Pomeranian Dog Breed: Size, Personality and More

The Pomeranian has a rich history. They originally descended from sled dogs from Iceland and Lapland and are part of the “Spitz Group” of dogs whose primary purpose was herding, pulling sleds and guarding. They were imported to Europe through Pomerania which is where the breed’s name comes from.

Queen Victoria first brought Pomeranians to Europe in 1767 when they were larger and less coated, weighing up to 30 pounds. The queen became especially fond of the dogs and was credited for decreasing the standard of size of them, as they now weigh between seven and 10 pounds.

The first Pomeranian puppy was presented to the American Kennel Cub for registration in 1900, and is currently ranked the 22nd most popular in the U.S.

Poms are active dogs that can be exercised indoors or out and are content living in the city or suburbs.

They require high-quality food, appropriate to their age and weight and size. Get advice from your veterinary surgeon, and read more about what to feed your Pomeranian on our best foods for Pomeranians page, collated by our expert team.

General Characteristics: 

• Origin: Iceland
• Size: Small
• Height: 6 to 7 inches
• Weight: 3 to 7 pounds
• Lifespan: 12 to 16 years

Appearance: 

• Coat: An abundant double coat features a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat.
• Colors: A variety of colors including white, black, brown and reddish brown.
• Build: Toy breed

Pomeranian Temperament: 

• Extrovert: Pomeranians are outgoing dogs that thrive on social interaction and love receiving attention from their owners.
• Sociable: They enjoy meeting new people and other dogs.
• Inquisitive: A naturally curious and alert dog, which comes from its working dog ancestry.

Training and Exercising: 

• Training: Understand their small size, keep training sessions short and engaging.
• Exercise: They require 30 minutes to one hour of activity each day. These active little dogs enjoy short walks and play sessions, but be careful not to over-exercise them, as their small size makes them prone to joint issues.

Grooming: 

• Shedding: With moderate to heavy shedding all year they require frequent brushing to maintain their beautiful coat.

Interesting Facts:  

• A Pomeranian was one of only three dogs to survive the sinking of the Titanic.
• Pomeranians typically have smaller litters than most dog breeds, averaging one to three puppies per litter.
• It’s hard to imagine that the breed originally weighed as much as 30 pounds! Though they’ve since lost that weight, they’re still big dogs at heart and are not afraid to stand up to larger dogs to assert themselves.
• With their thick double coats, ruff-like scarves around their necks, and small ears to prevent frostbite, Pomeranians are better equipped for cold climates than most small dog breeds.
• Pomeranians are among the most popular dog breeds for those seeking an emotional support animal due to their affectionate personalities.
• During her reign in the late 1800s, Queen Victoria developed a fondness for Pomeranians and reportedly had as many as 35 in her kennels.

Pomeranian Price:

The average cost of a Pomeranian in the U.S. varies depending on the dog’s pedigree, the breeder’s reputation, location, and whether the dog is intended for show, breeding, or as a pet. Here’s a general guide:

Show Quality or Breeding Quality Pomeranian:

Price Range: Between $800 and $2000

If buying a Pomeranian puppy or specific breeds of Pomeranian, the price will be towards the more expensive end of the spectrum.

Rescue or Adoption:

Adoption Fee: Around $100 to $300

A Pomeranian adopted from a rescue organization or shelter generally costs less. This fee often includes initial veterinary care and spaying/neutering.