Pomeranian Breed Guide: Temperament, Care and Health

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 17, 20263 min read

The Pomeranian is a fluffy bundle with the attitude of a much larger dog. Descended from bigger sled-type spitz dogs and shrunk down over generations, it kept the thick coat, curled tail and unshakeable self-belief. Owners tend to describe the breed as a clown, an alarm system and a lapdog rolled into one.

Origins and appearance

The breed takes its name from Pomerania, a historic region on the Baltic coast, and became fashionable in royal households in the nineteenth century, when selective breeding reduced its size dramatically. Modern Pomeranians weigh only a few pounds, with a wedge-shaped face, small upright ears and a plumed tail carried over the back. Coats come in many colors, including orange, cream, black, sable and parti-color.

Temperament

Pomeranians are curious, spirited and attached to their people. They notice every sound and often announce it. Left unguided, the habit can turn into constant barking at the door, the window and the hallway. See why do dogs bark excessively. The same confidence means they may challenge larger dogs without understanding the size difference, so supervise meetings.

Exercise and mental needs

Despite the energy, a Pomeranian does not need marathon workouts. Two or three short walks, indoor games and a few minutes of training each day usually satisfy them. Puzzle toys and trick training suit this clever breed well. Avoid long hikes in heat, since the thick coat holds warmth.

Training

Pomeranians learn quickly but can be stubborn about house training, a common complaint with toy breeds because small bladders and small accidents are easy to miss. Use a regular schedule, praise generously and keep sessions short and upbeat. Teach polite greetings early, as jumping and nipping are easy habits to build when a dog is portable.

Coat and grooming

The double coat has a soft undercoat and longer guard hairs. Plan to brush two to four times a week, more during the seasonal shed, and to bathe every few weeks. Never shave to cool the dog, since the coat insulates against sun and heat, and shaved coats may grow back patchy. Read double coat dog grooming guide for tools and technique. Check ears, trim nails and brush teeth regularly.

Health considerations

Veterinary sources commonly mention these concerns in the breed:

• Collapsing trachea, which causes a honking cough. A harness instead of a collar reduces pressure on the neck. See collapsing trachea in dogs
• Dental disease, because small mouths crowd teeth. See how to brush a dog's teeth
• Luxating patella, a slipping kneecap. See luxating patella in dogs
• Alopecia X, a coat condition that causes patchy hair loss in some Pomeranians
• Heart and eye problems, which routine checkups help catch

Ask your breeder about health testing in the parents.

Living with a Pomeranian

A Pomeranian fits apartments and small homes as long as barking is managed. Many are happy to travel and thrive on company. Keep them from jumping off furniture, and think carefully about big dogs, rowdy toddlers and open stairways. Their size also means a short fall can cause a fracture.

Is it the right breed for you?

Choose a Pomeranian if you enjoy grooming, want a watchful companion and can commit to firm, kind training. Look elsewhere if you need a quiet dog or a dog for young children. For a similar-sized alternative with a different personality, read about the Chihuahua.

Puppies and the first year

Pomeranian puppies are tiny and fragile, so they need warmth, regular meals and supervision around stairs and furniture. Many go through an awkward "puppy uglies" stage around four to eight months when the puppy coat falls out and the adult coat comes in, which is normal and passes. Start handling the paws, mouth and ears early so grooming and vet visits feel routine. See puppy socialization checklist.

Common owner mistakes

Many new owners carry their Pomeranian everywhere, which can lead to a dog that is nervous on the ground. Others skip training because the dog is small, and end up with a barker that guards the sofa. Let your dog walk, sniff and meet friendly dogs, and teach manners as you would with a large breed. Keep weight steady, since even a pound of extra weight is a large percentage for a dog this size.

The takeaway

Pomeranians are bold, bright and beautiful, but their coat, voice and fragile frame call for daily attention.