Pomeranian
A tiny ball of fluff and attitude.
The Pomeranian is a tiny spitz breed with a big personality and a fox-like fluffy coat. Lively, bold and alert, it is a popular companion and watchdog in a very small package.
Great points
- Tiny and portable
- Lively, bold and fun
- Alert little watchdog
- Long lifespan
Things to consider
- Can be yappy
- Fragile and easily injured
- Coat needs regular brushing
- Prone to dental and trachea issues
The story
Bred down from larger spitz sled dogs in the Pomerania region, the Pomeranian shrank into a toy favoured by European royalty. Queen Victoria's love of the breed helped make it smaller and famous.
Training
Poms are smart and capable but can be willful and noisy, so early socialisation and reward-based training, especially around barking, pay off.
Grooming
Brush the thick double coat two or three times a week to prevent mats, and more during seasonal sheds.
Food & diet
About 0.25 to 0.5 cup of small-breed food a day, fed in small meals to avoid low blood sugar.
Exercise
Low to moderate. Short walks and indoor play are plenty for this little dynamo.
Health to watch
Prone to dental disease, collapsing trachea, luxating patella and coat thinning. Dental care and a harness help.
Fun fact. Two Pomeranians were among the only three dogs known to survive the sinking of the Titanic.
