Last Updated on March 20, 2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on July 9, 2023.
Pomeranians are adorable small, fluffy dogs that have a lot of personality. They love playing and cuddling but are prone to barking if not trained. Here are some fun facts about the Pomeranian to help you understand this adorable breed.
We explain all you need to know about Pomeranian dogs, including all the cool facts about Pomeranians. Pomeranians are one of the most popular dog breeds in America, but they have more to offer than just being cute.
Read on for helpful Pomeranian dog breed information to share with friends and family! Pomeranians are brilliant dogs who enjoy learning new things. They are great at problem-solving and quickly pick up on routines, making them easy to train.
14 Quick Fun Facts About Pomeranians
- The breed is called Pomeranian, named after the region of Pomerania in Northern Europe.
- Pomeranians are one of the world’s smallest dog breeds and one of the most popular. They’re so cute and cuddly that it’s no wonder they’ve become a favorite household pet for families worldwide.
- Pomeranian dogs have an average weight between 3-7 pounds, so they’re sometimes called “toy” Poms. This toy dog is also often referred to as the teacup Pomeranian.
- These little guys are known for their sparkling dark brown eyes, fluffy double coats, long tails curled over their backs, and small prick ears.
- Pomeranians may be small, but they have a big personality. They sometimes think they can take on bigger dogs, so it’s crucial to socialize them with other dogs. This helps prevent any aggressive behavior.
- Did you know this dog breed typically lives for an impressive 12 to 16 years on average? That’s a long and fulfilling life for your furry friend!
- The Sistine Chapel painting is a masterpiece, and Michelangelo’s loyal Pomeranian was his constant companion throughout the process.
- Martin Luther, the influential figure behind the Protestant Reformation, was fond of his Pomeranian companion, Belferlein, whom he frequently referenced in his writings.
- By dedicating an aria to him, Mozart admired his cherished Pomeranian, Pimperl.
- Isaac Newton, the famous physicist, had a pet Pomeranian dog called Diamond.
- Queen Charlotte introduced her beloved Pomeranian dogs to England. These dogs, known as “wolf dogs” at the time, were predominantly white in color.
- Queen Victoria, known for her passion for breeding poms, had one particularly famous pom named Marco. With his stunning red sable coat, Marco was a standout among his peers and received numerous prestigious awards for his excellence.
- Two Pomeranians were among the few survivors of the Titanic tragedy. Only three of the 12 dogs on board made it out alive, and two were Pomeranians. Elizabeth Rothschild and Margaret Bechstein Hays were determined to save their beloved pets and made sure they were brought onto lifeboats before escaping the sinking ship.
- Did you know that Teddy Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States, was also a proud owner of a Pomeranian? He lovingly called his furry friend Gem. Writing to his son Kermit, Roosevelt shared the adorable bond between his mother and Gem, mentioning how Gem would occasionally carry her around like a Roman chariot. Roosevelt passed on his canine companion to his uncle Will because his mother struggled to handle Gem’s energetic nature.
Pomeranian History
The Pomeranian ( also known as the Pom) originated from Pomerania (which is now Poland and Germany) and weighed almost 30 pounds. He was originally bred as a working dog and is descended from great sled dogs.
It is believed that the ancestors of the Pomeranian were the early wolf-Spitz dogs. As the tiniest member of the Spitz family, Pomeranians also have shared ancestry with the Alaskan Malamute, Norwegian Elkhound, Keeshonds and Samoyeds, and similar Arctic dog breeds. In 1870 he became better known when the English Kennel Club recognized this Spitz dog.
The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1900. The National Breed Club was formed in 1900 with the formation of the American Pomeranian Club.
Queen Charlotte Owned Pomeranians
Queen Charlotte also owned a Pomeranian. She was the Queen consort of George III and grandmother to Victoria, who would be England’s longest-serving monarch during her time as well.
She moved there from mainland Europe in 1767 with two dogs, Mercury and Phoebe. Queen Charlotte referred to the breed as Pommeranians. The artist Sir Thomas Gainsborough depicted them several times in his paintings.
It is said that Queen Charlotte’s dogs weighed somewhere between 30 and 50 pounds.
Queen Victoria and Pomeranians
Queen Victoria fell in love with the Pom dog while visiting Florence, Italy, and brought one back with her. Queen Victoria’s dog was called Windsor’s Marco.
