Pomeranian Dog Breed Information: Traits, Facts, Care & More

This content was reviewed and fact-checked by veterinarian Dr. Aukse Caraite, DVM.

History and Origin

The Pomeranian, a spirited and fluffy toy breed known for its confidence and charm, traces its origins to the Pomerania region of northeastern Europe (present-day Poland and Germany), where larger Spitz-type sled dogs were bred down in size to become companion animals for royalty and nobles. Queen Victoria’s fondness for the breed in the late 1800s played a key role in popularizing the modern Pomeranian, which became increasingly smaller and more refined through selective breeding.

Historically, Pomeranians were much larger and served as capable watchdogs and utility dogs before becoming fashionable lapdogs. Their alertness, bold demeanor, and affectionate nature quickly made them favored among European aristocracy and pet lovers alike.

The breed gained widespread recognition in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1888. Today, Pomeranians remain one of the most popular toy breeds in the world, loved for their intelligence, fluffy appearance, and big personality packed into a small size.

Appearance

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Pomeranian Characteristics

The further out a point is along a spoke, the stronger that trait is in the breed (on a scale of 1 to 10).

Exercise & Activity Breakdown

Pomeranians are energetic and alert toy dogs with a playful, curious nature. While they don’t need intense physical activity like larger breeds, they do require regular daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and prevent behavioral issues such as barking, anxiety, or destructiveness.

• Puppy (0–12 months): At this stage, Pomeranian puppies are eager to explore and bond. Short, gentle play sessions, socialization, and basic training lay the foundation for good behavior. Activities like tug toys, basic fetch, and early interactive games help build focus and confidence.

• Adult (1–6 years): Adult Pomeranians benefit from brisk walks, indoor games, canine sports and mentally stimulating activities. Puzzle toys, obedience training, and light agility courses designed for small dogs can keep them mentally sharp and physically active.

• Senior (7+ years): As they age, Pomeranians may become less active but still need gentle walks and short play sessions to maintain mobility. Low-impact brain games and a steady routine support their overall health and emotional stability.

Nutrition

Pomeranians need a high-quality diet that aligns with their life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). As a small breed with a fast metabolism and a thick double coat, it’s important to feed them food specifically formulated for toy or small breed dogs to support their energy levels, coat quality, and overall health.

These diets should include balanced nutrients to support skin and coat health, dental care, and immune function. Because Pomeranians are prone to dental issues and weight gain if overfed, portion control and nutrient-dense, small-bite formulas are essential. As they age, a diet rich in omega-3s, antioxidants, and joint-supporting nutrients like glucosamine can help maintain mobility and cognitive function. Read our “Best Pomeranian Dog Food Guide” to explore targeted nutrition tips and top food recommendations.

Common Health Issues

Most Pomeranians are healthy, but like all dogs, they can be prone to certain health conditions. Common health concerns include:

*BSD: Black Skin Disease
*HT: Hypothyroidism
*ALGY: Allergies

Recommended Health Tests for Pomeranians:

Proactive health measures, attentive care, and regular veterinary visits can help ensure your Pomeranian lives a happy and healthy life as your loyal companion.

💡 Due to this breed’s high proclivity to health issues, we recommend getting pet insurance for financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care without the burden of high out-of-pocket expenses. Check out our best pet insurance guide to find a suitable plan for your pet.

Care Requirements

Pomeranian Dog Trainability

Pomeranians are intelligent, alert, and spirited companion dogs. While they’re quick learners, their bold personalities and occasional stubborn streaks can make training both fun and a bit challenging. Consistent, structured training that uses clear, positive reinforcement techniques is essential. They respond well to praise, treats, and playful engagement—especially when training is kept short, upbeat, and engaging to match their attention span.

When compared to other breeds, Pomeranians benefit from gentle guidance, early socialization, and firm yet positive training. Their intelligence and curiosity flourish in environments where learning feels like play. With patience, repetition, and clear boundaries, they grow into confident, well-mannered companions.

Intelligence

According to canine psychologist Stanley Coren (author of The Intelligence of Dogs – View on Amazon), dog intelligence can be broken down into three types:

1. Instinctive Intelligence – What a dog is bred to do (herding, guarding, retrieving).
2. Adaptive Intelligence – A dog’s ability to solve problems and learn from the environment.
3. Working & Obedience Intelligence – How quickly a dog learns commands and obeys them.

IQ Comparison

Pomeranians are known for their sharp intelligence and lively curiosity, especially in environments where interaction, attention, and quick learning are encouraged. Though small in size, they rank high in obedience-based IQ studies for their ability to learn new commands quickly and retain them with ease. Their bright minds and eagerness to engage make them excellent at trick training, agility for small dogs, and performing routines, often thriving in roles where they can show off and earn praise.

Pomeranians shine when training is turned into a game. While their strong-willed nature may challenge novice owners, they’re fast learners who excel with patient guidance and consistent routines. Their keen awareness and confidence allow them to punch far above their size in intelligence rankings.

Breeding

Pomeranians are cherished for their charm, intelligence, and affectionate nature. Like many purebred dogs, however, they can be prone to inherited health conditions such as tracheal collapse, luxating patella, dental disease, hypothyroidism, and Alopecia X (Black Skin Disease). This makes responsible breeding essential. Ethical breeders should conduct health screenings and genetic testing to help reduce the risk of passing on serious conditions. Proper spacing between litters is important to protect the health of both the dam and puppies, and only physically healthy, mentally stable Pomeranians should be bred.

• Age: Pomeranians should not be bred until they are fully mature—typically between 18 and 24 months of age.
• Litter size: A typical Pomeranian litter includes 1–5 puppies.
• Temperament: Breeding dogs should have sound temperaments—outgoing, alert, and confident, without signs of aggression, fearfulness, or extreme nervousness.

Is The Pomeranian A Good Family Dog?

If the conditions below align with your lifestyle, personal preferences, and living situation, a Pomeranian could be a wonderful pet for your family. Otherwise, you may want to consider other breeds.

✅ = Ideal / Strong Match | ⚠️ = Needs Consideration | ❌ = Not Recommended

Annual Cost of Ownership

Best Places to Get A Pomeranian

Online marketplaces: For pre-screened, healthy puppies, Pawrade and PuppySpot are recommended resources, offering puppies from reputable U.S. breeders.

Rescue shelters: While Pomeranians are rarely available at local shelters, opportunities can occasionally arise. Check your local animal shelters or dog rescue organizations for information. Online communities, such as Facebook groups, can also be helpful resources.

Breeders: Finding a reputable Pomeranian breeder can be challenging due to the complex nature of breeding this large, purebred working dog. Start by searching locally within your state. You may need to travel out of state if local options are unavailable. If purchasing from a breeder further away, consider the possibility of shipping the puppy if pickup is not an option. It’s essential to request medical records and health certifications for both parents. The American Pomeranian Association’s approved breeder list is a trusted resource for finding ethical breeders.

Avoid breeders who:

• Don’t provide health clearances for both parents
• Don’t allow visits to meet the dogs or see their living conditions
• Have frequent litters with no waiting list
• Emphasize appearance over health and temperament

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Sources

Canine Bible uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process and product review methodology to learn more about how we fact-check, test products, and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.