Pomeranian Breed Guide: Size, Temperament, Grooming and Adoption
Pomeranian overview
AKC places the Pomeranian in the Toy Group. UKC describes it as a true toy Spitz, square in proportion, with a profuse double coat, a foxy face and small, high-set, pointed ears.
Where does the Pomeranian come from?
UKC says the breed takes its name from Pomerania, once part of Germany, and was imported from there to England. Early Pomeranians were much larger than today's dogs and were used for herding and work. Queen Victoria's import of a tiny Pomeranian in 1888 set the trend for smaller dogs. AKC recognition came by 1900, and by the 1930s the breed was among the ten most popular in America.
Pomeranian size: how small is a Pomeranian dog?
AKC lists a height of 6-7 inches and places the breed in its XSmall size category. A large Pomeranian is not part of the modern picture: the early dogs were much larger, but breeders shrank the breed over time.
Pomeranian temperament and personality
AKC's temperament words for the Pomeranian are inquisitive, lively and bold. VCA describes it as spunky, bold and adventurous, a fun-loving and energetic companion. Many tend to be aloof toward strangers, so early socialization helps them accept new people. Some can be cocky and even aggressive toward other dogs. Playful with children, they need supervision because a child could easily hurt such a small dog.
Exercise needs
Many of a Pomeranian's exercise needs can be met with indoor games, but it still benefits from the mental stimulation of walking and sniffing outdoors. Dog parks are generally not a good idea unless only small dogs are allowed together. Its thick coat gives some protection against cold weather, though its small body still makes it vulnerable to the cold.
Pomeranian grooming: do Pomeranian dogs shed?
The coat is a soft, thick undercoat beneath a longer, harsh outer coat, and AKC rates shedding 2 of 5. To prevent matting, VCA says to brush and comb the coat twice a week, and more often during heavy shedding. The hair around the anus should be checked daily for hygiene issues. Regular tooth brushing may help prevent periodontal disease, which is common in Poms.
Training
Pomeranians do best with reward-based training involving food or games. Housetraining can be more challenging than with many other breeds, though many Poms have been trained to use indoor potty systems. Some tend to bark a lot, and VCA advises discouraging this from an early age.
Pomeranian lifespan and health
AKC gives a general Pomeranian life expectancy of 12-16 years. AKC lists patella, cardiac and ophthalmologist evaluations as breed screenings. Periodontal disease is described as common in Poms. Very small puppies are prone to hypoglycemia, so VCA recommends feeding Pom puppies often. Pomeranians tend to stay in good weight, but the thick coat can hide weight problems, and only a little overfeeding can make a small dog overweight. Ask a veterinarian about screening and care for an individual dog.
AKC breed facts
These are the American Kennel Club’s general facts and 1 to 5 ratings for the Pomeranian as a breed. General tendencies don’t establish any one dog’s ancestry, personality or health; ask the listing organization about the dog you are considering.
- AKC group
- Toy Group
- AKC recognition year
- 1888
- Height (AKC published)
- 6-7 inches
- Weight (AKC published)
- 3-7 pounds
- General life expectancy
- 12-16 years
- AKC size category
- XSmall
AKC general breed ratings (1 to 5)
- Energy: 3 of 5
- Mental enrichment: 3 of 5
- Trainability: 3 of 5
- Grooming frequency: 3 of 5
- Shedding: 2 of 5
- Vocalization: 4 of 5
- Drooling: 1 of 5
- Adaptability: 4 of 5
- Playfulness: 3 of 5
- Watchful or protective tendency: 4 of 5
- Affection toward family: 5 of 5
- Openness toward strangers: 3 of 5
- AKC child compatibility rating: 3 of 5
- AKC dog compatibility rating: 3 of 5
Health screenings AKC lists for the breed
Breeding evaluations AKC names for the breed; they are not a diagnosis or a testing plan for any one dog.
- Patella Evaluation
- Cardiac Exam
- Ophthalmologist Evaluation
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (opens in a new tab), retrieved November 4, 2026 (snapshot akc-2026-11-04).
Written by Lily's Second Chance with AI assistance from the sources listed under References. Facts were checked automatically against those sources on November 7, 2026.
References
- Pomeranian | VCA Animal Hospitals (opens in a new tab), VCA Animal Hospitals, checked November 7, 2026
- Breed Standards : Pomeranian | United Kennel Club (UKC) (opens in a new tab), United Kennel Club, checked November 7, 2026
- Pomeranian - AKC breed profile (snapshot akc-2026-11-04) (opens in a new tab), American Kennel Club, checked November 4, 2026
