Pomeranian
博美犬
Updated 2026-09-09
At a glance
The Pomeranian is a tiny spitz — no more than about 3 kg — with a commanding big-dog attitude, a fox-like face and an abundant double coat. Poms are extroverted, alert and inquisitive, make good watchdogs, manage on minimal exercise and enjoy being pampered, but they are escape artists, can be tricky to house-train and are best with older children.
Facts
| Size | Toy |
|---|---|
| Height | 15–18cm |
| Weight | 1.4–4kg |
| Life expectancy | 12–16years |
| Breed group | AKC: toy FCI: 5 |
| Role | Toy |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | 2/ 5 |
| Exercise | 20–90min/day |
| Can be left alone | up to 4 hours |
| Companionship need | 4/ 5 |
| Trainability | 3/ 5 |
| Barking | 4/ 5 |
| Good with children | 3/ 5 |
| Good with other dogs | 3/ 5 |
| Heat tolerance | 2/ 5 |
| Cold tolerance | 5/ 5 |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is reported in the breed. Ask your vet about thyroid testing if you notice weight gain, lethargy or coat changes.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is reported in the breed. Ask your vet promptly if your dog has a seizure.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation (slipping kneecaps) is commonly reported in small breeds; breeders screen for it. Ask your vet if your dog skips or holds up a hind leg.
Skin and allergy problems
Skin problems and allergies are commonly reported in the breed. Ask your vet if you notice itching, redness or recurring ear/skin infections.
Collapsing trachea
Collapsing trachea is reported in small breeds. Ask your vet if you hear a honking cough, and walk on a harness rather than a collar.
Behaviour
Big attitude in a tiny body
The CKC describes the extroverted Pom as intelligent and vivacious, with a docile temper, pert animation and a cocky attitude — an ideal housepet for adults who spend a lot of time indoors; the AKC says Poms are alert, intelligent, easily trained and make fine watchdogs.
Watch the escape routes and the sofa
The AKC warns Poms are notorious for escaping through small gaps, should be taught early to walk on a lead and come when called, that house-training can be a challenge, and that jumping on and off furniture should be discouraged to protect their small frames.
Energy and exercise
Energy level is rated 3/5 (moderate) on the AKC breed-trait chart. The Royal Kennel Club puts its exercise need at "up to 30 minutes per day".
Training and barking
AKC trait chart: trainability 3/5, barking level 4/5. Individual dogs vary; early socialisation and reward-based training are recommended for every breed.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
American Kennel Club — Pomeranian
Breed overview, breed-trait chart, history, official standard summary and health notes from the AKC and the national parent club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Canadian Kennel Club — Pomeranian (Toy Dogs)
Origin, temperament, activity level, height/weight, coat and grooming as described by the Canadian Kennel Club.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
The Royal Kennel Club — Pomeranian
Breed characteristics (size small, exercise up to 30 minutes per day, lifespan over 12 years).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
FCI nomenclature — German Spitz (standard no. 97, group 5)
FCI breed nomenclature entry with the official breed standard PDF in English, French, German and Spanish.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Pomeranian — Dog Breed Information — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Pomeranian — Choosing a Breed — Canadian Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [3]Pomeranian — Breeds A to Z — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [4]German Spitz — FCI standard no. 97 — Fédération Cynologique Internationale (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [5]How do I help my dog adjust to spending time alone? — The Royal Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [6]Incidence and risk factors for heat-related illness (heatstroke) in UK dogs under primary veterinary care in 2016 (Hall, Carter & O'Neill, Scientific Reports 10:9128) — Nature / Scientific Reports (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.