Hi there, I’m Anna Wayne—and if you’ve ever been captivated by a tiny dog with a lion’s mane, twinkling eyes, and a bark way bigger than its body, then you’ve already had a brush with the magic of the Pomeranian dog breed.
I still remember the first Pom I held. It was like hugging a puff of dandelion—and then, suddenly, he barked like he ran a security firm. I laughed. He meant business. That’s the Pomeranian: small but fierce, sweet but sassy, delicate but full of fire. And today, I want to introduce you to everything you need to know before bringing one into your life—or simply falling a little more in love from afar.
🌍 Where Does This Little Fluff Come From?
Believe it or not, the Pomeranian dog breed comes from big, tough sled dogs. Yes, really! These little cuties descended from the Spitz family of Arctic working dogs. Back in the 1700s, they were about 30 pounds and worked hard pulling sleds and herding animals in cold European regions like Pomerania (part of Germany and Poland today).
Then Queen Victoria met one. She fell so hard for a tiny Pom that she brought one home—and from that moment on, people everywhere wanted a smaller version. Thanks, Your Majesty.
🐶 What Do Pomeranians Look Like?
Let’s talk looks—because honestly, the Pomeranian dog breed might just be the supermodel of toy dogs.
Size: Just 3–7 pounds of puff and pride.
Height: About 7–12 inches tall—small enough to fit in a tote bag but mighty in personality.
Coat: That gorgeous double coat comes in over 20 colors: orange, cream, black, blue, chocolate, sable, merle, parti—you name it, there’s a Pom that rocks it.
Tail: Always curled up proudly over the back like they own the room (spoiler: they do).
Eyes: Expressive, almond-shaped, and full of opinions.
People often say, “They look like little foxes”—but to me, they look like drama queens in the best way.
❤️ Temperament: More Sass Than Size
I’ve met many dogs in my time, but few pack the personality punch of the Pomeranian dog breed.
They’re brave. I once saw a Pom challenge a full-grown German Shepherd for a tennis ball. They’re loyal, often bonding deeply with one person. And they’re talkers. Expect barking—at squirrels, strangers, their own reflection.
But here’s the flip side: they’re also incredibly affectionate. Poms love to be close. Not just physically, but emotionally. They read your energy. Feeling down? That fuzzy body will curl up next to your heart like a heated marshmallow of comfort.
They’re smart, too—like, scary smart. With some patience and a clicker, you’ll have them doing tricks, solving puzzles, and possibly unlocking your phone.
🩺 Health & Lifespan: What You Should Know
Pomeranians are one of the longest-living dog breeds—12 to 16 years on average. With good care, some make it well into their senior teens.
But they’re not without their quirks.
Here’s what Pom parents should watch out for:
Dental issues: Tiny mouths mean crowded teeth. Regular brushing is a must.
Collapsed trachea: That honking cough? Could be this. Use a harness, not a collar.
Luxating patella: Fancy words for kneecaps that slip out of place.
Alopecia X: Also called “black skin disease”—a frustrating, mysterious cause of hair loss.
Hypoglycemia in puppies: Always keep food handy!
Early vet visits and preventive care can work wonders. And honestly? That’s part of the Pom parenting package—because when they love you, it’s only fair to love them back with everything you’ve got.
🍗 Feeding Your Pom: Small Dog, Big Appetite
Feeding a Pomeranian dog breed feels like a science and an art.
You’ll want to:
Use high-quality, small-breed dry kibble
Feed small meals twice a day (or 3x for puppies)
Watch the treats—these cuties gain weight fast
Keep fresh water available always
Many Poms are picky eaters, while others seem to inhale anything that falls on the floor. Either way, a vet-approved diet is crucial for keeping that little body strong and that coat fluffy.
💅 Grooming: Yes, It’s Worth It
Okay, full honesty? Grooming a Pomeranian dog breed is a commitment. But it’s also an act of love.
Here’s the lowdown:
Brush daily to avoid mats and tangles.
Use the right tools: a slicker brush, a wide-toothed comb, and a whole lot of patience.
Bathe once a month, or more if they roll in something (they will).
Watch the ears and teeth—little bodies hide dirt easily.
A Pom in full coat is breathtaking. People stop you on the street. “What kind of dog is that?” they ask. And you’ll proudly reply, “A Pomeranian. The best little lion on Earth.”
🎓 Training: Yes, Even Stubborn Little Lions Can Learn
Training a Pom? It’s 20% technique, 80% confidence.
Start early. Be consistent. Use treats, praise, and humor. Never use harsh punishment—these dogs are sensitive and might sulk (or worse, become fearful).
They excel in:
Obedience
Trick training
Agility
Even therapy work
But warning: Poms bark. At leaves. At air. At nothing. You can teach them the “quiet” command—but that bark is part of who they are. Think of it as a personal alarm system that fits in your purse.
👪 Poms with Kids, Other Pets & Apartment Life
Here’s the thing. The Pomeranian dog breed can totally live in an apartment. In fact, many city dwellers swear by them.
But…
Small children? Be cautious. Poms are delicate and can be hurt by rough handling.
Other pets? With proper socialization, yes! But they like to be the boss. Even over your cat.
Noise sensitivity? If you’re a light sleeper, train early or invest in a white noise machine. (They love the night shift.)
Also Read: 12 Best Medium Sized Dogs That Don’t Shed
✨ Should You Get a Pomeranian?
Let’s make it easy.
You should get a Pomeranian if:
You want a loyal companion who sticks to you like Velcro.
You don’t mind daily brushing and vet visits.
You enjoy a little sass and sparkle in your life.
You want a dog that makes strangers smile and say, “Oh my gosh!”
You shouldn’t get one if:
You want a quiet, low-maintenance pet.
You don’t have time for training and grooming.
You’re not into being followed around the house (yes, even to the bathroom).
🛍️ Where to Get a Pomeranian
Whether you choose adoption or a breeder, do your homework.
Look for:
Health clearances (eyes, knees, heart)
Ethical practices (no “teacup” marketing—those can be dangerous)
Early socialization
No overbreeding of rare colors (white Poms are often overbred)
Better yet, consider Pomeranian rescues—they’re full of dogs who just want a second chance at love.
💬 Final Thoughts — From My Heart to Yours
The Pomeranian dog breed isn’t just a pet. It’s an experience. It’s glitter in dog form. It’s waking up with fur in your coffee but a smile on your face. It’s barking when you sneeze. It’s running the show even when they’re just 6 inches tall.
If you’re ready to commit, to nurture, and to laugh every single day, then the Pomeranian might just be your soulmate in a fur coat.
I know mine was.
With love,
Anna Wayne 🐾