Poms 101: 8 Pros and Cons of Pomeranians

Looking for a small dog? A Pomeranian might pop up on your list of potential breeds. Whether you live in an apartment or just like small pups, you might be wondering if the Pomeranian is your perfect match. We’ll tell you a little more about the background and personality of the breed as well as the pros and cons of Pomeranian ownership so you can decide if this breed is best for you.

All about the Pomeranian

Ranked 23rd out of 195 breeds on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular breeds, the Pomeranian’s temperament is described as inquisitive, bold, and lively.

These pups are generally speaking around 6 or 7 inches tall and weigh 3 to 7 pounds. Their average life expectancy is 12-16 years so remember that they are a long-term commitment.

Categorized as a toy breed, these charming and flamboyant pups do make great companion dogs. They do well in homes with children as long as the children are taught to respect these pups (they are not toys).

Pomeranians come in many colors but most commonly they’re seen with orange or red coats. Speaking of the Pomeranian’s coat, their fluffiness comes from a double coat, which does require regular grooming and maintenance.

As far as their exercise needs, Pomeranians do well with indoor exercise as well as short leash walks outdoors. They can be happy in both the city and the suburbs so almost anyone can own one of these pups successfully. They easily learn tricks and are not extremely difficult to train which makes them great dogs for first-time pet parents. Simply put, Pomeranians love to make their humans happy.

Smaller Pomeranians are sometimes referred to as teacup Pomeranians but there is no official breed standard for a teacup. Terms like teacup and teddy bear Pomeranian are simply marketing terms used to draw in buyers who want smaller pups. Like any other feature you look for in a dog, vet your breeder carefully. As with some of the more popular breeds, there are many breeders looking to make a quick buck and aren’t as concerned with responsible breeding. So be sure to do your research when connecting with breeders.

Four pros to having a Pomeranian

1. They’re easy to train

As a companion dog who is eager to please its owner, the Pomeranian can learn not only basic obedience skills quickly but also tricks. If you are looking for a pup to earn AKC trick titles with, these tiny delightful dogs are generally eager to learn and enjoy performing.

2. They can live in the city or suburbs

Because of their small size and minimal space needs, these pups can do well anywhere from a big city highrise, to a suburban home, or even somewhere more rural.

3. They’re good with children

Pomeranians can make great family dogs and can easily be taught to live peacefully with children and other pets. Remember to never leave young children and dogs unattended.

4. They’re easy to travel with

Since full-grown Pomeranians only weigh a few pounds they fit easily in travel bags that comply with both plane and train regulations. This means that if you want to take your pup with you on your adventures it is easier to do so. Remember that when traveling pets contact airlines, train ticketing agencies, and hotels in advance to ensure your companion will be welcomed!

Four cons to having a Pomeranian

1. They can be “sassy”

Pomeranians were descended from larger dogs so your 7-pound pom may think they are actually much larger than they are. This can lead to some spicy personalities when not trained and socialized properly.

2. They’re prone to certain health issues

Like many purebred dogs, Pomeranians are prone to many health conditions. When purchasing a pomeranian, it is appropriate to discuss the health of the bloodline with the breeder. If the breeder gives vague answers or tries to evade the questions this could be a red flag. Try to meet your pup’s parents in person or ask for recent photos. Some common issues to look for with Pomeranians are heart problems, loss of coat, seizures, tracheal collapse and hip dysplasia and luxating patellas. They are also prone to cataracts. The American Pomeranian Club provides recommendations on testing for Poms so you will want to review that and ask your breeder which tests were performed on your potenital pup’s parents.

3. They can be high maintenance when it comes to grooming

Pomeranians are double coated pups. Their signature fluffy manes require a thorough brushing 2-3 times a week at a minimum. They will also need a full groom every 4-6 weeks. This includes a bath, brush out, ear cleaning, nail trim, teeth brushing and potentially having their anal glads expressed. This kind of full service can be pricey to have a pro do but it is very important. If you can’t keep up with the expense, or learn to perform some of these services yourself, you may want to consider another breed.

4. Housebreaking can be a challenge

Often in smaller breeds like Pomeranians housebreaking can be challenging. To combat this, start training as soon as you bring your dog into your home. Show them where you want them to do their business and reward them when they do. Ignore accidents and don’t punish your pup if they have one. Take them outside frequently and on a regular schedule until they get the hang of it. Puppies may need potty breaks as often as every 15-20 minutes when they are awake and after eating or drinking.

Getting your own Pomeranian

If you think a Pomeranian might be the right pup for your family, check out the AKC’s directory of breeders or find a rescue in your area to learn more about bringing home one of these lively and delightful pups!

Once your Pomeranian is settled in at home – its time to think about food. At Ollie, we know plenty about feeding and nourishing Pomeranians because it is one of the top 10 most popular breeds among all of our pet customers.

Pomeranian parents find that our delicious Recipes keep their pups happy, healthy and full of only the good stuff. They tell us all the time that their pups love to see the big orange boxes get delivered and dig into the good stuff straight from our signature Puptainers!

The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.com.