Pomeranian: Breed Profile, Characteristics, and Care Guide

Pomeranians are one of the most popular breeds of small dogs in the world. They are known for their fluffy and glorious coat, lively and cheerful personalities, and loyal and devoted nature. But what else do you need to know about these adorable dogs? In this article, you will find everything you need to know about Pomeranians, from their history and origin to their health and care. Whether you are a proud Pomeranian owner or are thinking of getting one, this article will help you understand and appreciate this wonderful breed.

History and Origin of Pomeranians

Pomeranians are named after the region of Pomerania, which is now part of Germany and Poland. They are descended from the ancient Spitz-type dogs that were used for herding and guarding livestock in northern Europe. These dogs were much larger than the modern Pomeranians, weighing up to 30 pounds.

The Pomeranian breed as we know it today was developed in the 18th and 19th centuries when they were bred down in size and became popular as companion dogs for royalty and nobility.

Some of the most famous Pomeranian owners in history include Queen Victoria of England, who had a red Pomeranian named Marco; King Louis XV of France, who had a cream sable Pomeranian named Mimi; and Mozart, who had a black Pomeranian named “Pimperl.”

Pomeranians were first recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888, and they are currently ranked as the 23rd most popular dog breed in the United States. They are also members of the Toy Group, which includes other small breeds such as Chihuahuas, Maltese, and Yorkshire Terriers.

Physical Appearance

Pomeranians are small dogs that have a compact and sturdy body. They have a wedge-shaped head with a short and pointed muzzle. They have small and almond-shaped eyes that are dark and expressive. They have small and erect ears that are set high on their head. They have a scissors bite and a black nose.

They have a thick double coat that consists of a soft and dense undercoat and a long and harsh outer coat. The outer coat stands out from the body and forms a ruff around the neck, a fringe on the tail, and feathering on the legs. The tail is set high and curls over the back.

Pomeranians also come in a variety of colors and patterns, such as black, chocolate, cream, orange, red, sable, white, wolf sable, brindle, merle, parti-color, tan points, and white markings. The coat color may change throughout the life of the Pomeranian.

Pomeranians are small dogs that weigh between 3 and 7 pounds and stand between 6 and 7 inches at the shoulder. They have a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. They are classified as toy dogs by the AKC.

Pomeranian Colors and Patterns

The wide range of various colors and patterns, make Pomeranians even more appealing to dog lovers. According to the AKC standard, there are 18 acceptable colors for Pomeranians, including black, chocolate, cream, orange, red, sable, white, and wolf sable. There are also 13 acceptable patterns, such as brindle, merle, parti-color, tan points, and white markings.

Some of the most popular and rare colors for Pomeranians are:

• Red Pomeranian dogs: These dogs have a deep red coat that can range from dark mahogany to bright copper. They often have black noses and eye rims, which contrast with their fiery fur.
• Cream Pomeranian dogs: These dogs have a light cream coat that can have shades of beige or ivory. They often have brown noses and eye rims, which blend with their soft fur.
• Chocolate Merle Pomeranian dogs: These dogs have a chocolate base coat with patches of lighter colors such as tan or blue. They often have blue eyes or heterochromia (two different colored eyes), which add to their unique appearance.
• Orange Sable Pomeranian dogs: These dogs have an orange base coat with black tips on their guard hairs. They often have black noses and eye rims, which enhance their warm fur.
• Cream Sable Pomeranian dogs: These dogs have a cream base coat with black tips on their guard hairs. They often have brown noses and eye rims, which complement their delicate fur.

Temperament

Pomeranians are not only cute and fluffy but also have a lot of character and temperament. They are very intelligent and curious dogs who love learning new things and exploring new places. They are also very affectionate and loyal to their family members and enjoy spending time with them.

Not everyone will get along with a Pomeranian. They can be very vocal and barky dogs that may annoy your neighbors or other pets. They can also be very stubborn and independent dogs that may challenge your authority or ignore your commands. They can also be very possessive and protective of their toys, food, or people, which may lead to aggression or jealousy issues.

Therefore, Pomeranians need proper training and socialization from an early age to prevent them from developing bad habits or behavior problems. They also need consistent rules and boundaries to respect you as their leader and follow your instructions. They also need lots of attention and stimulation to keep them happy and entertained.

Teacup Pomeranians

You’ve probably heard about teacup Pomeranians before. It’s a term used to describe a very small Pomeranian that weighs less than 4 pounds and stands less than 6 inches at the shoulder. They are not an official or recognized breed size but rather a marketing term used by some breeders or sellers to attract buyers looking for a miniature or toy version of the Pomeranian.

