Pomeranian: Temperament, Health and Care for This Spirited Spitz Breed

Pomeranians are the smallest members of the Spitz family — the group of thick-coated, fox-faced Nordic dogs bred originally to pull sleds — and somehow that sled-dog boldness survived the centuries of miniaturisation intact. The result is a dog whose personality is completely out of proportion to its size, for better and occasionally for worse.

Quick Stats

Size: very small (1.8–3.5 kg). Lifespan: 12–16 years. Energy level: moderate to high. Good with children: better with older, careful children. Good with other dogs: generally good with proper socialisation. Shedding: heavy. Grooming needs: high. Trainability: high — intelligent and eager, but can be stubborn.

History and Origin

The Pomeranian descends from large working Spitz dogs from the Arctic — the same ancestral pool as Samoyeds, Huskies and Malamutes. The breed was developed and miniaturised in the Pomerania region (now split between Poland and Germany), becoming fashionable as a companion for European royalty. Queen Victoria's love of the breed — she kept many Pomeranians and showed them at Crufts — contributed enormously to their popularity. Victorian breeders reduced the breed's weight from around 9 kg to the pocket-sized dogs we know today.

Temperament and Personality

Pomeranians are alert, lively, intelligent and extroverted. They are curious about everything in their environment and are typically confident rather than timid. They can be vocal — barking at novelty and as a communication tool — which can become problematic in noise-sensitive settings if not managed with training. They are devoted to their person or family and can be prone to separation anxiety. Like Chihuahuas, they benefit enormously from being raised as dogs rather than decorative accessories — training and consistent boundaries produce a well-adjusted Pom, while over-indulgence produces one that barks, snaps and controls the household.

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Pomeranians have higher energy than their size suggests. Daily walks, play sessions and mentally stimulating activities are important for their wellbeing. Their intelligence responds well to training — they learn quickly and genuinely enjoy the engagement. Trick training, small-scale agility and nose work are excellent enrichment activities. Despite their energy, their small size means exercise needs are manageable in most living situations.

Grooming and Care

The Pomeranian's double coat is their most distinctive physical feature and requires significant maintenance. Daily brushing is necessary to prevent the dense undercoat from matting and to manage shedding. The breed is a heavy shedder year-round with a more intense shedding season twice annually. Professional grooming every six to eight weeks is recommended to maintain the coat shape and health. The coat should never be shaved — "shave shock" in Pomeranians can cause permanent coat damage where the coat fails to regrow properly. Dental care is important given their small jaw and teeth crowding.

Common Health Problems

Luxating patella is common in the breed and ranges from asymptomatic to requiring surgical correction. Tracheal collapse causes a characteristic cough and is managed with harness use, weight management and medication. Alopecia X — also known as black skin disease — causes coat loss, typically of the guard hairs, leaving only the undercoat. The cause is not fully understood and treatment options are variable. Hypoglycaemia is a risk in very young or very small Pomeranians. Dental disease is extremely common. Heart conditions, particularly patent ductus arteriosus in puppies, occur in the breed. Hip dysplasia and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease affect the breed at higher rates than many small breeds.

Is a Pomeranian Right for You

Pomeranians suit people who enjoy an engaged, interactive, spirited companion dog and are committed to the grooming requirements of the double coat. Their small size makes them practical for various living situations. They are better suited to households with older children who will handle them gently. The commitment to daily brushing is the most commonly underestimated aspect of Pomeranian ownership. For those prepared to invest in the coat care and willing to train rather than indulge, the Pomeranian is an enormously lively, loyal and entertaining companion.