Pomeranian Breed Characteristics
Height
17 to 30 cm at the shoulder
Weight
1.5 to 3.5 kg (3 to 7 pounds)
Life Expectancy
12 to 16 years
Coat Colours
Red, cream, black, brown, orange, sable, blue
Pomeranian
Spirited, sociable and playful
About the Pomeranian
The Pomeranian doesn’t just walk into a room — it owns it. These spirited little fluffballs carry themselves like royalty, strutting through life with a sparkle in their eye and a bounce in their step.
They’re the undisputed darlings of the toy breed world, not just because of their size or their signature coat, but because they pack more charm into a few kilos than some dogs twice their weight.
Here are some of the qualities you can expect from the Pomeranian, rated from one to five stars. However, all dogs are individuals, and your dog may not display exactly the same characteristics.
Family Life
5/5
Friendly with Kids
2/5
Friendly with Dogs
2/5
Ease of Grooming
2/5
Exercise Needs
2/5
Prey Drive
2/5
Tendency to Bark or Howl
5/5
Good for Novice Owners
4/5
Apartment Living
5/5
Pomeranian Breed History
Though they now grace the laps of city dwellers and influencers alike, the Pomeranian started life far from the spotlight. Their roots trace back to Pomerania — a historical region sitting between what’s now northern Poland and eastern Germany.
These early ancestors were chunkier, tougher working dogs bred from the sturdy Spitz family — close cousins to breeds like the Samoyed and the German Spitz.
The breed’s rise to fame is largely thanks to the British monarchy. Queen Charlotte — wife of King George III — was one of the first to bring Pomeranians into royal circles. But it was her granddaughter, Queen Victoria, who truly put them on the map.
She not only adored them but actively bred them, selecting for smaller sizes and entering them in dog shows where they snapped up ribbons with ease. Whether she set the trend or just made it visible, there’s no denying her influence turned the Pomeranian into a household name — and the must-have dog of her time.
Caring For a Pomeranian
- Temperament: Think of the Pomeranian as your own personal cheerleader crossed with a tiny lion. They’re bold, outgoing, and not afraid to stand their ground — even if their opponent is five times their size.
- Grooming: While they don’t drop heaps of fur daily, their thick double coat will shed seasonally. You’ll need to brush them several times a week to keep mats from forming and loose hair from coating your furniture.
- Exercise: Despite their compact build, Poms aren’t content lounging around all day. A pair of brisk 15–20 minute walks paired with some playtime inside is usually enough to meet their movement needs.
- Nutrition: Most adult Pomeranians do fine with around half a cup of premium dry food per day, ideally split between two meals.
- Training: Pomeranians take well to training. Keep sessions short, upbeat, and filled with praise — they live for a round of applause.
How to Choose a Responsible Pomeranian Breeder
Finding a breeder shouldn’t feel like buying a product off a shelf — it’s more like choosing a mentor for your dog’s early life. A good breeder puts health, temperament, and responsible practices ahead of trends or convenience. Look for someone connected to a recognised breed association — these groups hold breeders to proper care standards and provide some layer of oversight.
Ask questions. A lot of questions. Can you see where the dogs live? Are the mum and dad on-site? What health screenings have been done? A breeder who welcomes your curiosity and answers with clarity is doing it right. If they seem evasive or pushy, trust your instincts and keep looking.
Pomeranian FAQ
Can Pomeranians be left alone throughout the day?
No, the entire reason the Pom was developed was to keep humans company. They thrive on close contact with their owners and family members, and do not do well when left alone.
Do Pomeranians make good watchdogs?
Yes! Poms will not hesitate to bark when they sense an intruder. They're not very good as guard dogs, but they won’t back down from any challenge.
Dog Breeds Similar to the Pomeranian
The information is for general use only. For any specific advice or queries, please consult with your veterinarian.
