Pomeranian — breed guide

At a glance

Group

toy

Size

Toy

Weight

1.4–3.2 kg (3–7 lb)

Life span

12–16 years

Coat

Profuse, fluffy double coat

Living with a Pomeranian

• Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
• Heavy grooming — frequent brushing and regular trims.
• Heavy shedding, especially in season.
• Trainable with consistency.
• Very vocal.
• Can do well with children, with care — easier with older kids than toddlers.
• Gets along with other dogs.
• Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
• Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
• A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
• Sensitive to heat; keep summer walks short.
• Handles cold well.

Temperament

Lively · Bold · Inquisitive · Vivacious

Health to watch

• Luxating patella
• Tracheal collapse
• Dental disease
• Alopecia X

Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.

Did you know

Two of the three dogs that survived the Titanic were Pomeranians, tucked into lifeboats with their owners.

Questions people ask

Is a Pomeranian good with kids?

With care. Pomeranians generally do well with older children who already know how to behave around a dog; with toddlers, supervise every interaction and give the animal somewhere it can retreat to.

Is a Pomeranian good with cats?

It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.

How much exercise does a Pomeranian need?

A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.

Can a Pomeranian handle hot weather?

It is sensitive; avoid the midday heat.