A teacup Pomeranian usually results from breeding two very small Pomeranians or using other methods such as inbreeding, malnutrition, or hormone injections to stunt the growth of the puppies. These methods can cause serious health problems and defects in the teacup Pomeranian, such as heart disease, liver failure, seizures, blindness, deafness, dental issues, bone fractures, and more. A teacup Pomeranian may also have a shorter lifespan than a normal-sized Pomeranian.

Teacup Pomeranians are rare and in high demand, a potent combination causing the cost to rocket up to more than $5,000 or even $10,000 in some cases. However, buying a teacup Pomeranian may not be a good idea or a responsible choice. It may support unethical breeding practices that harm the dogs and the breed. It may also result in disappointment or heartbreak for the buyer, who may end up with a sickly or dying dog.

If you are looking for a small dog resembling a Pomeranian, you may want to consider other breeds of naturally small and healthy dogs, such as the Papillon, the Maltese, or the Toy Poodle. These breeds are recognized and reputable by the AKC and other organizations. They are also more likely to live longer and happier lives than a teacup Pomeranian.

Interesting Facts About Pomeranians

Pomeranians are not only cute and fluffy, but they are also fascinating and surprising dogs. Here are some interesting facts about Pomeranians that you may not know:

• Pomeranians are related to wolves: Pomeranians are part of the Spitz family of dogs, which are believed to be the oldest and most primitive types of dogs. Spitz dogs share a common ancestor with wolves and have some wolf-like features such as pointed ears, curled tails, and thick fur.
• Pomeranians have a special name for their coat: They have a double coat consisting of a soft and dense undercoat and a long and harsh outer coat. The outer coat is also called the “stand-off coat” because it stands out from the body and gives the Pomeranian a fluffy appearance.
• Pomeranians can change their coat color: Pomeranians can have different coat colors and patterns throughout their life. Some Pomeranians may be born with one color and then change to another color as they grow older. Some Pomeranians may also have different colors on different parts of their body or face.
• Pomeranians have a special name for their smile: Pomeranians have unique facial expressions that look like they are smiling. This is called the “Pom Smile” or the “Pom Grin.” It is caused by a slight contraction of the muscles around the mouth and eyes, which makes the Pomeranian look happy and friendly.
• Pomeranians are very popular on social media: Pomeranians are one of the most popular breeds of dogs on social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok. They have millions of followers and fans who love seeing their cute, funny photos and videos. Some of the most famous Pomeranians on social media are Boo, Jiffpom, Bertram, and Pom Pom Chewy.

Common Health Issues Affecting Pomeranians

Pomeranians are typically healthy dogs that can live up to 16 years or more. There are a few more common health problems they are prone to that may affect their quality of life or shorten their lifespan. Some of the most common ones that Pomeranians may face are:

• Hip Dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joints of dogs. It causes the hip socket to be loose or malformed, which leads to pain, inflammation, and arthritis.
• Patellar Luxation: This is a condition that affects the kneecaps of dogs. It causes the kneecap to slip out of place, which leads to pain, limping, and instability.
• Tracheal Collapse: This is a condition that affects the trachea or windpipe of dogs. It causes the trachea to collapse or narrow, which leads to difficulty breathing, coughing, and gagging.
• Black Skin Disease: This is a condition that affects the skin and coat of dogs. It causes the skin to turn black and the hair to fall out, which leads to baldness and infection.
• Early Tooth Loss: This is a condition that affects the teeth and gums of dogs. It causes the teeth to decay or fall out prematurely, which leads to dental problems and infection.

To prevent or minimize these health problems, Pomeranians need regular veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, and a healthy diet and exercise. They also need proper grooming and dental care to keep their coat and teeth in good condition.

Caring for a Pomeranian

Pomeranians are not high-maintenance dogs, but they do need some basic care to keep them healthy and happy. Some of the things that Pomeranians need are:

Grooming

Pomeranians have a thick double coat that sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily twice a year. They need daily brushing with a pin brush or a slicker brush to remove loose hair and prevent mats and tangles. They also need occasional trimming around their eyes, ears, feet, and anus to keep them clean and neat. They also need regular bathing with a mild shampoo and conditioner to keep their coat shiny and soft.

Dental Care

Pomeranians have small mouths and teeth that are prone to plaque buildup and early tooth loss. They need daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog-friendly toothpaste to prevent dental problems and infections. They also need regular dental check-ups and cleaning by a veterinarian to remove tartar and plaque.

Nail Care

Pomeranians have small feet and nails that grow quickly and can cause pain or injury if they are too long or sharp. They need monthly trimming with a nail clipper or a grinder to keep their nails short and smooth. They also need regular checking for dirt or debris in the small crevices between their toes or pads to prevent infection or irritation.

