Pomeranian
A pocket-sized watchdog with a big coat and bigger opinions
- Group
- Toy
- Size
- Toy
- Weight
- 3 to 7 lb
- Height
- 6 to 7 in
- Lifespan
- 12 to 16 years
- Coat
- Long
- Origin
- Germany and Poland (Pomerania)
- Puppy price
- $1,500 to $4,000
- Monthly cost
- $100 to $200 a month
Prices are rough US ranges and vary a lot by region.
Good for
Watch out
The ten scores
higher is easier to live with higher means more work, noise or cost. All scores 1 to 5.
What living with a Pomeranian is like
A Pomeranian weighs somewhere between 3 and 7 lb and still thinks it runs the block. The first thing you will notice is the noise. Poms bark at the mail, at leaves, at a door closing two floors down. Patience can bring that down a lot, but if you share thin walls, plan for it from day one instead of hoping it fades.
Past the bark, there is plenty to like. A Pom is bright, busy and very attached to its person. It trots behind you from room to room, then claims the warmest cushion in the house. It learns tricks fast when food is involved and gets bored fast when it is not. Short walks, hallway games and a few minutes of training each day cover most of what it needs. Once the first round of barking is over, many Poms enjoy meeting new people, and plenty of them like riding along on errands in a carrier.
This breed suits adults and calm homes, including seniors who want a small, lively companion. Toddlers are a harder match. A dog this size can break a leg jumping out of arms or off a sofa, so homes with very young kids need close supervision. The coat is the other big job. It is thick, it sheds, and it tangles behind the ears if you skip brushing for a week. Grooming and vet prices vary by region, so ask around before you commit.
Care basics
Exercise
Two short walks a day, about 20 minutes each, plus indoor play is usually enough. Use a harness, not a collar, because the windpipe in this breed can be delicate. Keep the leash short near open ground. Hawks and owls have gone after dogs this small, and a Pom can squeeze through gaps in most fences.
Grooming
Brush two or three times a week down to the skin, with extra work behind the ears and on the fluffy hind legs. Many owners book a groomer every four to six weeks for a bath and tidy. Expect heavier shedding a couple of times a year. Brush the teeth often, since small mouths crowd teeth together.
Training
Start a quiet cue early and reward silence the moment it happens. Poms pick up tricks quickly, so use that. House training can be slow in toy dogs. A regular schedule and big praise outdoors help more than scolding indoors. Teach it to use a ramp or steps onto furniture.
Feeding
Tiny stomach, tiny portions. Split the daily amount into two or three meals, and ask your vet about weighing your dog at home so you can track it by the ounce. Treats add up fast for a dog under 7 lb. Young puppies can drop low on blood sugar, so do not let them go long without eating.
Health checks
Ask your vet to check the knees and teeth at every visit. Mention any honking cough, since that can point to the windpipe. Watch for patches of coat that thin out and do not grow back. Your vet can tell you what to screen for at each age.
Home setup
Fine in an apartment, as long as the neighbors can live with some barking. Block stairs and high beds for puppies. Slippery floors are hard on small knees, so a few rugs help. Outside, keep it on a leash or in a fenced space you have checked for gaps.
Health conditions common in the breed
| Condition | What to know |
|---|---|
| Patellar luxation | The kneecap slips out of place, which can show up as a skip in the walk. Mild cases may need nothing, while severe ones can need surgery. |
| Tracheal collapse | The windpipe weakens and narrows, causing a goose honk cough. A harness and a lean body take pressure off the neck. |
| Alopecia X | The breed is strongly prone to this coat loss, often on the body and tail, sometimes with darker skin. Your vet can rule out other causes. |
Not every Pomeranian will have these. Your vet can tell you what to screen for and when.
Common behaviour questions
Why does my Pom bark every time a door closes in the building?
Poms are watchful little dogs and take the job seriously. Mark the first bark with a calm cue, then pay for quiet. A fan or white noise near the door can muffle the sounds that set it off.
My Pomeranian growls when I pick it up. What is going on?
Many small dogs dislike being swooped up from above. Kneel down, say a cue word first, and support the chest and rear together. If the growling keeps up, a vet check can rule out sore knees or a sore back.
Why won't my Pom go potty outside when it rains?
Toy dogs often hate wet grass and cold paws. Go out with it, stay until it finishes, and reward right away. A small covered spot near the door makes rainy days easier.
FAQ
How big do Pomeranians get?
Most adults weigh 3 to 7 lb and stand about 6 to 7 in tall. Puppies sold as extra tiny are not a separate type, and very small size can bring more health trouble.
Can a Pomeranian go on hikes?
Short, easy trails are fine for a healthy adult. Carry water, watch for heat, and be ready to carry it home when it tires.
Do Pomeranians get along with cats?
Many do, especially when raised with one. A Pom may try to boss a cat around, so give the cat high places to retreat to.
Not veterinary advice. Breed traits are averages and every dog is an individual. Talk to your vet about your own dog's health.
Sources
- en.wikipedia.org /wiki/Pomeranian_dog
- chewy.com /education/dog-breeds/pomeranian
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