Pomeranians: Everything You Need to Know About This Dog Breed

Do you love the look of the furry Poms that are in most Hollywood films with their fluffy, almost clownish appearance? Or maybe you prefer the sleek smooth-coated variety. Either way, they are both capable of being fierce little watchdogs who will alert everyone to any possible dangers that might be lurking around.

This article will give you an overview of everything that you need to know about Pomeranians, and hopefully help you decide which kind is right for your family and lifestyle.

History of Pomeranians

The Pom is one of the ancient dog breeds that are mentioned in Arabian manuscripts dating back to over a thousand years ago. They are believed to have originated in Germany but were bred for centuries by monks in Pomerania, hence their name.

There are actually two types of Pomeranian dogs– the Pomeranian, which is the small fluffy variety, and the larger German Spitz. The German Spitz has its roots in sled-dog racing whereas the Pomeranian was kept as a companion animal among wealthy Europeans who loved flaunting them around at parties.

Poms became fashionable for ladies to carry around inside their coats during this time too! Their popularity increased after Queen Victoria became fanatical about them toward the end of her reign. Her dogs were named Dash, Dandy, and Don.

The German Spitz is the bigger dog that has pointier ears than his smaller Pomeranian cousin, but other than that they are very similar in looks and temperament. Both are alert little dogs with an innate curiosity to explore new environments around them. They love to take walks outside on the leash, and would be happy to accompany you for morning jogs too since they have so much energy!

What Makes Poms Unique?

Poms are friendly little companions who have a lot of energy for playtime too which makes them ideal dogs for families with children who want a small pet to take everywhere. They don’t like being left alone for long periods of time and can become destructive if they aren’t given enough exercise and attention.

They are highly intelligent dogs, but be prepared to teach them what “no” means since they will try to get their own way when it comes to getting treats or attention from you! They are not recommended for first-time dog owners because Poms need a firm hand in order to learn the ropes around the house.

Pomeranians have a long lifespan of up to 15 years which isn’t too bad for a small breed dog these days. They tend to stay healthier longer than other breeds with fewer genetic issues popping up as well.

However, there is one medical condition that your Pom is prone to– a slipped stifle. This is when the knee joint of the hind leg pops out of place due to over-exertion or jumping off furniture, so you’ll need to learn how to help them back into position if it happens.

Pomeranians Were Once Used As Herding Dogs

The Pom’s ancestors, the Spitz-type dogs, were used by farmers in Europe to herd sheep and other livestock. In fact, their natural habitat was in a cold climate since they have dense coats that allow them to thrive even when it is extremely cold.

They Come In 2 Types: Fluffy And Smooth-Coated

Pomeranians either have a long coat or a short coat. The fluffy type has longer fur all over its body while the smooth-coated Pomeranian’s coat is shorter but glossy and sleek.

Nobody knows for sure what caused this difference but both varieties are popular today. Another unique thing about the Pomeranian breed is that, unlike other breeds that have a standard size, Pomeranians come in 3 different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.

Pomeranians Have A Great Personality And Are Very Friendly

Pomeranians are very friendly dogs and love to interact with people they are familiar with. They are known to be great family pets since they get along well with children, other dogs, and even cats if properly socialized when they are still young. Plus, Poms rarely bite or snap unless provoked which makes them excellent household companions. Also, it’s important to note that Pomeranians have a high prey drive so you have to be careful when walking your dog around small pets such as hamsters or gerbils so he doesn’t accidentally hurt them.

Pomeranian Mixes

1. Pompom (Pomeranian Pug Mix)

A mix between a Pug and Pomeranian is called a Pompom. These dogs are usually small but tend to grow large when they get older. They also have soft, thick fur like their ancestors. Their coats can be long or short; most often seen in black/white, fawn, or brown/red.