The Queen is often credited as an influential figure in the production of modern-day Pomeranians, and she had a large breeding kennel that saw different colored breeds imported from abroad – which would eventually lead to the smaller colored dogs we know today.
Other royals who have owned a Pomeranian include King George IV of England and Josephine de Beauharnais, the wife of Napoleon I.
Famous Pomeranians
Pomeranians have had a significant role in historical events. These include the two Pomeranian dogs who survived when their owners were on board RMS Titanic and hit an iceberg in 1912. One dog escaped with Elizabeth Barrett Rothschild to safety, while another owned by Miss Margaret Hays went to safety in lifeboat seven.
Pomeranian Boo
The little Pomeranian, Boo, was a superstar. Boo was the world’s most popular dog. His owner created a Facebook page for him, saying, “My name is Boo, and I am a Dog!”
People loved reading about what life with this great big pup would be like on his journey across social media. Singer Kesha sent an adorable tweet linking to their website, saying she had a new boyfriend.
Boo died in his sleep on the morning of January 18, 2019.
Many Celebrities Own a Pomeranian
Pomeranians are small dogs that have become very popular among celebrities. Many famous people own this breed and often go out with them in public, being photographed by the paparazzi while doing so! Some notable examples include Paris Hilton, Nicole Richie, Hilary Duff LeAnn Rimes, Eva Longoria Kelly Osborne, Gwen Stefani & Fran Drescher.
Celebrity-owned Pomeranians are often seen on their social media pages, where they post pictures of themselves together; one can’t help but notice how much love these fluffy little guys evoke.
The Pomeranian is a Toy Dog
Throughout the breed’s history, Poms have decreased in size and now weigh between three and seven pounds. The UK Kennel Club, American Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, and Australian National Kennel Club categorize this cute little dog with its toy group. The FCI ( Fédération Cynologique Internationale) places this breed in the Spitz and primitive types group.
Pomeranian Characteristics
The Pomeranian is a delightful little person. He may now come packaged in an extremely small parcel. However, he has not forgotten his heritage and behaves like an enormously large husky dog. A Pomeranian exhibits great intelligence, and a vivacious spirit is loyal, mischievous, affectionate, and incredibly energetic. Making him a great companion dog as well as a competitive show dog.
The Pomeranian is a compact, short-backed, active toy dog. He has a soft, dense undercoat with a profuse harsh-textured outercoat. His signature is a heavily plumed tail set high and flat on his back. He is alert in character, exhibits intelligence in expression, is buoyant in deportment, and is naturally inquisitive.
Today’s Pomeranian is an extroverted, cocky, intelligent dog. He’s a great show dog and companion. The Pomeranian is commanding and animated as he gaits. He stands at 8 – 11 inches in height. The average weight of the Pomeranian is from 3 to 7 pounds, with the ideal weight for the show specimen being 4 to 6 pounds.
He is medium-boned and feels sturdy. The Pomeranian’s eyes are dark, bright, medium in size, and almond-shaped.
The coat is abundant from the neck and fore part of the shoulders and chest, forming a frill that extends over the shoulders and chest. The head and leg coat is tightly packed and shorter in length than the body. The front legs and back thighs are well-feathered in the coat. His double thick coat must be brushed regularly.
Important Pomeranian Facts
Stats | Description |
Dog Breed Group | Toy group |
Purpose | Companion dogs |
Temperament | Extroverted, cocky, intelligent dog who makes a wonderful companion |
Average Height | 8 – 11 inches (18 - 24 cm) tall at the shoulder |
Weight Range | 3 to 7 pounds (1.36 to 3.175kgs) |
Energy level | Moderate |
Exercise requirements | Low; 20-30 minutes per day |
Grooming Requirements | Moderate |
AKC Breed Popularity | Ranks 23 of 197 |
Life Expectancy | 12 to 16 years |
Pomeranian Colors
When it comes to color, Pomeranians outclass every other canine breed. They come in approximately 20 different colors, shades, combinations, and patterns, including: blue, blue and tan, black and tan, black, chocolate and tan, chocolate, red sable, red, orange sable, orange, cram sable, cream, brindle (a base of orange, red or gold and strong black cross stripes), sable (black-tipped hairs on brown, gray, gold, fawn or silver), and white. Sometimes white Pomeranians have patches of a different color, and if so, they’re called “particolored.”
