I confess. Don’t tell Kilo the Pug but I have always wanted a Pomeranian. I find them so cute, agile and smart. They have those foxy little smiles and can do lots of tricks.
Millions of people love talented little Jiff. We have been fans since he first showed us his talent, tricks and training many years ago. He is now reportedly the most followed dog on social media.
Plus who could resist Lisa Vanderpump’s adorable Giggy (we got cuddles at Global Pet Expo), or our friend Laura Nativo’s cute celebrity rescues, or of course, our adorable Pom Pom Chewy, the dog star of our comedy series Sloppy Jones.
Then of course, we can’t forget Toby of the Furry Beauties, Tiffany and all our other beautiful talented Talent Hounds friends and stars.
Pomeranians, or Poms, are Toy breeds from the Spitz family. The Pomeranian is a compact, short-backed, active toy dog, often with a commanding big-dog demeanor.
The AKC describes them as “Inquisitive, Bold, and Lively”.
History
Pomeranians are reportedly originally descended from Icelandic sled dogs. The breed is named for Pomerania, the area of northeastern Europe that is now part of Poland and western Germany. It was there, hundreds of years ago, that the Pom’s ancestors were bred down from their much bigger, burlier cousins. They became popularized when Queen Victoria fell in love with the breed while holidaying in Florence. After her trip, she actively developed the Pomeranian to its current diminutive size and regal look back in England.
Other historical Pom owners include Marie Antoinette, Emile Zola, and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
Pomeranian Grooming
Pomeranians have an abundant double coat, with a frill extending over the chest and shoulders, and a soft, fluffy undercoat with a long, straight overcoat. They have a plumed tail that curls over their back.
They come in almost two dozen colors, and various patterns and markings, but are most commonly seen in orange or red.
They require lots of grooming. You should be brushing daily or at least weekly. The AKC says it is highly recommended that you find a groomer to do a full groom—including bath, brushing, ears, nails, and anal glands—every four to six weeks.
Most of the Poms we know have the traditional hair cut with just a very slight trim all over or natural-looking,lush, high-maintenance show cut.
A few famous examples like Jiff have the adorable Teddy Bear cut. Some also have the Lion cut.
Do Pomeranians shed?
Because of their thick double coats, Pomeranians typically shed all year with seasonal heavier shedding twice a year.
Pomeranian Health
Pomeranians are generally healthy little dogs but one must be careful with their knees and hips which are prone to injury.
Responsible breeders should screen for health conditions such as luxating patellas (kneecaps that slip out of place), hypothyroidism, collapsing tracheas, congestive heart failure, seizures, and alopecia X (black skin disease).
As much as Pomeranians usually enjoy being lapdogs and companions, they do need exercise and should get lots of walks, training and play.
Pomeranian Training
Pomeranians are often relatively easy and fun to train.
While some poms like Pom Pom Chewy are very chill, many tend to be quite vocal, inquisitive and active. They usually do not like being left alone and require attention, play and mental/physical stimulation. Lots of 5-10 minute positive training sessions each day can be be a great way to bond.
Many we know like Pom Pom Chewy and Jiff, seem to enjoy dressing up in clothes. As Nicole mentions in the interview about Pom Pom Chewy, he started wearing clothes and socializing very young.
Their outgoing, cheerful and eager to please personalities combined with smarts, natural skill and athleticism can make this breed a star performer at agility like Duke Louis V below.
They can be incredibly good trick dogs like Jiff who does his signature walking handstand – such great balance. Check out a compilation showcasing his incredible talent and training below.
Are Pomeranians good with kids?
Pet families should be careful with Poms around young children to make sure play isn’t too rough. They can get injured easily.
Proper socialization and training of kids and puppies can usually make the Pom a suitable family dog. Pom Pom Chewy loves visiting kids at school.
Are Pomeranians good for first time owners?
If you have the time, energy, patience and budget for training, and want an active, loving companion dog, I think Pomeranians could be fine for for first time dog owners.
BREED TRAITS:
Height: 6-7 inches
Weight: 3-7 pounds
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Personality: Joyful, Sociable, active, extroverted, friendly, playful
Kid Friendly (1-5): 3
Activity Level (1-5): 4
Trainability (1-5): 4
Hair length: long
Shedding (1-5): 4
Jobs: city living, lap dog, show dog, toy dog
Quotes about the Pomeranian Dog Breed:
“They are fun loving and a very outgoing breed. They love to say Hi to anyone. Poms also come in many colors which makes each one very special in their own way. Each pom is different in many ways. But I have found they are also very easy to train. Catching on to things very fast. Sometimes too smart for their own good. The only down fall I have found in the breed is that their coat has to be brushed a lot. It can mat very fast and easily. Over all they are a awesome dog as long as you can deal with all the hair.” – Michele
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