Pomeranians may be small, but their personalities steal the show. Bold, confident, and full of energy, these tiny dynamos thrive on attention and bring endless joy to their homes.
Whether you’re already lucky enough to share your life with a Pomeranian or thinking about bringing a pup into your home, this go-to guide has everything you need to know about parenting this bold breed.
Our holistic approach covers all the ins and outs of your pup’s health, from choosing the best food for Pomeranians to supporting their physical and mental health.
Top breed takeaways
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Breed history
Despite their tiny size, Pomeranians were once much larger sledding and herding dogs. They belong to the Spitz family, which traces its roots back to Arctic working dogs. The breed was named after the Pomerania region, now part of Poland and Germany.
Pomeranians skyrocketed in popularity in the 18th century when Queen Victoria became smitten with them. Over time, breeders favoured smaller sizes, leading to the cute and compact Pom we adore today.
Key characteristics
Pomeranians make excellent companions for those who love a lively and affectionate dog. While they are highly trainable, they also have a stubborn streak that requires patience. Their plush double coat gives them a signature look, but it also means they need regular grooming.
Health considerations
Pomeranians are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to dental disease, eye conditions and joint issues like patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap).
A gently cooked, high-protein diet rich in phytonutrients and ingredients with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties can support healthy joints and eyes and contribute to overall health and wellbeing.
Appearance and size
The Pomeranian is a small, compact dog with a thick, fluffy double coat and a distinctive plume-like tail that arches over their back. They have a wedge-shaped head and a fox-like expression with bright, intelligent eyes. Spitz means pointed in German; a reference to their pointed muzzles and small, erect ears.
Their coat comes in a variety of colours, including orange, black, cream, sable, and even merle. White Pomeranians are rare, but the rarest colours are lavender, brindle, and blue.
Pomeranian personality and temperament
Lively, outgoing, and full of confidence, Pomeranians adore being in the spotlight. They’re devoted to their pack and love being part of everyday life. They make great family dogs but may suit older children who understand how to be gentle with tiny pups.
Despite their small size, they have a fearless attitude — sometimes challenging much larger dogs! Early socialisation and consistent training are key to keeping their feistiness in check so they can navigate the world safely.
They’re also vocal communicators, letting you know exactly what they want — whether it’s a cuddle, a snack, or a game of fetch. While this makes them excellent watchdogs, training them to settle on command is a smart move.
As a toy breed, they’re an excellent choice for city-living and can adapt easily to apartments, as long as they’re given daily exercise and mental stimulation.
Pomeranian size guide
A full-grown Pomeranian weighs between 2-3 kg and can grow between 18-30 cm tall, depending on their gender and genetics. They tend to stop growing in height around 10 months of age but may take a little longer to reach full maturity.
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How long do Pomeranians live?
Pomeranians have a lifespan of approximately 12-16 years.
As dog parents, we want our pups to live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible – and there’s so much we can easily do to help them thrive, not just survive. Every dog deserves a long, vibrant life, and it begins with a thoughtful, holistic approach to their wellbeing.
A nourishing real food diet (like Lyka), regular exercise, mental stimulation, training, grooming, and proactive vet care all work together to help your pup feel their very best.
Read more: The real cost of chronic illness in dogs and how you can prevent it →
“Periodontal disease affecting the teeth and gums can be a common complaint in Pomeranians. Establishing an oral hygiene routine is important for this breed. In addition to regular brushing, look for diets containing Kelp which can help to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.”
– Dr Darcy Marshall, Lyka Veterinarian, BSc, DVM
Learn more about Dr Darcy Marshall and his veterinary experience.
What does a Pomeranian eat?
These bright and spritely pups have alert minds and assertive personalities that deserve to be fuelled with the right nutrition.
The best diet for a Pom is made with real food ingredients like high-quality protein, fresh vegetables, and healthy fats. Just like us, dogs thrive on fresh, nutrient-dense meals that can boost their energy levels and support their overall health.
Lyka’s human-grade meals are gently cooked to retain the tastes, textures, and nutrients of each carefully selected ingredient. They’re easy to digest, help keep your pup hydrated, and delicious — perfect for even the fussiest eaters.
Maintaining the right weight and body shape is crucial for a Pomeranian’s health and wellbeing. Excess weight or obesity can lead to other diseases and affect their joints, mobility, quality of life, and lifespan.
