Caring For your Pomeranian, Pom Health, Pom Information

Pomeranian Life Span Information

Pomeranian Headquarters

Sharing is caring!

Last Updated on 29/11/2023 by Dochlaggie. Post first published on June 8, 2023.

The Pomeranian, a beloved dog breed known for its small size and lively personality, typically has an average lifespan of 12-16 years, according to the American Kennel Club (AKC). 

This life expectancy falls within the range of other small dog breeds like the Maltese and Toy Poodles. However, it’s essential to acknowledge that various factors can influence the life expectancy of Pomeranians. 

In this informative article, we will delve into the factors that can influence the lifespan of Pomeranians and shed light on common health concerns associated with this beloved breed. As a caring owner, it is crucial to understand how you can optimize your Pomeranian’s well-being and help them thrive throughout their life.

How Long Do Pomeranians Live?

What is the life expectancy of Pomeranian dogs? How long does a Pomeranian live? Most small dogs, such as Pomeranians, mature earlier than larger dog breeds. The good news is that they also tend to have longer lives.

Based on my observations as a breeder of champion Pomeranians since 1975 and my extensive Pomeranian information library and records. The average lifespan of a Pomeranian dog is 10 to 16 years.

Some Poms can and do live longer than that. However, some things are deadly for a Pomeranian dog, and all care must be taken to avoid them to ensure a long lifespan.

Pomeranian Life Span Facts
Pomeranian Life Span Facts

Pomeranian Life Span Facts

  • The average Pomeranian life span is 10 to 16 years.
  • Keeping your Pomeranian trim and fit will help your Pom dog live a long and happy life.
  • The number one cause of death in Pomeranian dogs is trauma.
  • Toy dog breeders mature earlier and also live longer than bigger dog breeds.
  • Genes can affect the average Pomeranian lifespan.

Major Causes of Pomeranian Dog Fatalities

Pomeranian Puppies: Trauma is the number one cause of death in almost all toy breeds, including Poms.

Pomeranian Adults: The four major causes of death in Pomeranian adults are:

  • Trauma is the second main cause of adult Pomeranian dog fatalities and the main cause in Pom puppies. Trauma can include: being trodden on accidentally, being dropped, being hit by a car, or being in a car that has an accident.
  • Gastrointestinal: Problems here include intestinal blockage, inflammatory bowel disease, pancreatitis, lymphangiectasis, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, and various other problems associated with the loss of protein.
  • Infection: Issues of this type include: fungal infections, viral diseases (distemper and parvovirus), bacterial infections (such as leptospirosis), and protozoal diseases (such as leishmaniasis and babesiosis).
  • Ticks: Ensure tick prevention methods are current. Check your Pom every day in areas that are prone to ticks. Pomeranians are attractive to ticks since they are little and close to the ground. Reduce the chance of your Pomeranian being bitten by a tick. Make sure your Pom is tick-free. Remove a tick from your Pom immediately if you discover one. Keep your yard clean by keeping the grass short and removing yard waste. Use lockable garbage can lids, and don’t leave heaps of wood or fruit on your trees to keep animals out. Keep your Pomeranian safe from ticks with a safe tick repellent.

Interesting note: Although cancer is a leading cause of death in many toy breeds, the Pomeranian has the lowest fatalities due to cancer.

Pomeranian Life Span Information
Pomeranian Life Span Information

Many Things influence Pomeranian Life Span 

Small toy dog breeds like the Pomeranian live about 1.5 times longer than the bigger dog breeds. Female dogs live 1.2 years longer than males.

As with humans, genes can affect the average canine lifespan. If your Pomeranian is genetically predisposed to contracting a particular disease (especially if it’s serious), that can affect how long he will live.

This is why dogs in any breeding program must undergo strict health screening.

Patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, hypothyroidism, and inflammatory bowel disease are Pomeranians’ most frequent genetic conditions. If careful selection is made after extensive screening, the incidence of these ailments can be minimized.

Pomeranian Dog Genetics

Many things, including genetics influence the average lifespan of a Pomeranian. A tracheal collapse is a common throat problem for Poms and is hereditary. Finding out if your Pom’s family has faced this problem is important.

Pomeranians are also prone to patellar luxation. This is where the kneecap slips out of the joint. This is also a hereditary problem.

Tips on increasing your Pomeranian’s Life Span

The single most important way of guaranteeing (as well as you can) that your Pom lives a healthy, happy, long life is to ensure his environment is as pet-friendly as possible.

