Are Pomeranians good pets? It's a question that many potential dog owners ask, and the answer may be different for everyone.
While most people agree that these lovable little dogs have personalities as big as their hearts, they also come with certain needs and requirements.
In this blog post, we'll explore the unique qualities of Pomeranian dogs so you can decide if getting one is right for your family. We'll show why Pomeranians make excellent companions with their intelligence, playful nature, adaptable size, cheerful dispositions, and all that cute fluffiness.
So read on to learn more about what it means to own one of these special pups!
Find Out More About Pomeranians As Pets
Pomeranians are known for their small size. They're boisterous, fluffy, and extremely alert.
Often, it is noted that they tend to examine every sight and sound and will tell you what they think about it. Needless to say, Pomeranians make great alarm dogs.
However, like all dog breeds, there are lots of things to consider before deciding whether these commanding and animated creatures are right for you.
Pomeranians originally hail from Pomerania, a region in Germany and Poland. They were considerably larger dogs and kept themselves warm with their soft, luscious coat perfectly thick for winter.
The smaller variant we adore today was bred and advocated by Queen Victoria, who loved her little Pomeranian "Windsor's Marco," who tipped the scales at just 12lbs. After the Queen was seen with little Marco, dog breeders began to go gaga for toy-sized Pomeranians, and during Victoria's regime, the breed's size was said to have gone somewhere near half.
Today, Pomeranians of various shapes are seen constantly garnering the attention of their owners on social media and, of course, in their backpacks. They're extremely portable.
If you're contemplating buying yourself one, it would be in your best interest to read our blog, familiarize yourself with the things that concern Pomeranians in every aspect, and take a quiz as we list down possible questions with their brief answers to ensure that your ownership would be perfectly suited.
Is a Pomeranian Right For Me?
A Pomeranian is known for being curious, feisty, and energetic. They are viable as family pets.
One of the nice things about this breed is that these little guys get along with just about anybody: larger dogs, other pets, and most small animals! They're happy little dogs that fancy a lot of cuddling and kisses. And with how tiny they are, they can be easily carried around in bags and carts.
Not to mention, they are also incredibly easy to train. Poms bond with owners well, and there isn't any evidence of gender preferences. They're utterly unbiased!
Everything depends on how much time you want to spend working with the dog, but that can be said of every toy breed.
Are Pomeranians Good Family Pets?
Pomeranians make a great addition to the family! They're anything but shy. Poms reciprocate with people they care about and often indulge in playful interaction. And because of that, Pomeranians are easy to keep.
You could ask them to fetch a ball, and they'd do so without hesitation. However, it is to be kept in mind that their training must be supervised, especially while they're still young, to ensure better compatibility in the long run.
In short, Pomeranians are good family pets. With how fond they are of attention, bonding with one is extremely rewarding for both the owner and the Pom.
Are Pomeranians Good With Kids?
Depending on how they are raised, Pomeranians are generally good with kids. However, children must be cautioned and their interactions supervised due to how small they are, as these small dogs aren't as sturdy as the larger breeds.
This is because young children lack the expertise to handle Pomeranians. They're also quite aggressive in their dealings. Poms demand utmost care, and they can't tolerate being handled roughly.
We don’t suggest getting a Pom less than six months old for your family if you have toddlers. Indeed, even grown-up Poms may feel overpowered by the clumsiness, rough handling, and uproarious commotions made by little children, which will cause dread and nervousness.
What Dogs Do Pomeranians Get Along With?
Generally, well-socialized Poms get along with just about any dog breed. However, with their size and small size, interaction with dogs much larger than a Pomeranian can cause them to feel challenged.
With their confident stance and boldness, Pomeranians feel great around toy breeds such as Maltese, Pugs, Teacups, or Toy Poodles. These toy breeds are easygoing and align perfectly with their personality.
It boils down to how well you keep your Pomeranian. And for them to maintain a friendly disposition with other dog breeds, extensive socialization is mandatory.
Are Pomeranians Good With Cats?
If you own both a Pomeranian and a cat, the size of these animals is acceptable because both will be of a comparative size, and one significant advantage is that your two pets, albeit unique, will get along well and become good friends.
However, if you're a cat owner and decide to take a Pom in, their initial interaction will not be as you'd hoped. Therefore, it takes time to get used to, and Pomeranians, with their sensitive nature, might find it difficult to make themselves feel at home with a cat as they are territorial by default.
It is important to perfectly condition Pomeranians and cats to live together in harmony, allowing room for a brief introduction between them and exposing them to a lot of love.
Should I Get A Second Pomeranian?
Getting a second Pomeranian is okay if you can handle both of them. You will have a lot of work. And the Poms will have a closer bond than they would if either was raised as an only dog.
Also, it is important to note that when introducing your Pom to a new playmate, ensure they're still young.
If this isn't plausible for you, or you are thinking about a close companion and your Pom is already grown out of their doggy years, then you will need to be cautious about how you figure out how to present another playmate.
If done correctly, your Pomeranian might enjoy the friendship, and you can partake in the available energy that comes with having something else to socialize and play with your Pom.
Are Pomeranians Affectionate?
Pomeranians are extremely affectionate. They do not like to stay apart from their human family. They like to cuddle and receive tummy rubs.
Due to their extroverted nature, they're excellent at ensuring their physical presence is confidently felt. They would lick your face and make you give them belly rubs.
Pomeranians, when bonding, become your shadow. They follow you around and are at your constant guard. To call them harsh would mean insulting their disposition. Pomeranians are reliable when it comes to making them your cuddle buddy. They will never leave you alone.
Are Pomeranians Loyal?
Like most dogs, Pomeranians get overly attached to their owners. And often would be found sitting or lying at their owner's feet.
