomeranian colors number two dozen, including their different patterns and markings. Orange- and red-toned coats are the most common.
6. Tail A Pomeranian’s tail is thickly plumed, set high on the back, and lies flat.

You might have a clever, happy-go-lucky friend who’s always at every party and is equal parts approachable and enviable. That’s a Pomeranian. These adorable pups live for social interactions and to make their pet parents laugh out loud.

If you have kids, chances are your Pomeranian will love them—but as with any dog, teach your kids to handle small dogs with care. (Who could blame a child for thinking all that fur was their favorite stuffy?) Poms will probably get along with cats, too, and anyone else they happen to meet, even if they can be a little sassy at times.

Not only are they cute dogs, but they also win in the smarts department. Your Pomeranian will likely be able to pick up new tricks very quickly, and they’ll probably ace obedience school. (You might also be able to use that time to teach them how exciting it is to use their indoor voice—and keep the barking to emergencies.)

And if you’re looking for an Instagram buddy to show off your adventures together, most Poms are ready for the limelight. They’re sometimes described as a little overconfident, but who wouldn’t be proud of such a bright mind and bouncy personality?

Though they’re perhaps most well known for their fluffy fur coat, there’s more to Pomeranians than cuteness . Poms are super smart and excel at learning new skills. They’re also active, but it’s easy to get their exercise in—even in your own home.

Grooming

---

A Pomeranian grooming package, which is highly recommended every four to six weeks, will include bathing, brushing, and a haircut (as needed), as well as cleaning the teeth and clipping their nails. A pro groomer can handle this maintenance, too. Bathing: All that gorgeous fluff isn’t going to tame itself, so you’ll need to bathe your dog in warm water at least once a month (and possibly every week). Use a dog-friendly shampoo —never one meant for humans. Brushing: Brush their double coat a couple times a week to remove shedding and matted hair. A small wire pin brush or a FURminator is ideal for Pomeranians. Pro Tip: You can cut down on brushing time by getting your Pomeranian a haircut, like the teddy bear cut (short body hair with longer face and ear fur that’s framed in a circle) or the lion cut, which features closely clipped body fur and long head hair shaped like a mini mane. Pro Tip: You can cut down on brushing time by getting your Pomeranian a haircut, like the teddy bear cut (short body hair with longer face and ear fur that’s framed in a circle) or the lion cut, which features closely clipped body fur and long head hair shaped like a mini mane. Dental care: Brush your Pomeranian’s teeth at home a few times a week (or daily, if you can) starting at a young age. See a vet for a professional dental cleaning once a year. Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails at home; you’ll know it’s time when you hear them tapping on hard surfaces. If you have trouble, your groomer or vet can help.

Training

---

Sign your Pomeranian up for obedience training, where they’re certain to be at the top of their class. They’ll quickly learn cues like sit , stay , and speak , as well as how to walk on a leash . (Make sure that leash is attached to a harness , not a collar , as Pomeranians have trachea issues, making harnesses a healthier choice.) You’ll also want to master the “off” or “down” cue sooner rather than later with these energetic pups, as Pomeranian dogs are likely to spring onto chairs, sofas, and beds—with mixed results. A Pom’s confidence may lead them to think they can leap tall loveseats in a single bound, but they could end up with injured joints or even a broken bone. Potty training is another important part of a Pomeranian’s education, but accidents may still happen, especially with tiny pups and their equally small bladders. Invest in some pee pads to use inside the house. The Pet Parents washable dog pee pads have a nonslip backing, are reusable, and come in neutral tones to match most decor. If your dog goes indoors a lot, there is no shortage of disposable pads on the market.

Diet

---

Choose a complete and balanced diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage ( puppy , adult , or senior ). Ask your vet if dog food made just for Pomeranians is a good fit for your pup. Feed your dog on a consistent schedule. While full-grown Poms do well with twice-daily feedings, tiny Pomeranian puppies need to eat more frequently to prevent low blood sugar. Schedule three to four meals per day for young pups. Treats are an important part of a dog’s diet, and they’re a must during training to reward a very good dog when the moment arises. But don’t go overboard with your handouts (or with your nightly scoops of dinner ), as serving too-large portions can lead to an overweight Pom. Treats should not be more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories. Pomeranians do have small bladders, but water should still be available 24/7, no matter what. You should also learn which human foods are safe for your dog in case they eat something that falls to the floor during meal prep. (But in general, you shouldn’t feed your Pom table scraps).