2. Pomchi (Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix)

This mix is the most popular and common type in the United States. They are also very small in size with a height ranging from 6-9 inches and weight between 3-10 lbs. These dogs have a long lifespan of 15 years+. Their coats can be furry like their Pomeranian ancestors but they shed slightly less than purebred breeds so they’re great for people who suffer from allergies. It is very important to groom them often to prevent matting in their fur since it’s usually the longest part of their bodies.

3. Pomapoo (Pomeranian Poodle Mix)

A cross between a Pomeranian and a Toy or Miniature Poodle is called a Pomapoo. These dogs are usually small to medium in size with a height ranging from 8-14 inches and weight between 4-15 lbs. Their coats can either be long or short, but don’t require as much grooming as the Pompom’s fur does.

4. Pomamal (Pomeranian Maltese Mix)

A mix between a Pomeranian and a Maltese is called a Pomamal. They range from 6-12 inches tall and weigh between 4-10 lbs making their small dogs with long, beautiful coats that require regular grooming to avoid tangles and mats. This mix has become popular among celebrities such as Britney Spears and Paris Hilton.

5. Pekepom (Pekingese Pomeranian Mix)

This cross between a Pomeranian and a Pekingese is also called a Peke-pom. These dogs are medium in size with a height ranging from 10-15 inches and weight between 11-22 lbs making them large Pomeranians. They have long thick hair that can be groomed or kept as it is for those who enjoy their doggy hair! Like the smaller ones, this breed needs proper grooming to prevent matting so you may want to hire a dog walker if you’re busy all day.

6. Chuchihuahua (Chihuahua Pomeranian Mix)

A mix between a Chihuahua and a Pomeranian is called a Chi-chihuahua. It ranges in size from 9-13 inches and weighs between 3-9 lbs. This breed is usually very small and has a long lifespan of 13 years+. Their coats can be either short or medium length, but require regular grooming to keep their fur in top condition.

7. Pominese (Pomeranian Chinese Crested Mix)

A cross between a Pomeranian and a Chinese Crested is called a Pominese. These dogs are tall with the males being larger than females. They have medium to long hair that requires regular grooming to prevent tangles from forming especially around their ears which they have been bred almost completely flat against their heads! They’re great alert dogs with a loud bark for calling attention when needed.

8. Shorky (Shi Tzu Pomeranian Mix)

The mix between a Shih Tzu and Pomeranian is called a Shorky. These dogs are also medium in size with males being larger than females. Males weigh between 9-17 lbs while females only weigh up to 10 lbs. Their coats can be long or short but they do shed slightly more than other crossbreeds so grooming is an essential part of caring for them to avoid hair all over your house! Most often seen in brown, black, cream, white/tan combinations; their eyes are usually medium in size and range from dark brown to amber.

9. Pomipoo (Pomchi + Poodle Mix)

A cross between a Pomeranian and a Toy or Miniature Poodle is called a Pomipoo. These dogs are also very small in size with a height ranging from 8-14 inches and weight between 4-15 lbs making them great family dogs as well as alert watchdogs who will bark to alert you about anything trying to get into your home without your permission (or cats trying to sneak out)!

10. Pom-poo (Pomeranian/Toy Poodle Mix)

A mix between a Toy or Miniature Poodle and a Pomeranian is called a Pom-poo . They’re also very small in size with nearly the same markings, colors, and coat variations as their parents who were bred together to create them! They’re slightly smaller than other crossbreeds weighing only 9-13 lbs although height varies depending on the size of their parents.

Pomeranian Personality

The Pomeranian breed is most commonly associated with Queen Victoria who was reportedly obsessed with the breed. This has imprinted in the breed’s history, making them what they are today – one of the most popular breeds in the United States according to AKC.

Pomeranians have retained their playful nature and they love being part of games or tricks that you teach them. They still behave like herd dogs too, so expect your Pomeranian to bark at strangers until he gets familiar with them because he will try to keep everyone out of his “territory” (which is your house). He will also get along well with other animals if properly socialized when he’s young by regularly meeting and playing with them. If not, then there might be problems later on when your dog grows and becomes more territorial-minded.

