People usually start reading about Pomeranians when they’re weighing up a puppy, trying to make sense of breed “facts” online, or working out whether a tiny, fluffy dog will actually fit their home and routine.
The small size is real, but so are the practical consequences: barking that carries through a unit block, coats that mat if you skip brushing, and health quirks that can mean long-term vet and dental costs. Here’s a clear look at what a Pomeranian is, where they came from, what daily care looks like, and the common problems worth watching for.
Pomeranian at a glance
- Size: Toy breed; many adults stand roughly 20–28 cm at the withers (shoulder), though height isn’t set in all breed standards
- Typical weight: Often around 1.4–3.2 kg for pet dogs; show “ideal” weights are narrower (see below)1
- Coat: Double coat (dense undercoat with longer harsh outer coat), heavy seasonal shedding
- Temperament: Alert, lively, bright; can be vocal
- Life expectancy: Commonly around 12–16 years (individual variation is normal)
- Exercise needs: Moderate; short walks plus play and training each day
- Grooming needs: High; frequent brushing to prevent matting
- Common health concerns: Dental disease, patellar luxation (wobbly kneecap), and tracheal collapse (airway weakness) are well-recognised issues in toy breeds3, 4
Where Pomeranians come from (and why they look like this)
Pomeranians belong to the Spitz family: small, fox-faced dogs with pricked ears, a thick coat, and a tail that curls up and over the back. The breed takes its name from Pomerania, a historical region on the southern Baltic coast, now split between modern-day Germany and Poland.
Early ancestors were larger Spitz-type dogs. Over time, selective breeding favoured smaller companion animals, and the modern toy-sized Pomeranian became established in Europe and beyond.
Size, weight, and what “breed standard” really means
Online size guides often disagree because they mix pet averages with show-ring ideals. In Australia, Dogs NSW (Australian National Kennel Council member body) lists an ideal weight of 1.8–2.0 kg for dogs and 2.0–2.5 kg for bitches in the breed standard.1
That “ideal” is a judging guide, not a promise. Many healthy pet Pomeranians sit outside those numbers, and what matters day to day is condition: a visible waist from above, ribs that are easy to feel under a light fat covering, and steady energy.
Temperament: small dog, loud opinions
A Pomeranian is typically quick, watchful, and intensely aware of movement and sound. This is part of the charm, and also why they can become nuisance barkers if they’re bored or constantly on alert.
They often do best with steady routines and calm handling. Because they’re physically small and easy to startle or accidentally injure, supervision around toddlers is sensible. With older children who can be gentle and predictable, they can be affectionate, entertaining companions.
Training and daily exercise
Pomeranians learn fast, especially when training feels like a game. Short sessions work better than long drills. Reward what you want (quiet, calm greetings, loose-lead walking) before the dog practises the opposite.
Most adults are happy with:
- one or two short walks a day
- brief indoor play (fetch down a hallway, tug with rules, scent games)
- daily “thinking work” (basic obedience, trick training, food puzzles)
If barking is already a habit, focus on management first: block visual triggers at windows, add enrichment, and teach a simple “quiet” cue with rewards. Punishment tends to raise arousal and can make the noise worse in the long run.
Health: common problems to know before you buy
Dental disease (very common in small dogs)
Small breeds have crowded teeth, which makes plaque build-up and gum disease more likely. Regular brushing is the most effective home care, and it’s much easier if you start when the dog is young.2
Practical dental habits that actually stick:
- use pet toothpaste (never human toothpaste)
- start with a finger cloth, then graduate to a soft brush
- aim for frequent brushing; even a few times a week is better than occasional “big cleans”
- ask your vet what they see at check-ups, and whether professional dental cleaning is due
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation is when the kneecap slips out of place. In toy breeds it can show up as skipping steps, sudden lameness, or an odd little “hop” on one hind leg. Mild cases can be managed; severe cases may need surgery. Your vet can grade it and advise what’s appropriate for your dog’s age and symptoms.
Tracheal collapse
Tracheal collapse is most common in toy and miniature breeds. It’s often noticed as a dry, “honking” cough and can worsen with excitement, exercise, heat, or pressure on the neck. Keeping dogs lean is an important part of management, and many benefit from medication plans set by a vet.3
Two simple prevention-minded choices help many Pomeranians:
- use a well-fitted harness rather than a collar for walking
- keep weight in a healthy range (extra kilos matter on a tiny airway)
Grooming: the coat is beautiful, and it asks for time
The Pomeranian’s double coat sheds year-round and often “blows” more heavily with seasonal change. Without regular brushing, loose undercoat tangles into mats close to the skin, especially behind the ears, in the armpits, and under the collar/harness.
A workable routine for most households:
- 2–4 times a week: thorough brushing through to the undercoat
- during heavy shedding: quick daily brush-outs to stop compaction
- monthly (or as needed): bath and blow-dry (drying matters, because a damp undercoat mats)
- regularly: nail trims and ear checks
If you’re unsure whether you’re reaching the undercoat, a reputable groomer can demonstrate technique and recommend tools that suit the coat texture.
Diet and nutrition: small stomach, easy to overfeed
Pomeranians don’t need much food, but they do need the right balance. Choose a complete and balanced diet appropriate for their life stage (puppy, adult, senior), and adjust portions based on body condition, not the feeding guide on the bag alone.
Treats add up quickly in a toy breed. Veterinary nutrition guidance commonly recommends keeping treats and extras to no more than 10% of daily calories, so the main diet remains balanced and weight stays steady.5, 6
Living with a Pomeranian in a flat or unit
Pomeranians can suit apartment living when their needs are met. The make-or-break issue is usually noise. An under-exercised, under-stimulated Pom will often find a job, and “announcing everything” is a popular choice.
Helpful home set-ups include:
- predictable daily walk and play times
- food puzzles and scatter-feeding for calm enrichment
- rest areas away from front doors and hallway noise
- window management (frost film, baby gates, or closing curtains at busy times)
Famous Pomeranians: a quick reality check
Pomeranians do turn up in celebrity circles and online culture, but those stories can be thin on verifiable detail and often encourage fads (tiny sizes, extreme haircuts) that aren’t always kind to the dog. It’s more useful to judge the breed by what you can provide every day: grooming time, patient training, and a plan for dental care.
Final thoughts
A Pomeranian is a pocket-sized animal built like a little weatherproof spitz: dense coat, bright eyes, quick feet, and a watchful mind. In the right home they’re affectionate, funny to live with, and endlessly trainable. In the wrong routine they become noisy, matted, and medically expensive.
If you’re choosing a puppy, take your time. Meet the parents if you can, ask about dental and kneecap history, and choose temperament over colour. A steady, well-socialised Pom is usually the one you’ll enjoy living with for the next decade and beyond.
References
- Dogs NSW (ANKC) – Pomeranian breed standard (ideal weight)
- RSPCA Australia – Importance of dental health (home care and tooth brushing)
- Merck Veterinary Manual (Pet Owner) – Tracheal collapse in dogs
- dvm360 – Summary of Banfield dental health data (small breeds and oral health issues)
- AAHA – 2021 Nutrition & Weight Management Guidelines (treats ≤10% of calories)
- UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine – Treat guidelines for dogs (≤10% of daily calories)
- The Royal Kennel Club – Pomeranian breed standard (size guidance and notes)
- RSPCA Queensland – Dog teeth cleaning (step-by-step introduction)
- Greencross Vets – Brushing your dog’s teeth (tools and safety notes)
Veterinary Advisor, Veterinarian London Area, United Kingdom