Last Updated on 16/11/2025 by Denise Leo. Post first published on August 16, 2023.
If you’re fascinated by the elegant beauty of the Black Pomeranian, you’re in the right place. This guide offers a comprehensive look at one of the most eye-catching coat colours in the Pomeranian breed. You’ll learn about the black Pom’s history, genetics, temperament, and care needs, along with expert advice on how to raise and maintain their stunning jet-black coats.
Written by Denise Leo, an internationally recognised champion breeder and Pomeranian specialist with over 50 years of experience, this article draws on decades of hands-on knowledge and dedication to the breed. Denise shares her unique insights into what makes the Black Pomeranian so distinctive — from show preparation and grooming to understanding their delightful personality and charm.
The Black Pomeranian is a toy breed of dog. They are intelligent, alert, and eager to please their owners. Black Pomeranians are not rare, but they can be hard to find.
Black Pomeranians Quick Facts
- The Black Pomeranian is a toy dog that is intelligent, alert, and eager to please its owners.
- They originate from Spitz-type dogs in Europe and possess a lot of energy and an active lifestyle. Black Pomeranians are not rare.
- They can be challenging to train due to their stubborn nature.
- The coat should appear “coal-black” without red, white, or brownish fur and have black points such as eye rims, pads, lips, and nose.
- A double coat, with long guard hairs and a soft undercoat, is also expected on an adult Pom dog.
- Exposure to sunlight can cause reddish tinges on the fur, so keeping them out of direct sunlight is recommended.
Thinking About a Black Pomeranian?
If you’re interested in owning a Black Pomeranian, it’s important to understand a few key points about the breed and its genetics. All Pomeranians, regardless of colour, descend from ancient Spitz-type dogs that originated in the cold regions of Europe. Over time, selective breeding refined these hardy sled dogs into the small, affectionate companions we know and love today.
The Black Pomeranian isn’t a separate breed, but rather one of many beautiful coat colour variations recognised within the Pomeranian standard. The breed is celebrated for its incredible diversity of colours — from orange, cream, and white to chocolate, blue, and of course, the striking jet-black coat.
While the colour may differ, the temperament and personality of a Pomeranian remain the same. These tiny dogs are loyal, intelligent, and full of energy, often described as “big dogs in small bodies.” Their confident and affectionate nature makes them wonderful family companions and devoted little guardians.
With their luxurious coat, alert expression, and outgoing personality, the Black Pomeranian is a true standout — a dazzling combination of beauty, spirit, and intelligence that captures hearts wherever it goes.
Important Black Pomeranian Facts
- Black is a solid color.
- Are black Pomeranians rare? The answer is NO!
- Black Pomeranians should be kept out of direct sunlight to avoid reddish discoloration on their coat tips.
- The black Pomeranian is one of the original colors of the Pomeranian breed.
- Newborn black Poms are black.
- A black Pomeranian won Best in Show at the American Pomeranian Club’s very first show.
Black Pomeranian Appearance
The Black Pomeranian should appear to be a “coal-black” color. A Black Pomeranian adult dog’s coat should be free of red, white-colored, or brownish fur. The points ( eye rims, pads, lips, and nose) must also be black.
Solid black Pomeranian dogs must possess a double coat. This double coat consists of long, harsh black guard hairs with a soft, fluffy black undercoat.
Black Pomeranian guard hairs on an adult, an all-black dog, should be precisely the same color throughout the dog’s coat.
Exposure to sunlight can cause some burning to the coat, which will appear as red tinges on the fur of Pom dogs who spend long periods of time outdoors.
A black Pom dog’s undercoat may appear a lighter shade, especially preceding shedding.
Black Pom dogs will usually have white patches in the coat, even if it is only one or two hairs on the chest area. Mismark Pomeranian puppies are generally the result of using a black and white Pomeranian (also known as a black and white parti Pomeranian) in the breeding program.
Examples of a Pomeranian, usually referred to as a mismark, are a black pom with one white leg, white feet, or a white collar and blaze.
Black in the Pomeranian also includes the Pomeranian patterns parti-color, white with black patches, brindle Pomeranians, and the black and tan Pomeranian dog.
Black and Tan Pomeranians: As the name suggests, they are black-colored poms with rust or tan markings.
At Dochlaggie, I’ve owned, bred, and exhibited many beautiful Black Pomeranians over several decades. In my experience, these striking dogs often display a distinctive temperament and personality all their own—full of confidence, character, and charm. They can also be a little stubborn and independent, which only adds to their spirited nature and makes them all the more endearing.

