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Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance Or Not?

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Last Updated on 29/11/2023 by Dochlaggie. Post first published on April 6, 2022.

You might be wondering, is the Pomeranian high maintenance or not?

People say a man’s best friend is their dog, and this is undoubtedly true with a Pomeranian. Poms are perfect companions, thanks to their warm personality, and cute appearance. If you are looking for a truly loyal and devoted friend, the Pomeranian is an excellent choice.

Are Pomeranians High Maintenance Dogs? Well, Poms are not very high maintenance dogs compared with many other breeds. As long as you are prepared for the time and energy it takes to care for a dog, Pomeranians would not require more maintenance than your average dog would.

What makes a dog high maintenance? The answer might surprise you!

The number one thing determining if a dog is considered high maintenance or low-maintenance? Is the dog breeds coat! The Pomeranian is a coated dog breed.

The Pomeranian is a moderate shedder when it comes to their coat. This means you will have some shedding in your house, but not as much as other dog breeds with smooth coats. Regular grooming will control shedding.

Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance
Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance

What to Know About Pomeranian Puppies?

Poms have much more to offer than their fluffy appearance. They’re small dogs with friendly, lively, and playful temperament. Compact and active, these dogs are best suited for apartment living. Here are a few reasons Pomeranians are the perfect little dogs:

  1. Pomeranians don’t need large space

Pomeranian’s small size is an advantage. Not only do Pomeranians not require a lot of space, but they are also easy to carry around.

Pomeranians require very little room to roam in order to stay happy and healthy. With their small size, they can make an excellent apartment dweller. However, Poms are happiest with a small yard in which to enjoy the great outdoors.

  1. Pomeranians are intelligent 

People love Pomeranians for more than just their cuteness. These small guys are intelligent and have a good memory. 

Of course, being an intelligent dog means you simply have to dedicate time to regular training, otherwise those smarts can lead to mischief and misbehavior. From a very young age, Pomeranians learn well and enjoy the process. Pomeranians need mental stimulation to stay away from mischievous activities.

  1. They are easy to train

The myth that Poms are impossible to train is certainly just a myth. Pomeranians are easy to train when you need them to learn a specific behavior. Consistent positive reinforcement training is important to help Pomeranians learn basic commands. 

They have a short attention span, so keep training sessions brief and fun. Scolding a Pom for bad behaviors or not following your commands will only have negative results. Due to Pomeranians being very small, they can be difficult to housetrain.

  1. Pomeranians are affectionate and friendly 

With their adorable appearance and friendly personalities, there is certainly a lot to love about Poms. They are affectionate, people-oriented dogs. The amazing part is that their supply of pure love is endless. So, it’s no wonder that these dogs make the best fur buddies on the planet. Pomeranians bond very quickly with humans and can often be found resting at the owners’ feet or in their lap.

Pomeranians can make loving companions to kids if properly introduced to them from a young age. As with all dogs, you should always teach kids how to approach and touch dogs. Pomeranians and very young children are not a good match. Always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children, no matter how friendly a dog might be.

  1. Pomeranians are cute watchdogs

By saying Pomeranians are fantastic watchdogs, we are not referring to their ability to physically defend their owner. These little guys are far too small for that. Pomeranians may be small, but they like all toy breeds they bark a lot.

Nevertheless, Pomeranians are naturally protective of their owners and have a very keen sense of hearing. What these cute watch dogs will do is alert their owners to the arrival of strangers by barking. 

  1. They provide devoted companionship 

Pomeranians are affectionate, cute, and cuddly dogs. They are great pets for anyone who loves to have a constant companion. 

Poms will do best in a home where their owners are around most of the time. They love spending time with their people and will happily tag along for walks. 

  1. Pomeranians are perfect lap dogs

If you like a happy lap dog, then Pomeranians are perfect for you. Their temperament truly allows them to be the perfect companion and lap warmer, which is what they do best.

There is nothing that Pomeranians like more than some snuggle time. They will want to crawl up into your lap at any time of day for a pet. Be prepared for them to ask for these things whenever you take some time to sit down. 

  1. They have long lifespan 

In general, small dogs, like Pomeranians, live longer than large breeds. Poms have an average lifespan of 12 – 16 years. 

  1. Great for novice owners

Pomeranians can be a great option for first-time dog owners due to its sweet and friendly nature.

  1. They have a low prey drive

Pomeranians have a low prey drive and have a low inborn desire to chase and catch something. They usually don’t have trouble controlling their chasing impulses.

Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance
Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance

Are Pomeranians Healthy?

