Pomeranian Fact Center

The smallest of the Spitz-type sled dogs from Iceland and Lapland, the Pomeranian used to be 30 pounds or more, and even pulled small sleds and herded sheep. The Pomeranian is named for Pomerania, a region along the southern coast of the Baltic Sea in what is now Germany and Poland, because Queen Charlotte first brought Pomeranians to England from this region. As the Pomeranian collected fans in the United States in the early 20th century, breeders preferred smaller dogs and most Pomeranians weighed in around six pounds or less, but had heavier bones and a thinner coat than today’s more delicate and fluffier lap dog. Pomeranians broke into the top ten most popular dogs in the mid-1990s, and currently rank at number 14.

The Pom may be tiny, but this spunky extrovert can get a little cocky for a dog not much bigger than your shoe. Outgoing and effervescent, Pomeranians have faces like little foxes, making them hard to resist and easy to forgive, but Pomeranians will get into mischief without rules and supervision. Pomeranians need to be companions and pet owners can transform their Pomeranians like magic from wild yapping jumpers to sweet, quiet cuddlers just by picking them up. Most Pomeranians would be perfectly happy to ride around in your arms all day, but letting them stand on their own four feet helps the Pomeranian develop confidence and get more exercise. Pomeranians get along well with most dogs, cats, and other pets, but should only live with older, gentle children who won’t accidentally injure them. Even though they are active, Pomeranians are small enough to get all the exercise they need just by darting around the room after a toy.

Tiny but alert, vivacious and commanding, Pomeranians have soft, fluffy coats with a heavily plumed tails set high over their backs. Usually about 3 to 7 pounds, Pomeranians have short backs and should be a little bit taller than they are long. They have bright black almond-shaped eyes and their dense double coats should stand out from their bodies like, well..pom-pomeranians. Pomeranians can be any color or pattern, but are often red, orange, cream, sable, black, or brown. You can also find white, blue, wolf sable, black and tan, brindle (black stripes over a lighter coat), and parti-color (white with colored patches) Pomeranians.

Some Pomeranians, advertised as “teacup” or “miniature” Pomeranians, are not rare and are more prone to injury and health problems like hypoglycemia. Other pet-quality Pomeranians can reach weights up to 20 pounds or more. These sturdy fellows can make better pets for families with young children, but wouldn’t do well in a dog show.

Don’t tell the Pomeranian he’s training and you’ll do just fine. Pomeranians love active games and playing with you, so when pet owners make training about together-time, they get their point across more clearly. Boring repetition or scolding doesn’t work with this free-spirited dog, and Pomeranians are easy to spoil so be careful not to accidentally reward bad behavior like barking, jumping, and nipping. Some Pomeranians quickly learn dog sports like agility and love zipping around the obstacle courses.

Housetraining can be a real challenge for the know-it-all Pomeranian with the tiny bladder and the big attitude. Take the Pomeranian outside or to his indoor newspaper ‘potty’ on a consistent schedule every day and it will eventually understand where its bathroom is. The Pomeranian will probably even go there…most of the time.

The Pomeranian’s big fluffy double coat needs daily brushing and combing. Pomeranians shed... a lot! Skip a few days and you’ve got tangles and mats that may need to be cut out by a professional groomer, not to mention tufts of hair floating over the dinner table. However, Pomeranians don’t need professional grooming for trims or fancy haircuts. Brush, comb, and voila—the Pomeranian looks glamorous, dahling. Don’t forget to trim nails and brush teeth, too.

Like many small dogs, Pomeranians can suffer from luxating patellas (kneecaps that slip out of place) and collapsing tracheas. Many do better on a harness instead of a leash, to keep pressure off their throats. Pomeranians sometimes develop hypoglycemia, especially when very small, and many retain puppy teeth that need to be removed and duffer from early tooth loss. Some Pomeranians also have thyroid problems and skin problems including black skin disease. Ask your breeder about these issues.

When Queen Charlotte married Prince George III, she brought Pomeranians with her from Germany, and the Pomeranian was the first dog to take up residence at Buckingham Palace when Prince George became King. Legend says that when Queen Victoria lay dying, she asked for her favorite Pomeranian, Turi, to be brought to her. Pomeranians have also witnessed the creation of great art: Michelangelo’s Pomeranian watched him paint the Sistine Chapel, Mozart dedicated an aria to his Pomeranian, Pimperl, and Chopin was so amused by a female friend’s Pomeranian that he composed the piece “Valse des Petits Chiens” in the dog’s honor. More recently, Fran Drescher’s Pomeranian, Chester, has appeared in her television show The Nanny and in the movie Cadillac Man. Kate Hudson and country singer Lee Ann Rimes both keep Poms as pets.