Pomeranian Dog Breed Information and Personality Traits
Perky and friendly, Pomeranians, even though small, need regular exercise and thrive on training.
They are intelligent, but sometimes do not realize they are small and will confront larger dogs.
Pomeranian At a glance
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Expectations:
Exercise Requirements: <20 minutes/day
Energy Level: Very energetic
Longevity Range: 12-16 yrs.
Tendency to Drool: Low Tendency to Snore: Low
Tendency to Bark: High
Tendency to Dig: Low Social/Attention Needs: Low
Bred For:
Companion
Coat:
Length: Medium
Characteristics: Double coat, straight
Colors: All colors and patterns allowed
Overall Grooming Needs: Moderate
Club Recognition:
AKC Classification: Toy
UKC Classification: Companion dog
Prevalence: Common
Size:
Weight Range:
Male: 3-7 lbs.
Female: 3-7 lbs.
Height at Withers:
Male: 11 in.
Female: 10 in.
Features:
Upright ears (naturally)
The Pomeranian is a true “toy” dog, with an ideal height of eight to 11 inches and weight of only three to seven pounds (one to three kilograms).
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They are often at mature size by seven to 10 months of age.
Pomeranians are easily recognized by their luxuriant fluffy double coat and foxy face with alert, prick ears. The body shape is fairly square, and the fluffy tail curls up and over the back.
A thick ruff around the neck completes the picture of a dog that could handle the snows of northern Germany. The head is somewhat rounded with a distinct muzzle.
Pomeranians come in a wonderful array of colors. A rich red is most commonly associated with the breed, but everything from black to white to sable and shades in between are acceptable, even chocolate.
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Personality:
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Pomeranians are generally perky, friendly little dogs.
They do not seem to realize they are small in stature and will occasionally tackle large dogs or at least verbally threaten them!
These are active little dogs that do need daily exercise, even if it is just a walk around the block.
They are quite intelligent and do well in obedience competitions despite a small independent streak.
As they age, they are more amenable to being truly lap dogs.
Pomeranians are often good alert and alarm dogs and can be prone to excessive barking.
They tend to be good with children, but children need to be cautioned that these are small dogs and not as sturdy as the larger breeds.
Living With:
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Pomeranians are usually easy to keep, although some are finicky eaters.
They do not have a tendency toward obesity, probably because of their active nature.
The double coat does require some regular grooming attention once or twice weekly, with daily sessions during shedding season.
Despite being small, Pomeranians do need regular exercise and thrive on training.
They are very intelligent and enjoy learning tricks and performing.
Poms generally get along well with other pets, but caution should be used mixing any toy breed with large breeds that might injure a toy dog accidentally.
If raised with children they do quite well; if not, they may be reserved.
Children need to be reminded that these smaller dogs may not be as sturdy as larger dogs, and interactions should be supervised.
Poms are excellent watchdogs with their alert attitude and their tendency to bark.
They make very good companions for elderly folks because of their alertness and their small size.
History:
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The Pomeranian is considered to be a miniaturized Spitz-type dog.
Germany, specifically Pomerania in the 1800s, seems to be the site of the first breeding programs, although these dogs were quite large.
Queen Victoria became enamored of the breed; from her dogs, the size was bred down even further to the toy dog we recognize today.
Certainly the German spitz dogs must be ancestors of these charmers.
Dogs were then chosen for smaller size and for the bright colors we see today instead of the standard gray or white spitz coloring.
From the start, “poms,” as they are often referred to, have been companion dogs with a little bit of watchdog duty worked in.
Pomeranians: What’s Good About ‘Em, What’s Bad About ‘Em
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The AKC Standard says the Pomeranian is “inquisitive by nature… cocky, commanding, and animated.”
That he is. Vivacious and spirited, bold and brash, the typical Pomeranian thinks he’s “hot stuff.”
This sharp-eyed busybody likes to check out every sight, sound, and activity – and tell you what he thinks about it.
He is delightfully alive and aware of everything going on around him.
Keenly alert to approaching strangers, the Pomeranian makes a great alarm dog.
