Pomeranian

Coat & Grooming: Pomeranian coats come in many colors and are known for their luxurious double layers, which require consistent care to stay healthy. Brush the coat weekly and give your Pomeranian an occasional bath with good quality dog-friendly shampoo. Keep their nails trimmed, as they grow very fast and can cause problems if left neglected. Splitting and cracking are painful for the dog, so do your best to avoid long nails.

Shedding: With a double coat and heavy seasonal shedding, the Pomeranian is one of the heaviest shedders in the AKC Toy group. Their long fur needs regular maintenance to avoid matting and tangles. Brush your Pomeranian at least once a week and consider working with experts at a professional grooming salon.

Training: While the Pomeranian is eager to please, they are also highly intelligent and take to training well. Early obedience training is a great idea for Pomeranian puppies. Since the breed can be a bit defensive and over-confident, it’s important to instill good behaviors early in life. Without proper training and socialization, Pomeranians can become dominant and aggressive. Use positive reinforcement and make sure you show your Pomeranian how to behave with guidance and love. Toys that are safe and designed for dogs can help your Pomeranian deal with time left alone.

Barking: Pomeranians love to play, and that’s a key to understanding them. Make their lives interesting and fun, and you’ll have a loving companion for life. They can be cocky and demanding, but they are eager to please. Excessive barking is a problem, so instill good habits early in life. Take your Pomeranian to obedience school when he’s young to avoid problems later on. Expect some territorial behavior, but don’t tolerate incessant barking or aggressive behavior.

A little alarm barking or the occasional bark at a squirrel is okay, but consider your neighbors when leaving your dog home alone. Don’t leave your Pomeranian unattended outside. Some people cringe at their high-pitched bark, while others find it fitting for these little dogs.

Personality: Pomeranians are proud and extroverted. They can display great intelligence and loyalty to their extended family. They are curious and like to be the center of attention. They are very friendly and playful. With poor training and a lack of obedience lessons, Pomeranians can develop aggressive tendencies and excessive barking problems. A little defensiveness is okay, but don’t let your Pomeranian become a nuisance for everyone around you. They respond well to obedience and agility training, so it’s up to you to show them the right way.

Temperament & Behavior: Pomeranians are proud and extroverted. They display great intelligence and loyalty to their extended family. They are curious and like to be the center of attention—friendly and playful by nature. With poor training, Pomeranians can develop aggressive tendencies and excessive barking problems. They respond well to obedience and agility training, so it’s up to you to show them the right way.

Pomeranians crave attention and enjoy being around their people. They can become overprotective and defensive if poorly trained or neglected. Because they are curious, dog-proof your home before your new guest arrives—garbage cans, beware!

Pomeranians are alert dogs and can be overly defensive without proper training. Instill good habits early to keep barking and aggressive posturing to a minimum. Toys and positive reinforcement can help you train your Pomeranian.

Behavior with Kids: Pomeranians can make great pets for families, but always supervise them with small children. Their small, fragile bodies won’t stand up to rough-housing or careless handling. Generally, they are very friendly and well suited to family life.

Protection: Pomeranians are alert dogs and can be overly defensive without the proper training. Make sure you instill good habits early in life to keep the barking and aggressive posturing to a minimum. Toys and positive reinforcement can help you train your Pomeranian.

Life span: On average, Pomeranians live to be about 12-16 years old.

Inherited Health Issues: All breeds have inherent health problems; some more than others. Pomeranians are relatively hardy, but several conditions can be passed from parents to offspring. When considering purchasing a Pomeranian, talk to breeders about genetic testing for known inherited conditions. These may include Atlantoaxial subluxation, Cataracts, Cryptorchidism, and Tracheal collapse.

Preventive Care: Regular veterinary care is critical to maintaining your Pom’s health and well-being. Your veterinarian can help determine whether your Pom puppy could be affected by genetic problems and advise on treatment. Carefully maintain dental health with routine brushing, as small dogs are prone to dental disease. Use a small finger-friendly brush and toothpaste made specifically for pets.

Every dog deserves high-quality, consistent preventive care to ensure a long and happy life.

Feed your Pomeranian a high quality food formulated for small breed dogs. The kibble is small and easy to digest. It’s also worth considering feeding prescription diet specifically designed to discourage the formation of tartar and plaque.

Daily Consumption: Average daily consumption for an adult Pomeranian is 1/4 to 1/3 cup.

Energy Level: Enjoys some moderate exercise every now and then

Exercise: Pomeranians need a lot of love, but they don’t need much in the way of exercise. A daily walk is great, but don’t overexert your Pomeranian with too much strenuous activity.

You’ll often find your Pomeranian following you from room to room. These little dogs love to play and enjoy the company of friends and family. They can be stubborn and crafty to get their way, but they also love to please their owners. They don’t need a lot of extra exercise, but avoid overfeeding and take them for regular walks so they can enjoy many long years at home.

Climate: Pomeranians may have come from hearty Nordic sled dogs, but they won’t fare well in extreme cold. A good rule of thumb is that your Pomeranian is roughly as comfortable as you are at any given temperature. If you are hot, help them cool off; if you’re shivering without a coat, consider helping your Pom stay warm, too.