The Following Points Will Help Increase Your Pomeranian’s Life Expectancy:

  • Keep your dog’s weight in a healthy range. Trim and fit Pomeranians live longer lives than their fatter, unfit counterparts. Feed him well-balanced, home-cooked meals and avoid commercial pet foods where possible.
  • Feeding your Pomeranian fresh food instead of manufactured foods with added colors, fillers, and preservatives will make a massive difference to his health in the long term. Our healthy “Home Cooking for Pomeranians” book is available on this site.
  • Clean living. Pets will have shorter lives if they live in homes with smokers. Passive smoke is just as dangerous to animals as it is to people. Tobacco smoke contains toxins (i.e., hydrogen cyanide, carbon monoxide) that may harm your pom’s lungs. Asthma and other respiratory diseases may be exacerbated or made worse by passive smoking. These toxins are also considered carcinogens.
  • The ideal balance of activities. Please don’t give your Pom puppy too much exercise, as his growth plates will be affected. On the flip side, if your pom is lazy and doesn’t bother to move, he’ll start losing lean muscle. If he’s already a healthy size, he’ll gain extra unwanted weight as he gets older. You want to ensure your pet is as healthy as possible. One or two very short walks adding up to a maximum of 20 minutes are ideal for walking. Add a few playtime sessions (playing fetch or catch), and he’ll be a healthy, happy pet.
  • Neutering or spaying your Pom will help increase his lifespan too. An unchanged dog is at greater risk of cancer and other diseases related to its reproductive organs. Vaccinations and follow-up boosters must be kept until your dog turns five.
  • Infection is the second main cause of fatalities; vaccines can prevent many of these problems. I wouldn’t vaccinate after five years unless a vaccination certificate is required for a boarding kennel. I wouldn’t vaccinate because of the high risk of vaccine-induced autoimmune diseases.
  • Proper dental care is also essential. Your Pomeranian’s teeth need regular brushing. Many dogs become sick or even die from infections in their mouths and teeth or if a tooth infection spreads through the Pom’s body. Dogs that lose teeth because they have been neglected will find it more difficult to eat enough food for sufficient nutrition.

Because trauma is the number one killer of Pomeranian puppies and the number two killer of adult Pomeranians, you must:

  •  Handle your Pom carefully.
  •  Ensure everyone in the house is always watching where your pom is sitting or lying down before moving in case they tread on him.
  • Use the right car seats.
  •  Always use a leash and harness when you take your Pomeranian outside.
  •  Be careful when other people open doors in case your pom tries to escape by getting off his leash.
  • Reduce the amount of stress in the home.
Pomeranian Life Span Information
Pomeranian Life Span Information

Your Pomeranian dog deserves a life filled with love, peace, and friendly human companionship, and such a life will ensure he lives longer than if his home was totally chaotic, full of isolation and neglect. The perfect home gives your dog a healthy balance of quiet and activity time.

The quiet time involves peace, nobody running in and out all day, other animals crowding the space and craving attention, radios and TVs blaring loudly, and much more.

Active time offers more choices. Your pom may choose to sit and watch what’s going on or get involved in games, running around, spending time with the family, or sitting quietly and being petted by you. 

Pomeranian Health Issues

Like any breed, Pomeranians may be susceptible to specific health issues. Prospective owners should be aware of these potential concerns:

  1. Dental Problems: Pomeranians are prone to dental issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Regular dental care, including brushing teeth and providing appropriate chew toys, is crucial for maintaining oral health.
  2. Luxating Patella: This condition involves the dislocation of the kneecap and can cause lameness and discomfort. Maintaining a healthy weight can reduce the risk of this condition.
  3. Tracheal Collapse: Pomeranians have a small windpipe, making them susceptible to tracheal collapse. This condition can cause coughing and difficulty breathing and may require management through medication or lifestyle adjustments.
  4. Heart Disease: Some Pomeranians may develop heart conditions, such as mitral valve disease, which can affect their overall health and lifespan. Regular veterinary check-ups and appropriate diagnostic tests can help detect and manage these conditions.
Pomeranian Life Span
Pomeranian Life Span

Final Thoughts on the Life Expectancy of Pomeranians

While the average lifespan of a Pomeranian ranges from 12-16 years, several factors can influence their life expectancy. Proper care, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine veterinary check-ups, can contribute to their overall health and longevity.

Understanding the potential health issues associated with the breed allows prospective owners to make informed decisions and take appropriate measures to ensure their Pomeranian leads a happy and healthy life.

Please note: while I do discuss health, care, and behavioral issues, you should never use this information as a replacement for advice from qualified veterinarians, diagnoses, or recommended treatment regimes. If you have any worries about the health of your Pomeranian, your first contact should be your regular vet or, if you don’t yet have one, a vet that works locally. Never ignore or avoid treatment and advice from your vet because of a piece of information you have read on any website.

N.B. This article regarding Pomeranian health issues was written in consultation with our resident veterinarian.

Dr. Muqeet Mushtaq
DVM, University of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, 2019
MSc. (Hons.) (Animal Breeding & Genetics), University of Agriculture Faisalabad, 2021

Copyright Pomeranian.Org. All Rights Reserved.

References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook.”

The Pomeranian Handbook

About

Denise Leo

Pomeranians are my passion, and I have shared my life with these darling little dogs for many decades. The creator and face behind this website is published author and Pomeranian breed authority Denise Leo of Dochlaggie Pomeranians.

Denise Leo
Denise Leo