Pomeranians are also well-known for their bright and cheerful nature, their cute appearance, and their love of travel. If you’d like to take your dog on trips with you, then travel crates will be a necessity. They’re perfect for when you go hiking or camping or even just driving around town since Poms hate staying in one place for too long. Plus, they’re small enough that your Pom can lie down comfortably in them without having his legs sticking out!

Traveling is another important part of the life of a Pomeranian since he loves walks and outdoor activities (he’s not built for running). He’s also very social and gets excited when he sees other people or dogs so make sure to give him lots of exercise. These are the reasons why Poms need high-quality dog food that can keep up with their busy lives and hearty appetites! Pomeranians come in different sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.

Other Dogs You May Like:

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Appearance of Pomeranians

Poms are built for speed and agility so they have a lithe and muscular body. Their eyes are round and wide apart with the ears being in proportion to their head size. Their noses and mouths should be dark in color while their teeth should meet each other squarely in a scissor bite (no overshot or undershot bites).

Sexing Pomeranians is easy because of their distinctive appearance: males weigh more than females but they both have similar height measurements. Males also have wider heads while females have a more pointed muzzle. The standard size Pom has one-inch longer hair around its neck making it look like it’s wearing a ruff while the toy variety has no fur on its neck at all, giving them an overall sleeker appearance.

Pomeranian Coat

The coat of the Pomeranian is thick and can be long or short depending on what type you want. They come in three different types: single coat, which has no undercoat; flocked coat, which has a soft fluff to it; and velour-type coat, which resembles velvet (this is the most common type). Do note though that the longer the hair on your dog’s coat, the more brushing he’ll need to keep him tangle-free.

Pomeranian Colors

A Pomeranian can be any color – solid, parti, or marked. They come in red which is their most common color but they can also be orange, cream, white, sable, or black. All of these colors come with a bright and intelligent-looking face.

Size of Pomeranians

Pomeranian sizes vary depending on breed type and can be classified as toy or miniature. Males range from 4-6 lbs while females range from 3-5 lbs, with both sexes reaching a height of 8-11 inches at the withers. Pomeranians are bred in many different colors such as red, orange, cream, brown, and black.

Weight:

Male: 4-6 pounds; Female: 3-5 pounds. 8-11 inches at the withers.

Height: 8-11 inches tall, measured at the withers.

Lifespan

Pomeranians have a life span of 12-15 years so they’re not suitable for people who don’t have enough time to care for a dog since Pom puppies grow up quickly and will become adults within one year. If you want to get yourself a Pomeranian then visit our breed page . We can also help you pick out the best dog food that meets your Pom’s needs whether he’s still a puppy or an adult (it all depends on his size).

Pomeranian Temperament

This breed is full of life and energy; it loves to play with toys and spend time with its family members. Some individuals of this breed can get into mischief if left alone or bored, but most are very affectionate towards their owners.

It’s best for Poms to spend plenty of time outside where they can get exercise without getting stressed indoors. Novice dog trainers should consider the independent nature of the Pomeranian before tackling basic training protocols because these dogs are smart enough to know when they don’t feel like obeying commands!

They generally do not respond well to harsh discipline which can further lead to problems such as fear and aggression. Some Pomeranians might dislike children, but the reverse is also true so this breed does not do well in homes with very young children unless they’ve been properly socialized.

This breed can be somewhat difficult to train and requires a confident and consistent trainer that will reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior until it’s learned what’s expected. They learn basic commands quickly but expect to continue working on them during their lifetime because they become bored easily when formal training is over (dogs need to keep learning throughout their life or they get bored).

Breeds such as the Pomeranian are not recommended for dog owners who work long hours away from home since dogs do best when’s someone there to give them love and attention. The Pomeranian also does well with a daily walk, playtime, and training to keep them from becoming bored and destructive when indoors alone.

