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Facts About Pomeranian Size: How Big Do Pomeranians Get?

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Last Updated on 15/12/2023 by Denise Leo. Post first published on December 15, 2023.

Pomeranians are one of the most admired dog breeds in America. They are small, fluffy dogs with cute little faces. Many people know that poms come in different colors, but there is little information about how big they get. I will answer any questions you may have about their size.

To start this article, I’ll give some basic facts about the Pomeranian size: A full-grown Pomeranian can be anywhere from 8 to 11 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 3-7 pounds.

In this article, I will:

  • Find out how big a Pomeranian get.
  • Examine Pomeranian size standards in different countries.
  • Explain the Pomeranian breed standard size requirements.
  • Learn how the different Pomeranian sizes compare to other toy breed dogs.
  • Find out how tall is a Pomeranian.
  • Look at Poms that are bigger or smaller than the set standard for the breed.
  • Talk about owning a Pomeranian adult that, when fully grown, is much bigger than you had anticipated.

How Big Does a Pomeranian Get?

The Pomeranian dog breed is classified as a toy dog (meaning a small-sized dog compared to many other dog breeds). The Pomeranian should officially weigh between 3 and 7 pounds.

Pomeranians are one of the smallest dogs. However, within the Pomeranian dog family, some lots are much larger than average, and others smaller than the norm.

There are official breed standards for all purebred dogs. The range of sizes for small Pomeranians is very big. The Kennel Clubs influence the world of canines, and these clubs include the American Kennel Club (AKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), and The Kennel Club (KC) or English Kennel Club.

How Tall is a Pomeranian?

Akc breed standards ask for Pomeranians in the 3 – 7 pound category. However, the dog’s height isn’t listed; most are about 20 cm or 8 to 11 inches tall. This measurement goes down to the floor from the top of his shoulder blades (his withers).

American Kennel Club (AKC) Pomeranian Breed Standard Adult Size 

The adult weight range for a standard full-size Pomeranian is 3 to 7 pounds. (1.36 to 3.175kgs). For show Poms, they prefer adult-size dogs to weigh 4 – 6 lbs. Lots of Pomeranians match these criteria, but there are also smaller and bigger Poms, which I’ll cover in more detail.

Facts About Pomeranian Size
Three Pomeranian Dogs

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

Has more than 80 countries as members. They stipulate the height of a Pomeranian should be 18 – 24 cm. This is measured from the top of his shoulder (aka withers) to the floor.

The weight requirement is 3 kilograms (6.6 lb). This figure is slightly less than that of Pomeranians in the AKC.

The FCI’s name for a 21 cm Pomeranian is German Toy Spitz (Dwarf-Spitz or Zwergspitze).  The FCI German Toy Spitz Breed standard has recently been updated (4/9/19). 

The German Toy Spitz size requirement is now 21cm with a height allowance of up to 24 cm. If he’s much larger than 24 cm, they label him as a German Spitz Klein (or Miniature Spitz).

A Pomeranian or Zwergspitz (Dwarf-Spitz or German Toy Spitz) is small dog. Dogs taller than the required standard would not fit the Pomeranian (toy spitz) requirements but could be reclassified as a German Spitz Klein (Miniature Spitz).

Canadian Kennel Club (CKC)

It is NOT connected in any way to the American Continental Kennel Club. The CKC matches Pomeranian weight and height standards, as the AKC mentioned previously.

Of course, there will be Poms that fall below or above the figures in the ideal standard small size.

The Kennel Club (KC) or English Kennel Club

Pomeranian or Zwergspitz (Dwarf-Spitz or German Toy Spitz) Puppy
Pomeranian or Zwergspitz (Dwarf-Spitz or German Toy Spitz) Puppy

Pomeranian size standards from the English Kennel Club fall into a smaller range, with little leeway for size variables.

Females should be 4.5 – 5.5 pounds (2 – 2.5 kg).

Males should be 4 – 4.5 lbs. (1.8 – 2kg).

These measurements would mean Pomeranians would match the standards of the American Kennel Club’s preferred show Pomeranian size.

Countries like Australia and New Zealand follow the English Kennel Club Breed standard.

Pomeranian Size Comparisons

The American Kennel Club lists 21 toy breeds within the toy group, and the Pomeranian is one of the smaller dogs.

Other dogs that are also small on the scale of Toy breeds include:

  • English Toy Spaniel. 7.9 – 14 lbs.
  • Maltese. 6.6 – 8.8 lbs.
  • Papillon. 7.1 – 9.9 lbs.
  • Japanese Chin. 3 – 15 lbs.
  • Yorkshire Terrier. 3 – 7 lbs.
  • Chihuahua. 3.3 – 6.6 lbs.
  • Pomeranian. 3 – 7 lbs.

Smaller Poms

The bone and body structure can vary; in some cases, the average Pomeranian dog’s adult weight will be below the minimum of 3 lbs. A fully grown Pomeranian puppy can weigh two pounds, but seeing a Pom with weight within the one-pound range would be rare. Very small dogs can be susceptible to many health problems.

