Pomeranian
Also known as Zwergspitz, and Loulou de Poméranie or Spitz nain in French
- Height at the withers
- 18 to 22 cm
- Weight
- 1.9 to 3.5 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 30 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 5 · Spitz and primitive types
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
- a first dog
- living with a cat
Less suited to
- young children, without close supervision
- allergy sufferers: it sheds a lot
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- intense heat: be careful in summer
Overview
A compact, active toy breed of spitz type with an abundant, fluffy double coat, a fox-like expression and a plumed tail carried over the back.
History and origins
The smallest variety of the German Spitz, it descends from larger spitz dogs that were bred down in size in the Pomerania region. Queen Victoria, who bred them herself, did much for its popularity and for the miniaturization of the breed in the 19th century.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Patellar luxation
- Tracheal collapse
- Alopecia X
- Dental problems
- Puppy hypoglycemia
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Long double coat. Heavy shedding, high coat care.
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Perfect, 5 out of 5
- Home alone
- A few hours, 3 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Caution, 2 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Good, 4 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Average, 3 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Good fit, 4 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- Low, 2 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- High, 4 out of 5
- Shedding
- Heavy, 4 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Very vocal, 5 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Pomeranian FAQ
How big does the Pomeranian get?
The Pomeranian stands 18 to 22 cm at the withers and weighs 1.9 to 3.5 kg. It is a very small dog.
Does the Pomeranian shed a lot?
It sheds heavily and its coat needs a lot of care. Plan on brushing several times a week, and more during the spring and fall shedding seasons. Its coat needs regular grooming, sometimes by a professional.
Can the Pomeranian live in an apartment?
Yes, very well: calm indoors, it adapts perfectly to an apartment. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Pomeranian need each day?
Allow about 30 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Pomeranian good with children?
With caution: it does not cope well with the commotion of young children. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Pomeranian live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are patellar luxation and tracheal collapse.
