Pomeranian dog breed profile

Whether your dog is a purebred Pomeranian, or a Pomeranian mix, learning about their breed can explain a lot about your pet’s personality, habits and overall health. 

It’s important to know what your pup’s best suited for, what health conditions you can expect and, of course, why they make great pets. Here’s everything to know about the Pomeranian dog breed.

The history of Pomeranians

Pomeranians are named after a region now part of Poland and the western part of Germany formerly known as Pomerania. They’re miniaturized versions of spitz dogs (a type of domestic dog known for long, thick, and often white fur and pointed ears and muzzles), like Alaskan Malamutes and chow chows, hence their big hair. 

“They’re really meant to keep people company, to enjoy sitting on your lap and being with you to provide that wonderful canine companionship,” Dr. Jo Myers, DVM, a veterinarian at Vetster in Colorado, says.

What do Pomeranians look like?

These pups are characterized by their small size and extremely fluffy coats. Like all dogs, Pomeranians aren’t hypoallergenic, but pet parents can minimize their shedding by brushing and/or grooming them regularly. If you think you may have an allergy, consult with your doctor about long-term care before adopting any pet.

“Pomeranians have a lot of that beautiful, thick, fluffy coat that gives them a puffball appearance, which makes them look like teddy bears,” Dr. Myers says.

The breed typically doesn’t grow more than 1-foot tall and weighs around 10 pounds or less, depending on whether the dog is mixed with another breed. Some variations of the breed can be even smaller. 

These pups range in coat colors from white to black to brown to orange and can have various patterns from merle to brindle.

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What are Pomeranians’ personalities like?

“Pomeranians like to be with their person and provide company,” Dr. Myers says. These pups can be high-energy and frequent barkers if not properly trained — they’re also loyal dogs who love attention and can become protective of their pet parents.

What are common health issues Pomeranians face?

The first step to caring for your Pomeranian is to visit your veterinarian as soon as you can to establish a schedule for preventive care and create a diet plan to support your pup’s health conditions, age and activity level. Dr. Myers notes that small dogs like Pomeranians can have skeletal issues due to their petite size. These pups also tend to have more bulging eyes and crowded teeth that require specialized dental care. 

“We see higher incidents of eye-and-dental issues,” she says. “And like any other small breed, they’re predisposed to knee issues like a patella or knee cap slip out.”

However, unlike other small breeds, their snouts stick out, which usually prevents breathing issues common in other tiny pups.

Adopting a Pomeranian

As with any new pet, when bringing a Pomeranian into a home with small children or other animals, it’s important to introduce them slowly and carefully. You should also ensure your new pup has their own space to feel safe. If you plan on crate training your dog, feel free to include toys and soft blankets to make them more comfortable. 

Are you interested in adopting a Pomeranian, Pomeranian mix or any pet at all? Check out our shelter partners to find your new best friend.

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