All About the Puffy & Popular Pomeranian Dog Breed
Hannah Roundy
Meet the iconic Pomeranian pup and what makes them so unique.
These fluffy friends need no introduction. With their puffy coats and perky personalities, Pomeranians are the quintessential toy breed.
Breed Origins
Did you know that these tiny Pomeranian puppies descended from mighty Arctic sled dogs? That explains the breed’s thick double coat of long fur. The breed’s cotton-ball puffiness is thanks to their European Spitz ancestors.
We can thank the Poms' popularity to Queen Victoria. After an excursion to Italy, the young queen fell in love with the breed and brought a few back to England. The breed only rose in status from there and is still beloved all over the world today.
Physical Characteristics
Height: 6-7 inches
Weight: 3-7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Coat Type: Long hair, double coat
Shedding Level: Moderate
A typical Pomeranian is only about 3 to 7 pounds and stands about half a foot tall. Did somebody say “perfect purse pet”? Many Pom parents tote their pup around in their purse or backpack on errands. That’s how tiny they are!
There’s really no limitation to the colors and markings of these dogs. They can have solid coloring, masks, spots, and even brindle coats. Pomeranians really are the chameleon of the dog world!
Personality & Temperament
Poms are confident, intelligent, affectionate, and loyal. But we can promise you that this breed is not quiet!
With such high intelligence levels, Pomeranian puppies are more aware of their surroundings. This can be a good or bad thing. Good for dogs that can handle loud noises and stimulation. Bad for dogs that bark at anything that looks in their direction.
Of course, you can fix barking and reactivity with proper training. Early socialization for Pomeranian puppies is also extremely important.
How to Groom a Pomeranian
That puffy Pom coat doesn’t stay clean on its own! Pomeranian dog parents usually brush their pups a few times a week. Monthly baths or professional groomings will also keep their ears, teeth, and paws healthy.
Do Pomeranians shed? Only a bit. Their thick double coats shed little to moderately throughout the year, and their undercoat blows annually.
Exercise & Mental Stimulation Needs
Since they are so small, Poms don’t need an intense exercise regimen. But daily playtime and activity are essential. Pomeranians will tell you when they are bored (and it can get noisy). Here are a few easy ways to help them stay active and busy:
- Puzzle toys
- Training games
- Short daily walks (not too much distance on their little legs!)
- Visits to the dog park
- Sniff mats
Pomeranian Dog Health Concerns
The good news is that Pomeranians are a generally healthy breed. As long as they have a balanced quality diet and weigh a healthy amount, they are set up for success. There are a few genetic conditions related to the breed, including:
- Hip & joint pain
- Knee pain
- Hypoglycemia
- Skin & coat sensitivity
As with all dog breeds, annual vet visits are essential to your pup’s health. A quick check-up every year will ensure your Pom is free from unnecessary pain and sickness.
Common Types of Pomeranian Dog Mixes
Teacup Pomeranians
Believe it or not, there is also a teacup Pomeranian that weighs 3 pounds or less. It’s not an officially recognized breed, but they are absolutely adorable.
Teacup Pomeranians are so small that they are often born with fragile bones and heart issues. If you are looking into adopting a teacup Pom, do your research on ethical breeders and potential health problems.
Pomeranian Chihuahua Mix (Pomchi)
You may have heard your friend refer to their Pomeranian Chihuahua mix as their “Pomchi”. A perky name for the peppy mix of the two breeds. Chihuahua Pomeranian mix dogs are fairly common in the US. They are a clear mix of each breeds’ hallmarks: spunk, sass, and small.
Pomeranian Husky Mix (Pomsky)
The Pomsky dog is a Pomeranian Husky mix. Imagine the intelligence and personality of a Pom in the larger body of a Husky. The result is often a sweet, stubborn sled dog of a Pomsky.
Nutrition
With small dogs, every bite matters. Their little bodies can quickly gain weight and distress other organs if they eat too much. For this reason, we recommend choosing dog food without cheap filler ingredients or synthetic supplements.
The ideal dog food for Pomeranians includes:
- Real animal meat (no meat meals!)
- Healthy Omegas that support skin and coat health
- Easily digestible ingredients
- Nutrient-dense portions for small dogs
So, what’s the best dog food for Poms? Sundays for Dogs seems to check all the boxes. Each air-dried dog food recipe is made with only 100% human-grade ingredients. Plus, portions are twice as nutrient-dense as commercial kibble.
Why Sundays’ Dog Food is Perfect for Pomeranians
Sundays for Dogs is vet-founded and formulated with Poms in mind. With real meat, gently air-dried recipes, and nutrient-dense formulas, Sundays is the ideal diet for Pomeranians.
Here are a few more reasons why Pomeranian dogs love Sundays:
- Small, soft pieces of air-dried jerky food
- High protein and healthy fats
- No meat meals, fillers, artificial ingredients, or synethic supplements
- Highly digestible for sensitive stomachs
- Delicious whole food ingredients that make even the pickiest pups crave mealtime
- Easy to use as a high-value reward for training
Take Sundays’ personalized feeding quiz to see your Pom’s customized meal plan. Our subscribers automatically save 20% on every reorder and get free shipping for life!