Pomeranian Health Problems  

Many Pomeranians can suffer from the luxating patella (loose kneecaps) and heart problems like pulmonic stenosis, mitral valve insufficiency, tricuspid valve dysplasia, and patent ductus arteriosus. Some other health issues to look out for include hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cancer, allergies, Legg-Perthes disease, dislocation of the kneecap (luxating patella), cataracts, deafness in older dogs due to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

The average life expectancy is 12.2 years although some may live up to 15 years with proper care.

In general, the Pomeranian is a healthy breed as long as it receives regular exercise and isn’t overfed or allowed to become obese. Many individuals will develop health problems such as breathing difficulties due to the tiny size of the trachea (this can be successfully treated by surgery).

They are known for their puppy eyes which makes them appear sad even when they’re excited about something; this is not a cause for concern unless you notice an increase in watery discharge from their eyes or ears, if their eyelids out more than normal, if their gums are pale or they don’t produce tears.

Remember that Pomeranians can be fragile due to their size so try not to accidentally step on them if there’s one in the house!

Taking Care of Your Pomeranian Dog

The Pomeranian does well when he spends plenty of time playing and socializing with other dogs; they’re very energetic and love to romp around outside. It’s important for this breed to be watched carefully when in public because many strangers will want to pet them due to their tiny size, but some individuals can become fearful or even aggressive when they’re pestered too much.

Pomeranian Grooming

This breed requires regular grooming and due to the length of its coat, brushing should take place at least once a week with daily brushings required during times of heavy shedding.

A slicker brush works well for removing hair mats and tangles while finishing it off with a bristle brush will give the dog an extra shine (but only use plastic/nylon brushes instead of metal because this might scratch their skin).

Bathing should only be done when necessary as over bathing will strip the natural oils from your dog’s skin and coat which can lead to skin irritations or allergic reactions.

The ears should be cleaned once a week, but only wipe the insides of the ear with a damp cloth instead of using cotton swabs because they might damage your dog’s tender eardrums. Nails should also be trimmed on a regular basis and most Poms will tolerate having their feet and nails touched without any fuss (but if they do try to scratch you ignore it and don’t move since this will encourage them).

Pomeranian Training

The Pomeranian is an intelligent breed that tends to learn quickly when positive reinforcement training methods are used. They’re very eager to please their owners so do not need harsh discipline unless they become unruly.

Generally speaking, it’s best to establish a loving relationship with your Pomeranian by giving it lots of attention and praise whenever they do something right. They’re very sensitive dogs that can be emotionally damaged from harsh training methods, especially those that use pain or intimidation as part of their approach.

Training this breed should begin when they’re a puppy so that you have plenty of time to teach them everything you want them to know. Basic obedience training is beneficial although it’s not necessary unless you plan on entering them into competitive events.

Pomeranian Activity and Exercise Requirements

A daily walk is required for this breed to keep them in good shape and prevent them from becoming bored and destructive when indoors alone. If you have a yard, however, it might be best to keep them contained so they don’t try to run away out an open gate or door since they’re fast little dogs that can easily get lost if they take off outside without being properly leashed. Keep in mind that the Pomeranian’s coat can become matted and tangled so only give them a bath when absolutely necessary.

Pomeranian Feeding Requirements

The Pomeranian is a small dog that doesn’t eat very much food; they usually require between ¼ and 1/3 of a cup of high-quality dry kibble per day (split up into however many meals you want to feed them).

It’s important not to overfeed your Pom because they can develop obesity or become sick from eating too much. Be sure to measure their portions using the recommended guidelines on the back of their dog food bag and consult with your vet about how much exactly is needed if you’re ever unsure.