Weight gain can often be slower with smaller dogs, and the pup’s growth and development will be longer.

NOTE: Even if you owned an adult Pomeranian weighing less than 3 pounds, it is NOT a “teacup.” Teacup Pomeranians, toy, or miniature Pomeranians are NOT an acceptable variation or recognized breed.

Pomeranian Breeding Practices

A reputable breeder may occasionally get one puppy in a litter smaller than the average-size Pomeranian, and that’s fine. However, anyone specifically breeding Poms to be much smaller than the breed standard is behaving unethically and without any care for the poor Pomeranian in question.
This form of breeding often condemns the dog to an increased risk of more severe health problems, including eye problems, patellar luxation, heart issues, and a tracheal collapse. His bones are more fragile, and he needs to be protected from such owners.

Issues With Toy Dogs

A harness should be used instead of a collar, which can cause his trachea to collapse. He may have difficulty maintaining a core body temperature.

He’ll need to be protected from the elements if he’s too hot or cold, so you should get him doggie clothes, E.g., a shirt for the inside and a warm vest for the outside.

Tiny dogs are at higher risk for hypoglycemia, so ensure their nutrition is good and their sugar levels don’t drop too low. If you own a Pomeranian, be extra vigilant with proper dental care. Brush his teeth daily and give him a raw, meaty bone to chew on.

Trauma is a distinct possibility for most small dog breeds, so if you plan to take him to the vet or anywhere else in your car, you need a properly certified dog seat.

Watch small children wanting to play with him. It’s your choice if you want your Pom sleeping in your bed, but you may hurt him when you roll over or accidentally push him out of bed.

How Big Do Pomeranians Get?
How Big Do Pomeranians Get?

Pomeranians That Are Bigger Than Normal

In some litters, the breeder may get a puppy smaller than the average. This can also apply when a litter includes a puppy slightly bigger than the average size.

Certain breeders aim for the top end of the standard weight range to produce dogs that are usually healthier and sturdier than their smaller counterparts.

It’s not unusual to have a Pomeranian grow a bit bigger than the breed standard. Perhaps you want to ask …at what age does a Pomeranian stop growing?

It’s a valid question when looking at larger dogs. He could be eight months or even 15 – 18 months old before growth stops.

Significantly Bigger Pomeranians:

You might wonder…how big do Pomeranians get? The answer is that he can weigh 10 – 14 pounds. This means his bones are heavy set, a genetic trait passed down through the generations.

If you have a Pomeranian that weighs 14 lbs.+, it could be:

  •  A throwback to an earlier time when the ancestors of the Poms were much bigger and, once in a long while, a specific gene creates a Pom double or triple the size of most of the Pomeranians in existence today. This is typical in some color breeding programs and Pomeranians sourced from puppy mills and backyard breeders.
  •  His Pomeranian breed has been mixed with a different breed of Spitz. 
Facts About Pomeranian Size
Pomeranian Dog

Concerns about Pom Dog Size

People who buy a Pomeranian always have at least one good reason. One is to own a small (toy) dog. Many owners feel disappointed seeing their Pom gaining more weight than expected.

You’ll easily be astounded as your Pomeranian becomes much bigger than anticipated. However, after that early surprise eases, you’ll quickly learn why it can be beneficial to have a dog that’s bigger and sturdier than you had planned initially.

They’re easier to look after, less prone to accidents and injuries that might plague a smaller dog and can handle rough play without sulking or getting hurt.

If you are considering buying a Pomeranian puppy, always buy from a breeder with a good reputation. That will help ensure that the puppy you take home will weigh between 3 and 7 pounds. Ask to see his parents, as that will help you see what he’ll look like as an adult.

Pomeranian Dogs
Pomeranian Dogs

Pom Puppy Growth Rate

When they’re born, average Pomeranian puppies only weigh a few ounces. By the end of the second week, they had doubled in size and kept growing quickly.


If you have a Pom litter, it’s essential to mark each one to prevent confusion if they have a similar color and look. It would be best to weigh them daily on a kitchen scale to confirm your Pomeranian’s weight is increasing.
Most of the puppy’s growth occurs within his first nine months.

After that, he may gain a small amount of weight (perhaps a pound), and his height will increase for another three months when he’ll be a full-grown Pomeranian.

Bear in mind that Pomeranian puppies normally have fast growth spurts from when they’re first born through to six months, and the late bloomers may keep going until well after nine months of age.

A Pomeranian’s growth becomes much slower around the 10-month mark, and once he is one year old, he’s close to, or at, his full size.

Generally, once a Pomeranian has his first birthday, that’s nearly the end of his growing phase. However, you may ask when Pomeranians stop growing if he hasn’t stopped by then.

If his genes make him destined to be a bigger Pom than the average size (e.g., 12 – 15 lbs.) range, he may keep gaining weight until he’s 15 or possibly even 18 months old.