Pomeranian Personality
An outgoing Pomeranian is vibrant and intelligent. Pomeranian behavior characteristics include the fact he enjoys being introduced to new people and is friendly to other four-legged animals. However, he’s inclined to believe he’s actually bigger than his toy dog, Pomeranian breed. Never permit him to challenge any larger dogs because of his false belief that he’s as big or bigger than them.
Pomeranians are curious and highly alert, traits that help make them ideal watchdogs. They’ll alert you by always barking at anything not considered part of their normal life. They must be trained to obey a “cease barking” command, or he’ll yap incessantly.
Numerous elements affect the typical Pomeranian temperament, including the degree of socialization, training, and genes. If a Pom pup has a good temperament, he loves to play and is inquisitive about the world around him.
He loves approaching people and to be held and cuddled. Select an average puppy that loves sitting in your lap, and avoid puppies that sit in the corner or want to bully their littermates. Shyness and aggression are character traits a puppy won’t ever outgrow.
You must meet at least one parent — it’s more common for the mother to be available — to double-check that you’re comfortable with her temperament. If possible, meet siblings and other relatives as well. That will help paint you a picture of what your puppy will be like as an adult. They should be easy to live with, quiet, friendly, and calm.
As with all dogs, you need to ensure your Pomeranian gets plenty of socialization early in life. This means exposing him to varied sounds, sights, experiences, and people. It all helps to transform him into a well-rounded adult.
Other things you can do to socialize your Pom pup include:
Inviting different visitors frequently, taking him for walks in busy dog parks, walking around the neighborhood to meet other dogs, and enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten.
Pomeranians with Children and Other Animals
Owing to the breed’s diminutive size and high energy levels, the Pomeranian is not recommended as a family pet for families who have small children. Lots of breeders won’t sell puppies if a home has young children.
Despite the Pomeranian thinking, he’s a little tough guy, able to tackle challenges bigger than himself. However, because he’s so small, he can easily be dropped or stood on and seriously injured.
Educate young children on how to get close to and touch the Pom. Supervise all interactions so neither gets hurt or hurts the other by pulling tails, pulling and biting ears, or anything else.
Educate your children to never go near any puppy or dog while eating or attempt to take the dog’s food away. You must never leave a young child alone with a dog.
Pomeranians enjoy being in the company of other animals, particularly if they grow up together in the same household. Cats are fine but protect your Pom from larger dogs because they’re not scared of much larger creatures, partly because they believe they’re bigger than their actual size.
Pomeranian Apartment Dog
This tiny dog is an ideal canine companion for elderly people or people living in units and flats because they are loyal, extremely intelligent, and don’t require much exercise. He can be a great family dog with the right training because he loves to please. He needs lots of attention but not much exercise.
Pomeranian Training and Intelligience
This small dog is a descendant of the ancient spitz breed and can be stubborn. They are very loyal, but they also have some personality quirks that you’ll love about them.
Pomeranians are intelligent dogs who make excellent hearing assistance dogs and therapy animals. They make excellent therapy dogs because of their high intelligence and affinity with humans.
Trick training is an enjoyable activity for you both to enjoy together. Pomeranians love learning new tricks and having all the attention focused on them. This type of training strengthens your bond, and gives them mental stimulation and exercise simultaneously.
Pomeranian Care
Pomeranian puppies don’t need large spaces to play in. They’re active inside and handy for people living in apartments or those who don’t have a fenced backyard. Take them for a couple of short walks each day or play with them, and they’ll be happy.
Poms are full of energy and enjoy long walks. However, they’re small and sensitive to heat, so you may carry them, put them in a backpack, or even a stroller for some of the journey.
They love playing but get bored quickly. The trick is to have loads of toys and frequently rotate them so there’s always something new to keep them happy. Toys that have a challenge in them are especially enjoyable.
Because their attention span is short, ensure each session is fun and short too. When he does something right, always praise him, whether it’s with treats, praise, or more play.
Pomeranian Exercise
Because he’s small, he doesn’t need too much exercise. However, short walks or a run around the garden are necessary daily activities to keep him healthy and fit.
Feeding
When it comes to feeding, you should give your Pom 1/4 – 1/2 a cup of good quality dry food and divide it into two meals.
