Last Updated on 09/02/2024 by Denise Leo. Post first published on February 4, 2024.
A Pomeranian is a tiny dog. The breed resembles a cute teddy bear with tiny ears, a small wedge-shaped face, and a huge fluffy coat – Pomeranians are adorable.
Although the Toy Pomeranian has a tiny body, this dog breed has the personality of a large dog. Compact in size but vast in courage, Toy Pomeranians are obedient, active, agile, and best suited for families with older children.
Toy Pomeranian Information
The Toy Pomeranian is the smallest member of the Spitz family of dogs from the Arctic. Pomerania is a northern European province now divided between Poland and Germany from where the dog derives its name. It was in Pomerania where the modern-day Pom originated.
Toy Pomeranians are so elegant that they seem fit for a Queen. Indeed, it was a Queen who brought Pom into the limelight. Queen Victoria was so mesmerized by the Pomeranians on her visit to Italy in 1888 that she brought some home. Under her watch, they grew tiny in size to be characterized as Toy dogs.
Many famous people owned Toy Pomeranians. Not only did Queen Victoria love her Poms, but she also demanded her favorite Pom on her deathbed. Other notable people who owned a Toy Pomeranian include reformer Martin Luther, artist Michelangelo, the physicist Issac Newton, and the composer Mozart.
Why the Pomeranian is Called a Toy Pomeranian
Because of its small size, it is not usually grouped together with the larger dog breeds by the leading dog authorities of many countries. Instead, it is grouped in a special category of dogs known as Toy Breeds because of their tiny size. Hence, the Pom – a much-loved nickname for this tiny dog – is also often called Toy Pomeranian or a toy dog.
This technically means that the terms “Toy Pomeranians,” “Toy Pomeranian puppies,” ” Toy Pom,” and “Adult Toy Pomeranians” may be used as a description of the Pomeranian dog breed in some circumstances.
The Kennel Clubs of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the American Kennel Club identify the Pomeranian as a Toy dog breed.
The Toy group at dog shows is only accessible to the smallest dogs. The Toy group is for toy-sized dogs such as Pomeranians but also includes Maltese, Papillon, Pug, Chihuahua, Pekingese, Chinese Crested dogs, and other dogs that are small in structure, height, and weight.
The Pomeranian is Classed as a Toy Breed Dog
Pomeranian is as tiny as a toy. Therefore this dog is placed in the Toy Group by dog clubs and referred to as Toy Pomeranian.
A Pomeranian is small in size and tiny in appearance. According to the American Kennel Club, a healthy adult dog might weigh between 3 and 7 pounds. Similarly, the height of a Pomeranian never exceeds 8 to 11 inches.
By all accounts, Pomeranian is small and tiny compared to other dog breeds. To make the dog classification simpler, the leading dog clubs have created a special dog category known as Toy Group, where dog breeds that are small and tiny are grouped together.
American Kennel Club has a special group by the name of Toy Group. Pomeranian is placed in the Toy Group along with other dog breeds. Pom is so tiny and cute, as if it might be a toy.
How Big is a Toy Pomeranian?
A Toy Pomeranian can reach 8 inches in height and weigh only 3 to 7 pounds.
When compared to other dogs of considerable size, Poms appear much smaller. Because of their tiny size, they are known as Toy Pomeranian dogs. The most striking and much-loved feature of a Toy Pomeranian is its small size.
Because of their tiny size, they are placed in the Toy Group by the leading dog clubs, including the UK Kennel Club, Canadian Kennel Club, New Zealand Kennel, and the American Kennel Club.
When do Toy Pomeranians Stop Growing?
Toy Pomeranians are fully grown by the time they are one year old.
Toy Pomeranians can grow to an approximate weight of 3 to 7 pounds. Most Toy Poms are fully grown when they are 12 months old. In the 52-week period, Toy Pomeranians reach the weight of that of an adult Pom.
However, some Toy Pomeranians need an additional six months to grow fully. After they are eighteen months old, Toy Pomeranians stop growing.
Where to Buy a Toy Pomeranian?
