Pomeranian Dog Breed Personality & Temperament [Full Guide]

Dec 17, 2024

By Ash Chauhan

The Pomeranian dog is tiny, fluffy, and full of personality. Lively, affectionate, and always ready for attention, these little dogs have a way of making themselves the star of the show. But don’t let their small size fool you—these pups have a fearless streak and aren’t afraid to stand their ground.

So, what makes them such great companions? And what should you know before bringing one home?

In this guide, we’ll explore their temperament, training needs, exercise habits, and what life with a Pom really looks like. Let’s go!

Pomeranian History

Pomeranians hail from the province of Pomerania, a former region of Germany. The breed’s primary ancestors were the Spitz breeds, who were popular in Northern European territories. The Pomeranian’s bloodline includes the Norwegian Elkhound, the Samoyed, and the Schipperke.

Over time, Pomeranians were selectively bred down in size, gaining popularity among royalty and historical figures. Michelangelo’s Pomeranian reportedly sat by his side as he painted the Sistine Chapel, while Isaac Newton’s Pom had a mischievous streak—famously chewing on his research papers.

The breed made its way to England in the 1700s when a German princess introduced them to the royal family. But it was Queen Victoria who truly shaped the modern Pom, favoring smaller varieties and making them a fashionable companion dog.

By 1888, the first Pomeranian was officially registered in the American Kennel Club’s studbook, and in 1900, the breed was formally recognized. Today, Pomeranians remain one of the most popular toy breeds, adored for their spirited personality and charming appearance.

Pomeranian Characteristics

This breed will often appear larger than their actual body size because of their fluffy coat. Pomeranians have a thick outer coat that covers their entire body except for the face and legs. Their dark, almond-shaped eyes stand out with a distinctive shine and twinkle.

Pomeranians have a fox-like face and a square-shaped body. The fluffy, curled tail, pricked ears, and thick ruff around the neck complete the look of a dog that was bred to bear the snows of Northern Germany.

This toy breed’s size has decreased throughout their history, making them a lot smaller than their original ancestors. A key differentiating factor that sets Pomeranians apart from other toy breeds is their compact and sturdy frame.

Pomeranian Size

The tiny Pomeranian dog stands 7-12 inches tall and weighs only 3-7 pounds. A particularly small Pomeranian may be closer to the 3-pound mark, making them even more delicate and compact. A Pomeranian puppy can fit in the palm of an adult’s hand!

Because of their small size, most litters will only have one to five pups, and they grow quickly in their first few months. Despite their tiny stature, Pomeranians carry themselves with big-dog confidence, never hesitating to strut their stuff like they own the place.

Pomeranian Personality

Pomeranian dogs tend to maintain their personality from a young age into adulthood. They’re loyal, playful, and outgoing personas make them desirable family pets.

They are also quite independent. These little balls of fluff will fearlessly explore on their own, and they’re not afraid of new sights and smells.

Pomeranians are intelligent and vigilant. These traits make them excellent watchdogs that promptly alert their owner to movement or changes.

Because Pomeranians are within the toy breed, they have a reputation for continuous barking and somewhat aggressive personality traits. This is also known as “small dog syndrome.” If you own a Pomeranian be aware that they are known to challenge dogs much larger!

Pomeranian Exercise

A Pomeranian dog may be small, but they have big energy to burn. These energetic pups are always on the go—whether it’s a walk around the block, a game of fetch, or a full-speed zoom around the house. A daily dose of activity keeps them engaged and helps prevent behaviors like excessive barking or pent-up energy.

How much exercise do they need? About 30 minutes a day is ideal. A short walk combined with interactive play, like chasing a toy or learning new tricks keeps them engaged and happy. They also love to explore, so using a retractable leash can give them a little extra freedom while keeping them safe.

If you have a yard, let your Pom run and play freely, but always supervise—these tiny dogs don’t always realize how small they are and might challenge a bigger dog without a second thought!

Related: Expert Tips for Ensuring Your Dog Walks Are Trouble-Free

Pomeranian Training

Pomeranians are quick learners, making training easier with the right approach. A patient, consistent trainer will bring out their best behavior.

Vocal Command Training

It is important to begin training your Pomeranian as a puppy or immediately upon bringing them home. You can teach them cue words by using treats and affection as positive reinforcers. Some trainers suggest only using the word “no” for emergencies because it can stress out your dog.

