Pomeranians are more than just adorable fluffballs of fur. They’ve been around for centuries, and have inspired many artists to create masterpieces on their behalf. Before a Pomeranian becomes an artistic muse, however, they’re still trying to figure out life as a puppy. Pomeranian puppies weigh only a few ounces and fit in the palm of your hand.
Throughout the first year, Pomeranians grow rapidly into miniature lions of affection and bouncy amusement.
Take one look at their thick fur and you can guess: ancient ancestors of Pomeranians came from the Arctic! They’re a miniaturized version of the Spitz dogs that are closely related to husky and malamutes. After they were bred to their smaller size, they were named ‘Pomeranian’ from the region of Pomerania, now part of western Germany and Poland.
Pomeranians have royal roots. On vacation in the late 1800s, Queen Victoria was so smitten with these fluffy pups, she brought some back with her. She started breeding and presenting them in Best in Shows. Queen Victoria won quite a few competitions due to the Pomeranian’s agility and pristine presentability. (It may have helped that she was the queen, too.)
Pomeranian puppy facts
Classical musicians like Mozart and Chopin have dedicated songs to Pomeranians, and famous artist Michelangelo had one as a trusty friend. You can see that Pomeranians are more than just toy dogs—they’re truly fabulous. They’re also bright, opinionated, and feisty.
| Size | Small. Height reaches 6-7 inches and weight varies between 3-7 pounds. |
| Breed Characteristics | With a face filled with expression, Pomeranians are small, compact dogs with a thick fur coat. Their fur is double-coated, with a short undercoat and a longer outer coat. They also have a recognizable plumed tail specific to the breed.Most notably, there are 23 colors of Pomeranian fur recognized by the American Kennel Club. This wide breed variety means each Pom is destined to be slightly unique, though most come in an orange-red hue. |
| Temperament | With a big dog personality, Pomeranians are highly intelligent and aware of everything happening around them. Due to their size, they’re happy being indoor pups and love companionship.Though small, Pomeranians tend to walk with a confident and proud gait. Anyone can see that they are 10 feet tall…on the inside. |
| Grooming and Health Needs | As puppies, Pomeranians need only minimal bathing and brushing. As they mature, however, their coat needs attention. Besides brushing out Poms regularly to keep the hair from matting, it’s recommended to go to a professional groomer regularly to cut nails, clean ears and get fur trimmed. The classic teddy bear cut is a cute option for a Pom.The National Breed Club recommends the following health exams for your new Pomeranian: patella evaluation, cardiac exam, and ophthalmologist evaluation. |
| Training | Pomeranian puppies must be trained early and often in walking with a leash. Due to their petite size, they’re prime targets for larger dogs or even bird predators. They must also be taught to come when called.Equally as important is training your Pom to stop jumping. Their joints get strained when they jump, so consider getting dog stairs that go up to the couch or bed if they’re welcome up there.
Lastly, housebreaking is important. If your Pom is mostly an indoor dog, make sure they know the bathroom rules of the home! |
| Energy Level | Pomeranians generally enjoy being lap dogs but need a lot of opportunities to run around and play. Like all dogs, early socialization is important for a Pomeranian puppy, but due to their petite size, make sure they’re socializing with smaller dogs. |
| Life Span | Pomeranians live between 12 – 16 years on average. |
Who is the best human for a Pomeranian?
Pomeranians are perfect for family life, as long as any children are old enough not to roughhouse too much. Pomeranian puppies are very small and fragile, and young children may unintentionally hurt a smaller dog without even realizing it.
Due to their size, city or suburban life can work well for these petite pups. Poms can be indoor dogs as long as they get short walks and indoor exercise. Lastly, because of their big personality, they are surprisingly excellent watchdogs!
Getting a Pomeranian puppy
Choosing to adopt or go through a breeder for your new Pomeranian puppy is a personal choice that requires research. Thankfully, there are many resources out there to help you find a rescue or breeder that offers healthy, ethically sourced Pomeranian puppies.
Knowing what you’re in for when you get a Pomeranian puppy is an important step in being a responsible pet owner. Whether you find a responsible breeder or are planning on adopting, it’s up to you to be prepared for an energetic and friendly addition to your household.
Adopting Pomeranian puppies
It may be surprising to know, but adopting a Pomeranian puppy is possible. According to the AKC, most breed rescues report that a majority of their rescue dogs come from individual owners surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being a good fit for them. This means that there may be many dogs and puppies out there that are looking for a new forever home.
The main difference between a breeder and a rescue is that a rescue may not always have young puppies to choose from. The benefit, however, is that most are mandated to only adopt out dogs that have been microchipped and spayed/neutered. This means you may end up with a dog that’s already been housebroken, and doesn’t need these common medical procedures. You may also find a Pomeranian mix that has all the traits you want from the breed, but with a little extra thrown in.
Finding a Pomeranian rescue can be as simple as searching the internet. The AKC also has an excellent list of Pomeranian rescues on their site.
Finding a Pomeranian breeder
The first step is to do your research. Sadly, there are many puppy mills posing as reputable breeders along with many online scams. Be aware, and reach out to different online forums for conversations about getting your future furry family member.
Be sure to ask questions, make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother, and follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the Pomeranian puppy seems too good to be true, there’s likely something going on. The AKC also offers resources for finding a breeder, with fairly strict guidelines on who they let participate.