Ear Care

Pomeranians have small ears prone to wax buildup and infection if not cleaned regularly. They need weekly cleaning with a cotton ball or a gauze pad soaked in a mild ear cleaner to remove dirt and wax from their ears. They also need regular checking for signs of infection or inflammation such as redness, swelling, odor, or discharge from their ears.

Eye Care

Pomeranians have small eyes that are prone to irritation or injury if they are not protected from dust, dirt, or foreign objects. They need daily wiping with a damp cloth or a cotton ball to remove any discharge or debris from their eyes. They also need regular checking for signs of infection or injury such as redness, swelling, tearing, or cloudiness from their eyes.

Diet and Nutrition

Pomeranians are small dogs that have high energy levels and fast metabolisms. They need a balanced diet that provides them with enough calories, protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water to support their growth, development, health, and activity.

The best diet for Pomeranians is high-quality dry dog food that is specially formulated for small breeds. Dry dog food helps keep their teeth clean and healthy by scraping off plaque and tartar. It also helps prevent obesity by controlling their calorie intake.

However, dry dog food alone may not be enough for some Pomeranians who have special dietary needs or preferences. Some Pomeranians may benefit from adding wet dog food, canned food, raw food, cooked food, or homemade food to their diet. These foods can provide more moisture, flavor, variety, or nutrients to their diet.

However, these foods should be given in moderation and with caution as they may cause digestive problems or allergies in some Pomeranians. They should also be checked for quality and safety before feeding them to your Pomeranian.

Some of the foods that Pomeranians should avoid or limit are:

• Chocolate: Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, which is toxic to dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, or even death in Pomeranians.
• Grapes and Raisins: Grapes and raisins contain a substance that can cause kidney failure in dogs. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or even death in Pomeranians.
• Onions and Garlic: Onions and garlic contain a substance that can damage the red blood cells of dogs. It can cause anemia, weakness, or even death in Pomeranians.
• Xylitol: Xylitol is a sugar substitute that is found in some candies, gums, or baked goods. It can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, liver failure, or even death in Pomeranians.
• Bones: Bones can splinter or break into sharp pieces that can cause choking obstruction, or perforation in the mouth, throat, stomach, or intestines of Pomeranians.

The best way to feed your Pomeranian is to follow the feeding guidelines on the dog food package or consult your veterinarian for advice. You should also measure your Pomeranian’s food portions and feed them twice a day at regular intervals. You should also always provide fresh and clean water for your Pomeranian.

Exercise

Pomeranians are active and energetic dogs that need regular exercise to keep them fit and healthy. They also need mental stimulation to keep them happy and entertained. However, due to their small size and fragile bones, they do not need a lot of exercise or strenuous activities.

The best exercise for Pomeranians is a daily walk of 15 to 30 minutes around the neighborhood or park. This will help them burn off some calories, socialize with other people and dogs, and explore new sights and smells. You should also use a harness and a leash to protect your Pomeranian from traffic, predators, or other dangers.

However, walking alone may not be enough for some Pomeranians who have more energy or curiosity. Some Pomeranians may enjoy playing with toys, games, or puzzles indoors or outdoors. These will help them exercise their body and mind and strengthen their bond with you.

Some of the toys, games, or puzzles that Pomeranians may like are:

• Fetch
• Tug-of-War
• Hide-and-Seek
• Kong Toys
• Puzzle Toys

The best way to exercise your Pomeranian is to follow their energy level and interest. You should also monitor their breathing, heart rate, and temperature to prevent them from overheating or overexerting themselves. After exercise, you should also provide plenty of water and rest for your Pomeranian.

Training

Pomeranians are smart and eager to please dogs that can learn a variety of commands, tricks, or skills. They can also be trained to perform in dog shows, agility courses, or obedience trials. However, due to their stubborn and independent nature, they can also be difficult and challenging to train.

The best training for Pomeranians is positive reinforcement training, which involves rewarding your Pomeranian with treats, praise, or toys for doing what you want them to do. This will help them associate the behavior with the reward, and motivate them to repeat it.

Avoid punishing or scolding your Pomeranian for doing what you don’t want them to do, as this will only make them fearful or resentful of you.

