Pomeranian Pros and Cons – Is a Pomeranian Right for You?

Last Updated on March 19, 2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on June 28, 2023.

Are you looking for a small and charming companion dog? Maybe you are interested in buying or adopting a Pomeranian.

Is a Pomeranian the right dog breed for you? Worry no more because we have come up with a comprehensive guide detailing all Pomeranians’ pros and cons. So let’s dive right in!

Pomeranian Appearance

The Pomeranian is a small dog known for its luxurious coat and it is named after the province of Pomerania, in Germany. Poms come in a wide variety of solid colors. These little dogs have alert expressions and a spunky attitude.

Being an interesting toy dog breed, Pomeranians have gained huge popularity worldwide. Despite their small and compact size, they tend to protect their owners from any threat. Poms really have no idea how small they are! 

Let’s have a look at the physical characteristics of Pomeranian:  

• Eyes: Dark, bright, medium-sized, and almond-shaped
• Nose color possibilities: Pigment is black except self-colored in chocolate, beaver and blue.
• Ears: Poms have small, pointed, triangle-shaped, erect ears.
• Head: Their head is in balance with their body. It’s broad at the back, tapering to the nose to form a wedge. Their muzzles are straight with well-pronounced stops.
• Coat: The Pomeranian is a double-coated breed. They have a short, dense undercoat with a profuse harsh-textured longer outer coat. 
• Coat color: All colors, patterns, and variations thereof are allowed. They can be chocolate, tan, sable, blue, orange, black, white, cream, red, silver, grey, fawn, or brown.
• Tail: Heavily plumed, set high, flat, and straight on the back.

Facts About Pomeranian Dogs

Let’s take a look at some facts about Pomeranian dogs:

Do Pomeranians Make Good Pets? 

Pomeranians are intelligent, loving, playful, cheerful dogs and are devoted to their family. These small-bodied and playful dogs possess all qualities that make them the ideal dogs to raise. Although they are the size of your average lap dog, Poms have big personalities. 

Let’s explore the pros and cons of a Pomeranian: 

Reasons a Pomeranian Dog is For You

Here are a couple of reasons why a Pomeranian dog is the right small dog breed for you.

• Affectionate: Pomeranians are loving and cuddly dogs. They desire your attention and affection but offer unconditional love to their owners. Pomeranians enjoy cuddling up next to their owner. You can count on Pomeranians as very loving, affectionate, and eager to please. 
• Good watchdogs: The Pomeranians are alert and aware of their surroundings. They take pride in protecting their family. Pomeranians are highly protective of their family and make great watchdogs. A Pom is always quick to sound an alarm if it finds someone suspicious around the house.
• Intelligent: Pomeranians are considered highly intelligent dogs. They can read and react appropriately to human gestures.  These little guys have a good memory. Poms need mental stimulation to stay away from mischievous and destructive activities.
• Playful: Pomeranians are playful pups and love to spend time with their owners. Fetch, frisbee toss, and ball games with kids will keep them happy and engaged. They must be taught to play nicely from puppyhood. Pom puppies are curious and willing to approach people and be held by them. Their playful antics often help them get the adoration they crave.
• Loyal and courageous: Pomeranians are loyal, and betrayal is not their attribute. They like being around their owners. The Pomeranians display a courageous temperament and remind people of a much larger dog. They will do anything to protect their family if they feel like they are in danger. 
• Adapts well to apartment living: This little dog is a suitable option if you live in apartment. Pomeranians are excellent apartment dwellers due to their small size. However, they’re not couch potatoes.
• Easy to train: Pomeranians need less time, patience, and repetition during training. They are smart and can easily get bored with repetitive training. You will need to use rewards and games to teach Poms to want to comply with your requests. Hitting or yelling at them will only have negative effects. 
• Low potential for mouthiness: Pomeranian puppies have a very low tendency to nip, chew, or play-bite people. They are less likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members.
• Low wanderlust potential: Pomeranians are not escape artists. They prefer to stay as near to home as they can. Toy breeds are less likely to run away even if they have the opportunity.

Reasons a Pomeranian is Not For You

Here are a couple of reasons why a Pomeranian is not the right breed for you.

• Not for first-time parents: Even though they are eager to please, Poms is stubborn and independent. This makes them an unsuitable breed for novice owners. 
• Barkers: Pomeranians are vocal dogs with high barking potential. They will bark every time someone approaches. You can train them to stop excessive barking and avoid unpleasant situations.
• Not a low-maintenance dog: The Pomeranian’s glorious coat require regular grooming. Frequent baths and brush outs are necessary to keep Pom’s coat in optimal condition. Pomeranians are moderate shedders, so regular vacuuming will become a way of life. Their grooming needs include regular brushing, bathing, trimming, dental, and nail care.
• Pom puppies are not kid-friendly: These dogs are unsuitable for a household with small children. Pomeranians are friendly with children but should still be supervised during playtime. Due to their small size, they are best suited to a family with older kids. Mistreatment by young kids can be heavy-handed and hurt a Pomeranian. Be sure that any small kid around a Pom is taught to interact with dogs respectfully and gently.
• Poms are not dog-friendly: The Pomeranian won’t be a great choice if you already have another pet dog. They are not friendly towards other dogs. Pomeranians can be scrappy with other dogs of the same sex, but early socialization will help deter this behavior. Poms are best suited to a one-dog household.  
• Can’t tolerate being left alone: The charming little Poms love attention. It is not a good idea to leave Pomeranians all by themselves as you go for a walk or to work. If you should leave them, it should not be more than four hours. Pomeranians tend to be anxious, bored, and lonely when left alone. They can become problematic and destructive. 

