Pomeranian

Pomeranian dog

Tiny, confident spitz with a thick coat, lively personality, and larger ancestors.

Size Weight Height Lifespan
Toy 3 - 7 lbs 6 - 7 inches 12 - 16 years
(These are estimates and may vary.)

Origin: Germany



Own a Pomeranian? Share what activities they enjoy to help other dog owners.

Running Digging Swimming Exploring Playing with Toys Obedience Training Tracking Herding Fetch Hiking Socializing Tug Of War Frisbee Chewing Agility Training Cuddling Guarding Hunting

Know a Pomeranian? Share their personality traits to help other dog owners.

Clever Protective Affectionate Stubborn Confident Fearless Friendly Docile Energetic Calm Patient Aggressive Gentle Sociable Adaptable Playful Independent Clever Agile Loyal

May be a good fit if you:

  • Want a dog that is generally responsive to consistent, positive training.
  • Are a first-time dog owner looking for a relatively approachable breed.
  • Want a breed that tends to adapt well to apartment living.

Things to consider:

  • This breed may not do well when left alone for long periods.

The tiny modern Pomeranian descends from much larger spitz-type dogs of northern Europe. Its name comes from Pomerania, a historical region along the Baltic coast that is now divided between Germany and Poland. Dogs associated with the area belonged to the broader German Spitz family and were considerably larger than today's Pomeranian, with some weighing several times as much. These sturdy spitz dogs contributed the thick double coat, pointed ears, curled tail, and alert personality still seen in the breed. Pomeranians became fashionable companions among European nobility, and Britain played a major role in transforming them into the toy-sized dogs familiar today. Queen Victoria became especially influential after encountering smaller Pomeranians during a trip to Italy in 1888. She became an enthusiastic breeder and exhibitor, and public interest in increasingly small examples grew rapidly during her lifetime. Selective breeding dramatically reduced the breed's average size while retaining its abundant coat and spitz appearance. By the early 20th century, the modern toy Pomeranian was well established. Its bold behaviour can seem surprising for such a tiny dog, but it makes more sense when its substantially larger ancestors are remembered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is not generally considered hypoallergenic. Individual allergy reactions can vary.

The Pomeranian tends to have a moderate level of shedding.

The Pomeranian generally needs a moderate amount of routine grooming.

The Pomeranian generally has a moderate energy level.

The Pomeranian generally has lower exercise needs, though daily activity remains important.

The Pomeranian is generally highly trainable and tends to respond well to consistent, positive training.

The Pomeranian may be less naturally suited to homes with children, so careful introductions and supervision are important.

The Pomeranian may get along with other dogs with appropriate socialization and introductions.

The Pomeranian is generally considered relatively approachable for first-time dog owners.

The Pomeranian generally tends to adapt well to apartment living when its exercise and enrichment needs are met.