Popular Pomeranian Mixed Breeds

Pomeranians are often mixed with other breeds of dogs to create new and unique hybrids. These mixes may inherit the traits and characteristics of both parent breeds, or they may favor one over the other. Some of the most popular mixes of Pomeranians are:

• Pomsky: One of the objectively cutest dogs I’ve ever seen. A Pomsky is a mix of a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky. It is a medium-sized dog that has a fluffy and thick coat that can come in various colors and patterns. It has a wolf-like appearance with pointed ears, almond-shaped eyes, and a curled tail. It is an intelligent and energetic dog that needs a lot of exercise and stimulation. It is also loyal and affectionate to its family, but it can sometimes be independent and stubborn.
• Pomapoo: A Pomapoo is a mix of a Pomeranian and a Poodle. It’s a small dog that has a curly and soft coat that can come in various colors. It has a round head, floppy ears, dark eyes, and a black nose. It is a smart, playful dog that loves learning new tricks and games. It is also friendly and sociable to people and animals, but it can sometimes be vocal and barky.
• Maltipom: A Maltipom is a mix of a Pomeranian and a Maltese. It’s a small dog with a long, silky coat that can come in white or light colors. It has a small head with erect ears, round eyes, and a black nose. It is a sweet, gentle dog that loves to cuddle and be pampered. It’s also lively and cheerful to its family, but it can be shy and timid around strangers.
• Pomchi: A Pomchi is a mix of a Pomeranian and a Chihuahua. It’s a small dog that has a short or long coat that can come in various colors and patterns. It has a small head with large ears, bright eyes, and a pointed nose. It is an alert and spirited dog that likes to be the center of attention. It is also devoted and loyal to its owner but can sometimes be possessive and protective.
• Pomeagle: A Pomeagle is a mix of a Pomeranian and a Beagle. It’s a small to medium-sized dog that has a smooth or rough coat that can come in various colors and patterns. It has a long head with floppy ears, dark eyes, and a black nose. It’s a curious and adventurous dog that loves to explore and sniff. They are often friendly and cheerful to their family and friends, but they can sometimes be stubborn and independent.

Where to Buy a Pomeranian

If you are interested in buying a Pomeranian, you may wonder where to find one and how much it will cost you. Pomeranians are not very rare dogs, but they are not very cheap either. The price of a Pomeranian can vary depending on several factors, such as the color, size, quality, pedigree, and location of the dog.

The average price of a Pomeranian in the United States is between $1,000 and $3,000. However, some Pomeranians can cost more than $5,000 or even $10,000 if they are show-quality or have rare colors or patterns. Some Pomeranians can also cost less than $500 if they are mixed-breed or have health or behavioral issues.

Pomeranian Breeders

The best place to buy a Pomeranian is from a reputable and responsible breeder who can provide you with health certificates, registration papers, and guarantees for your dog. You should also visit the breeder’s premises and meet the parents and littermates of your dog. You should also ask the breeder about the history, temperament, and care of your dog.

You can find a list of reputable breeders from the American Pomeranian Club (APC), which is the national breed club for Pomeranians in the United States. You can also find a list of breeders from the AKC Marketplace, which is an online platform that connects buyers and sellers of AKC-registered dogs. You can also search for breeders online or in local newspapers or magazines.

Rescue a Pomeranian

Another option to get a Pomeranian is to adopt one from a rescue group or a shelter. There are many Pomeranians that need a new home due to various reasons, such as abandonment, abuse, neglect, or death of their owners. You can save a life and give a second chance to a Pomeranian that may otherwise be euthanized or forgotten.

You can find a list of rescue groups from the APC website or from other online directories. You can also visit your local shelter or animal control and ask if they have any Pomeranians available for adoption. You may have to pay an adoption fee and fill out an application form to adopt a Pomeranian from these sources.

Conclusion

Pomeranians are amazing dogs that have a lot to offer to their owners. They are cute, fluffy, lively, loyal, and intelligent. They are also adaptable, versatile, and fun-loving. However, they are not for everyone. They can also be vocal, stubborn, and possessive. They also need proper care, exercise, training, and socialization to thrive and be happy.

If you are looking for a small dog that can brighten your day and fill your heart with love, then a Pomeranian may be the perfect choice. However, if you are looking for a quiet, obedient, and low-maintenance dog, then a Pomeranian may not be the best fit for you.

Whatever your decision is, make sure that you do your research and preparation before getting a Pomeranian. You should also consult your veterinarian, breeder, or rescue group for more information and advice. You should also make sure that you are ready and committed to providing your Pomeranian with a loving and responsible home for their entire life.

Pomeranians are not just dogs; they are family members. They deserve lots of love, respect, and care from their owners. They also deserve to be happy and healthy. If you can provide all these things to your Pomeranian, then you will have a loyal and devoted companion for life.

More Dog Breeds

If you’re interested in learning about similar dog breeds, check out:

• Shih Tzu
• Japanese Spitz
• American Eskimo Dog

Or browse our entire collection of dog breed articles!

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