A tiny, square-built Spitz with a foxy face, small pointed ears set high and bright, alert eyes. The long, straight outer coat stands away from the body over a thick, soft undercoat, forming a lion-like ruff around the neck, and the heavily plumed tail curls up over the back.432
Coloursorangeorange sablewolf sableshaded sablecreamwhiteblackbrown/chocolatebeaverblueblack and tanparti-colourbrindle6432
Personality what they are like
A bright, bubbly companion with a big personality in a very small body. Poms are watchful and quick to notice anything new, strongly bonded to their people and easy to train. They can be bold around bigger dogs and like to announce visitors, so early training on quiet manners pays off.43526
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Low to moderate. Short daily walks and play, around 20-30 minutes a day, keep them happy; they also enjoy learning tricks and obedience.56
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Brush the double coat once or twice a week, down to the undercoat, and daily during shedding seasons. The coat is presented as naturally as possible with only tidy-up trimming.563
Home where they are happiest
Well suited to flat or apartment living as well as houses with a small garden, in town or country. The FCI standard notes the Spitz is sturdy in all weather.64
Food basics what goes in the bowl
A complete small-breed dog food in small, measured meals. Some Poms are choosy eaters, so a consistent routine helps.5
Company who they like around
A people-oriented dog that likes to be close to its owner. Good with children who are raised with it and handle it gently, and generally gets on with other pets; watch interactions with much larger dogs because of the size difference.54
The story where it all began
The Pomeranian belongs to the German Spitz family, which the FCI describes as descending from very old Central European Spitz dogs. The type is named after Pomerania on the Baltic coast, and early Pomeranians were far larger working dogs of up to about 13-14 kg. A 1764 diary by James Boswell contains one of the first written mentions of a 'Pomeranian dog'. Queen Charlotte brought two to England in 1767, and her granddaughter Queen Victoria became the breed's great champion, showing a small red sable dog in 1891. Her enthusiasm for smaller dogs helped reduce the breed's size by about half during her lifetime. An English breed club followed in 1891, the AKC recognised the breed in 1900 and the UKC in 1914.4236
Fun facts for the dinner table
1
Two Pomeranians were among the very few dogs to survive the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, carried aboard lifeboats by their owners.2
2
Queen Victoria's love of small Poms is credited with shrinking the breed to roughly half its former size during her lifetime.2
3
A Pomeranian named Jiff set Guinness World Records in 2014 for the fastest 10 m on hind legs (6.56 s) and fastest 5 m on front paws (7.76 s).7
4
Pomeranians are said to come in the widest range of colours of any dog breed.2
5
The first Pomeranian to win Best in Show at Westminster was Great Elms Prince Charming II in 1988.2
6
Early Pomeranians could weigh up to around 13 kg (30 lb), much bigger than today's toy dogs.3
7
Pomeranians usually have small litters, averaging roughly two to three puppies.2
Where the name comes from the story behind it
The breed is named after the Pomerania region in north-west Poland and north-east Germany, where it originated.2
I woke up and bounced on my human’s bed to say good morning. I’m small, but I have a big voice, so I gave a little yip to hurry them along. After a quick breakfast, we practiced tricks, I can sit, spin, and even play dead. I love the applause! Then we went for a short walk where I strutted like I own the sidewalk. Back home, I watched out the window, ready to announce any squirrel. In the evening, I snuggled in a lap, purring with happiness. I’m the boss of this house, and I love it.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
Recognised by the official bits
FCI
Recognised as the Pomeranian (Zwergspitz) variety of the German Spitz, Standard No. 97, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 4 (European Spitz); definitive acceptance 1 Jan 1957; current standard published 3 Sep 20241
The Royal Kennel Club
Toy Group; the breed was first seen in the UK in 18706
AKC
Toy Group; registrations from 1898, full recognition 19002
Popularity Ranked 19th of AKC-registered breeds in 2025, up three places from 22nd in 2024.8
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Pomeranian. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Deshedding spring and autumnExtra brushing while the coat blowsevery day
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
ExerciseAbout 60 minutes a dayevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year
Treats they will love homemade and simple
Pomeranian tip
Pomeranians have tiny jaws and are prone to dental disease, so choose very small, dental-friendly treats. Because they burn calories quickly but are also at risk of obesity, keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories and avoid fatty human food.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Pomeranian, and at what times?
Feed your Pomeranian at least two measured meals a day for an adult, and three to four smaller meals for a puppy. A consistent routine helps, especially since some Poms can be choosy eaters. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.59
What should a Pomeranian eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A complete small-breed dog food in small, measured meals is best. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onion, garlic, and alcohol. Always avoid these and consult your vet for a full list.510
How often should I bathe a Pomeranian?
Furry Diary's starting plan suggests bathing every 70 days, and general guidance says at least once every three months. Bathe more often if your Pom gets very dirty or has skin issues, but always use a dog-safe shampoo.11Pet Wiki plan
How often does a Pomeranian need brushing?
Brush the double coat once or twice a week, down to the undercoat, and daily during shedding seasons. Furry Diary's plan recommends brushing every three days, with extra daily brushing when the coat is blowing.563Pet Wiki plan
How do I trim a Pomeranian's nails, and how often?
Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick, and use a proper dog nail trimmer. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.11Pet Wiki plan
How much exercise does a Pomeranian need?
Pomeranians need low to moderate exercise, about 20-30 minutes of short daily walks and play. Furry Diary's plan suggests around 60 minutes a day, which can include training and tricks. They adapt well to apartment life.56Pet Wiki plan
How do I look after a Pomeranian's teeth and ears?
Brush teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks without pushing anything into the canal. General guidance recommends brushing teeth two to three times a week, but daily is ideal for small breeds.11Pet Wiki plan
How long does a Pomeranian live?
Pomeranians typically live between 12 and 16 years, with proper care and regular vet check-ups. Senior years usually start around age 10.562
Is a Pomeranian good with children and other pets?
Yes, they are good with children raised with them and handled gently, and generally get on with other pets. Watch interactions with much larger dogs due to the size difference. Early training on quiet manners helps.54
Can a Pomeranian be left alone?
Pomeranians are people-oriented and like to be close to their owner, so they may struggle with long periods alone. How long they can be left varies by individual; ask your vet or a good breeder for advice on your specific dog.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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