Hush Training

Pomeranians can bark like maniacs, so teaching them to hush on command will spare you and your neighbor plenty of headaches. Here are the steps to training your dog a “quiet” command:

When your Pomeranian launches into a barking fit, wait it out
Once your dog stops barking, reward them with their favorite dog treat and give them a cue word like “hush” or “quiet”
Eventually, your PomPom will associate the silence with the treat and the cue
After about a week of this routine, try interrupting their barking with the cue word
Reward your dog generously if they stop barking on command

General Tips

Training a tiny dog like a Pomeranian takes patience and consistency. Here are some key tips to help your typically healthy dog learn and develop good behavior:

Be patient. Pomeranians are smart but can be stubborn. They won’t learn everything overnight, so start with the basics and build gradually.
Use a firm but friendly tone. Your energy matters! Be clear and consistent when correcting behavior, but always use a happy, positive tone for praise.
Timing is everything. Reward good behavior immediately (within 5-10 seconds), so your tiny dog understands what they did right. Delayed praise can confuse them.
Short & fun training sessions. Keep training engaging and under 10 minutes to hold their attention. Repetition is key, but boredom can lead to frustration.
Stay consistent. If you let bad habits slide, your typically healthy dog may develop stubborn behaviors. Set rules and stick to them.
Reinforce commands regularly. Pomeranians can learn new tricks in 2-3 weeks, but they need ongoing reinforcement to avoid forgetting them.

Pomeranian Health Problems

For the most part, Pomeranians are healthy dogs, especially with regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, and proper care. With the right lifestyle, the average Pomeranian lifespan ranges from 12 to 16 years, making them one of the longer-living toy breeds. While they’re sturdy little dogs, they do have a few health concerns that owners should be mindful of.

Overheating

One of the main issues a Pom can face at any stage of their life is overheating. Because Poms have such short noses, it is easy for them to become overwhelmed by the heat, especially in warmer climates. Their thick double coat also traps heat close, exacerbating the issue.

Alopecia X

Another issue to be aware of for your little Pom friend is a condition called Alopecia X (AKA black skin disease). It is a genetic skin disorder that can cause the skin to turn black. Another symptom associated with Alopecia X is hair loss.

The conditions has received alternative names since its discovery, including severe hair loss syndrome, Pseudo-Cushing’s Disease, coat funk, and woolly coat.

Patellar Luxation

The luxating patella is another health issue associated with this dog breed. The problem with the Pom’s patella is that the ridges that form the patella are too shallow, preventing the bone from sitting sit securely. This shallow placement can lead to the patella popping out of place. This condition occurs due to malformation or trauma.

Patellar Luxation

The luxating patella is another health issue associated with this dog breed. The problem with the Pom’s patella is that the ridges that form the patella are too shallow, preventing the bone from sitting sit securely.

This shallow placement can lead to the patella popping out of place. This condition occurs due to malformation or trauma.

Tracheal Collapse

Ever heard a Pomeranian dog make a honking sound when they get too excited? That could be tracheal collapse, a condition where the windpipe weakens and makes breathing harder. It usually shows up as they get older, but things like pulling too hard on a collar or carrying extra weight can make it worse.

Signs to watch for? Coughing, wheezing, and trouble breathing, especially after exercise. If it gets severe, medication or surgery might be needed, but keeping them at a healthy weight and switching to a harness instead of a collar can help prevent extra strain.

Heart Health

Heart health issues are the most common problem for all dogs as they get into their golden years.

The heart valve slowly becomes deformed until it no longer closes tightly.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia occurs when your dog develops very low blood sugar. This condition is one of the most common Pomeranian health issues. Hypoglycemia causes problems in the nervous system and can result in seizures and even coma.

How to Care for a Pomeranian

Thinking about bringing a Pomeranian dog into your home? These tiny pups are affectionate, energetic, and full of personality, but they do have specific needs to keep them happy and healthy.

At night, Pomeranians prefer to be near you, perhaps sharing a bed. When they have established this sleeping arrangement, it can become difficult for this breed to sleep alone or in a dog bed.

Caring for a Pom is rewarding, but it takes commitment and consistency. Up next, we’ll cover the key aspects of Pomeranian care, from health and grooming to training and daily routines.

