Pomeranians are small Spitz-type dogs that came from Germany where they were developed as loving and delightful companions. They are known by several different names including Pomeranians, Pommys, Pom Poms, Poms, Dwarf Spitz, Spitz Nains, Spitz Enanos, Deutscher Spitz and Zwergspitz. Pomeranians have been around in Germany since about the mid-1700s. They were a favorite breed of Queen Charlotte who had several of them shipped to her home in England. These early Poms were much larger than today’s dogs, with many of them averaging up to 30 pounds as adults. It was during Queen Victoria’s reign that Pomeranians became quite popular, and breeders began using the smaller dogs in an effort to breed them down in size. It is thought that such dogs as the Schipperke, Keeshond, American Eskimo and German Spitz may have been used in breeding programs to obtain the smaller dogs we know today.
The Pomeranian is a tiny spitz with small ears and a furry coat. It has a tailed coat and in many ways looks like a small fox. This dog breed has a double coat with a dense, soft undercoat and a profuse coarse outer coat that makes it look furry and puffy. Its coat needs regular attention and needs to be brushed frequently. Today’s Pomeranians are toy-sized dogs that average about three to seven pounds fully grown. However, due to their background, some Pomeranians can grow to as much as 10 pounds or even larger. This little dog has a luxurious coat that has a long overcoat and a soft, fuzzy undercoat. Although early Poms were only white, black or cream, today’s Pomeranians come in many different colors including orange, red, white, cream, black, chocolate, sables, parti-colors, beaver, brindle, black and tan, and merles. The ears of Poms should be small, triangular and erect. The face should be fox-like, and the tail is typically carried up and over the back with heavy feathering.
Personality
The Pomeranian is active, busy and curious. It’s very playful and confident and always ready to play. It has low exercise needs, which can be satisfied by short walks or indoor play. It’s tolerant of children but will not tolerate teasing or rough play. It tends to be yappy and aggressive towards other dogs. It’s reserved towards strangers. Pomeranians are lively little dogs who love to play and cuddle with their owners when they are tired. Many of them can be somewhat high strung and will bark whenever they hear or see something out of the ordinary. Some of them may also become frightened easily when they hear loud noises or are placed in strange situations.
Breed Characteristics
| Type: | Pure |
| Family: | Spitz |
| Function: | Companion |
| Origin: | Europe |
| Preferred Climate: | Cold |
| Group: | Toy |
| Life Span: | 12-15 Years |
| Nicknames: | Pomeranians, Pommys, Pom Poms, Poms, Dwarf Spitz, Spitz Nains, Spitz Enanos, Deutscher Spitz, Zwergspitz |
| Hypoallergenic: | No |
Pomeranian Build Information
The Pomeranian is a tiny spitz with small ears and a furry coat. He has a tailed coat and in many ways looks like a small fox. This dog breed has a double coat with a dense, soft undercoat and a profuse coarse outer coat that makes it look furry and puffy. His coat needs regular attention and needs to be brushed frequently. Today’s Pomeranians are toy-sized dogs that average about three to seven pounds fully grown. However, due to their background, some Pomeranians can grow to as much as 10 pounds or even larger. This little dog has a luxurious coat that has a long overcoat and a soft, fuzzy undercoat. Although early Poms were only white, black or cream, today’s Pomeranians come in many different colors including orange, red, white, cream, black, chocolate, sables, parti-colors, beaver, brindle, black and tan, and merles. The ears of Poms should be small, triangular and erect. The face should be fox-like, and the tail is typically carried up and over the back with heavy feathering.
| Size: | Toy |
| Length (Male): | 8-12 in. |
| Length (Female): | 10-12 in. |
| Weight: | < 14 lbs |
| Litter Size: | 1 – 3 Puppies |
| Tail Dock or Crop: | No |
Behaviour and Personality
The Pomeranian is active, busy and curious. He is very playful and confident and always ready to play. He has low exercise needs, which can be satisfied by short walks or indoor play. He is tolerant of children but will not tolerate teasing or rough play. He tends to be yappy and aggressive towards other dogs. He is reserved towards strangers. Pomeranians are lively little dogs who love to play and cuddle with their owners when they are tired. Many of them can be somewhat high strung and will bark whenever they hear or see something out of the ordinary. Some of them may also become frightened easily when they hear loud noises or are placed in strange situations.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Very Affectionate |
| Aggressiveness Level: | Easy |
| Barking: | Noisy |
| Dominating or Submissive?: | Dominating |
| Energy Level: | Moderately Active |
| Good to Other Pets: | Friendly |
| Guardian Skills: | No |
| Independant: | Yes |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
Due to the Pomeranian’s long, thick coat, you will need to brush him two or three times a week to keep mats from developing in his hair. During shedding season, you may want to brush him daily. Poms are relatively clean dogs that will only require an occasional bathing. However, it is good practice to check his ears regularly for excess wax. If you notice excessive wax in your Pom’s ears, do not use a cotton swab to clean it out. Instead, use the tip of a damp rag to gently wipe it out. If your pet’s nails get overly long, you can clip just the tips of them off using a guillotine-style nail clipper made for dogs.
| Colors: | Black, Black & Tan, Blue, Cream, Light Brown, Orange, Red, Red Tick, Red-Black Brindle, Sable, Tan Brindle, White, Wolf Color |
| Shedding: | Constant |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
| Coat Type: | Fluffy |
Pomeranian Common Health Conditions
Although a healthy Pomeranian can live as long as 15 years or longer, there are several health issues that this breed can be prone to developing. If you choose this breed, you will need to be aware of these issues and how to handle them. The most common of these conditions can be found here: Hypoglycemia, Pattelar Luxation, Collapsed Trachea, Black Skin Disease, Open Fontanels, Hydrocephalus, Early Tooth Loss and Various Heart Problems. If you are looking for a sweet little companion that will fit into most any home, the Pomeranian may be the breed for you. These little dogs bond quickly to their owners and love to cuddle on their laps. They are also quite devoted and will greet you with enthusiasm every time you return home.
Pomeranian Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Pomeranians got their name from the territory in Germany known as Pomerania. Due to their delicate bones, Pomeranians are not recommended for homes that have small children. You should never leave your Pomeranians outdoors alone as wild animals may perceive them as prey.
| Training: | Easy |
| Hunting Companion: | No |
| Jolly for Jogging: | No |
| Sighting Capabilities: | No |
| Ideal for Tracking: | No |
| Retrieving Skills: | No |
| Pointing Breed: | No |
| Herding Skills: | No |
| Dutiful Watchdog: | Yes |
| Security Guard Capable: | No |
| Police Performer: | No |
| Wet Water rescues: | No |
| Assist Disable Owners: | No |
| Dog Sledding: | No |
| Able to Perform Dog Carting: | No |
| Agile/Zippy: | Yes |
| Fun with Lure Coursing: | No |
| Obedient: | No |
| Possible Schutzhund Work: | No |
| Trainable for Tricks: | Yes |
