Pomeranian Breed Information

Last updated Sep 26, 2020 0

This toy dog, the Pomeranian, is a member of the spitz family that gets its name from the Pomerania region of Poland and Germany. The breed with this name was originally a much larger animal but was bred down to make the dog fit more comfortably in the city homes and apartments. Though selective breeding has reduced the breed’s average size, the small dog has a thick coat typical of its ancestors from Lapland and northern Europe.

Most Pomeranians weigh from 3 pounds to 7 pounds, making this one of the smallest of all breeds. The dog has two layers of coat, with the undercoat being soft and fluffy. The outer coat is longer and coarser. The undercoat is shed once each year, though females shed after they deliver a litter and in times of great stress. This breed comes in a variety of colors, with variations of sable and red, cream, black, white and even parti-color.

Pomeranian Temperament

The Pomeranian is an active, intelligent dog that is quite loyal to its master and to family members. Its small size can lead to teasing and abuse from younger children. With training, the Pomeranian’s tendency to bark or “yip” loudly and continuously can be controlled. This breed does adapt well to living in a small home or apartment, however.

Pomeranians can sometimes be temperamental and may bark excessively when a stranger comes to the home. One of the most independent of the toy breeds, the Pomeranian is alert and curious. This dog can learn tricks and is quite willing to please its master, but the owner must let the young dog know who is boss. Pomeranians make excellent companions for elderly persons.

Pomeranian Size and Color

Its small stature makes the Pomeranian popular with apartment dwellers, but the breed’s beautiful colors attract many more owners. Many Pomeranians are a solid color, usually red, white, cream, blue, brown, and black or a shade of orange. The Pomeranian can also be black and tan, black and white, or parti-colored (white with colored markings).

A grown Pomeranian will stand from 7 inches to 12 inches tall and will weigh from 3 pounds to 7 pounds. Though this is a small dog, it is actually quite sturdy and solid under the thick coat.

Pomeranian Feeding and Grooming Requirements

In recent years, many breeders and experienced owners have moved to fresh food diets for their purebred dogs. Others stay away from feeding raw meat because of the possibility of bacterial infections. One of the popular choices for many people is to feed the new pet a planned diet of fresh foods similar to what they bring home from the store for themselves.

This can be a good diet for a healthy dog, but it may be best to consult with your veterinarian and breeder before settling on a diet for your Pomeranian. It may be best to avoid cheaper commercial foods because of the possibility of allergies.

The Pomeranian has a long double coat, with a softer undercoat and a longer, coarser topcoat. The coat should be brushed regularly and many dog-grooming professionals follow the pattern of brushing from the head back and working a part that allows the longer hair to fall into place. The Pomeranian sheds most of the time, so be prepared to clean up and brush to keep this under control.

Pomeranian Exercise Needs

The Pomeranian is an active energetic dog that will do very well in a small home or apartment. Because of its size, it does not require a great deal of room to run and get exercise. However, you should allow time and space for this active little dog to use up some of its energy.

Taking your Pomeranian for short walks occasionally may be a good idea, especially if you use a light leash. Keep in mind that this breed does need daily activity of some sort to avoid physical problems. The Pomeranian will get bored without some regular exercise and activity with you.

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