This makes them equally obedient and steadfast as they catch on quickly to new tricks and skills. A Pomeranian's loyalty also makes them equally reliable as pets.
Are Pomeranians Smart?
Pomeranians are very smart small dogs. Their intelligence speaks for their bright attention span and quick response.
Teaching them tricks or new commands isn't a hassle either because they're vigilant about their surroundings and tend to observe every nook and cranny with close attention to detail.
Their ability to communicate and display affection also counts for their intelligence and sharp instincts. Pomeranians are good at reading people's emotions and will provide care when necessary.
Are Pomeranians Easy To Train?
Training a Pomeranian is easy as long as you're not complex with the choice of words you use to condition them to behave in a certain way or teach them tricks. Positive reinforcement encourages Poms to receive training efficiently without creating a fuss.
They're independent in nature, and employing a rude tone of voice can deter them from maintaining their focus on you.
Are Pomeranians Easy To Potty Train?
When it comes to potty training your Pomeranian, it's not that easy. That's because of their size and bladder. And also because of their toy breed, which is generally harder to train.
They can be trained to use a litterbox. And with constant supervision and patience, training will become considerably easy and manageable.
Are Pomeranians Friendly?
Pomeranians are friendly but can act defensively when accompanied by a stranger or an unfamiliar body.
A well-socialized Pomeranian is lively to the point of getting super attached to people and doesn’t fancy the idea of leaving them. Generally, they make awesome pets because of how openly inviting they are regarding friendliness.
However, they are not always excited about forced handling or physical association. So you should know the signs that they are getting exhausted and when to give them some space.
Are Pomeranians Mean?
Pomeranians aren't mean but can become aggressive and suspicious around strangers, especially if they start taking them for a threat. And also because of their size compared to people and most other dogs.
While mostly friendly, Pomeranians are likely to snap and become defensive when they sense an unusual approach or vibe.
Fear is another major contributor to the aggressive bout, given the occasion.
Are Pomeranians Stubborn?
Pomeranians are stubborn due to their clever nature. Though they are quite smart and capable of learning tricks you teach them, they can also learn tricks you don’t mean to teach them and are excellent at manipulating their owners.
They are also picky eaters and would prefer you to keep indulging them in their favorite treats occasionally!
Do Pomeranians Need A Lot Of Attention?
All canines need attention, and Pomeranians don't vary in that regard. They have a solid inclination to consistently be close to their owner, frequently to the point of being clingy, as they are companion dogs.
You must take care of your Pomeranian dog, groom them, and take them to their potty spot every 3-5 hours. The experience is similar to taking care of a baby.
And because of this, Pomeranians can't stay alone for too long. They begin to experience separation anxiety when owners leave home for work for extended hours.
Do Pomeranians Sleep A Lot?
Pomeranians, on average, sleep for 12-14 hours a day. And are known to sleep considerably a lot more than others. That's because of how active and full of energy they are.
They spend much time playing around and running, often channeling their energy until they grow heavy and tired.
Also, when they feel unchallenged, Pomeranians may nap to escape boredom.
Are Pomeranians Yappy?
Pomeranians are famously yappy canines, especially when they're not actively socialized to outsiders and noisy clamors.
Pomeranians communicate by barking. Often to give credit to their expressive nature. They interact with owners and people by the sound and tone of their yaps.
When getting a Pomeranian for the first time, it is advisable to teach them the "Quiet" command while they're still puppies. The more often you socialize with them, the easier your experience will become.
How Long Do Pomeranians Live?
The Pomeranian is a very hardy and long-lived breed. The average lifespan of a Pomeranian is between 12 and 16 years. Some even manage to outlive that.
The oldest Pomeranian to date managed to live up to the age of 21.
Do Pomeranians Have Health Issues?
Pomeranians are study dogs with a long life expectancy. But suffers from a few health issues. The most common are patella luxation, slipping kneecaps, Collapsed Trachea, Pharyngeal Gag Reflex, Hypothyroidism, and Hypoglycemia.
Pomeranians also tend to have tooth and gum diseases, eyes, and heart.
Do Pomeranians Need Grooming?
All dogs need grooming, regardless of size, shape, and coat type. Pomeranians are a high-maintenance dog breed and require strict grooming needs, which means having a schedule made is essential for their overall health.
Negligence towards their appearance and dietary needs can result in their health deteriorating, among other problems that can considerably put their well-being at risk.
How Much Do Pomeranians Shed?
Although Pomeranians have thick, double-coated fur, they are considered moderate shedders. You can expect season sheds of their external coat in the spring and fall and extremely light or negligible shedding year-round.
Pomeranians are a long-haired breed, so expect to partake in additional work dealing with their coats and tidying up after their shedding.
Likewise, long hairs imply their fur might face matting issues or get messed up.
Why Should I Get A Pomeranian?
Pomeranians are compact little furballs that guarantee to keep you entertained and make you feel loved. They live long and promise loyalty.
They’re extrovert dogs that can easily form a harmonious, platonic relationship with other pets and humans alike. So you don’t have to worry about compatibility. Their cute little noses and big, buttoned eyes would make you squeal out of childish joy. They’re utterly irresistible!
In Conclusion
Pomeranians are soft, sweet, and adorable; those who fancy and own them are often considered the same way.
Owning them says a lot about how you are as a person. And only a sweet-spirited individual can get along with the likes of a Pomeranian.
We understand that handling and caring for a Pom requires a great deal of effort as they're not your average breed, but if you're one to have a fancy for these cute little fluff balls, you can contact your nearest breeder and make a purchase plan!
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References and Further Reading:
[1] Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
[2] Official English Kennel Club Pomeranian Breed Standard, 2017.
[3] Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
[2] Kimbering Pomeranians "1891-1991".
Learn Everything about Pomeranians in The Pomeranian Handbook
