The Pomeranian: A Big Dog in a Small Package
As a lifelong dog lover and Pomeranian owner, I can attest that this tiny breed has a larger-than-life personality. Pomeranians may be small in stature, but they are big in spirit, intelligence, and loyalty. If you are considering adding a Pom to your family, here is everything you need to know about this captivating little breed.
A Rich History of the Pomeranian Breed
The Pomeranian originated in the Pomerania region of Northern Europe, which is now part of Germany and Poland. The breed‘s ancestors were large Arctic working dogs known as the German Spitz. In the 1700s, these dogs were brought to England and other parts of Europe, where they were eventually bred down in size through selective breeding.
Queen Victoria of England played a significant role in popularizing the Pomeranian as a fashionable companion dog. She first encountered the breed during a trip to Italy in 1888 and fell in love with a small red Pom named "Marco." The Queen began importing and breeding Pomeranians at her royal kennels, favoring the smallest dogs under 7 pounds.
Thanks to Queen Victoria‘s influence, the Pomeranian‘s popularity spread throughout Europe and eventually to North America. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1900 and has consistently ranked as one of the most popular toy breeds in the United States. According to the AKC, Pomeranians were the 22nd most registered breed in 2020 [1].
Physical Characteristics of Pomeranians
The Pomeranian is a compact, sturdy little dog with a fluffy double coat, pointed ears, and a foxy face. They have a wedge-shaped head, almond-shaped dark eyes, and a plumed tail that curls over the back. Poms come in a wide variety of colors including red, orange, cream, black, brown, blue, and sable.
While the breed standard calls for a height of 6-7 inches and a weight of 3-7 pounds, many Pomeranians fall outside this range. The Pomeranian Club of America recognizes three size varieties [2]:
- Standard Pomeranian: 7-12 pounds
- Miniature Pomeranian: 4-7 pounds
- Teacup Pomeranian: Under 4 pounds
According to a study of over 7,000 Pomeranians, the average adult weight was 7.7 pounds with males slightly larger than females. The smallest recorded adult Pom weighed just 1.9 pounds while the largest was 21.2 pounds [3]. However, breeding Pomeranians to be extremely tiny can lead to health issues, so responsible breeders aim to produce dogs within the standard size range.
The Pomeranian Personality
Pomeranians are known for being lively, intelligent, and bold. They are very loyal to their owners and love being the center of attention. Poms bond closely with their families and can become attached to one person in particular. While they are generally friendly, they can be reserved with strangers and may bark to alert their family of perceived threats.
Despite their small size, Pomeranians have a strong prey drive and are not afraid to stand up to much larger dogs. They can become territorial and may try to challenge unfamiliar dogs for control of their space. Early and frequent socialization is essential to help Poms develop into confident, well-adjusted dogs.
Pomeranians are active, curious, and playful. They have a lot of energy for a small breed and require daily exercise through walks and indoor play. Mental stimulation is just as important as physical activity to keep a Pom‘s intelligent mind engaged. Training sessions, puzzle toys, and learning tricks are great ways to challenge their brains.
While Pomeranians can adapt well to apartment life, they are vocal dogs who like to express themselves with barks, yips, and growls. They make excellent watchdogs, but their tendency to bark at every sound can become a nuisance if not controlled. Patient, positive training can help teach a Pom to curb excessive barking.
Pomeranian Health and Care
Pomeranians have a lifespan of 12-16 years, which is on the longer end for a purebred dog. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain genetically linked health issues. According to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, the most common health problems seen in Pomeranians are [4]:
- Patellar luxation (dislocated kneecaps): Affects up to 27% of Poms
- Tracheal collapse: Reported in 12% of the breed
- Eye disorders like cataracts and dry eye: Found in 7% of Poms
- Heart disease: Occurs in about 5% of the breed
- Hypothyroidism: Affects around 3% of Pomeranians
Careful screening of breeding dogs can help reduce the incidence of inherited health issues. Prospective owners should ask breeders for documentation of health tests performed on a puppy‘s parents.
Pomeranians also have some unique care considerations due to their small size. They are prone to dental issues and may need professional teeth cleanings starting at a young age. Their tiny throats make them sensitive to anesthesia, so a veterinarian experienced with toy breeds is a must.
Poms can easily become overweight, so portion control and regular exercise are important. A 2017 study found that over 50% of Pomeranians in the UK were overweight or obese [5]. Excess weight can worsen joint problems and contribute to other health issues.
Grooming a Pomeranian‘s Glamorous Coat
One of the Pomeranian‘s most striking features is its fluffy double coat. While gorgeous, it does require regular maintenance to keep it looking its best. Poms should be brushed at least 2-3 times per week to remove tangles and distribute skin oils. During shedding season, daily brushing may be necessary to keep flying fur under control.