How Big Do Black Pomeranians Get?
Black Pomeranians, like all coat colours in the breed, fall within the official breed standard set by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC).
A well-bred Black Pomeranian typically weighs between 1.4 and 3.2 kilograms (3 to 7 pounds) and stands around 18 to 22 centimetres tall at the withers. This compact size, combined with their thick double coat and proud carriage, gives them their signature “big dog in a small body” appearance.
While most Pomeranians remain within the standard range, some individuals may be slightly smaller or larger due to genetics and breeding lines.
- Smaller-than-average Pomeranians are often affectionately referred to as “Teacup Pomeranians.” It’s important to note, however, that ‘Teacup Pomeranian’ is a marketing term, not an officially recognized size by any kennel club.
- Larger Pomeranians are sometimes referred to as “Throwback Pomeranians.” Again, this is not an official term. These dogs may display characteristics closer to the early, larger ancestors of the breed and are just as loving and intelligent as their smaller counterparts.
Regardless of size, every Black Pomeranian should exhibit the same breed qualities — a foxy face, high-set tail, abundant coat, and lively personality.
Black Pomeranian Puppies
A solid black Pomeranian puppy boasts a shiny coat that looks as stunning against a snowy backdrop as it does curled up indoors. These tiny bundles of energy are perfectly suited to life in any home — their compact size means they adapt easily to apartment living or small spaces.
In recent years, Black Pomeranian puppies have gained increasing popularity, thanks to their striking appearance and unique charm. Their glossy coats, bright eyes, and playful personalities have earned them affectionate nicknames such as “Blacky” and “PomPom.” Many admirers liken their graceful looks to those of miniature black panther cubs — confident, elegant, and full of character.
Some Pomeranian black pups often will have greyish tones to their coat during the coat change or puppy uglies stage. This is usually nothing to be concerned about, as when the adult coat comes in, the Pomeranian pup’s coat will usually change to a solid, bright black color.
Mismarked black puppies with white feet or legs are often the result of parti genes. A black puppy with tan or white markings could be either a black and tan part or a mismarked puppy.
Are Black Pomeranians Rare?
Black Pomeranians are not considered rare. While orange remains the most popular and widely seen colour in the breed, Pomeranians come in a dazzling variety of shades — including black, cream, white, chocolate, blue, and many beautiful combinations.
The all-black Pomeranian color is just as popular today as it has been at any time in the history of this dog breed.
All black Pomeranians are NOT one of the rare Pomeranian colors. Although not a rare Pomeranian, a black Pom dog is less common and less popular than orange Pomeranians and sable Pomeranians. Black Poms still have fans who would not own or even show another colored Pomeranian.

Where Can I Buy a Black Pomeranian?
If you’re looking into buying yourself a new furry friend, make sure the breeder of choice is trusted. Purchasing an animal from any random source can result in health problems, as some sources employ poor breeding practices that can lead to genetic disorders within these animals’ litters before they reach maturity.
Puppy buyers who wish to purchase a black teacup Pomeranian puppy are advised to contact a reputable Pomeranian breeder.

How Much is a Black Pomeranian?
It depends on the size, age, and quality of the item. The price can range from $ 2,500 to $8,000+. A breeder may charge more or less than an average purchase, but this gives you a general idea of how much it costs to buy one, depending on certain factors.
As a Pomeranian breeder, my black Pomeranian puppy price is the same as the other kennel club standard Pomeranian colors. All breeders have different Pomeranian prices.
Do Black Pomeranians Have Health Problems?
Black Pomeranians are not at a higher risk for health issues than any other Pomeranian coat colour. Coat colour does not influence the breed’s overall health. When bred responsibly and cared for properly, black Pomeranians enjoy the same vitality and longevity as their orange, cream, or white counterparts.
As a breed, Pomeranians are generally healthy and long-lived, with many enjoying lifespans of 12 to 16 years. However, like all toy breeds, they can be predisposed to certain hereditary or structural conditions. Awareness and preventive care play an important role in keeping your Pom happy and healthy.
Some health concerns occasionally seen in Pomeranians include:
- Luxating Patella: A condition where the kneecap slips out of place, causing lameness or an uneven gait.
- Collapsed Trachea: This condition is common in small breeds, affecting the windpipe and potentially causing coughing or difficulty breathing.
- Hair Loss (Alopecia X / Black Skin Disease): Some Pomeranians may experience thinning of the coat or develop bald patches; responsible breeding and early veterinary advice can help manage this condition.
- Skin Issues: Dryness, allergies, or sensitivity may occur, particularly if the coat isn’t groomed or protected from excessive sun exposure.
- Eye Conditions: Problems such as cataracts or tear staining can develop with age, requiring regular veterinary checks.
Responsible breeders carefully select breeding pairs to minimise these risks through health testing and sound breeding practices. With proper care, nutrition, and regular grooming, a Black Pomeranian can remain a healthy, vibrant companion for many years.
History of the Black Pomeranian
Blacks were highly sought after in the early years of this dog breed. However, the popularity of the black Pom declined when orange and sable Pomeranians appeared in the Pom dog world.
Pomeranian breeders desperately wanted to breed and exhibit the highly desirable orange and orange Sable Pomeranians.