Facts About Pomeranian Size
Four Orange Pomeranians

Breeding Pomeranian Size

Decades ago, champion Pomeranian breeders typically owned two sets of Pomeranian females. One set’s main purpose was breeding, and the other group was for shows. The females that were amazing in shows generally were not useful for breeding. Sometimes, they were too small for proper breeding, needing a C-section to give birth, and could not often nurture their pups.

Because of this, many owners used larger female Poms as broods and bred them to the males that were show-sized in stature. The final result would be a litter of large and small puppies.

The bigger dogs looked homely, while the smaller dogs in these litters were often top show quality. The bigger male pups usually were quickly sold to a pet owner. The small, pretty females get sold as show dogs, or the breeder may opt to show the female dogs himself.

Breeders often retain the bigger females and smaller males for their future breeding program.

Some of the biggest winning Pomeranians have been bred from bigger-than-breed standard mothers. Breeders would rationalize that the mothers, despite being oversized, carried great bloodlines and could give birth to quality dogs if they were line-bred to an ideal show-size male Pomeranian.

This breeding program needs both inbreeding and linebreeding to produce quality dogs. As the overall size of the progeny produced starts shrinking, you have to boost hybrid vigor by introducing fresh bloodlines to the breeding group.

During this process, you’ll produce stronger, bigger puppies…of which some will mature larger than show size requirements. Despite the bigger dog-than-breed standard size used (assuming they have correct champion bloodlines), the females produced can be the canine machinery that will create future champions.

Many Pomeranian Books Mention The Merits of Breeding With Larger Females

Mrs. E. Parker’s The Popular Pomeranian, published in 1930, talks about this practice in detail :

“My own preference would be for a bitch good enough to win at shows, but considered too big in the ring, i.e., one about 6 lbs. or slightly over in weight. From such a one I would expect the best results. For the present day brood bitch is frequently too small. All the famous dogs of the past, noted for their type, coat and soundness, were the progeny of large bitches. It is greatly to be feared that the existing deterioration in the qualities named is due entirely to the custom of breeding from small brood bitches.”

The Popular Pomeranian. Mrs E. Parker. 1930.

Mrs. Parker offers more advice on selecting a breeding female

My advice to the novice starting a kennel is not to breed from a bitch under 5lbs. weight. Even 3 or 4 lbs. over this weight will not be a disadvantage, providing her breeding is right and that she has a quality coat, and no serious fault.” 

The Popular Pomeranian. Mrs E. Parker. 1930.

This is the Pomeranian by Louise Ziegler Spirer and Herbert F. Spirer mentions the same subject

” Many breeders use larger bitches for breeding purposes to avoid trouble.”

The Pomeranian by Louise Ziegler Spirer and Herbert F. Spirer.

From my publication, The Pomeranian Handbook,

” In contrast to most dog breeds, the female Pomeranian is preferred to be larger than the male. Pomeranians experience their share of whelping difficulties. Breeding with larger females is encouraged in the hope of decreasing whelping complications.”

The Pomeranian Handbook. Denise Leo. 2019.
Facts About Pomeranian Size
Two Orange Pomeranians

Final Thought on How Big are Pomeranians?

In conclusion, understanding the Pomeranian’s size and how big they can get is crucial for anyone considering this popular breed as a pet. Originating from the Pomerania region, these small pups have evolved from their larger ancestors, the first Pomeranians, into the fluffy, adorable dogs we know today.

Adult male and female Pomeranians typically have a thick double coat in various colors, which adds to their appeal as great lap dogs. This coat, a signature feature of the Spitz dog family, requires regular brushing with a slicker brush to maintain its health and appearance.

Queen Charlotte and other enthusiasts have popularized this breed, especially in the United States, for their manageable size and charming demeanor. While they are healthy dogs overall, it’s a good idea to be aware of common health issues, so choosing a reputable breeder is essential. Adult Poms, despite their small size compared to larger breeds, need proper care from their first year to ensure they remain healthy and happy.

Their fluffy coat and suitability for short walks make Pomeranians ideal for those looking for a little bit of canine companionship without the intense exercise requirements of larger breeds. With their variety of colors and endearing nature, Pomeranians are not just good dogs; they blend beauty, companionship, and ease of care, making them great little dogs for many.

Pomeranians are popular and adorable dogs that can be very small or large. The size of a Pom depends on many factors, including the breed type, sex (male vs. female), how well they were taken care of as puppies, and their diet. On average, adult male Poms weigh 4 to 5 pounds, while females usually weigh 5 to 6 pounds.

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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] Kimbering Pomeranians “1891-1991”.
[4] Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
[5] E.Parker, The Popular Pomeranian.
[6] L.Ives, Show Pomeranians.
[7] L.Ziegler Spirer & H.F. Spirer, This is the Pomeranian.
[8] FEDERATION CYNOLOGIQUE INTERNATIONALE (FCI) German Spitz, including Keeshond and Pomeranian Breed Standards. PDF file.

The Pomeranian Handbook by Denise Leo

Facts About Pomeranian Size
Facts About Pomeranian Size

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

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