That’s why Lyka meals are custom portioned to meet your dog’s specific needs, helping you keep them at their healthiest and happiest.
Do Pomeranian puppies need special food?
Contrary to popular belief, puppies don’t need special puppy food if they’re getting the right portion of nutrient-dense real food.
Pomeranian puppies need a diet containing high-quality protein for tissue growth, essential vitamins and minerals for bone development and brain function, and low GI carbohydrates for slow-release energy, like Lyka.
Read more: What should puppies eat? Expert nutrition tips for optimal development →
Read more: Puppy vs adult food: what our experts want you to know →
Pomeranian health issues
Pomeranians from reputable breeders are generally known to be healthy, but like all dogs, they can develop health issues or inherit conditions from their parents.
Before planning a litter, respectable breeders will consider the health, temperament, and genetic history of their breeding pairs to select good characteristics. Always check the health of the parents before choosing your new pup.
1. Joint issues
Pomeranians can be genetically predisposed to developmental conditions like patellar luxation (a dislocated kneecap). Rapid growth as a puppy (caused by too much dietary calcium or protein) can also be a factor. Some dogs can develop arthritis as a secondary condition.
Look for real, fresh food that supports joint health and contains bioavailable ingredients known for their musculoskeletal-boosting properties, like:
🐟 Sardines: a powerful source of Omega 3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory properties to support strong and supple joints.
🌾 Quinoa: contains manganese for bone development.
🌱 Fennel Seeds: rich in antioxidant properties to reduce the damage to joints caused by oxidative stress.
Lyka meals contain sardines, fish oil and flaxseed oil that support common joint ailments like arthritis and osteochondritis.
2. Gum disease
Gum disease in dogs (periodontal disease) is a bacterial infection along the gum line that can cause swollen gums and loose teeth. In severe, untreated cases, the infection can enter the bloodstream leading to other health problems.
Pomeranians have small mouths making them predisposed to tartar and plaque build-up leading to gum disease. All dogs benefit from a dental care routine, including regular brushing, to keep their teeth and gums clean, strong, and healthy.
Your dog’s diet can help too.
💚 Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum): shown to reduce plaque and tartar build-up.
🦷 Dental treats: chews like Lyka’s Busy Beefies and Pig Twigs, are designed for repeated chewing which can also support your pup’s oral health.
Read more: Gum disease in dogs: how to spot, treat, and prevent it (with pictures) →
3. Eye conditions
Pomeranians can be prone to developing eye issues like cataracts, entropion, and distichiasis.
Although these problems are often hereditary, you can support your dog’s eye health through nutrition. Meals containing ingredients with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties may help, though more research needs to be done to confirm the benefits.
Look for these ingredients in Lyka meals:
🧡 Turmeric: contains curcumin, an active ingredient with antioxidant properties to help fight cellular damage.
🥕 Carrots: packed with beta-carotene that can promote eye health.
Pomeranian coat, grooming, and hygiene tips
With a luxuriously thick and fluffy coat, keeping your Pom well-groomed is essential for their overall health.
A consistent grooming routine also helps to maintain healthy skin, trim nails, and clean teeth. By investing a little time in their hygiene, you ensure your dog stays healthy and happy.
Coat types and shedding
Pomeranians have a thick double coat that sheds year-round and more intensely before summer. They’re not regarded as hypoallergenic so aren’t suitable for households with allergies to pet fur or dander.
As a Spitz dog, they’re designed for cold temperatures, but they can adjust to warmer climates. Be careful not to over-exercise them in high temperatures and make sure they have a cool spot at home.
Grooming
Due to their thick coat, Pomeranians need brushing with a slicker brush several times a week to prevent tangles and mats.
They don’t need to be clipped by a groomer as this can impact the regrowth of their undercoat, but you can give their face and paws a trim to keep them neat.
They only need a bath every 4-6 weeks, unless they’ve rolled in something dirty or smelly. Remember to use dog-friendly shampoo, as human products can irritate their skin.
Pomeranian hygiene tips
A Pomeranian’s nails can grow surprisingly fast and if they're not trimmed regularly can become uncomfortable and affect how they walk. If you can hear them tap on the ground, it’s time for a quick mani-pedi.
Introduce your pup to nail trims from an early age so they’re used to the sensation and the tools. Don’t forget to reward them with a high-value treat at the end, so they develop a positive association with the process.
Brushing your dog's teeth a few times a week helps reduce tartar buildup and supports healthy gums.
