Breed Profile: Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is believed to have descended from Spitz-type dogs from northern Europe and became particularly popular in Germany during the 1500s. Queen Charlotte of England, a native of Germany, brought these dogs to England in the 1700s after obtaining them from Pomerania, a region between eastern Germany and western Poland. Modern poms are very different from these earlier counterparts, most of whom weighed about 20–30 pounds (9–14 kg). In 1888, when Queen Victoria acquired a small 12-pound (5-kg) Pom and began to show him, the popularity of the smaller type of dog began to rise.

Pomeranians found their way to the United States during the Victorian era and were first registered with the American Kennel Club in the 1880s. They always have been a popular breed in America and, since 1994, have been one of the 10 most frequently registered breeds in the country.

The following description is of an “ideal” Pom. Not all Poms will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want one who can participate in dog shows.

Pomeranians are inquisitive and extroverted, with more of an independent streak than most other toy breeds. They love to be involved in everything that their owners are doing, and they are fiercely loyal and protective. They get along well with other dogs but, like many other small breeds, don’t understand their own size and may try to boss around or even attack larger dogs.

Here are some traits to consider when determining how well a Pom is going to fit in with you and your family.

Though independent, the Pom is an affectionate, loyal companion. Whether sleeping in your bed with you, scampering at your side while you garden, or traveling on vacation, the Pom enjoys being with people. However, he is selective when making friends and tends to be reserved and suspicious when meeting new people. The Pom’s small size can make him unfit for homes with small children, as a child could easily injure him.

Pomeranians can adapt to nearly any environment. They make particularly good apartment dogs given their small size, which also lends itself to litter box training. They do tend to bark frequently, however, and can disturb close neighbors. Poms are not prone to running away, but a home with a fenced yard is a good idea because it provides a safe, outdoor play area for your dog.

The Pomeranian is not well suited to very active owners due to his small size and predisposition for possible orthopedic or tracheal problems. However, the energetic Pom can be incorporated easily into certain recreational activities such as hiking, walking, or travel to dog-friendly locations. Your Pom’s need for exercise also can be met with regular walks, a run in the yard, or an outdoor game of chase.

Pomeranians respond well to positive reinforcement when training, as they have an innate desire to please their owners. Food makes for a good reward, but be careful to avoid overfeeding, which will result in obesity. Training sessions should be kept short—about 10–15 minutes—to prevent boredom or distraction. Pomeranians are notoriously difficult to housetrain, and even a thoroughly housetrained Pom may have occasional accidents.