American Kennel Club can link you to the potential breeders where you can buy a Toy Pomeranian. Alternatively, you can adopt a Toy Pomeranian from a rescue group.
This website provides the link to all the best registered Pomeranian breeders. All the additional information is provided there, along with the images of the dog. The registered breeders are involved in responsible breeding practices. This is a great source for you to buy a Toy Pomeranian.
If you don’t want to buy one, you can adopt a Toy Pomeranian from rescue groups. Many rescue groups will help with the adoption of a Toy Pomeranian. Some of them are:
- New England Pomeranian Rescue, CT
- Northwater Pom Haven, NY
- NW Pomeranian Rescue, Portland, OR
- Northwater Rescue, Norwood, NY
- Ponderosa Pomeranian Rescue
How Much Does a Toy Pomeranian Weigh?
According to the American Kennel Club, a Toy Pomeranian can weigh as much from 3 pounds to 7 pounds.
At the time of birth, a Toy Pomeranian can weigh somewhere between 3 oz and 6.5 oz. These are the ranges between which the weight of a Toy Pomeranian fluctuates. A 3 oz puppy can grow into a 3-pound dog. Similarly, a 6.5 oz puppy will grow into a 7-pound dog.
Toy Pomeranian Weight Chart
Weight at Birth | 3 oz | 3.5 oz | 4 oz | 4.5 oz | 5 oz | 5.5 oz | 6 oz | 6.5 oz |
Adult Weight | 3 lbs | 3.5 lbs | 4 lbs | 5 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 6 lbs | 6.5 lbs | 7 lbs |
Toy Pomeranian Price
Toy Pomeranian puppy costs can be somewhere between $700 to $7000.
It is an estimated range, though several factors determine the price of the Toy Pomeranian puppies. Toy Pomeranian prices vary from $500 to $6000. However, a good puppy can be purchased from a responsible breeder for $1000 to $3000.
When you would buy a puppy and take it home, you would have to spend an additional price of $1000 on average during the first year. This amount would help you buy the dog accessories such as dishes, toys, bedding, and anything else.
Later, a Toy Pomeranian puppy would cost approximately $1000 to $3000 yearly. This price covers food and provisions that a dog needs. However, this amount does not cover any additional medical expenses you might incur if your Toy Pomeranian falls ill.
How to Care for a Toy Pomeranian?
Toy Pomeranian is a great dog for people who live in families. Regular exercise, plenty of toys, family time, enough sleep, good nutritious food, love, and care are required by Toy Pomeranians. Blessed by many loving qualities, Toy Pomeranians can be cared for in the following ways.
- Toy Pomeranians are agile and energetic. But they are not filled with crazy energy. This trait allows you to keep a Toy Pomeranian indoors. They are best suited for apartments, but be sure to remove things that might harm them.
- A toy Pomeranian is a sporty dog whose day won’t end until it has had a walk. They cannot do without regular walks. You can take them on a small walk around the neighborhood or on a short hike. But take good care of your dog and protect them from rush and traffic.
- Toy Pomeranian is a tiny dog. It is sensitive to heat and cold. When on a walk, protect your dog from heat.
- Take care of your dog’s diet. Well-balanced, rich-in-nutrition dog food should be served to Toy Pomeranians. Note that the food must be rich in proteins. Proteins come from chicken, beef, pork, turkey, and fish. Your Toy Pomeranian should also consume a lot of vegetables to stay healthy.
- Toy Pomeranian has a long double coat that needs occasional grooming. Brush the coat of your Toy Pomeranian twice or thrice a week. Brushing keeps the coat healthy and distributes natural oils. It also removes dust and dirt that the coat might have acquired during play. Removing dirt is necessary to prevent coat fleas, ticks, and burrs attacks.
- Although a Toy Pomeranian is generally a healthy dog. But it still can develop many diseases—book regular sessions with a vet to protect your dog from multiple health problems. A regular schedule of thorough examinations will keep your Toy Pomeranian healthy and disease-free.
How Long Does a Toy Pomeranian Live?
A Toy Pomeranian can live an expected life of 12 to 16 years.
