Pomeranian
- Size
- Small
- Height
- 7 to 12 inches
- Weight
- 3 to 7 pounds
- Energy
- High
- Activities
- Agility, Conformation, Lure Coursing, Racing
The Pomeranian is a cocky and animated Nordic dog with great intelligence, making him a great family pet. His smiling, foxy face and vivacious personality makes him one of the world’s most popular toy breeds.
Temperament
The Pomeranian is inquisitive, bold and lively.
Key Characteristics of the Breed
The Pomeranian dog may have a tiny body, but he has a commanding, big-dog demeanor. They are alert and intelligent, making them great watchdogs. They're also easily trained, mastering tricks and games with ease.
As much as Pomeranians enjoy being lap dogs, they're also an active breed. For most, indoor play and short walks are sufficient, making them a great dog for either the city or the suburbs.
Poms are notorious for escaping through small crevices or gaps in fencing and even climbing over short fences. Their intelligence, coupled with their energy, makes them great for activities like agility, rally and obedience. They also make excellent therapy dogs.
Lifespan of the Pomeranian
12 to 16 years
Colours
The Pomeranian’s coat comes in many colours including solid or combinations of beaver, black, blue, blue merle, chocolate, cream, orange, red and white. It’s most commonly seen in orange or red, however.
Does the Pomeranian Shed?
A Pomeranian’s double coat is one of its most distinguishing characteristics and requires frequent brushing. Despite their fluffy coat, they are not heavy shedders. As a result, this breed can be good for people with allergies.
Common Health Issues
Pomeranians are generally healthy, but watch for signs of luxating patella (kneecaps that slip out of place), hypothyroidism, collapsing tracheas, congestive heart failure, seizure and alopecia X.
Best Dog Food For Pomeranians
When it comes to choosing the best dog food for your Pomeranian, keep his unique breed traits in mind. Because Pomeranians are a toy breed, select a toy or small breed dog food formulated to maintain his ideal body condition.
These foods may include:
Best Dog Food For Pomeranian Puppies
Remember puppies of all breeds have unique nutritional needs during their first year of life. Selecting a formula containing DHA will nourish brain and vision development and antioxidants support their developing immune system to ensure they thrive during this critical time.
The following foods meet the needs of a growing puppy:
History of the Breed
The Pomeranian is a miniaturized relation of the powerful sled dogs of the Artic. The Pom, also known as the Zwergspitz, is the smallest of these sled or "spitz" dogs.
Queen Victoria was such a fan of the breed after bringing one back from Italy, she became a breeder of the tiny dog. She’s also credited with reducing the Pom’s size.
Other famous historical figures fond of Pomeranians include Marie Antoinette, Emile Zola and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Facts About the Pomeranian Dog Breed
- The Pomeranian’s popularity dramatically increased when Queen Victoria brought one back to England from Italy in 1888.
- A Pomeranian named “Turi” lay next to the Queen at her death.
- The breed is a member of the family of dogs unofficially known as the “Spitz Group.”
- Pomeranians used to weigh nearly 30 pounds and worked as sheep herders.
- The breed didn't originate in Pomerania, but that may have been where the dogs were downsized.
- They are a descendent of sled dogs of Iceland and Lapland.