The Pomeranian is considered a small “toy-sized” dog with a big personality. Small dogs have grown considerably in popularity in recent years – especially the Pomeranian dog breed. Dog lovers enjoy their small company and you don’t need a lot of space in your home. A Pomeranian can live comfortably in an apartment, single-family home and everything in between.

Pomeranian Description

If you’ve seen a Pomeranian, you probably have a good idea of what they look like but each individual Pom can look very different from another. Their characteristics include almond-shaped eyes, small face with a short muzzle and a long, thick coat of fur. Their overcoat is much thicker in texture than their undercoats. The undercoat is more soft and fine. You’ll find Poms in a rainbow of colors, including the popular black, orange and cream but also white, red, blue, brindle and black and tan to name a few. They range anywhere from just 7 to 12 inches in height and weigh 3 to 7 pounds on average.

Pomeranian Temperament

If you don’t normally find yourself liking toy dogs, the Pomeranian is likely to win you over. They are independent creatures yet are very affectionate towards their owners. They make good watch dogs because they will bark at doorbells and knocks at the door. It’s a good idea to train them early to stop barking during these times.

Some Poms are picky eaters and they like a firm hand. If your Pom doesn’t see you as the boss, they can become demanding so feel free to remind them frequently that they don’t run the place. Pomeranians are very popular show dogs because of their beauty and intelligence. They also make perfect companions for elderly people because they are so small in size.

Pomeranian Health Problems and Life Expectancy

Like other dog breeds, Pomeranians are prone to specific health problems. For this toy breed, the main health concerns are likely to be heart problems, dislocated kneecap, tooth decay and eye infections. If Poms aren’t in good health, they have been known to pass away at a young age. The typical life expectancy for a healthy pup is around 15 years. Just be sure to take care of their teeth and be tune to any changes in behavior or health.

Grooming a Pom

Pomeranians have a lot of fur and they are constant shedders. To groom them, simply brush their coats fairly frequently as their fur can become quite tangled at times. You can do this easily by brushing their coat forward and then let it fall back into its resting place. It is somewhat time-consuming but your Pom will be happier and will look cleaner if their coat is brushed regularly.

Learning about the Pomeranian breed is essential if you’re planning welcome one into your home. This way you will be able to understand what their needs are, what kind of temperament they have, how to care for them and what to look out for. Pomeranians will make a great addition to any home and they’ll also usually get along with other household pets so long as they are properly introduced.