You Need to Know the Potential Pomeranian Health Issues 

If you own or plan to buy or adopt a Pomeranian, you must know its health concerns. Let’s have a look into some of the common health problems:  

• Collapsing Trachea: Collapsing trachea is a genetic problem in which a Pom’s trachea tends to collapse easily. It happens when the trachea of a Pomeranian becomes narrow due to the softening of the cartilage that holds the windpipe. 
• Luxating Patellas: Luxating Patellas is a degenerative problem common in Pomeranians. It is due to the looseness of the kneecap. This happens when the muscles and the tendons that hold the Pomeranian’s kneecap in place become very weak. When the kneecap slips, it causes acute pain, lameness in the leg, or an abnormal gait in the Pomeranian. 
• Epilepsy: This disorder refers to abnormal, uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in your Pomeranian’s brain, causing seizures. An epilepsy treatment plan for Pomeranians reduces seizure frequency and improves their quality of life.
• Dental problems: Pomeranians are prone to gum and teeth problems and early tooth loss.
• Allergies: Pomeranians are prone to a variety of allergies. These dogs may be allergic to pollens, molds, certain foods, and flea saliva.
• Legg-Perthes Disease: In this disease, the blood supply to the head of the femur is decreased. The head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. The affected Pomeranians exhibit limping and atrophy of the leg muscle.
• Cataract: A cataract is an opacity on the lens of the Pomeranian’s eye that causes difficulty in seeing. It can be hereditary or may result from old age or trauma.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): It is a genetic condition characterized by the bilateral degeneration of the retina. The affected Pomeranian tends to be nervous at night and may eventually lead to blindness.

How to Have a Well-Rounded Pomeranian Dog

Let’s face it! All dogs are different! Here are a few ideas that you can take to ensure that your Pomeranian puppy will grow up to be a friendly and well-rounded dog:  

• Like all dog breeds, Pomeranians need early socialization and exposure to many different people, larger dogs, animals, places, sounds, and sights during puppyhood. 
• Give your Pomeranian puppy a lot of love and attention. Make sure to spend time regularly with your furry pal.
• You should remove their excess energy. Games like fetch, nose games, and hide-and-seek are great ways to remove pent-up energy in Pomeranians. These activities will keep your dog busy and make them more responsive.
• Socialization and training a Pomeranian puppy takes time and effort. You need to be patient with your furry friend. 
• Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward the positive behavior of your dog. Pomeranians feel special every time they are rewarded with praises and rewards.
• Pomeranians thrive on physical and mental stimulation. Challenge your Pom with different activities, interactive toys, and challenges.
• You need to be consistent with your Pomeranian. Lack of consistency might reinforce the negative behavior. Try to have realistic expectations for what a Pom puppy is capable of.

Many behavioral problems have a root in Pom’s early upbringing. If socialized properly in puppyhood, Pomeranians make an excellent family dog. Set limits from the start and your Pomeranian will be a wonderful companion. 

Other Pomeranian Mixes

There’s an adorable Pomeranian mix for everyone. Pomeranian mixes combine the best of two dogs, resulting in some astounding canines. All of them are elegant and a little bit weird, but no one can deny their unique and exotic appearances.  

We have compiled a list of 10 of the most amazing combinations we could find. If you are in love with Pomeranians, you will definitely love these Pomeranian mix breeds!  

1. Pomsky (Breeds: Husky and Pomeranian)
2. Jackaranian (Breeds: Jack Russell Terrier and Pomeranian)
3. Pom-A-Pug (Breeds: Pug and Pomeranian)
4. Yoranian (Breeds: Yorkshire Terrier and Pomeranian)
5. Pomchi (Breeds: Chihuahua and Pomeranian)
6. Pompoo (Breeds: Miniature Poodle and Pomeranian)
7. Pomeagle (Breeds: Beagle and Pomeranian)
8. Peek-A-Pom or Pominese (Breeds: Pekingese and Pomeranian)
9. Pomston (Breeds: Boston Terrier and Pomeranian)
10. Pomshi, Pom-Tzu, or Shiranian (Breeds: Shih Tzu and Pomeranian)

Are Pomeranians Good Dogs? Our Final Thoughts

The Pomeranian breed is a wonderful, spunky little dog and makes great pets. It is important to understand that as a Pomeranian owner, you are responsible for the care and well-being of your pet. 

Before your little buddy comes home with you, you must look at your lifestyle and how accommodating it would be for a small dog. Also, ask yourself the following questions:  

• Can you afford to own a Pomeranian puppy in terms of food, vet fees, and pet insurance?
• Is everyone in your family fully on board with the idea of Pomeranian?
• How much time can you dedicate to your Pomeranian each day? 
• Do you have the time and resources needed to properly train your Pomeranian pup? 
• Pomeranians do not tolerate being left alone. Will it have company at home if you’re working late or traveling?

Poms are one toy breed you fall in love with at first sight. They are adorable, friendly, and charming little creatures.

Choose a Pom puppy whose parents have a stable and friendly temperament.  

Grab your Pomeranian today and fill your home with happiness caused by this affectionate and delightful dog breed. This little fellow will steal your heart with its cuteness and silly antics. 

If you have any further questions about Pomeranians, please do not hesitate to ask.

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References and Further Reading:

• • 1. Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
    2. Official English Kennel Club Pomeranian Breed Standard, 2017.
    3.  Kimbering Pomeranians “1891-1991”.
    4.  Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
    5.  L.Ives, Show Pomeranians.
    6.  L.Ziegler Spirer & H.F. Spirer, This is the Pomeranian.
    7. FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE (FCI) German Spitz, including Keeshond and Pomeranian Breed Standards. PDF file.

The Pomeranian Handbook by Denise Leo