Exercise

---

Widely considered a lapdog, your Pomeranian probably loves being coddled, but they need to fit in some exercise, too. A 20-minute walk a couple of times a day should do the trick. But it’s important to not let your pup out of your sight—it’s too easy for this breed to slip through holes in a fence. You also need to keep an eye on small Pomeranians to protect them from hawks and owls. From above, Poms could be mistaken for rodents like squirrels, hedgehogs, or rabbits, so winged predators could assume your dog is dinner and swoop them away. Stay by their side, especially in fields or other large, open areas. Keeping them on a leash is always safest. You’ll also want to keep your Pomeranian pup safe when they play with bigger dogs. Because they’re so tiny, they might be accidentally hurt during roughhousing. But they’ll play well with other small dogs and with other pets like cats, when properly socialized .

Environment

---

Pomeranians are a great fit for nearly any type of person or family. This friendly breed is content to reside in small condos with adults or larger homes with a posse of pets and children. For apartment dwellers, keep in mind that your Pom might want to alert you to the very exciting sounds they’re hearing in the hallways, though barking can be curbed by working with a certified trainer. Pomeranians love going along on adventures, but make sure that your outings allow their short legs the grace to keep up with everyone else. Before heading out, Pom parents should always check the weather; high temps can overheat Pomeranians, thanks to their double coat. When you are out (or even in your backyard), it’s easy to keep these little smarties entertained: Try a game of fetch ; toys that squeak, bounce, or crinkle ; or even a Chuckit! Ultra Ball .

The Pomeranian lifespan is 12–16 years. They’re generally healthy pups, but they have some health issues pet parents should be aware of.

Be familiar with potential health problems so you can recognize and treat them quickly.

1. Eye issues: Pomeranians may develop cataracts (cloudiness in the eye’s lens) and entropion (a condition that causes the eyelids to roll inward). These may be genetic and can be diagnosed and treated by your vet or a veterinary ophthalmologist.
2. Hair loss: This breed’s fluffy locks could be affected by hair loss , though it’s mostly seen in male Poms. Known as Alopecia X , there is no genetic screening test, but it is hereditary, and it’s important to rule out other conditions as well.
3. Hip issues: Pomeranians are prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hip dysplasia ; both cause mobility issues. Depending on the severity, surgery may be needed.
4. Hypoglycemia Low blood sugar is common in very small and very active Poms. They might be weak, sleepy, or disoriented, and they might tremble, collapse, or have a seizure . Feed your dog on a regular schedule to prevent hypoglycemia; most pups eventually outgrow it.
5. Hypothyroidism Very common in Poms, signs of hypothyroidism include lethargy, hair thinning, a dry coat, skin and ear infections , and weight gain. A vet can diagnose it with a blood test, and it’s treated with oral meds.
6. Luxating patella: Luxating patella , or when the kneecap slides out of place, causes a limp that comes and goes. This condition can also lead to progressive arthritis . In severe cases, surgery may be needed.
7. Tracheal collapse: Tracheal collapse happens when the windpipe flattens. It makes it hard for Pomeranians to get air into the lungs, and as a result many affected dogs may make a dry, goose-like honking sound. Pups with this condition should have their leash attached to a harness, not a collar (which can push on the trachea), and treatment may include weight management, medications, or surgery.

Named for a historical region called Pomerania along the Baltic Sea, the Pomeranian’s modern origins are rooted in Poland and Germany. However, it’s said that those dogs were descended fromlarge, wolflike pups who once lived in Iceland.

Poms are actually related to the breed of larger sled-pulling Spitz dogs, characterized by their pointy ears, thick coats, and a big tail that curves along the back. While Poms can trace their lineage to sled dogs in Iceland, the breed has officially retired from this cold-weather position—and is much smaller than their ancestors were.

The British are big fans of Poms, thanks to the prominence the breed gained after Queen Victoria of England spied this pup while on a trip to Italy. She returned home with Poms in her bags and proceeded to breed and show the dogs for many years. In fact, it’s Queen Victoria who was largely responsible for the tiny size we associate with Pomeranians today. Once a midsize dog of 30 pounds, Pomeranians now sit side by side withChihuahuasandMalteseas one of the smallest dog breeds.

Pomeranians came to the United States in 1892 and are among the oldest of recognized American Kennel Club breeds, gaining the AKC distinction in 1888. In 1911, the American Pomeranian Club hosted its first specialty show—just for Poms!

A Pomeranian puppy can cost between $500 to $1,500. If you choose this route,pick a responsible breeder.

You can also consider Pomeranian adoption, as there are many searching for their forever homes. You can adopt a Pomeranian by reaching out to a Pomeranian rescue likePeace, Love & Poms, asking around at your local animal shelter or rescue organization, or searchingChewy’s database of adoptable dogsin your area.