By Carrie Pallardy | Updated June 2025
Pomeranians can look more like animated puff balls than dogs sometimes, and it's this adorable appearance that their owners love. Beneath that impressive cloud of fur, these petite canines are lively, affectionate companions who bring outsized personality to a very small package. Learn everything you need to know about the breed to decide if a Pom is right for you.
Table of Contents
- Pomeranian at a Glance
- History: From Sled Dog to Royal Lap Dog
- What Does a Pomeranian Look Like?
- Pomeranian Personality & Temperament
- Are Pomeranians Good with Kids and Other Pets?
- How to Train a Pomeranian
- Exercise Needs
- Grooming Your Pomeranian's Fluffy Coat
- Pomeranian Health Issues to Know
- What to Feed a Pomeranian
- How to Find or Adopt a Pomeranian
- FAQ: Your Top Pomeranian Questions Answered
Pomeranian at a Glance
| Weight | 3–7 lbs |
| Height | 6–7 inches at the shoulder |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Coat | Thick double coat; fluffy outer, dense undercoat |
| Colors | Orange, black, white, cream, sable, blue, parti, and more |
| Energy Level | Moderate–High |
| Grooming | Moderate (brush 2–3x per week) |
| Trainability | High—eager to please, with a stubborn streak possible |
| Good for Apartments? | Yes, with daily walks |
| AKC Group | Toy Group |
| Barking Tendency | High—they will alert you to everything |
History: From Sled Dog to Royal Lap Dog
It's hard to imagine a 5-pound fluffball pulling a sled, but Pomeranians are actually descended from large Spitz-type working dogs native to the Arctic. Over centuries, selective breeding in the historical Pomerania region (present-day northern Poland and northeastern Germany) gradually produced the compact companion we know today.
The breed got its big royal boost in 1888 when Queen Victoria fell in love with a small Pomeranian in Florence and brought one back to England. Her passion for the breed—and her preference for the smaller specimens—is credited with dramatically reducing the average Pom's size from around 30 pounds down to the toy range we see today.
They've had famous admirers throughout history. Mozart dedicated a song to his Pomeranian, Pimperl. Michelangelo reportedly had his Pom sit nearby while he painted the Sistine Chapel. Remarkably, two Pomeranians also survived the sinking of the Titanic, making them among only three dogs rescued from the ship.
Today, the Pomeranian is a perennial fixture in the AKC's Top 25 most popular breeds and one of the internet's most beloved dogs.
What Does a Pomeranian Look Like?
Pomeranians are instantly recognizable: a round, fox-like face with dark almond-shaped eyes, a plumed tail that fans up over the back, and that signature cloud of fur that makes them look twice their actual size.
Size: Most adult Poms weigh between 3 and 7 pounds and stand roughly 6 to 7 inches tall. You may see the term "teacup Pomeranian" used by some breeders for dogs under 3 pounds—but be cautious. That term isn't recognized by the AKC, and extremely tiny Poms often face serious health vulnerabilities.
Coat colors: While the rich orange-red coat is what most people picture, Pomeranians come in more than a dozen recognized colors and patterns, including:
- Orange and orange sable
- Black and black & tan
- White and cream
- Chocolate and beaver
- Blue and blue sable
- Merle
- Parti-color (two-toned patches)
The double coat: Poms have two layers—a dense, soft undercoat and a longer, harsher outer coat. This combination creates their signature puffiness and requires consistent maintenance.
Pomeranian Personality & Temperament
Don't let the tiny size fool you. Pomeranians have the personality of a much larger dog packed into a very small body. They're curious, alert, playful, and deeply devoted to their people.
What owners love:
- Intensely loyal and affectionate with family
- Playful and entertaining—they have a genuine sense of fun
- Intelligent and quick learners
- Portable and adaptable to apartment or city living
- Thrives on human interaction and loves being involved in whatever you're doing
What to be ready for:
- Barking. Poms are vocal. They'll alert bark at strangers, sounds, other dogs, and sometimes seemingly nothing at all. Training and early socialization help, but it's a deeply ingrained trait.
- Big dog syndrome. Most Poms have zero idea they're small. They'll challenge dogs five times their size—endearing, but it can get them into trouble.
- Escape artistry. Their small size lets them slip through surprisingly small gaps in fences or gates. Always double-check your yard.
- Velcro tendencies. Poms bond very closely with one person and can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently.
Are Pomeranians Good with Kids and Other Pets?
