Introduction
Pomeranians are a charming, miniature offspring of the Spitz sled dog family, which includes robust breeds like the Akita, Alaskan Malamute, Chow Chow, and Samoyed.
In their early history, Pomeranians were much larger—around 30 pounds according to the American Kennel Club—and served as herding dogs. Through careful breeding, their size was gradually reduced to the petite, beloved companions we know today. Modern Pomeranians typically stand just 6 to 7 inches tall and weigh between 3 and 7 pounds, making them one of the tiniest dog breeds around.
Their stunning coat comes in a dazzling variety of colors and patterns, including tri-colored, sable, brindle, merle, white, and black. Characteristic features include a foxlike face, a lush ruff of fur around the neck, a compact square body, and a wonderfully fluffy double coat.
Caring for a Pomeranian
Don’t let their small size fool you—Pomeranians possess enormous personalities packed into their tiny frames. These spirited and confident dogs often carry the boldness of much larger breeds. They tend to get along well with other pets and thrive on attention and affection.
These adaptable companions are ideal for a wide range of pet owners, from families to singles and seniors alike. While playful and energetic, Pomeranians don’t demand vigorous outdoor exercise thanks to their compact stature.
However, their long, voluminous fur requires devoted daily grooming to keep their coat looking glossy and healthy. For easier maintenance, many owners opt to trim their Pomeranians’ coats, keeping the hair shorter to simplify brushing.
Pomeranian Health Issues
With an impressive lifespan of 12 to 16 years, Pomeranians are among the longer-lived dog breeds. Yet, like all breeds, they’re predisposed to certain health concerns during their lifetime.
If you’re considering welcoming a Pomeranian puppy or dog into your home, it’s wise to explore pet health insurance options and budget for potential veterinary care.
Alopecia
Pomeranians may experience symmetrical hair loss (alopecia) on their abdomen and thighs, accompanied by darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) without itchiness.
While the exact cause remains unclear, it’s important to consult your veterinarian to rule out hormonal disorders such as Cushing’s disease or hypothyroidism.
Though no treatment guarantees success, melatonin and various medications can help manage symptoms in some cases.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia is a dangerous drop in blood sugar often seen in small breeds and puppies under three months old.
Common signs include:
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Stumbling or unsteady gait
- Shaking or trembling
- Muscle twitching
- Seizures
Most hypoglycemia cases stem from inadequate nutrition.
If your Pomeranian shows signs of hypoglycemia, contact your veterinarian immediately for emergency care. Your vet will help tailor an appropriate feeding plan and may suggest glucose gels for rapid treatment.
Eye Problems
Pomeranians are prone to several eye conditions:
- Dry eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca): Caused by reduced tear production, dry eye leads to irritation, redness, squinting, blinking, or keeping the eyes closed.
- Tear duct issues: Excessive tearing due to infections, genetics, or inflammation can cause tear stains—reddish or dark marks beneath the eyes—and may clog tear ducts.
- Cataracts: Progressive opacity of the lens that can eventually cause blindness. Pomeranians may inherit this condition or develop it secondary to diabetes. Surgery is a treatment option.
- Distichiasis: Abnormal inward growth of eyelashes irritating the eye, potentially leading to ulcers.
If you notice cloudiness, redness, unusual discharge, or vision changes, seek veterinary attention promptly.
Collapsing Trachea
Often identified by a distinctive “goose honk” cough, collapsing trachea is common in small dogs, especially those walked using collars.
This condition occurs when the cartilage rings in the windpipe lose strength and flexibility, causing the airway to flatten during breathing, which makes airflow difficult.
Treatment may involve surgery, medication, or both.
If your Pomeranian has tracheal collapse, use a harness instead of a collar on walks, avoid overly excited situations, and keep them away from irritants like smoke.
Dental Disease
Due to their small mouths, Pomeranians are especially vulnerable to dental problems, including overcrowded teeth that trap food and accelerate plaque buildup.
Preventive care is key:
- Brush your dog’s teeth daily with vet-approved toothbrush and toothpaste
- Schedule professional dental cleanings as recommended
- Offer dental chews to support oral health
- Choose dog food formulated to promote dental hygiene
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket is too shallow or the femoral head is malformed, causing joint instability and potential arthritis.
Many dogs experience mild symptoms managed with medication or supplements, while severe cases may require surgery.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
This hereditary condition, common in Pomeranians, affects the blood supply to the femoral head, leading it to shrink and die (necrosis).
Typically seen in young dogs, symptoms include slowly developing lameness in a hind leg. Treatment usually involves surgery.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar luxation is the sideways displacement of the kneecap, commonly hereditary but sometimes caused by injury.
Symptoms can mimic hip dysplasia and include:
- Occasional limping or skipping on three legs
- Bowlegged stance in the back legs
- Hunched lower back posture
Treatment options range from anti-inflammatory drugs and weight management to surgery.
