Dog Breeds: Pomeranian

Brief facts about the Pomeranian

Size: 18-24 cm withers 

Average lifespan: 12-16 years 

Weight: 1.5-3 kg 

Colour: Pomeranians come in a wide range of colours. Some of the more popular colours of Pomeranian dogs in Ireland are orange/tan, creme, white, black and brown, as well as combinations such as sable and parti colour.  

Traits: Lively, intelligent, brave 

Common diseases and injuries: Patella luxation (kneecap problems), tracheal collapse (breathing problems) and dental problems 

Breed group: European and Asian Spitz – Group 5

Types of Pomeranians: 

• Standard
• Miniature or Teacup Pomeranian
• Fox face
• Teddy bear 
• Country of origin: Germany 

Where does the Pomeranian come from? 

The Pomeranian, also known as ‘Pom’, originates from Pomerania, a region in northern Germany and Poland. The breed is one of the smallest in the Spitz family, which consists of five different varieties: Pomeranian, Kleinspitz, Mittelspitz, Keeshond and Grosspitz. The first three have similar standards and the same approved colours. There are only a few Grosspitz in Sweden and no breeding at the moment. Common to the German Spitz is that they were used as alarm or guard dogs. 

Pomeranians were originally much larger (about 9-13 kilos) and were used to herd sheep. In the 19th century they became popular with royalty, especially Queen Victoria of England, who had a very small Pomeranian (by the standards of the time). This led to a trend to breed smaller Pomeranians, resulting in the size we see today. 

Temperament of the Pomeranian 

Pomeranians are known for their lively and courageous behaviour. They are highly intelligent and quick learners, making them easy to train. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and are not afraid to stand up to bigger dogs. They are very loyal to their owners and can be protective, making them excellent watchdogs. However, they can be a bit reserved towards strangers and other dogs, so early socialisation is important. 

Pomeranian appearance and size 

Pomeranians are best known for their thick, fluffy fur. They have a double coat, with a short, dense undercoat and a longer, straight outer coat. Their short tail that hangs over their backs gives them a unique "puffy" appearance. They also have dark, almond-shaped eyes and small, pointed ears. Pomeranians usually weigh between 1.5-3 kg and have a height at the withers of around 18-24 cm.  

How old does a Pomeranian get? 

A Pomeranian has a life expectancy of around 12-16 years, but this always varies from individual to individual and is of course also affected by health and lifestyle. 

Pomeranian care 

The Pomeranian's coat requires regular brushing to keep it matted and free of problems. Brush through the coat daily. They shed a lot twice a year, as well as when running and pupping, so it is extra important to brush carefully. A bath or two in connection with shedding is also recommended. When the dog is not shedding, it is good to bathe a Pomeranian at regular intervals, but not too often. 

Pomeranians, like many smaller dogs, have problems with their teeth, so regular brushing is a must! 

Despite their size, they have a lot of energy and need lots of regular walks, playtime and exercise to feel good. 

Training of the Pomeranian 

Pomeranians are intelligent and quick learners, but they can also be stubborn. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training work best! In both agility and freestyle, it is common to see Pomeranians, so if you want to try a dog sport, these two can be good options. Search exercises can also suit a Pomeranian. 

Despite its size, a Pomeranian can handle more than you might think, so take it for a walk in the woods and fields, it will love it. In addition, with a little training of course, they are easy to keep loose as they do not have the desire to hunt and are faithful companions that do not run away at any time. A Pomeranian will also enjoy having slightly quieter days with snuggles and hanging out in the yard, but make sure to vary so that your Pomeranian does not become under stimulated and bored. 

Pomeranians can be prone to barking, so early training to keep it from getting out of hand may be necessary. If you live in an apartment and your Pomeranian is of the more barking variety, it may be good to limit access to the door when it is alone at home, as passers-by can trigger the barking. 

Pomeranian health status 

At Agria, we collect statistics on all dog breeds that are insured with us. It gives us unique injury and disease statistics that provide insight into which diseases and injuries affect specific breeds.  

Just like any other dog, a Pomeranian can get into trouble or get sick. Therefore, we have not included the things that generally affect dogs regardless of breed. Instead, we have found the three most common breed-specific diagnoses: 

• Patella luxation (kneecap problem)
• Tracheal collapse (breathing problems)
• Dental problems 

What we love the Pomeranian for 

The Pomeranian is lovable in many ways, which makes it hard to pick only things, but we've tried: 

Their Amazing Ways: They are lively, brave and a great companion. They are very rarely aggressive, and they love company. It is simply a true friend who will walk through fire and water for you. 

Their intelligence: The Pomeranian is an intelligent and easy-to-learn breed, which makes them popular with dog owners. Teach your Pomeranian everything from occasional circus tricks to showy freestyle programs, both you and your pom will love it! 

Their charm: A Pomeranian is a real charmer and easily becomes your very best friend! If you manage to activate them in the right way, you really have a great dog that you can use for everything. 

What you need to know when choosing a Pomeranian?

The Pomeranian is a great breed, but there are (of course) challenges that come with owning one. We've summarised some of the things you need to be prepared for: 

Energy levels: The Pomeranian is an active breed that requires a lot of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy. If they don't get enough exercise and mental stimulation, they can become bored and develop unwanted behaviours. So don't be fooled by its size, even though a Pomeranian likes sofa hanging, it needs more activation than many people think. 

Coat Care: The Pomeranian has a thick, fluffy coat that requires regular brushing. If you are not prepared to put in the time for this, a Pomeranian may not be the right breed for you. 

Barking: Pomeranians are known to be quite vocal. If you live in an apartment or are sensitive to this yourself, you should think this through carefully before getting a Pomeranian.