Pomeranian Names

This breed is known for its cloud-like fur and cheerful disposition which make them a wonderful addition to any household looking to add a little extra joy and cuteness (but of course all dogs deserve to be loved no matter what). If you’ve decided that this is the dog for you, then we invite you to take a look at our list of 50 Pomeranian names below:

1. Ace
2. Angel
3. Baby
4. Bear
5. Bo
6. Peep
7. Bambi
8. Belle
9. Buttercup
10. Bunny
11. Cuddles
12. Captain
13. Jack
14. Charlie
15. Chewy
16. Coco
17. Cookie
18. Crackers
19. Daisy
20. Dare
21. Danger
22. Duchess
23. Fifi
24. Fluffball
25. Fritzie
26. Gizmo
27. Ginger
28. Goldilocks
29. Honeybun
30. Honey
31. Bunches
32. Huggles
33. Jelly
34. Bean
35. Jojo
36. Joy-Joy
37. Ladybug
38. Lady Lucy
39. Lapin
40. Lacey
41. Little Bear
42. Lollipop
43. Lulu
44. Missy
45. Muffin
46. Munchkin
47. Penny
48. Pepper
49. Pumpkin
50. Princess

Read More: 1000 Interesting Dog Names and their Meaning

How much is Pomeranians?

Pomeranians usually cost between $800 and $2,000 although it’s not uncommon to see them priced higher at some local breeders or pet stores. If you’re patient enough, you can find a Pomsky for sale from online breeders that often sell their dogs starting from around $500 with an increased price depending on the gender of your dog (with female pomskies being more expensive).

The average price at most animal shelters is also going to be around this same price point which makes getting a rescue Pomeranian a good alternative if you want to own one of these cuties without having to spend a lot of money.

Although they don’t always come cheap, there are some tricks you can use to get discounts on these dogs:

Ask breeders and rescue organizations to hold a puppy for you until you can arrive so they don’t sell it to someone else in the meantime.

Make an appointment with a breeder or shelter if possible so they have your dog ready when you come by instead of having to wait around while they search for it.

Pomeranian Adoption

If you’re looking to save money but still get that adorable Pomeranian puppy, then consider going with a local animal shelter that might have some available at below market value. Also keep in mind that many times, Pom puppies will be given up due to their owners moving into smaller homes where a bigger dog is no longer allowed or just because they didn’t realize how much work and money is actually involved with raising a dog.

One of the main advantages to going this route is that you can usually find younger dogs (although please note that we don’t recommend picking out a puppy as an adult can be better as they’ll already know basic training).

Is Pomeranian Good With Kids?

Pomeranians are a small breed that’s known for being playful and affectionate towards the right families, making them a wonderful fit if you’re looking for a family dog. Their smaller size can make them less intimidating to children although it’s still important to supervise playtime so they don’t accidentally get knocked over or nipped by accident.

If you have other pets in the home, then Pomeranians should do well with them provided they introduce themselves properly from an early age so there aren’t any fights or bullying going on between dogs of different sizes.

Although this breed is known for being great around kids, it doesn’t mean that all kids will be good with them given how energetic and strong-willed they can be when they’re young.

If you want to get a dog that’s going to be great around younger children, then try spending some time with them before making a final decision to make sure they’re the right match for everyone in your home.

Interesting Facts To Consider Before Buying Pomeranian

• Pomeranians are a very energetic breed that needs both physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom from setting in as they don’t do well when left alone for too long.
• This is why if you have a full-time job, then consider getting two Pomskies so they have each other for the company while you’re not around.
• You can also try leaving them with a dog sitter or hiring a pet walker to come by several times per day to provide some playtime and exercise instead of having someone stay at your home during the day with your dogs.
• Unless you want your dog tearing up your house, make sure they get plenty of outside time to run around and release some pent-up energy before coming back inside where most behavior problems can occur.

Top 8 Problems To Expect When Getting A Pomsky and How You Can Avoid Them

1. Potty Training Issues Can Arise When Raising Pomeranians

Pomskies are known to have potty training issues that usually start around 3 months of age when they’re still learning how to go outside instead of having accidents inside. As a result, it’s important you have your dog already trained before bringing them home so this doesn’t become an issue down the road.

You can increase their chances for success by using positive reinforcement methods, providing plenty of mental and physical stimulation so they don’t get bored at home, giving them enough time to rest between outings (no more than two times per hour), and keeping walks on a leash during this early period as distractions like other dogs or people can cause accidents at first.