The original colors in the Pomeranian breed were white, black, and cream. In 1803, William Taplin published “The Sportsman’s Cabinet,” and mentions the black Pomeranian not being seen as often as the white Pomeranian and other colors.
“POMERANIAN; or, WOLF-DOG. The dog so called in this country is but little more than eighteen or twenty inches in height, and is distinguished by his long, thick, and rather upright coat, forming a most tremendous ruff about the neck, but short and smooth on the head and ears; they are mostly of a pale yellow, or cream-color, and lightest on the lower parts.
[6] William Taplin “The Sportsman’s Cabinet”.
Some are white, some few black, and others but very rarely spotted; the head broad towards the neck, and narrowing to the muzzle; ears short, pointed, and erect; nose and eyes mostly black; the tail large and bushy invariably curled in a ring upon the back. Instances of smooth, or short- coated ones are very rarely seen; in England he is much more familiarly known by the name of fox-dog, and this may originally have proceeded from his bearing much affinity to that animal about the head; but, by those who in their writings describe him as a native of Pomerania, he passes under the appellation of the Pomeranian-dog.”
Early in the breed’s history, Kennel Club Pomeranian breeders mated numerous high-quality black Pomeranian females to dogs of other colors in an attempt to breed sable Poms.
The white Pomeranians and black Pomeranians no longer ranked in the top position in breeding programs and the show ring. There were also other colors, such as orange, sable, blue, and chocolate.
Are Black Pomeranians Hard to Keep Clean?
Every Pomeranian coat colour comes with its own grooming challenges, and the black variety is no exception. Fortunately, Black Pomeranians are often easier to keep looking tidy than lighter colours, as their dark coats naturally conceal small tear stains and minor blemishes around the eyes and muzzle. This means less frequent touch-ups in those areas compared to white, cream, or orange Poms.
However, while tear stains may be less visible, the black coat demands regular care to maintain its deep, glossy shine. Black fur is particularly susceptible to fading and developing reddish tints when exposed to excessive sunlight. Owners should limit their Pom’s time in direct sun, particularly during summer, and consider using coat-conditioning sprays with sunscreen protection to help prevent damage and maintain that beautiful jet-black colour.
Like all Pomeranians, the black variety requires regular grooming, including brushing several times a week, trimming the nails, cleaning the ears, and bathing as needed. Regular brushing not only removes loose hair and prevents mats but also helps distribute natural oils throughout the coat, enhancing its lustre.
The tendency for mats and tangles depends more on coat texture and thickness than on colour. Some dogs have denser undercoats that require extra attention, while others are easier to maintain. With consistent grooming, gentle handling, and quality coat care products, your Pomeranian will stay clean, comfortable, and show-stoppingly beautiful all year round.
The Black Pomeranian should always be protected from direct sunlight, especially during the summer months, as excessive sun exposure can cause the coat to fade and develop reddish tinges.
Recommended Coat Care Products For Black Pomeranians
Avoid exposing your black Pom to harsh sunlight, as this will help maintain the appearance of the black coat. Using ordinary talcum powder for grooming is to be avoided. A black chalk block is a good alternative to use on any black Pom show dog.
White or grey hairs often appear and are very noticeable on the muzzle area of dark sable and black adult Pomeranians at a young age, making these dogs appear older than they are.
- A color-enhancing formula with pearlescent brighteners to intensify your dog’s coat
- Adds brilliance and base to the coat. Most effective on Black, Charcoal, Blue and other dark colors
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✂️ Denise Leo’s Grooming Tip
“To keep a Black Pomeranian’s coat rich and glossy, use a soft pin brush daily and avoid leaving your Pom in direct sunlight for long periods. A high-quality coat conditioner with built-in sunscreen will help protect the fur from fading and keep that luxurious jet-black shine.”
Breeding and Exhibiting Black Adult Show Pomeranians
These black dogs quickly gained popularity among American Kennel Club breeders and exhibitors. During the past 100 years, many black toy Poms have won top awards.
A black Pomeranian, Champion Banner Prince Charming, owned by Mrs. Frank Smythe, won Best in Show at the first American Pomeranian Club Championship Show.
Early Champion Blacks