Important food note:
Various factors will govern how much an adult Pomeranian will eat. They include metabolism, age, size, build, and activity level.
Dogs are unique, just like humans. The amount of food needed can vary from day to day, and if your dog lives on the couch, he won’t need as much as if he ran around like an energetic bunny all day long. The higher quality food you buy will affect the amount needed because it will provide more nourishment so that he won’t eat as much.
Pomeranian Grooming Requirements
One of a Pomeranian’s stand-out attributes is his glorious, thick, double coat; the topcoat is straight, long, and shiny but harsh when touched, and his undercoat is thick, soft, and the hair is very fluffy. The long hair on his chest and neck creates a frill that further enhances the appearance of this glorious animal.
His coat is yet another remarkable attribute of this breed. His plumed tail lies flat on his back, with the hair fanned out across his back. When puppies are born, their tails look nothing like this. It sometimes takes months for the tail to fully grow into this outstanding feature that sets him apart from other dog breeds.
Although a Pomeranian’s coat will not need as much care as some of the other coated dog breeds, grooming him a minimum of 2 – 3 times each week is still essential.
This dog breed is a moderate hair-shedder. Males usually only shed their undercoat once each year. Females that haven’t been spayed often will shed their undercoats each time they’re in season, when they have given birth, or when they’re stressed. To keep dog hair off your furniture and clothing, you must comb and brush your Pomeranian a minimum of twice a week with a metal comb and a wire slicker brush.
This keeps his coat and skin healthy, helps to distribute the natural oils of the skin, and stops tangles and mats. Remember to comb and brush right down to the skin level so all shedding gets removed.
The best way is to begin brushing his head and, afterward, part the coat and brush forward so it falls back to where it should be when you’re done. If you desire, you can occasionally trim him to keep him neat. This should be done around his rear, ears, face, and feet.
Wash him as regularly as you want, daily or monthly, but make sure the dog conditioner and shampoo are mild. In between washes, if he begins to smell a bit “doggy,” sprinkle a little baby powder on his coat, and let it work its magic for a few minutes, after which you need to brush it out.
Other forms of grooming include nail care and dental hygiene. Pomeranian puppies are susceptible to dental issues, so you must be mindful. You should brush his teeth weekly, but it would be better to do it daily because you’ll keep them cleaner and spot trouble early.
If your dog doesn’t naturally wear his nails down, you must regularly trim them. When he walks around inside, and you can hear his nails, they’re definitely too long. If his nails are trimmed short, it helps stop you from getting scratched when he jumps up on you because he’s excited to see you.
When he’s a puppy, you must get him used to being touched, examined, brushed, etc. Dogs are sensitive about having their feet touched, so do it gently but frequently.
Check inside his ears and mouth. Turn grooming into a pleasurable, positive experience, and use plenty of praise and treats so your Pom will be easy to handle when you and/or the vet need to carry out various examinations while he’s a puppy and an adult.
During your grooming rituals, keep your eye out for rashes, sores, and indicators of infection such as inflammation, tenderness, or redness on his skin, feet, ears, nose, mouth, and eyes. His eyes should be clear, without any discharge or redness.
His ears should not smell or have much gunk or wax in them. Doing a thorough exam every week will help you identify possible health troubles early, and then they can be treated. Talk to your vet if you have any questions.
Pomeranian Dog Health Problems
The Pomeranian is a relatively healthy dog breed. Unfortunately, all dog breeds can go through a range of health problems and some are more common in specific dog breeds, including cross-breeds.
Remember, even the most conscientious breeder may have problems; however, since they are screening for genetic problems, you have a better chance of having a healthy puppy.
Pomeranian Luxating Patella
Pomeranian luxating patellas (knees that slip out of place) are the most common problem in the Pomeranian breed. The knees are graded according to the OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals). Normal knees are the most desirable, but Grades One and Two are more common and not unusual in toy dog breeds. Grades Three and Four may require surgery, sometimes early in the dog’s life.
Be sure to check the knees of any prospective puppy. One with higher grades at a young age will probably be a candidate for surgery. OFA has forms to fill out on the grade of the patellas, and both parents should have their results on file. Remember, only a “normal” result may appear in the database.
Pomeranian Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) is very common in the Pomeranian breed. Ask to see the results of the thyroid tests of the puppy’s parents you are considering. OFA has a registry for dogs who submit tests for thyroid.