But this can easily get out of hand, so he requires early socialization so that he doesn’t become sharp or shrill.
Most Pomeranians are fine with other pets. It is a tribute to their amiability that male Pomeranians can often run and play together with little or no bickering. Some Poms, though, are bossy and will attempt to chase strange dogs, regardless of size.
The Pomeranian is very bright and will look directly at you, cocking his head attentively.
BUT he is not inclined to take orders from anyone whom he views as below himself in importance.
So don’t allow him to make the rules or you will lose control over his behavior.
For example, don’t allow him to act possessive of his food or toys, and control his barking from day one.
This proud, self-possessed little breed won’t meekly submit to mischief or rough handling and is not a good choice for children.
…If you want a dog who
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Is very small and “spitz-like”, with pricked ears, foxy face, a thick coat, and curled tail
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Is vivacious and spunky, bright and attentive
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Is a good alarm dog
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Is usually fine with other pets
A Pomeranian may be right for you.
…If you don’t want to deal with
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The fragility of toy breeds (see below)
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Suspicious yappiness toward strangers when not socialized enough
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Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
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Barking
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Regular brushing and combing
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Heavy shedding
A Pomeranian may not be right for you.
Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training.
You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you’re getting, and plenty of adult Pomeranians have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy. Unfortunately, you usually can’t tell whether a puppy has inherited temperament or health problems until he grows up.
More traits and characteristics of the Pomeranian
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If I was considering a Pomeranian, I would be most concerned about…
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Unstable temperaments: Pomeranians are a popular breed, which means lots of unknowledgeable and irresponsible people breed them, trying to make a buck. That leads to lots of Poms with genetically bad temperaments. I wouldn’t buy any Pomeranian puppy unless you meet both of his parents and both have stellar temperaments. If you’re interested in adopting an adult Pomeranian, you should carefully test his temperament (see my Dog Quest book for step by step temperament tests).
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Fragility: Too many people acquire a toy breed puppy without understanding how incredibly fragile a toy breed is. You can seriously injure or kill a Pomeranian puppy by stepping on him or sitting on him. Pomeranians can seriously injure or kill themselves by leaping from your arms or off the back of your sofa. A larger dog can grab a Pomeranian and break his neck with one quick shake. Owning a toy breed means constant supervision and surveillance of what’s going on around your small dog.
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(Pomeranian puppies are not suited to toddlers, no matter how well-meaning the child. Children cannot help being clumsy, and that a child meant well is little solace to a Papillon who has been accidentally stepped on, sat on, rolled on, squeezed, or dropped onto the patio. Even adult Poms may feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can’t help making, and stress and fearfulness may be the result. Also many Pomeranians won’t tolerate any nonsense from children.)
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Suspiciousness: Some Poms are very friendly, but most are a little bit standoffish with strangers. Without enough socialization, their natural caution can become suspiciousness, which is a nuisance to live with every time you have guests.
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Mind of their own: Most Pomeranians are not submissive, eager to please dogs. They are very bright, but they have an independent mind of their own and can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. To teach your Pomeranian to listen to you, “Respect Training” is mandatory. Read more about Pomeranian Training.
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Potential barking: Pomeranians are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. If you work all day and have close neighbors, Pomeranians are not a good choice for you. For the same reason, Pomeranians should NEVER be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. To make matters worse, some Poms have high-pitched barks that can set your teeth on edge.
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Housebreaking: Toy breeds are almost always difficult to housebreak. It is so easy for them to sneak behind a chair or under a small table, and it takes only a few seconds for the deed to be done. The results can be hard to see. When you don’t see it, you don’t correct it, and so the bad habit becomes established. If you hope to housebreak a toy breed, consistent crate training is mandatory. Pomeranians should not be loosed in the house for many months, until their small internal organs become strong enough for reliable control.
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Grooming: To keep their thick coat free of mats, Pomeranians require regular brushing and combing, and occasional trimming.
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Heavy shedding: Pomeranians are one of the heaviest shedding of the toy breeds. You need to be okay with this!
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