Recent Important Black Pomeranians
Many black Pomeranians have contributed to and greatly influenced the breed. A recent top-winning Pomeranian, black in color, was Best in Show Champion Finch’s He Walks on Water.
He is known at home and to his fans as Travis. The late Dianne Finch bred Travis. Travis has been described as the biggest winning black Pom in the breed’s history. Travis won 12 Best in Show awards and sired 67 Pomeranian champions.
The black Pomeranian is an important addition to any Pomeranian breeding program. Breeding a black Pom into the oranges and red Pomeranians enhances the color clarity of the coat and improves pigmentation in only one generation.
Black is also a very beneficial color to incorporate into a white Pomeranian breeding program. The most successful Pom kennels will include at least one black dog to help improve and maintain these highly desirable Pomeranian qualities.
Personally, I don’t particularly appreciate showing a black Pomeranian dog. I have found many judges appear to ignore a good black in favor of the more popular orange and orange sable in the show ring.
I have also found that blacks can be more challenging to prepare for the show ring than the orange and orange sables.
Another problem is the choice of contrasting color clothing for the handler. Never wear black or dark-colored clothing when handling any black dog. Light and bright clothing is a much better choice for handlers of dark-colored dogs.
🏆 Denise Leo’s Show Ring Advice for Black Pomeranians
“Presentation is everything when exhibiting a Black Pomeranian. Because dark coats can hide expression and outline under bright lights, careful trimming is essential to create a clean, balanced silhouette. Use products designed for dark coats to enhance depth and shine, and always show your Pom in contrasting colours so their stunning black coat truly stands out in the ring.”
Breeding Black Poms
What you want will determine your actions when attempting to breed black Pomeranians. Avoid breeding with Pom dog dilution genes if you’re going to maintain the intensely dark black pigment.
The ideal choices for breeding quality black Pomeranians are other black Pomeranians, black and tan Pomeranians, dark orange sable Pomeranians, red sable Pomeranians, and intensely red Pomeranians.
If you plan to breed black to black for numerous generations without including sable genes, the texture of the coat will likely be lost, but the intense black pigment will remain.
A good black dog is always useful to any white Pomeranian breeding program.

Black Pomeranian Genetics
Black is actually a self-color, meaning the dog is only a single color, and the coat has an extremely black pigment. In Pomeranians, the dominant K allele is the typical reason. However, there have been some incidents (within the Pom breed) of the recessive black (a).
Black Dilutes and Recessive Genes
When other recessive genes exist, a dog that’s solid black can become other colors, such as blue (dd), solid chocolate (bb), and if the dog has both, the result is isabella/lavender (bbdd). If two recessive genes that are clear orange (ee), are also present, the dog will become clear orange and completely mask the black gene (K).
Black and White Pomeranian Dogs
A black and white Pomeranian is an eye-catching and uniquely colored variant of this beloved breed. Usually referred to as a parti-colored Pomeranian or a black mismarked Pomeranian, this coloration adds charm to their already adorable appearance.
Parti-colored Pomeranians have a white base coat with patches of black, giving them a distinguished and playful look. On the other hand, the black mismarked Pomeranian may have less defined coloration, with a small patch in the coat. Examples of a mismarked black Pom are one white leg, white toes, white collar marking, and more.
Final Thoughts on Black Pomeranian Dogs
If you’re a Pomeranian lover looking for the perfect pet, Black Poms are just what you’ve been searching for. These little guys have stolen hearts worldwide with their gorgeous black fur and adorable eyes.
But before adopting one of your own, you must know everything about this breed to make the correct decision. It’s always a good idea to research the available breeds before you decide on one.
I hope this post helped clear up some of the misconceptions surrounding black Pomeranian dogs and I look forward to answering any other questions you might have about these adorable puppies.
Be sure to check out the rest for more information on grooming, common health issues, and other tidbits you may not know about these sweet dogs.
Pictures of Black Pomeranian Dogs and Pictures of Black Pomeranian Puppies


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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.”






