Everything You Need to Know About the Adorable Teddy Bear Pomeranian

With their fluffy fur, baby doll faces, and tiny size, teddy bear Pomeranians seem almost too cute to be real. These little balls of fluff have won many hearts with their sweet but spunky personalities. While teddy bear Poms may look like toy stuffed animals, don‘t be fooled – these are lively, active dogs with minds of their own!

If you‘re considering adding a teddy bear Pomeranian to your family, read on to learn more about this pint-sized charmer.
What Exactly is a Teddy Bear Pomeranian?

Despite the unique name, teddy bear Pomeranians are not actually a distinct breed. They are simply Pomeranians who have been bred to have a particular look – namely, a rounded body shape, shorter muzzle, and extra fluffy coat that gives them a stuffed teddy bear-like appearance. This look has become increasingly popular in recent years.

"The teddy bear Pomeranian has that baby-like expression that many people find irresistible," says long-time Pom breeder Vanessa Parsons. "They have bigger, rounder eyes, fluffier coats, and an overall cuddly appeal compared to the traditional Pomeranian appearance."

The Fascinating History of Pomeranians

The Pomeranian breed actually originated as much larger sled and herding dogs in the Arctic regions of Iceland, Lapland and elsewhere. How did they shrink from 30 pound working dogs to the tiny companion Poms we know today? It‘s an interesting story.

Starting around the 16th century, the Pomeranian breed began to be refined and miniaturized by dog fanciers in the Pomerania region of Central Europe (hence their name). Poms were beloved by royals like Queen Victoria, who played a major role in popularizing the progressively smaller size. During her reign, Pomeranians went from around 30 pounds to less than 10 pounds on average.

By the early 20th century, Pomeranians had become one of the most popular toy breeds across Europe and the United States. And teddy bear Pomeranians are the latest cute variation continuing the breed‘s legacy today.

Teddy Bear Pomeranian Physical Characteristics

So what defines the teddy bear Pom look? Here are the key physical traits:

Size: Under 7 pounds, with 4-6 pounds most typical. Often smaller than standard Pomeranians.

Coat: Fluffy, thick double coat with extra volume compared to regular Poms. Rounded, boxy "teddy bear" shape rather than the more angular "fox" look of traditional Poms.

Face: Shorter muzzle, rounder head, and bigger eyes to give a puppy-like or baby doll expression.

Colors: Most commonly seen in orange, red, or cream. But can come in many other colors like white, black, brown, and even parti-colors.

Beyond appearance, teddy bear Poms are the same as standard Poms under all that fluff. This breed is known for being smart, inquisitive, active, and bold – a big personality in a small package!

Living with a Teddy Bear Pomeranian

As adorable as they are, teddy bear Pomeranians are not the easiest dogs to live with. These busy little dogs require plenty of time and attention from their humans. If you‘re considering a teddy bear Pom, here‘s what you should know about their care needs and what it‘s like to share your life with one.

Grooming: That glorious fluffy coat doesn‘t maintain itself! Teddy bear Poms need brushing every single day to avoid mats and tangles. They also need regular haircuts to maintain the rounded look. Frequent baths and blowouts are a must. If you can‘t commit to daily brushing, a Pom may not be the breed for you.

"Keeping up with a teddy bear Pom coat is a labor of love," says professional groomer Ashley White. "You have to really stay on top of it or that beautiful fluff can quickly turn into a matted mess. It takes some effort, but it‘s worth it to keep these dogs looking their best."

Exercise Needs: Don‘t let their size fool you – Pomeranians have high energy and need plenty of exercise. Expect to provide at least 30-60 minutes of walks and active play sessions per day. Puzzle toys and games are also great for keeping their intelligent minds busy.

Training: Pomeranians are smart and can learn quickly, but they can also be independent and stubborn. Positive reinforcement training methods work best. Start early and be consistent with socialization and training to make sure your Pom grows up to be a well-behaved companion.

"Poms can definitely be a challenge to train," says dog trainer Mark Rath. "They tend to have a ‘What‘s in it for me?‘ attitude. Finding what really motivates them, whether that‘s favorite treats or toys, is key. Training sessions should be fun and upbeat to keep these clever little dogs engaged."

Barking: Pomeranians have a well-earned reputation as vocal dogs who make excellent watchdogs. If you live in an apartment or have nearby neighbors, this is something to keep in mind. Teaching a "quiet" command can help keep barking under control.

Health Concerns: Pomeranians are generally a sturdy, long-lived breed with a lifespan of 12-16 years. However, like many toy breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues such as luxating patellas (knee problems), tracheal collapse, dental issues, and heart disease. Reputable breeders will health test parents before breeding.

"When choosing a Pom puppy, make sure to ask the breeder about what genetic tests have been done on the parents," advises veterinarian Dr. Anita Saver. "At a minimum, breeding Poms should be screened for conditions like patellar luxation, heart problems, and eye disorders before being bred."

