Will a Pomeranian Be a Good Fit for My Family with Kids?

As a dog lover and veterinarian, I‘m often asked my opinion on which breeds make the best companions for families with children. When it comes to Pomeranians, the answer is not entirely straightforward. These foxy-faced little dogs can certainly make wonderful, affectionate pets that adore their humans – kids included. However, there are some important factors to consider before deciding if a Pom is the right fit for your household.

Pomeranians and Children By the Numbers

According to a survey of 218 veterinary professionals conducted by Vetstreet.com, Pomeranians ranked 23rd out of 138 dog breeds when it comes to adaptability to living with children and families. This places them in the top 20% of breeds, suggesting that Poms can indeed make good family companions. However, it‘s important to note that they were still outside the top 20 easiest breeds to integrate with kids.

In terms of specific behavioral traits relating to kids, the American Kennel Club describes Pomeranians as having a relatively low tolerance for children‘s mischief compared to some other breeds. On a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most tolerant), Poms rank just a 2. This means that these spirited little dogs may not have the patience for rough play or clumsy handling that is common with young kids. Dedicated training and socialization from an early age is essential for nurturing a Pom that enjoys and feels comfortable around children.

A Small Dog with a Big Personality

One of the defining characteristics of Pomeranians is their small size. Standing just 7-12 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing an average of 3-7 pounds, these petite pooches are the smallest members of the spitz family. While their compact stature makes them relatively portable and well-suited for apartment living, it also comes with some inherent risks – especially when young children are involved.

Small breed dogs like Pomeranians are generally more likely to be fearful of strangers and kids compared to their larger cousins. A 2013 study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior found that 60% of small dogs showed fear of strangers, while only 40% of large dogs exhibited this response. For families with young children who may have frequent playdates and visitors, this potential for stranger danger is something to keep in mind.

In addition to their size, Pomeranians pack a lot of personality into their pint-sized bodies. Originally bred as sled dogs in their native Germany and Poland, Poms have retained the confidence and courage of their larger Arctic ancestors. They are lively, inquisitive little dogs with a mischievous streak and an almost terrier-like prey drive for small critters.

The AKC breed standard describes the ideal Pomeranian temperament as "extroverted, vivacious, and intelligent." While this outgoing nature can make Poms fun and interactive playmates for kids, it‘s important to note that these bold little dogs have a mind of their own and an independent spirit. They are quick learners but can also be stubborn and willful if not given proper guidance.

Energy Level and Exercise Needs

Another factor to consider with Pomeranians is their relatively high energy level. These active little dogs rank a 4 out of 5 for general activity according to the AKC breed standard. While they don‘t need hours of vigorous exercise like some working breeds, Poms do require daily walks and playtime to stay physically and mentally stimulated. A bored Pom is more likely to engage in nuisance barking or other destructive behaviors.

For families with older children who can help meet a Pom‘s exercise needs, this can actually be a good match. Taking the dog for short 15-20 minute walks around the block or playing games of fetch in the yard are great activities for bonding and burning off that Pom energy. Just be sure to use a lightweight harness and leash made for toy breeds to protect your Pom‘s delicate neck and throat.

Grooming a Gorgeous Coat

Pomeranians are prized for their fluffy, foxy looks, but all that gorgeous hair comes with some intensive grooming requirements. Poms have a thick double coat consisting of a dense, harsh outer layer and a soft, fluffy undercoat. While this coat served to insulate their ancestors from the harsh Arctic elements, it can be a magnet for tangles and mats if not brushed regularly.

To keep a Pom‘s coat looking its best, expect to spend 10-20 minutes brushing several times a week (daily is ideal). Slicker brushes, metal combs, and pin brushes are all useful tools for tackling both the outer and undercoat. Mats are painful for your dog and may require shaving, so frequent brushing is a must. Periodic trims around the feet, face and sanitary areas every 4-6 weeks are also recommended.

In addition to brushing, Pomeranians will need a bath with dog-specific shampoo every 3-6 weeks or whenever they start to develop a doggy odor. After bath time, be sure to dry your Pom‘s coat thoroughly either with a blow dryer on a cool setting or by towel drying to avoid chills. Other hygiene needs include tooth brushing several times a week, nail trims every 3-4 weeks, and monthly ear cleanings.

For families with children old enough to handle these tasks with supervision, grooming can be a great way for kids to bond with their Pomeranian and take an active role in their care. However, it‘s important to teach your child the proper techniques for brushing and bathing to avoid painful snags or soap in the eyes. Consider booking a few professional grooming appointments to establish a good routine before transitioning to at-home care.

