Pomeranian

A descendant of the spritz dog family originally from Iceland and Lapland: Pomeranians made their way to Pomerania — today split between Poland and Germany — several hundred years ago. Although they were initially large working dogs, bred for the purpose of pulling sleds and hunting, they were sized down in the 1800s to become little toy dogs. A favourite of royalty — Queen Victoria had a large influence on Pomeranians becoming one of the most popular and loved toy dogs. Today, they make great pets and are known for their intelligence and playful nature. Find out everything you need to know about Pomeranians with our in-depth guide. How much does Pomeranian insurance cost? In 2022 the average cost to insure a Pomeranians was £479.70 which is just slightly above ManyPets average dog insurance costs for all breeds which is £466.78. Pomeranian training Pomeranians are highly intelligent, making training relatively easy. They are a lively breed, however, and can sometimes be stubborn when it comes to following instructions. When training your puppy, the trick is to be consistent and not let them get away with anything. In general, Pomeranians are considered to be one of the easiest dogs to train in the Toy Group. They are smart dogs that are eager to please and respond well to positive reinforcement. They also have a longer attention span than many other breeds. Toy dogs like Chihuahuas and Shih Tzus tend to be more independent and, therefore, more likely to disobey commands. These breeds often require more patience to train effectively. Breed bad habits Although it’s great for alerting you to strangers, the most common challenge Pomeranian owners face is barking. They are chatty dogs who often bark in a high pitch at almost everything, possibly causing issues with neighbours. Even though Pomeranians are small dogs, they have large personalities and can sometimes forget about their size. Therefore, if not trained or socialised properly, Pomeranians can be defensive if they are frightened by other dogs or strangers. Pomeranian gender differences Female Female Pomeranians are generally more territorial and cautious than males, meaning they are more protective of their family and can be unsure of strangers. They also tend to be more intelligent and likely to follow your commands, making it easier to teach new tricks. Female size information Male Male Pomeranians are generally more playful than females and require a lot of attention. As a result, they can become distracted easily, and seek to have fun rather than comply with instructions. Training, therefore, requires more patience than it does with females. Their lively personalities also make them better at bonding and dealing with other dogs and humans. Male size information Pomeranian breed health Life expectancy Healthy Pomeranians are expected to live for around 12 to 16 years. Although they are generally healthy dogs, potential health problems Pomeranians are prone to include: Vet tips “Pomeranians can be a breed that live long, healthy lives,” says Dr. Kirsten Ronngren, DVM MRCVS. “However, they do come with a few commonly diagnosed conditions that owners should be educated on so they can be on the lookout for clinical signs. For example, keeping your Pom at a healthy weight can be a massive help if they do suffer from tracheal collapse.” “If you suspect your pomeranian has symptoms of a disease common to its breed, contact your vet immediately: the earlier it's addressed, the easier it can be to manage.” Pomeranian colours and variants Caring for Pomeranians Exercise Although they have a lot of energy, Pomeranians are small dogs, so they require no more than 30 minutes of walking per day. Walking them more than this can damage their joints, particularly in puppies. Despite being small dogs, they can run surprisingly quickly, so recall training or putting them on a lead when necessary is important to keep them safe. Nutrition Protein-rich foods like chicken or turkey will provide your Pomeranian with the best nutrients. There should also be a balance of vegetables, carbohydrates like white rice, and organs like the liver. As Pomeranians are small, their digestive systems are also small and sensitive. Therefore, it may be best to spread food over 3 to 4 meals per day. As they are active dogs that tend to burn calories quickly, this will also help them to retain energy throughout the day. It can often be difficult for owners to build a healthy diet on their own so speaking to a vet for advice will ensure dietary needs are being met. A vet can also monitor weight — as little dogs, a change of just 1 pound is significant and could propose health risks for Pomeranians. Sleep Although the amount of sleep your Pomeranian needs will depend on the activity during the day, adult dogs need around 12-14 hours of sleep per day. However, puppies need more — 18-20 hours will help growth and development. Healthcare tips “Pomeranians can seem like they’re full of energy, but it’s important not to try to overcompensate with long walks,” says Kirsten. “They don’t have particularly strong joints, so overwalking can cause long-term problems.” Kirsten also advises regular check-ups for Pomeranians. “There are a lot of health issues with Pomeranians that can be easily dealt with if spotted early enough. Try to take your pet to the vet at least 1 - 2 times per year. Anytime for regular health checkups and when you have a concern. This proactive approach can help your pet lead a long and happy life. Pomeranian temperament Pomeranians are playful dogs, making them great pets for families with older children. They’re sociable, affectionate, and love to be around their owners. How good are Pomeranians with kids? Pomeranians are small and delicate, so they may not be appropriate for families with young children; picking them up and dropping them can easily break their bones. They’re also easily provoked and bark at loud noises or any disturbance. How affectionate are pomeranians? Although Pomeranians tend to be cautious of strangers, they are known for being affectionate with their owners. They become quickly attached, demanding a lot of attention and dislike being separated. How territorial are Pomeranians? Pomeranians are very territorial and protective of their owners. This means they often bark at strangers and can turn to aggression if frightened by strangers or other dogs — especially if they aren’t socialised from an early age. How friendly are Pomeranians with other dogs? If Pomeranians are socialised properly as a puppy, they tend to be friendlier towards other dogs. However, females are likely to be more cautious or aggressive, as they are usually more territorial than males. How much will Pomeranians tolerate other pets? Although they can be territorial, Pomeranians can get along with other toy dogs or even cats if introduced from an early age. How much attention do Pomeranians need? Pomeranian puppies require lots of attention, and shouldn’t be alone for long periods of time, whereas adult dogs can be left for around 6-8 hours. If alone for too long, Pomeranians may pace or become destructive. Pomeranian coat and grooming Pomeranians have a double coat: the undercoat is soft and fluffy, and the outer coat is long, straight, and harsh in texture. Due to their thick fur, they are prone to matting and require a good amount of grooming to promote good health and hygiene. Pomeranian bark sound Pomeranians are vocal dogs and usually bark in a high pitch at anything and everything — especially other dogs and strangers. Barking habits The bark of a Pomeranian is often described as a yap, which can be constant if not trained well. They may also do a sharp, loud bark if they feel threatened by a stranger or want to warn you of danger. Providing enough exercise, attention, and avoiding shouting at your Pomeranian can help reduce excessive barking.

Pomeranian

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