Pomeranians are lively, inquisitive, and bold. Standing six to seven inches tall and weighing a mere three to seven pounds, these toy dogs pack much personality into a bit of body. They have an average life expectancy of 12 to 16 years. Pomeranians come in 23 different color combinations, making each one unique. They are known for their "fox-like" faces with ears that stick straight up.
We can trace back the history of Pomeranians for many centuries. Pomeranians come from the Arctic working dogs in Pomerania, at the border of Poland and Germany. This family of dogs, otherwise known as the Spitz breed, has many characteristics resembling wolves, like small ears and a thick undercoat. Once much larger, Pomeranians were used to pull sleds and herd reindeer. They were called German Spitz in Germany up until 1974, when they finally adopted the name Pomeranian. Pomeranians were formally recognized by the American Kennel Club back in 1888. The English Kennel Club quickly followed and recognized them as a distinct breed in 1891.
These dogs have been favorites of royals for centuries. Queen Charlotte imported two in 1767 from Pomerania, and her granddaughter Queen Victoria set up her breeding kennel. Queen Victoria wildly increased the demand for Pomeranians throughout England. Her Poms were so small that the overall size of Poms decreased by half due to the demand and her breeding efforts.
Pomeranians have almost always been famous. Of the 12 dogs aboard the Titanic in 1912 when it sank, only 3 made it out, two of which were Pomeranians that joined their owners aboard two lifeboats. Michelangelo is rumored to have had his Pomeranian puppy with him as he painted the Sistine Chapel. Supposedly, the Pom would sit on a satin pillow and watch him paint what is now widely regarded as one of the most impressive and important pieces of art in the world. Teddy Roosevelt also owned a Pomeranian named Gem.
On average, they only have 2 to 3 Pomeranian puppies per litter. However, they can give birth to twins, which is rare among dogs. Pomeranians consistently rank in the top 50 most popular breeds in the United States, ranking at number 20 in 2021. They have also been used as therapy dogs, earning the SPCA therapy certificate, as well as hearing assistance dogs and service dogs. Poms are so intelligent that they can be taught many commands and skills, such as helping around the house, helping people living with psychiatric or anxiety disorders, detecting seizures and blood glucose levels, and assisting with anything that does not require heavy lifting or physical support.
In modern culture, Pomeranians still have much notoriety. A Pom named Jeff appeared in Katy Perry's music video for her song "Dark Horse" and held two Guinness World Records for a fastest 10-meter run on hind legs, and fastest five-meter run on front legs.
Often called "the little dog who thinks he can," Pomeranians are intelligent and loyal dogs. They are very affectionate dogs and make great family pets. Pomeranians are generally not aggressive. It is essential to socialize them as puppies, or else they might be shy or timid around strangers as they age. They love to be the center of attention, making them the perfect pet for a big family that can give them lots of love.
Pomeranians are often described as intelligent, curious, feisty, energetic, and bold. They do not realize how small they are and often think they can take on big dogs.
You'll want to start training your Pomeranian puppy as soon as you get them. We recommend starting with walking on a leash and basic commands, like coming to you when called. Due to their small size, you'll also want to teach them not to jump up onto your bed or couch as they can injure their joints or bones.
Pomeranians do well in apartment settings, but they are known to be pretty vocal. They want to protect their owners, so it is important to start training Pomeranian puppies against barking right after adoption. Use words like "quiet" or "no speak" to let them know things are safe and you don't need to be alerted.
They are generally fine with cats in the household but might not become best friends with them. They also do well with other dogs but be careful when introducing a larger dog to your Pom to make sure they do not accidentally get injured. They are friendly with young children, but you will want to be aware of the same thing: Pomeranians are not as sturdy as larger dogs, so your children will need to be careful when playing.
Pomeranians can find it slightly more difficult to house a train than other dogs because of their size. They will need to go out to the bathroom more often because of their smaller bladder. Crate training Pomeranian puppies provides a safe and secure environment for them to relax. It also prevents any accidents from happening while we are out of the house or asleep.
Pomeranians can be sensitive to the heat due to their thick coat, so be careful on warm days when you're taking them on walks.
Pomeranians are seasonal shedders, meaning they shed more in the spring and fall than throughout the year. They are one of the hairiest of all small dogs, but they shed about the same amount as any other breed. Pomeranians have a long double coat that will need to be groomed regularly. We recommend using both a pin brush and a slicker brush at least two to three times a week to prevent any matting or tangling. Use the slicker brush first as it gets rid of dead hair and dirt but can add some static to the fur. Finish the groom with the pin brush to get rid of the static. You will want to take your Pom for a full grooming every four to six weeks.
Your Pomeranian grooming schedule should start while they are puppies so they can get comfortable with the tools involved. We recommend wiping their eyes, brushing their teeth, and checking their bottom daily. Whenever you brush them, we recommend also applying a nose balm and paw wax to protect their nose and paws. Your Pomeranian will only need to be bathed once every 2 to 3 weeks and clip their nails at the same time. Keep their coat cut every 4 to 6 weeks to aid in the grooming process and to keep them looking the best they can.
Pomeranians have been known to change colors as they age, so your Pom might look different as a puppy than as a full-grown adult.
Pomeranians are mostly lap dogs but will enjoy playing fetch or going for short walks. Be careful and watch out for larger dogs in the area or birds looking for prey, as they can easily be mistaken for rabbits. Pomeranians can also fit between holes in fences, so make sure to keep an eye on them while playing. They won't need more than 30 minutes of exercise spread throughout the day.
There are a few different toys made specifically with Pomeranians in mind. Chew toys are great when Pomeranian puppies are teething. There are toys to keep their mind engaged and help them stay busy to avoid any unwanted barking. There are also treats releasing toys but use these cautiously to avoid overfeeding. If you have to leave the house for a few hours to run errands, there are companion toys to go with your Pomeranian to alleviate separation anxiety. Finally, the typical toys like balls to play fetch are made smaller for your Pomeranian's little mouth.
For the best results, exercise and play with your Pomeranian in different ways every day, so they stay engaged and healthy.
If you opt to make your food at home, you will need to be vigilant in brushing your Pom's teeth to prevent decay. We recommend feeding your Pom dry food to avoid tooth loss, which is common in smaller dogs. Smaller dogs can also be prone to joint issues, so a balanced diet with fatty acids and protein will ensure their joints stay nice and strong.
There are a few things to look out for when choosing the right food for your Pom. You'll want all-natural protein like chicken, beef, or lamb. Avoid any preservatives or additives that will add extra unnecessary calories. Pomeranians typically only need about 1 to 3 cups of dry food per day, so you can get a big bag of their favorite food to last you throughout the month.
If you're making food at home for your Pom puppy, you can use chicken breasts, white rice, carrots, and a hard-boiled egg to ensure they get all the nutrients they need.
We recommend feeding Pomeranian puppies the amount that corresponds with their weight broken up into four separate meals. This ensures they stay full and get all their nutrients without overeating at once. You can drop that down to 3 meals whenever they are fully grown.
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