Routine ear checks help to spot early signs of ear infections in dogs, wax buildup, or irritation. You can give them a gentle wipe with a clean, damp cloth, but be careful not to reach too far into their ear, as this can cause damage.
Inspect your dog’s paws frequently, checking for cuts, debris, or redness between their pads.
Pomeranian exercise requirements
Pomeranians are energetic but don’t require excessive exercise making them ideal for busy dog parents. Up to an hour of daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation keep them happy. For puppies, limit exercise to five minutes per month of age to protect developing joints.
Mental enrichment like scent games, puzzle feeders, and training sessions keep their curious minds busy and prevent boredom-related behaviours like chewing or excessive barking.
A high-protein, low-glycaemic index diet, like Lyka’s real food meals, provides steady, nutritious energy to complement their active lifestyle.
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Training a Pomeranian
Pomeranians are smart and eager to learn, but their independent streak can sometimes make training a challenge. Consistency, patience and positive reinforcement are key.
Their fearless confidence is admirable, but it can get them into trouble — especially when meeting larger dogs. Teaching them safe socialisation skills early on is essential.
Training should continue throughout their life, with enrichment activities and routines to keep them stimulated.
For Pomeranian puppies, toilet training requires frequent breaks (expect one hour of bladder control per month of age), while crate training offers a safe space and helps with house-training. Controlled socialisation through puppy school or meet-ups is essential for building confidence and social skills.
Your pup’s receptivity to training can be improved with the right nutrition that helps support consistent moods, steady energy levels, and cognitive development.
Read more: Fuelling your dog’s focus: how nutrition impacts your dog’s training →
How to choose a reputable Pomeranian breeder
So, you’ve decided that a fluffy little Pom is the perfect fit? How exciting! The next step is finding a reputable breeder or considering adoption from a rescue shelter.
How do I find a reputable Pomeranian breeder?
Often each state has a recognised breed club that can provide a list of reputable breeders that will usually have a website, social media channels, and direct contact details.
RightPaw is a website dedicated to promoting responsible breeders and ethical programs. Not all breeders use this site, but it’s a helpful tool to support you on your puppy journey.
Speak to other dog parents — it’s a great way to gain invaluable insight into their first-hand experience and give you even more of a taste of what to expect from the breed.
How much is a Pomeranian puppy?
You can expect to pay up to $6,000 for a Pomeranian puppy from an ethical breeder in Australia. But remember — the real cost of dog parenting isn’t just the purchase price. It’s the ongoing commitment of time, love, and care.
Veterinary bills can be expensive and unexpected, so it’s worth considering pet insurance too.
If you want to adopt a Pom from a rescue shelter, we’re right behind you. Try to find out as much information about them as you can but recognise that a lot of their history will be unknown.
When you bring them home, show them love, patience, and consistency to help them settle into a new and secure life with you.
Read more: How much does a dog cost? The real price of dog ownership →
FAQs
Still got some unanswered questions about the Pomeranian? Check out the facts in our FAQs below:
Are Pomeranians hypoallergenic?
No, Pomeranians aren’t regarded as a hypoallergenic breed because they shed their hair, so they’re not suitable for those with allergies.
When should I desex my Pomeranian?
Most dogs are desexed when they reach maturity. Your vet will consider your dog’s age, size, health, and behaviour to determine the right time for the procedure.
For how long is a Pomeranian pregnant?
The Pomeranian gestation period is around 63 days or nine weeks from conception.
What’s the difference between a teacup Pomeranian and a mini Pomeranian?
The Pomeranian is the only recognised breed. Other variations that might be advertised are not separate breeds, but descriptions of size.
Do Pomeranians bark a lot?
Pomeranians are known to be a vocal breed and tend to bark frequently. You can teach them commands to stop barking, but this takes time, patience, and consistency because of their stubborn streak.
Do Pomeranians get along with cats and other pets?
Poms can get along with other cats and pets if they’re socialised appropriately. Some pups may feel jealous if other pets are given attention, so supervision and positive reinforcement may be required.
New to Lyka? Let’s rethink dog food together.
Parenting your Pomeranian comes with many decisions, like choosing the best diet for your new best friend.
Designed by board-certified veterinary nutritionists, and made with real, human-grade ingredients, our meals are custom-portioned to match your dog’s needs.
Lyka nourishes hundreds of Pomeranians across Australia – from energetic pups to seniors in their golden years – they’re all thriving on Lyka.