With children: Pomeranians can be wonderful family dogs, but they're best suited to families with older, gentle children. Their small, fragile bodies can be injured easily by rough play or accidental drops. If you have young children and a Pomeranian, always supervise interactions and teach kids to approach calmly, pet gently, and never pick the dog up without an adult's help.
With other dogs: With proper socialization, most Poms coexist happily with other dogs—but their boldness around larger dogs is a real safety concern. At dog parks or on walks, keep a close eye on their interactions, especially with unfamiliar dogs.
With cats and other pets: When raised together, Pomeranians and cats often get along well. With small animals like rabbits or hamsters, use caution—Poms have prey drive and may give chase.
How to Train a Pomeranian
Pomeranians are smart and genuinely enjoy learning, which makes training rewarding—but they also have a stubborn, independent side that can test your patience. The key is consistency and making training feel like play.
Start early. Puppies as young as 8 weeks can begin learning basic commands. The earlier you start, the easier it is to build good habits before bad ones set in.
Use positive reinforcement. Poms respond beautifully to praise, play, and small treats. Harsh corrections or punishment-based methods tend to make them shut down or become anxious.
Keep sessions short. Five to ten minutes is ideal. Poms have the intelligence but also the attention span of a dog that knows they're cute and can get away with things.
Prioritize socialization. Expose your Pom to new people, environments, sounds, and other dogs early and often. A well-socialized Pom is a confident, calm Pom.
Address barking proactively. Teaching a solid "quiet" command early will save you and your neighbors considerable grief. Never reward barking by giving the dog attention when they demand it.
Housetraining note: Pomeranians can be slower to housetrain than larger breeds, partly because their small accidents are easier to miss. Crate training and a strict outdoor schedule are your best tools here.
Exercise Needs
Despite their tiny size, Pomeranians are energetic little dogs that need daily activity to stay happy and well-behaved. A bored Pom is a barky, destructive Pom.
The good news: their exercise needs are modest and easy to meet.
- Daily walks: Two 20-minute walks per day is a solid baseline. Poms love to explore and sniff.
- Indoor play: Fetch, tug, and puzzle toys can burn energy indoors on bad-weather days.
- Mental stimulation: Training sessions, food puzzles, and trick work all count as exercise for their brains.
What to avoid:
- Long, strenuous runs in hot weather—Poms can overheat quickly
- High-impact jumping (hard on their joints and trachea)
- Off-leash exercise in unfenced areas
If you're in Chicago and need help keeping your Pom's daily walks consistent, Sparky Steps offers professional dog walking in neighborhoods across the city.
Grooming Your Pomeranian's Fluffy Coat
The Pom's signature coat is glorious—and it requires real work to maintain.
Brushing: Aim to brush your Pom 2 to 3 times per week with a slicker brush and a steel comb to prevent mats, especially behind the ears, under the "armpits," and around the collar area. Daily brushing during shedding season (twice a year) will save your furniture.
Bathing: Once every 3 to 4 weeks is typical. Always blow-dry thoroughly on a low heat setting—leaving the dense undercoat damp can cause skin issues.
Professional grooming: Most Pom owners visit a professional groomer every 6 to 8 weeks for a bath, blowout, trim, nail grind, and ear cleaning. The "teddy bear cut" is one of the most popular styles.
Nails: Trim every 3 to 4 weeks. Overgrown nails affect posture and gait.
Teeth: Dental disease is one of the top health issues in small breeds. Brush your Pom's teeth daily if possible and schedule annual dental cleanings with your vet.
Pomeranian Health Issues to Know
Poms are generally a healthy breed, but like all purebreds, they have specific conditions to watch for.
Luxating Patella (Kneecap Dislocation): One of the most common issues in toy breeds. The kneecap slips out of place, causing the dog to skip or hop. Mild cases can be managed conservatively; severe cases may require surgery.
Tracheal Collapse: The windpipe weakens and flattens, causing a characteristic "honking" cough. Using a harness instead of a collar significantly reduces strain on the trachea.
Dental Disease: Poms have small mouths packed with the same number of teeth as larger dogs, leading to crowding and rapid tartar buildup. Daily brushing and professional cleanings are essential.
Alopecia X (Black Skin Disease): A hormonal condition causing symmetrical hair loss and darkening of the skin, more common in males. Cosmetically concerning but typically not painful.
Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): More common in puppies and very small adults. Symptoms include weakness, shaking, and lethargy. Frequent small meals and monitoring are key prevention strategies.