Nutrition and Feeding for Pomeranians

By six months old, a Pomeranian dog should eat two to three times a day. With their fast metabolism, skipping meals can cause a drop in blood sugar, especially in extra-small Pomeranians.

Feeding them high-quality dog food is important. Look for small-breed formulas with real meat, healthy fats, and essential nutrients—brands like Blue Buffalo or Royal Canin are great options.

Letting food sit out all day encourages overeating, so sticking to portioned meals is a smarter way to keep your pup in shape. Since extra weight can put stress on their small bones, check with your vet to find the right amount for your Pom.

Coat Color

A Pomeranian’s most iconic feature is their coat. Their thick, double coat comes in an astounding array of colors. The most common colors are orange, black, cream, and white. Different variations include spotted, brown, brindle, blue, red, tan, sable, merle, and other combinations.

Grooming & Bathing

Brushing your Pomeranian daily is the best practice for maintaining their fur. The coat is not difficult to brush and should take no more than a few minutes. The goal is to keep shedding under control.

When bathing, use a reliable puppy shampoo and conditioner about once a month. You should smooth your Pom’s fur with a slicker brush as you blow it dry to minimize tangles. Do not air dry.

If knots occur, you can comb through the hair with your fingers and a detangling solution.

It is also recommended to trim the coat of your Pomeranian every one to two months. However, do not shave your Pom’s fur. Shaving dogs with a double coat interferes with their ability to regulate their body temperature.

Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly will also help prevent tooth decay. Poms tend to lose their teeth early, but this can be prevented with proper care.

Children and Other Pets

Pomeranians are a friendly dog breed, with proper socialization they adapt well to other pets and children.

However, these small dogs should not be around small children who might accidentally injure or annoy them. Children should be cautioned about the size and fragility of this breed. This breed is prone to injury, so they might be better suited for adults or households with no young children.

Pomeranians get along great with other pets, especially if they bond at a young age. They are friendly with cats if they are about the same size. As mentioned before, these dogs don’t realize how small they actually are.

They will try to challenge a bigger dog when threatened. It would be a good idea to introduce your larger dogs slowly and see how compatible they are.

Rescue Groups

When looking for a Pomeranian, rescue groups are an excellent place to check. There are many available across the nation.

The Southern California Pomeranian Rescue is a non-profit rescue that maintains a safe, no-kill solution for abandoned, misplaced, or lost Pomeranians. Their primary mission is to spay or neuter the dogs before placing them in their qualified forever homes. Other similar organizations include the Pawsitiviley Pom Rescue and Pomeranian Rescue.

Pomeranians can also be found within larger organizations, including the ASPCA and Pet Finder for finding shelters in your area.

Breed Organizations

The American Kennel Club (AKC) became the first U.S. organization to register the Pomeranian in 1888, though the breed didn’t gain official recognition until a few years later. Today, the American Kennel Club continues to set breed standards and provides resources for responsible Pom ownership.

In 1900, the American Pomeranian Club, Inc. was founded and later became the official AKC National Parent Club for the breed. With a mission to protect and celebrate the Pomeranian breed, this organization offers valuable resources on breeding, training, and overall care.

More About This Dog Breed

Pomeranians are a fun, lovable, and highly intelligent breed. Their trainability and lively spirit have earned them recognition in dog competitions, pop culture, and homes around the world. As one of the most popular dog breeds, Pomeranians continue to capture hearts with their charm and confidence.

Glen Rose Flashaway, a standout Pomeranian, became the breed’s first Toy Group winner at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1926. But it wasn’t until 1988 that Great Elms Prince Charming II took home the Best in Show title, further proving that these tiny dogs can compete with the best.

One of the most famous Poms in modern times is Boo the Dog, who became an internet sensation with over 17.5 million Facebook likes. His fame even earned him the title of official Pet Liaison of Virgin America in 2012.

Pomeranians have gone beyond the show ring, stealing scenes in movies, lighting up TV screens, and even serving as stylish sidekicks to celebrities. Their lively personalities and adorable looks make them a favorite among dog lovers worldwide.

For those looking for an affectionate, energetic companion, a Pomeranian is a fantastic choice—as long as you're ready to give them the love, attention, and training they need!