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.21345
how to spot onePomeranian coat and colours
long, stand-off double coat
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.214
Comes inorangeorange sablewolf sableshaded sablecreamwhiteblackbrown/chocolatebeaverblueblack and tanparti-colourbrindle5214
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
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
how busy a day looksPomeranian exercise needs
Low to moderate. Short daily walks and play, around 20-30 minutes a day, keep them happy; they also enjoy learning tricks and obedience.35
where they are happiestPomeranian at home
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.52
who they like aroundPomeranian with people and other pets
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.32
the hands-on bitsPomeranian grooming and care
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.351
what goes in the bowlPomeranian food and feeding
A complete small-breed dog food in small, measured meals. Some Poms are choosy eaters, so a consistent routine helps.3
the things everyone asksOwner questions
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.37
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.38
How often should I bathe a Pomeranian?
Pet Wiki'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.9
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. Pet Wiki's plan recommends brushing every three days, with extra daily brushing when the coat is blowing.351
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.9
How much exercise does a Pomeranian need?
Pomeranians need low to moderate exercise, about 20-30 minutes of short daily walks and play. Pet Wiki's plan suggests around 60 minutes a day, which can include training and tricks. They adapt well to apartment life.35
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.9
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 10.354
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.32
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.
what to watchPomeranian health problems
The conditions the breed clubs and health schemes name for the Pomeranian. Most animals of the breed never get them; this is what to ask a breeder or an insurer about.
Luxating patella
The kneecap slips out of its groove, causing a skipping step; mild cases need nothing, severe ones need surgery. no published rate; patella exam is on the American Pomeranian Club CHIC list ↗
Collapsing trachea
The windpipe is soft and flattens, causing a honking cough, especially when excited or pulling on a collar; a harness helps. no published rate; well documented in the breed ↗
Alopecia X (black skin disease)
Patchy hair loss with darkened skin, mainly cosmetic but hard to diagnose. no published rate; listed as a breed problem ↗
Heart disease
Small breeds can get leaky heart valves or a patent ductus with age; a heart check is on the club test list. no published rate; cardiac exam on the CHIC list ↗
Eye disease
Yearly eye tests check for cataracts and other inherited eye problems. no published rate; UK KC lists the eye scheme as best practice ↗
Low blood sugar in puppies
Tiny puppies can run out of energy quickly if they miss meals; it is not unusual in young Poms and passes with age. no published rate; 'not unusual' per breed reference ↗
Tests a good breeder can show you
Patella evaluation American Pomeranian Club (CHIC) ↗
Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist American Pomeranian Club (CHIC) / UK Kennel Club best practice ↗
From veterinary references; the breed club publishes no health page we could find. Not veterinary advice: for your own animal, ask your vet.
per year, in your countryWhat a Pomeranian costs
Running costs for a Pomeranian, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Pomeranian legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Pomeranian in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
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
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
Two Pomeranians were among the very few dogs to survive the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, carried aboard lifeboats by their owners.4
2
Queen Victoria's love of small Poms is credited with shrinking the breed to roughly half its former size during her lifetime.4
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).10
4
Pomeranians are said to come in the widest range of colours of any dog breed.4
5
The first Pomeranian to win Best in Show at Westminster was Great Elms Prince Charming II in 1988.4
6
Early Pomeranians could weigh up to around 13 kg (30 lb), much bigger than today's toy dogs.1
7
Pomeranians usually have small litters, averaging roughly two to three puppies.4
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named after the Pomerania region in north-west Poland and north-east Germany, where it originated.4
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.
for a film nightOn screen
Films and series picked by Oskar, who made Pet Wiki.
The Nanny1993 · TV series
Chester, the Sheffield family's Pomeranian, lives in the posh household.
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 1914.2415
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 20246
The Royal Kennel Club
Toy Group; the breed was first seen in the UK in 18705
AKC
Toy Group; registrations from 1898, full recognition 19004
Keeshond
Japanese Spitz
American Eskimo Dog
Volpino Italiano