Pomeranians are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they’re prone to certain health conditions. The most common diseases, among all those that usually affect Pomeranians, are the following:

Pomeranian Adaptability

Poms are sensitive dogs and are good at adapting to all environments. The reasons for moderate adaptability score are:

  • Pomeranians have small and compact bodies. They are well suited to apartment living due to their small toy breed size.
  • Poms can be a great option for first-time dog owners due to their sweet nature.
  • Pomeranians are very sensitive and do not like irregular daily routines and a chaotic household. Punishments and yelling affect them emotionally.
  • Poms will not do well in a household where they’re left alone for long hours and may develop separation anxiety
  • As descendants of sled dogs, these dogs have a high tolerance for cold weather but a low tolerance for hot temperatures.
  • They do not seem to realize they are small in stature. They have the confidence of a giant dog breed.
Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance Or Not?
Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance Or Not?

Pomeranian Physical Needs

The Pomeranians are playful dogs with moderate energy levels. You can enjoy activities like fetch, agility, and flyball with your dog. They have low exercise requirements but should be regularly exercised to maintain good health.

Do Pomeranians Require a Lot of Grooming?

The most outstanding characteristic of the Pomeranian is its thick, stand-out, glamorous double coat. Although the shedding rate of Pomeranians is moderate, their coat needs regular care to keep it in good condition and looking good.

To prevent their coat from getting tangled and matted, the coat should be brushed at least twice weekly. Your Pom’s eyes and ears should also be cleaned regularly to avoid infection, and their teeth need to be brushed daily to avoid dental problems.

Pom owners may like to use the service of professional dog groomers can assist in keeping your Pom looking neat and excessive prevent shedding of Pomeranian hair.

Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance
Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance

Tips for Having a Well-Rounded Pomeranian?

Here are a few ideas that you can take to ensure that your Pomeranian will grow up to be a friendly and well-rounded small dog:

  • Socialization: Pomeranians need socialization and exposure to many different people, pets, places, sounds, and sights during puppyhood. 
  • Lots of love and attention: Give your Pomeranians lots of love and attention. Make sure to spend time regularly with your little friend.
  • Exercise: Before getting a Pomeranian, you need to make sure that you can manage the exercise needs of this dog. You should remove their pent up energy through games like fetch, tug games, hide-and-seek. These activities will keep your small dog busy and entertained.
  • Training: Pomeranians require consistent training right from puppy food. Untrained and unsocialized Pomeranians will struggle to get along with people and other pets.
  • Use positive reinforcement techniques: Always reward the positive behavior of your Pomeranian. These little dogs feel special every time they are rewarded with praises and rewards.
  • Stay consistent with your Pomeranian: You need to be consistent with your Pomeranian. Lack of consistency might reinforce the negative behavior. 

Pet Parent Tip: Many behavioural problems have a root in a Pomeranian’s early upbringing. Set limits from the start and your little guy will be a wonderful companion. 

Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance
Is The Pomeranian High Maintenance

Getting a Pomeranian puppy

Perhaps the most vital question you should ask yourself before getting a Pomeranian puppy is – Should I get a Pom puppy? 

Getting a new Pomeranian puppy is not something that should be done without proper planning. Before bringing home a Pom puppy, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Is every family member on board with the idea of having a Pomeranian puppy?
  • Do you have kids or another pet at home and still manage to have a Pom puppy? 
  • Puppies require a lot of time, attention, and training. Do you and your family members have enough time to dedicate to your Pom puppy? 
  • Will your Pomeranian puppy have company at home if you have long working hours? These little furballs can’t be left alone for extended periods. 
  • Pomeranian puppies require a commitment for the duration of their entire life. Can you commit to a long-term relationship with your Pom?
  • Are you ready to deal with all kinds of messy stuff involved in Pomeranian puppy parenting?

Have you answered yes to most of these questions? Then congratulations! You are ready to add a Pom puppy to your family and enjoy all the benefits of Pomeranian ownership. 

Final Thoughts on Pomeranian High Maintenance

While Poms are certainly physically small, they are definitely big in popularity. Pomeranians can make good pets if they match your lifestyle. It is important to understand that as a dog parent, you are responsible for the care and wellbeing of your Pom.

Pomeranians are known for being the perfect companions. They’re friendly, playful and never fail to cheer up their owners with endless cuteness.

Pomeranians require your love and time but they are not a high maintenance breed. Poms are like small kids and heavily rely on our care as dog parents! A healthy diet, a stress-free environment, and physical and mental stimulation will help your Pom develop and grow better.

Remember that all Pomeranians are not the same. So, what is ideal for one Pom may not work for the other. We all have to be a little more creative.

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

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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.”

About

Dochlaggie

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