Do Pomeranians Like To Cuddle?

Last Updated on 25/04/2024 by Dochlaggie. Post first published on December 6, 2021.

Yes! Pomeranians are generally known to be cuddly and affectionate dogs. They like belly rubs and being petted by their owners. Pomeranians love to cuddle, snuggle, and hug their owners. Most of them.

However, not all Pomeranians are this way in temperament. Some are more independent and have preferences for being alone with minimal fuss and attention. It really depends on the Pomeranian’s own unique personality.

Why Do Pomeranians Like to Cuddle?

If you own a Pomeranian, there is a good chance that they will want to cuddle with you. Pomeranians are typically very friendly and affectionate dogs. They like the company of other pets if they have been raised with them or taught not to chase them.

It’s in Pomeranian’s nature to enjoy playing with everyone they meet. Cuddling is of course an expression of affection and a way for them to express their love toward their owners.

Pomeranians cuddle to show love: Pomeranians like to cuddle with their owners to show them love and affection and receive that love in return. When a Pomeranian has established a bond and trusts his owner, he is likely to show that trust and affection by wanting to be with and around their owner at all times.

Pomeranians cuddle for warmth: Since Pomeranians are on average only around 7lbs, they can easily get too cold fairly quickly. It’s the instinct for little Pomeranians to find their pack and cuddle up together for warmth when feeling too chilly.

Pomeranians cuddle for protection: Dogs turn to their pack or their Alpha for safety and protection. Pomeranians are normally very playful and curious about their environment. When wanting to relax, they feel a lot more comfortable and secure to cuddle.

Pomeranians cuddle because it’s instinct: Newborn Pom puppies need to cuddle closely with their mothers as a way to survive. They need the life-giving milk that they provide as well as protection and warmth.

Pet parent tip: Cuddle your Pom puppy gently and with consideration. Pomeranian puppies are not only tiny but also super delicate. They have fragile bones. Do not grab it when it is eating or sleeping.

That said, do remember that you should not overdo it on the cuddles and hugs. The Pomeranian puppy needs to get used to being left alone. Otherwise, the chances are that it might develop separation anxiety.

“A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings

Are Pomeranians Affectionate?

Pomeranians are cheerful, loving, and loyal toy breed dogs. They enjoy a close association with those they live with. Poms have an innate desire to be a contributing member of the family. If socialized properly in puppyhood, they make a superb family dog.

If your Pomeranian isn’t overly affectionate, don’t worry. Some Pomeranians can be strong-willed at times. That’s just how they are. However, they remain friendly, gentle, and devoted family dogs.

Some Pomeranians may seem aloof and seem to have little or no desire to cuddle. They may actually show their affection in other ways like:

Obeying you when you give a command.
Being very protective of you.
Smelling your hand or your feet.
Looking at you when you speak to them.
Happy and excited when you come home.
Licking your hands and feet.
Walking beside you when you walk them.

Can I Teach my Pomeranian to Cuddle?

Pomeranians are so cute that you want to cuddle them and never let them go. Cuddles from your Pomeranian can seriously be the best thing on the planet.

You can train your Pom to learn to be closer to you and share some of the same space. However, you should never force your Pomeranian to cuddle with you or be more affectionate than it’s comfortable with.

Pomeranians can learn to repeat certain actions based on a positive outcome or reward.
The easiest way is to sit on the floor and offer them treats. Don’t forget to also give some belly rubs as a bonus.
Try to offer a treat on your lap to your Pomeranian to push them to come and sit there. Your Pomeranian will start having positive associations with the experience.
Later on, you can change the rewards to be other things such as a belly rub, massage, and many more.

It’s important to learn your Pomeranian’s cues and body language. This will help to develop a mutually respected and beneficial agreement on what you would both like as far as cuddles go.

Not all dogs inherently like hugs in the traditional sense. It can make them feel nervous and stressed. Kisses and getting into your Pom’s face can be upsetting to some toy breeds and possibly dangerous for you.

Are Pomeranians Clingy?