If you’ve had a Pomsky for more than 3 months and can’t seem to get their potty training down, then consider consulting your veterinarian as they might have some suggestions on how to change your approach so accidents are less common.

2. They Tend To Be Very Hyperactive And Need A Lot of Mental & Physical Stimulation On a daily basis

Pomeranians are known to be very energetic dogs that need at least an hour of exercise every day or their behavior can quickly turn destructive with chewing on shoes/couches/furniture etc. If you’re not willing to commit the necessary time for proper mental stimulation during the day, then this is probably not the right breed for you.

3. They Shed A Lot And Might Require A Bit More Grooming Than Other Breeds

Although most Pomeranians are hypoallergenic, their coats can still produce dander which is the main culprit behind allergies that cause you to sneeze or have a runny nose. It’s important that you brush your dog regularly with a firm bristle brush and don’t forget to wipe down their face after they eat/drink to prevent them from transferring this dander onto your furniture or carpets.

You might also want to schedule regular cleanings by a professional groomer around every 6 weeks so they don’t develop any skin issues like hot spots on their body which can start with some light scratching but quickly escalate into something much more serious.

4. They Tend To Be Very Territorial When Around Other Dogs

Pomeranians are very territorial with the people and dogs that they know, which is why they might bark at other dogs that come near them on the street. This is something you’re probably going to have to accept with this breed so if your goal is to have a dog that can get along with all breeds of dogs, then consider looking at some other breed mixes instead.

5. They Can Develop Allergies That Might Require A Lot Of Attention From Owners

Allergies are a common issue that most Pomeranians deal with, which is why they might chew on their paws or get staph infections/hot spots on their skin if you don’t clean them regularly. If allergies are an issue for your dog, then consider using non-toxic shampoos for sensitive skin, hypoallergenic clothing, and natural air filters in your home to help reduce the number of allergens that might be circulating.

6. Pomskies Tend To Need A Lot Of Attention And Might Not Be The Best For Busy Owners Who Work Long Hours

If you’re used to having a dog that will spend most of the day alone, then this is probably not the breed for you as Pomeranians need lots of companionship throughout the day which might interfere with your work schedule if you don’t have anybody around to walk them or play with them for an hour or more per day.

7. They Have A Strong Preference For People Over Other Dogs & Pets

Because Pomeranians are so curious and love to explore their surroundings, they’re oftentimes great “little watchdogs” that will bark whenever someone they don’t know comes by your house, but they’re not known to be the best guard dogs because of their size and tendency to get along with everyone.

8. They Tend To Love Their Owners A Little Too Much And Don’t Like Being Alone Even For Short Periods Of Time

This is mostly due to Pomeranians being so small and needing lots of attention on a daily basis, but if you plan on leaving them alone for more than an hour or two then this might become problematic as they can quickly get into trouble while you’re gone. If you have the time needed each day to keep both yourself and your dog happy, then a pomsky could be a great addition to your family! We hope that helped clear up some questions regarding these Pomsky breeders, if you still have any then feel free to leave them in the comments section below. 

Pomeranian FAQ:

Q: How much do Pomsky puppies usually cost and where can I find them? (from Reddit)

A: Prices vary depending on the breeder you go with, but most range between $550 and $1000. You can also buy Pomskies from shelters for around $200 as well if you’re looking to save money, although make sure to carefully inspect as sometimes Pom / Husky mixes (Huskypom) will be mistaken for a regular pomsky.

Q: What size do female Pomeranians weigh at adulthood?

A: The average weight of a female Pomsky is going to be anywhere from 11-14 pounds while males are going to be slightly larger at 15-17 pounds.

Q: How long do Pomeranians live?

A: On average, this breed is going to live anywhere from 12 to 16 years although there’s always a possibility of a dog living longer or shorter than this range depending on their overall health and care throughout their life.

Final Thoughts

Did this Pomsky review help you decide whether or not a Pomsky is right for you?  If so, why not share it with your friends and family on Facebook and save them some time when they’re looking for more information on these breeds?