Eye Issues: Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can occur, particularly in older dogs.
Schedule annual wellness exams and ask your vet about breed-specific screenings. Responsible breeders will have OFA health clearances for the parents.
What to Feed a Pomeranian
Pomeranians do well on a high-quality dry kibble formulated for small breeds. Small-breed formulas are important because the kibble pieces are sized appropriately for tiny mouths and the caloric density is calibrated for a small dog's fast metabolism.
Feeding guidelines:
- Adults: Typically ¼ to ½ cup of food per day, divided into two meals
- Puppies: 3 to 4 small meals per day to prevent hypoglycemia
- Seniors: Ask your vet about transitioning to a senior formula around age 8
Foods to avoid: grapes, raisins, xylitol (found in many sugar-free products), onions, and chocolate—all are toxic to dogs. Overfeeding and table scraps are also a real concern; obesity puts stress on tiny joints.
How to Find or Adopt a Pomeranian
Adopting: Purebred Poms and Pom mixes do end up in rescue. Check the American Pomeranian Club Rescue, Petfinder.com, and Adopt-a-Pet.com, or your local humane society.
Buying from a breeder: If you go the breeder route, do your homework.
- Ask to meet at least one parent dog
- Ask for OFA health clearances for hips and eyes
- A reputable breeder will let you see where the puppies are raised
- They'll ask you questions too—good breeders screen buyers
Walk away from: pet stores, breeders who always have litters available, breeders who won't let you visit, or anyone advertising "teacup" Poms with no health information. Reputable breeders typically price Pomeranian puppies between $1,500 and $5,000 depending on lineage and coat color.
FAQ: Your Top Pomeranian Questions Answered
Do Pomeranians bark a lot?
Yes—Pomeranians are naturally vocal and alert dogs. They bark at strangers, noises, and other animals. With consistent training from puppyhood, barking can be managed, but it's never fully eliminated. If you live in an apartment building with thin walls, this is worth factoring in seriously.
Are Pomeranians hypoallergenic?
No. Pomeranians shed and produce dander and are not considered a hypoallergenic breed. If allergies are a concern, look into breeds like Maltese, Bichon Frisé, or Poodle mixes.
How long do Pomeranians live?
Pomeranians have a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, making them one of the longer-lived toy breeds.
Are Pomeranians easy to train?
They're intelligent and food-motivated, which makes training relatively straightforward—but they can be stubborn. Positive reinforcement, short sessions, and starting young are the keys to success.
Can Pomeranians be left alone during the day?
Poms can handle a few hours alone, but they don't do well with long stretches of isolation and can develop separation anxiety. If you work full-time, building in a midday walk or check-in is a smart move. Sparky Steps offers dog sitting and midday visits for exactly this situation.
How much exercise does a Pomeranian need?
Two 20-minute walks per day plus some indoor playtime is typically sufficient. They're energetic but not high-endurance dogs.
What is a "teacup" Pomeranian?
"Teacup" is a marketing term (not an AKC classification) for Poms bred to be exceptionally small—usually under 3 pounds. These dogs often face serious health challenges and shorter lifespans. Proceed with extra caution if a breeder is specifically advertising teacup Poms.
Do Pomeranians shed a lot?
Yes, especially during seasonal coat blows (spring and fall) when the undercoat sheds heavily. Regular brushing and a good vacuum are non-negotiable.
Are Pomeranians good apartment dogs?
Yes, provided they get daily walks and mental stimulation. Their small size is perfect for apartment living, though neighbors may have opinions about the barking.
What were Pomeranians originally bred for?
Pomeranians descend from large Spitz-type sled and herding dogs from the Arctic. They were selectively bred down in size over centuries in the Pomerania region before becoming popular companion dogs in 18th-century Europe.
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The Bottom Line on Pomeranians
Pomeranians are wonderful dogs for the right owner: someone who wants a compact, personality-packed companion with the energy of a dog three times their size. They thrive with structure, consistent grooming, daily walks, and—above all—lots of your time and attention.
If you're in Chicago and want help keeping your Pom healthy, active, and well-cared for while you're away, Sparky Steps is here for you. We're a 5-star rated, Red Cross Pet First Aid certified team that's been caring for Chicago's pets since 2016—including plenty of very opinionated Pomeranians.
Thank You
Thank you for your time—we hope you found this guide useful! If you're a Pomeranian lover, you might also like what we have for you below. We designed a tee and mug for all the Pom fans out there, and 10% of proceeds gets donated to the ASPCA!
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