Clingy dog breeds tend to chase after their owners all the time. This happens for a simple reason, they are in love with you and cannot live without your presence.

A bored Pom will look for something to do. And the next best thing for them to do is follow you around. You might think it’s cute and endearing. But if they repeat this behavior over and over again, it encourages your Pomeranian to be clingy. They will have their minds set on following you around when they have nothing to do. Clingy Poms tend to want more physical contact.

Your Pomeranian puppy is so clingy either because

They have separation anxiety
They want attention
They are bored
They are sick
They are in an unfamiliar environment
They are used to getting rewards from you whenever they act this way
They are in love with you

The reason could be either one of these or a combination of several. Constant attention does lead to clinginess in Pomeranians and dogs in general.

How to Tell if My Pomeranian Likes to be Held?

Here are some cues that your Pomeranian wants to be held.

Your Pomeranian begs you to pick them up. They whine and bark while standing close to you.
If your Pom doesn’t seem uncomfortable when you approach, they probably don’t mind if you pick them up and cuddle them.
A Pomeranian who enjoys being held will remain relaxed in your arms. They won’t struggle to break free.

Pet parent tip: Dogs don’t like being interrupted during eating, playing, or sleeping.

Keep in mind that not all Pomeranians are fond of being held. You should let your Pomeranian go as soon as they become uncomfortable.

Do Pomeranians Need a Lot of Attention?

Pomeranians ars companion dogs and need a lot of attention. They thrive when they have company. They prefer to be close to their owners and can be needy at times. Pomeranians prefer to stick close to you and keep an eye on what you are doing. However, it all depends on your Pom’s individual personality and temperament.

Keep in mind that Poms often develop separation anxiety. It happens when your Pomeranian bonds so tightly to you that they can’t function when you are not around.

How do Pomeranians Show Affection?

If you have raised your Pomeranian from a young age, it will be devoted to you.

Holding hands: Your Pomeranian may take your hand gently in its mouth and hold. This is Pomeranian’s version of showing affection. It is telling you that you can trust your fur buddy that it will not bite you. Allow your dog to do it. Don’t shake it off and run to the tap to wash your hands.

Rubbing against you: Rubbing against your legs or any other part of your body is also a sign of affection. Sometimes Pomeranians may just sit next to your legs, touching. They may lie on the couch in your personal space.

Bringing you his favorite toy: Poms love to play and will try anything to get you to join. However, favorite toys are special and dogs generally do not share them with anyone. So when they offer you their favorite toy to come and play with, it’s a huge deal. It shows more affection than the gesture seems to merit. So, if it happens, make a huge fuss and play and cuddle with your pet. Your Pomeranian loves you!

Your Pomeranian yawns with you: Yawns can mean different things. If they yawn in response to your yawns, it’s a good sign. When you yawn and your Pomeranian yawns with you it means that it is in tune with you, showing that you are mates.

Your Pomeranian makes eye contact:

They carry your shoes around in their mouth

Pomeranians who are attached to their owners

Do you know: Cuddling with your dog relieves anxiety and depression. While we cuddle, we release serotonin and dopamine. This makes us feel happier and helps relieve depression.

Wrapping Up

Pomeranians are very social, happy to greet everyone they meet. Generally, these dogs enjoy companionship and love to be around their owners.

If your Pomeranian isn’t very cuddly, it could be due to poor socialization, being mistreated during puppyhood, or simply because they just do not display their emotions this way.

Even though Pomeranians are cuddly and affectionate, they need a strong owner to lead them. Be consistent and patient with them, they will learn to be that cuddly, sweet Pom you always wanted.

Did you find this article helpful? Feel free to share your thoughts and questions. We would be happy to hear from you!

References and Further Reading:
[1] Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
[2] English Kennel Club Pomeranian Breed Standard, 2017.
[3] Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
[4] Milo G. Denlinger “The Complete Pomeranian.”
[5] Kimbering Pomeranians “1891-1991”.
[6] William Taplin’s “The Sportsman’s Cabinet.”
[7] E. Parker “The Popular Pomeranian.”
[8] Lilla Ives “Show Pomeranians.”