Training and Socialization Are Key

Like all dogs, Pomeranians need early socialization and ongoing training to become well-adjusted family pets. As puppies, Poms should be gradually exposed to a variety of people, places, and situations to build confidence and minimize fear-based behaviors. Puppy kindergarten classes are a great way for your Pom to learn basic manners and get used to being around other dogs and humans.

As your Pom matures, continuing with positive reinforcement-based training will help maintain good behavior and strengthen the bond between dog and family. Teaching cues like sit, down, come, and stay are essential for safety and control. Tricks training is a fun way to provide mental stimulation and give your Pom a job to do.

For families with children, involving the kids in training sessions can be a great way to foster respect and cooperation between child and dog. Teach your kids to use reward-based methods like offering treats and praise for desired behaviors. Avoid punishment-based techniques which can erode trust. Keep training sessions short and fun to hold both your dog and your child‘s attention.

Pomeranians have a reputation for being "barky" little dogs, ranking a 4 out of 5 for vocalization tendencies according to Hill‘s Pet. While this propensity for sounding the alarm can make Poms good little watchdogs, it can also become a nuisance without proper training. Teaching a "quiet" cue and rewarding your Pom for settling down can help minimize excessive barking.

Safety First

At the end of the day, the number one priority when it comes to dogs and kids is safety. Regardless of breed, all interactions between children and dogs should be closely supervised by an adult. This is especially important with toy breeds like Pomeranians who can easily be injured by an accidental fall or rough handling.

Young children under the age of 6 may not have the impulse control or coordination to interact safely with a Pom without hurting them. A child picking a Pom up and accidentally dropping them can result in fractures or head trauma. An angry toddler flailing and striking out can cause serious injuries to a 5-pound dog. Even hugging or kissing can be a safety issue if the dog feels threatened and reacts by growling or snapping.

For these reasons, it‘s generally recommended that Pomeranians are best suited for families with kids over the age of 6 who can understand and follow rules for appropriate interaction. This may include:

• No picking the dog up without an adult present
• Petting gently without pulling on fur or body parts
• Leaving the dog alone when eating, sleeping, or chewing a bone
• Not chasing, cornering, or trying to catch the dog
• Respecting the dog‘s crate or bed as their safe space
• Allowing the dog to walk away if they don‘t feel like playing

Teaching your children to read a dog‘s body language for signs of stress or discomfort is also important. Signals like lip licking, whale eyes (white showing), yawning, stiff posture, and tucked tail may indicate a dog is anxious and should be given space. Growling is a clear warning sign that should always be respected, not punished.

A Pom is a Long-Term Commitment

Pomeranians have one of the longest average lifespans of any dog breed at 12-16 years according to a study published in the journal PLOS One. While small dogs in general tend to live longer than large breeds, Poms are exceptionally long-lived, with some individuals even reaching 20 years of age.

For families with children, this means that a Pom puppy will likely be a part of your household throughout your child‘s entire adolescence and even into their teen years and beyond. While the loyalty and longevity of Poms can be a major plus, it‘s essential to consider your family‘s ability to commit to a dog for this length of time before bringing one home.

Caring for a senior Pom may require additional time and financial resources as age-related health issues crop up. According to a survey by the UK Kennel Club, the most common health problems reported by Pom owners were:

• Luxating patellas (26.1%)
• Hypothyroidism (7.8%)
• Cataracts (7.2%)
• Cryptorchidism (5.4%)
• Allergies (4.2%)

Regular check-ups, dental care, medications, and sometimes surgery may be required to keep your Pom healthy and comfortable into their golden years. Grooming may also become more challenging for arthritic dogs who have difficulty standing for long periods. Families should be prepared to adapt to their aging Pom‘s changing needs.

Final Thoughts

So, is a Pomeranian the right fit for your family? As with most questions in life, the answer is – it depends. For households with older children who can understand and respect a small dog‘s boundaries, a well-socialized Pom can make a delightful companion with a lifespan that will encompass many family milestones and memories.

However, for families with very young children, a sturdier, more tolerant breed may be a safer choice until the kids are mature enough to interact with a fragile toy breed appropriately. Even then, constant supervision and ongoing training for both dog and children is a must to keep interactions positive and prevent accidental injury.

Ultimately, the decision to bring a Pomeranian into your family is a highly personal one that requires careful consideration of your household‘s lifestyle, schedule, and long-term commitment to caring for a dog. If you have the time, patience, and resources to dedicate to meeting a Pom‘s needs, you may find that these feisty little fluffballs are the perfect pint-sized addition to your home.