What To Feed a Pomeranian
Because of their susceptibility to hypoglycemia, it’s crucial to feed Pomeranians a high-quality dog food. Select foods that meet Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) standards to ensure complete nutrition.
Consult your veterinarian to find the best food formulated for your Pomeranian’s life stage: puppy, adult, or senior.
Breed-specific diets for Pomeranians are also available and can offer customized nutrition.
How To Feed a Pomeranian
Due to their fast metabolism and limited fat reserves, Pomeranian puppies benefit from several small meals throughout the day.
Adult and senior Pomeranians should ideally be fed at least three times daily to maintain consistent blood sugar levels, with seniors receiving diets enriched with antioxidants to support aging and cognitive health.
How Much Should You Feed a Pomeranian?
Caloric needs vary based on:
- Activity level
- Current and ideal weight
- Age
- Medical history
Work with your veterinarian and follow food packaging guidelines to determine the precise amount to feed your dog. Don’t forget to count treats and toppers into the daily calorie total to prevent overfeeding.
Nutritional Tips for Pomeranians
With certain skin, eye, and joint vulnerabilities, your vet might recommend supplements like omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) or joint-supporting nutrients such as chondroitin and glucosamine.
Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements to your dog’s diet.
Pomeranian Personality and Temperament
Pomeranians are bright and bold with lively personalities. Their sharp intellect means they enjoy learning new tricks and thrive on mentally engaging activities.
Despite their spirited nature, they prefer independence and often favor walking on the ground rather than being carried. Thanks to their small size, they get adequate exercise with indoor play or brief walks.
Pomeranian Behavior
To help your Pomeranian grow into a well-adjusted, friendly pet, invest time in positive reinforcement training and early socialization.
Pomeranians’ exuberance can lead to behaviors like excessive barking, reactivity, separation anxiety, or hyperactivity if not properly guided.
Pomeranian Training
Pomeranians respond beautifully to gentle, reward-based training methods. Incorporate games and training exercises to keep their minds sharp.
Patience, consistency, and positivity are essential. Also, practice touch desensitization to make grooming easier and less stressful.
Fun Activities for Pomeranians
- Walks around the neighborhood
- Games of fetch
- Agility courses
- Obedience training
- Interactive flirt poles
- Challenging puzzle toys
Pomeranian Grooming Guide
Regular grooming is key to maintaining your Pomeranian’s signature fluffy, tangle-free coat.
Skin Care
Pomeranians can suffer from dry skin. Adding fish oil supplements after consulting your vet can help keep their skin moisturized.
Keep an eye out during grooming for redness, flakes, or unusual lumps, and seek veterinary advice if you spot any concerns.
Coat Care
Their dense, long fur requires regular professional grooming visits to keep it healthy and clean. Groomers can also perform sanitary trims to prevent matting around the rear.
Bath frequency varies based on lifestyle and skin health, but generally every two to three weeks works well. Don’t exceed four weeks between baths to avoid fur matting.
Between professional grooming, brush your Pomeranian’s coat two to three times weekly, increasing to daily brushing during heavy shedding periods in spring and fall.
Eye Care
White Pomeranians often develop tear stains, which can be managed by gently cleaning with a vet-approved eye cleanser.
Trimming the long hair around the eyes helps prevent irritation and infection. Consult your vet or groomer for safe trimming techniques.
If you notice squinting, unusual discharge, eye swelling, or vision changes, contact your veterinarian promptly.
Ear Care
Thanks to their erect ears, Pomeranians have a lower risk of ear infections than floppy-eared breeds, but prevention remains important.
After baths, use a vet-recommended ear cleaner to dry the ear canal and ward off infections.
Consult your vet on proper ear cleaning routines and seek care if your dog shows signs of infection.
Considerations for Pet Parents
If purchasing a Pomeranian puppy, ensure the parents have been genetically screened for hip and eye diseases. Rescue or shelter Pomeranians may lack such records, but you can arrange testing through your veterinarian.
Be prepared for the grooming demands of their thick, luxurious coats and their tendency toward vocalization. Pomeranians are renowned for their vibrant personalities packed into tiny bodies, so ensure you can meet their care needs.
Also, with their small size and fluffy appearance similar to prey animals, supervise them carefully outdoors to protect against potential predators such as birds of prey.
How much does a Pomeranian cost?
Pomeranian prices vary depending on location, lineage, and breeder reputation. Expect to invest a minimum of $1,500, with some puppies priced several thousand dollars.
Is a Pomeranian a good family dog?
Absolutely! Their intelligent, lively nature makes them wonderful family pets. However, exercise caution around small children to prevent accidental injury due to their delicate size.
Are Pomeranians smart dogs?
Yes, they are highly intelligent and quick learners.
Should I buy a teacup Pomeranian?
No. Standard Pomeranians are already very small, and breeding for even tinier sizes frequently leads to serious health problems. Be cautious of breeders advertising teacup Pomeranians.
What is a Pomsky?
A Pomsky is an adorable hybrid breed created by crossing a Pomeranian with a Siberian Husky, first developed in 2012.