Pomeranian Coat Loss Problems
A coat loss problem in Pomeranians is called SHLS (Severe Hair Loss Syndrome). It is also known as Black Skin Disease and Pomeranian Alopecia X . Occurs mainly in males. They may have profuse puppy coats with no guard hairs, which does not shed.
When the puppy coat sheds, the coat does not grow back. Another version of the same condition happens at a later age, with a normal-appearing coat that slowly starts to thin, starting at the back of the thighs and buttocks and moving up the back. Ask to see the parents of the dog you are buying.
Pomeranian Collapsing Trachea
Tracheal collapse is a problem found in many Poms. If your pom makes a honking noise or sounds like he is coughing up a hairball, the problem may be his trachea. It can be diagnosed with an X-ray; medication is usually prescribed to reduce coughing. This can be a life-threatening problem, so do not ignore it.
Pomeranian Heart Issues
Heart problems can range from very slight to life-threatening. Some are impossible to diagnose until a sudden death occurs. Ask your breeder if heart problems run in the lines he is working with.
Pomeranian Puppy Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia can occur in young Pomeranians. It is more common in very small or very active puppies. Be sure that your breeder gives you complete instructions on determining if your puppy is starting to develop hypoglycemia. It is a problem that the puppy outgrows as they mature. Adult hypoglycemia is a serious metabolic disorder. Dogs who have this should not be bred.
Pomeranian Seizures
Some Pomeranians have idiopathic epilepsy. Idiopathic means that we don’t know what causes it. Liver problems, kidney problems, head trauma, and other reasons may cause seizures. Idiopathic epilepsy typically occurs between 3-7 years of age and is thought to be inherited.
Perthes Disease
It is a health issue known to occur occasionally in the Pomeranian. Perthes disease occurs between 4 to 11 months of age. Perthes disease is a problem with loss of blood supply to the hip joint, resulting in lameness and extreme pain for the animal concerned. Surgery will help.
Dental Issues
Pomeranians have tiny teeth which require extensive care, including brushing by the owner and regular Vet dentals.
Pomeranian Eye Issues
Pomeranian canine entropion or inward rolling of the eyelid. This causes the eyelashes to rub on the surface of the eye. Pomeranians with entropion show discomfort by squinting and may be sensitive to sunlight. Surgery can easily correct Pomeranian canine entropion. Surgery is best left until the Pomeranian is over 12 months of age. With growth, the problem may correct itself. If left untreated corneal ulceration and scarring may develop.
A Veterinarian trained to do CERF testing can check eyes for genetic problems. CERF (Canine Eye Registry Foundation) has a form and a database to check the parents of the puppy you are considering. To date. there have not been many eye problems found, but that may be because not many dogs have been tested. Ask to see the CERF results of the parents of the puppy.
Abnormal Descent of Testicles
Male Pomeranians are sometimes prone to abnormal descent of one or both testicles. Castration is routinely recommended for Pomeranians affected by this problem. Ignoring the problem can result in a higher risk of testicular cancer in the retained testicle. This defect is considered to be inherited.
Intestinal Infections
Coccidiosis is a protozoan intestinal infection that can sometimes affect Pomeranians and cause severe diarrhea and dehydration in puppies. Symptoms of these infections include rank-smelling stools that may include mucous and blood. If you notice these symptoms, you should take your puppy to your family veterinarian for a fecal exam.
Life Expectancy of Pomeranians
When considering a dog, you must understand that it is a lifetime commitment. The general life expectancy of Pomeranians is 10 – 16 years.
Pomeranian Fun Facts Conclusion
Pomeranians are the perfect dog breed for people who want a medium-maintenance indoor pet. These little dogs need regular grooming and can live in small spaces without significant issues.
They’re also very intelligent and easy to train! If you’re looking for an affectionate companion without too much space or attention, this dog breed is for you.
The Pomeranian is a popular dog breed for many reasons. They have the right balance between being friendly, active, and cuddly all at once. But owners need to know many things about this breed before adopting one, which I cover in this article.
Disclaimer: The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional veterinarian advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian with any questions you may have regarding your dog’s medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on ANY website.
More Pomeranian Information is available on the Pomeranian Resource Website.
Pomeranian Dog Breeders
Pomeranians Australia
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References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook”.
The Pomeranian Handbook