Pomeranians only need occasional baths every 2-3 months unless they get dirty. Overbathing can strip the coat of its natural oils and lead to skin irritation. A moisturizing shampoo and conditioner made for long-coated breeds will help keep the fur soft and healthy.
In addition to coat care, Poms need regular nail trims, ear cleanings, and dental hygiene. Shaving or trimming the hair around the face, ears, paws, and rear end can help keep these areas clean. Many owners opt to have their Pom professionally groomed every 4-6 weeks.
Training and Socializing a Pomeranian
Pomeranians are intelligent and quick learners, but they can also be independent and stubborn. Positive reinforcement training using treats, praise, and play works best to motivate them. Harsh corrections or punishment can damage their trust and lead to fear or aggression.
Early and frequent socialization is crucial for Pomeranians to become well-rounded dogs. They should be exposed to a variety of people, animals, and environments from a young age to boost their confidence. Puppy kindergarten classes are a great way to start socialization in a controlled setting.
Housetraining can be a challenge with toy breeds like Pomeranians because of their small bladders and fast metabolisms. Crate training, frequent potty breaks, and consistent positive reinforcement can help speed the process. Even adult Poms may need to go out every 4-6 hours.
Poms have a strong prey drive and are notorious for chasing small animals. A secure, fenced yard or leashed walks are a must to keep them safe. Teaching a solid recall and leave it cue can help prevent a Pom from taking off after a squirrel or neighborhood cat.
Costs of Owning a Pomeranian
The initial price of a Pomeranian puppy can vary widely depending on factors like breeder reputation, location, coat color, and size. According to a survey by the Pomeranian Club of America, the average price for a pet-quality Pom from a reputable breeder was $1,500 to $2,500 in 2020 [6]. Show-quality dogs or rare colors can cost significantly more.
In addition to the purchase price, potential owners should budget for initial supplies like a crate, bed, toys, grooming tools, and food and water bowls. Recurring costs include high-quality food, veterinary care, grooming, and pet insurance or an emergency fund for unexpected medical expenses.
A 2018 study by the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine found that the average first-year cost of owning a small dog was $2,674 [7]. This included one-time expenses like spaying/neutering, microchipping, and initial supplies as well as recurring costs like food, treats, toys, and preventive healthcare.
Fun Facts About Pomeranians
- The smallest known adult Pomeranian was a 3.1 inch tall, 11.6 ounce dog named "Tiny" who held the Guinness World Record for smallest living dog in 2006 [8].
- A Pomeranian named "Boo" became an internet sensation with over 16 million Facebook followers before his passing in 2019. His teddy bear haircut sparked a grooming trend among Pom owners [9].
- Two of the three dogs that survived the sinking of the Titanic were Pomeranians. A third Pom sadly perished along with his owner who refused to leave without him [10].
- Pomeranians have been owned by many historical figures including Queen Victoria, Mozart, Michelangelo, and Isaac Newton. More recently, celebrities like Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, and Gwen Stefani have been spotted with Poms [11].
- The Pomeranian has been the most popular toy breed in the United States for over a decade according to AKC registration statistics. They consistently rank in the top 20 of all breeds [1].
Is a Pomeranian the Right Dog for You?
As a devoted Pom owner, I may be biased, but I believe this breed has so much to offer the right family. Pomeranians are affectionate, loyal, and entertaining companions who will keep you laughing with their big personalities. They are adaptable to many living situations and make excellent pets for apartment dwellers or seniors.
However, Pomeranians are not the right fit for everyone. Their long double coats require regular brushing and professional grooming to maintain. They can be vocal dogs who bark frequently, which may be problematic in close quarters. Poms thrive on human companionship and do not like being left alone for long periods.
If you have very young children, a Pomeranian may not be the best choice. Their small size puts them at risk of injury from rough handling or being dropped. Poms can also be nippy if provoked, so any interactions between dogs and kids should be closely supervised.
Ultimately, the key to a happy relationship with a Pomeranian is understanding and accepting the breed‘s unique traits. If you are looking for a small but mighty companion to share your life, a Pom may be your perfect match. Just be prepared to give them the love, attention, and care they need to thrive.
With their charming good looks and larger-than-life personalities, Pomeranians have won the hearts of dog lovers around the world. From their noble beginnings as Arctic sled dogs to their reign as Queen Victoria‘s favored companions, this breed has a long and fascinating history. While caring for a Pom requires dedication and work, the joy and laughter they bring to your life is immeasurable.