Are You a Good Match for a Teddy Bear Pom?

Teddy bear Pomeranians can make wonderful, entertaining companions for the right person or family. However, they are not ideal for everyone. Teddy bear Poms are best suited for:

Homes where someone is present for much of the day. Poms crave companionship and do not do well left alone for long periods.
Adult only homes or families with gentle, older children. Young kids may accidentally injure these delicate little dogs.
Owners willing to keep up with daily grooming. Neglecting coat care is not an option with Poms.
Those looking for a portable, travel-sized companion. Poms are great for on-the-go lifestyles.
Owners wanting a small watchdog. Poms are alert and will bark to let you know if anything is amiss.
Patient, positive trainers. Poms do best with upbeat, reward-based training.

On the flip side, teddy bear Poms are not a great choice for:

Households where everyone is gone working or in school all day. Poms need human companionship.
Very active families wanting a dog to go on long hikes or jogs. Poms have short legs and can only walk limited distances.
Those wanting a quiet, low-key dog. Poms tend to be energetic, alert and vocal.
People unable to afford regular professional grooming. Teddy bear Pom coats require a big investment of time or money.
Families with small children who may accidentally injure a tiny Pom.

Finding a Healthy Teddy Bear Pomeranian Puppy

If you think a teddy bear Pom is right for you, take your time to find a reputable breeder. Due to the popularity of this "style" of Pom, many unscrupulous breeders and puppy mills are cashing in by churning out poorly-bred puppies with little regard for health or temperament. Signs of a good breeder include:

Proving genetic health testing of parents
Offering a written health guarantee
Raising pups in the home with plenty of socialization
Allowing you to visit and meet the puppy‘s parents
Interviewing you thoroughly to ensure their pups are going to good homes
Offering guidance and support for the puppy‘s lifetime

Pass on breeders making outrageous claims about "teacup" or "rare color" Poms. There is no ethical way to produce dogs under 3 pounds, and breeders making these promises are likely severely compromising health and temperament. Avoid being tempted by cute puppy pictures online and do your research to find a breeder dedicated to producing healthy, well-socialized teddy bear Pom puppies.

Famous Teddy Bear Pomeranians

The list of celebrities and historical figures who have fallen for Pomeranian charms is long! Here are just a few:

Queen Victoria had several beloved Pomeranians in her lifetime. Her favorites were Turi and Marco.
Michelangelo had a Pomeranian named Bizoo who reportedly sat on a satin pillow and watched the artist paint the Sistine Chapel.
Mozart dedicated one of his arias to his pet Pomeranian, Pimperl.
More modern celebrity Pom owners include Paris Hilton, Nicole Ritchie, and Gwen Stefani.
Social media star Boo helped popularize the teddy bear Pom look. With over 16 million Facebook fans before his passing in 2019, Boo was one of the most famous dogs on the internet.
Actress Sharon Osbourne‘s Pomeranian Minnie is another social media darling. Minnie frequently steals the show on Sharon‘s Instagram account.

Pomeranians‘ outsized personalities and portable size have made them popular with the rich, famous and powerful for centuries. And the rise of the adorable teddy bear look has only boosted the breed‘s star power in recent years.

Frequently Asked Questions About Teddy Bear Pomeranians

Are teddy bear Pomeranians good apartment dogs?
Yes, their small size and moderate exercise needs make them a good fit for apartments as long as owners are committed to daily walks and playtime. Poms can be prone to barking, so training is essential for peaceful apartment living.

Do teddy bear Pomeranians shed a lot?
Poms are definitely shedders! They have a thick double coat that "blows out" seasonally. Most will shed moderately year-round, with heavier shedding once or twice a year as seasons change. Daily brushing is a must to keep shedding under control.

How long do teddy bear Pomeranians live?
The typical lifespan for a Pom is 12-16 years. Some will live even longer. Buying from a reputable breeder, keeping your Pom at a healthy weight, and providing recommended preventive vet care will help maximize your teddy bear Pom‘s healthy lifespan.

What is the average price of a teddy bear Pomeranian puppy?
The average price for a well-bred teddy bear Pom puppy is $1200-$2000, but they can range up to $5000 depending on the breeder and pedigree. Some charge more for certain colors or for puppies with the most exaggerated "teddy bear" features. In general, be wary of anyone charging far less than average, as this may be a sign of a lower quality breeder not investing in proper health testing and care of their breeding dogs and puppies.

Conclusion

Teddy bear Pomeranians have a well-earned reputation as one of the cutest, most Instagram-worthy dog breeds out there. Their soft, sweet appearance combined with outgoing personalities make them hard to resist. These tiny dogs can be wonderful companions, but they are not low maintenance pets.

If you have the time, resources and patience to devote to grooming, training and socializing a teddy bear Pom, you will be rewarded with a loyal, entertaining best friend who will keep you laughing for many years to come. Just be prepared that owning one of these living teddy bears is a big responsibility in an adorable, pint-sized package!