Toy Pomeranian is generally a healthy breed. However, some diseases can be life-threatening for Toy Pomeranians. If Toy Pomeranians stay healthy all their life, they can be expected to live for as long as 16 years.
Some diseases are life-threatening for Toy Pomeranians. Gastrointestinal diseases cause a large number of deaths. Gastrointestinal diseases include pancreatitis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, and intestinal obstruction. These diseases weaken the digestive system and cause deaths in Toy Pomeranians.
Other life-threatening diseases are trauma and infections. Being stepped on, injured by a car, or crushed by an object are some of the leading causes of trauma. Viral and bacterial infections also claim the lives of Toy Pomeranians.
How Much Should a Toy Pomeranian Eat?
Many factors determine the amount of food a Toy Pomeranian should consume. On average, Toy Pomeranians should consume ⅓ of a cup to a cup each day.
Toy Pomeranians are tiny dogs with tiny stomachs. Their food requirement is much less than that of a large dog. The amount of food a Toy Pomeranian should eat also depends on size and age. Also, if a dog goes through a growth spurt, it would consume more food.
The food served to the dog may also determine the quantity as to how much a dog should eat. Dry and cooked dog food would differ in the amount required per portion. However, it can be safely said that a Toy Pomeranian should be fed a quantity of food equal to a third of a cup to one cup.
How to Potty Train a Toy Pomeranian?
A Toy Pomeranian can be potty trained with the reward-training method. You need to reward your puppy each time it obeys you and finishes pooping on the marked area.
The following steps should be taken for potty training your Toy Pomeranian:
- Mark an area, preferably in the lawn or backyard, where you want your dog to finish each time.
- Put your dog on a leash and take it out to poop on the exact same spot
- Repeat the exercise after regular intervals.
- Reward your dog each time it finishes pooping on the marked spot.
Following these steps, your Toy Pomeranian will be potty trained quickly.
Do Toy Pomeranians Bark a Lot?
Toy Pomeranians are suspicious dogs who suffer from small dog syndrome. They tend to alert their master once they sense something unusual. Hence, Toy Pomeranians bark a lot.
Toy Pomeranians bark because of some reasons. Some of the reasons are described below:
- Toy Pomeranians bark when they are happy and sad. Barking when happy or sad is a way these dogs express their emotions.
- Boredom is another reason that induces Toy Pomeranians to bark. If left alone, the barking is going to annoy the neighbors.
- Toy Pomeranians also bark excessively whenever they seek humans’ attention. If you give attention to your dog whenever he barks, chances are he has learned to bark each time for attention.
- Sick, pain, and distress also cause Toy Pomeranians to bark.
- Barking is a natural way for dogs to communicate with other dogs. Toy Pomeranians bark in the presence of the other dogs.
Do Toy Pomeranians Shed?
Toy Pomeranians shed, but the amount of shedding is moderate.
Toy Pomeranians have a double coat. But they are very tiny. Because of their tiny dog body, the overall coat covering the skin is less. The shedding of a Toy Pomeranian dog is also moderate. Hence, it can be safely said that the Toy Pomeranians don’t shed much.
Brushing the coat is required twice or thrice a week to clean the coat. A regular brush should be used to brush the coat of the Toy Pomeranian. Brushing can help cleanly collect the shedding.
What is the Lifespan of a Toy Pomeranian?
The lifespan of a Toy Pomeranian is 12 to 16 years.
Toy Pomeranians can live a healthy life of 12 to 16 years. These are healthy dogs that can live a full life. However, certain health problems can worry these dogs.
There are certain life-threatening diseases these dogs can contract. The diseases include gastrointestinal disease, trauma, and bacterial or viral infections.
Beware of This Advertising Sales Gimmick
It would be best if you were wary that some pet stores, breeders, and other dog owners or sellers might use this same description to claim their dog falsely has a unique quality because it’s smaller when compared to the average Pomeranian standard. A reputable Pomeranian breeder will be a member of the National Breed Club and will not describe his small dogs as Toys or Teacup breeds.
There’s only a single Pomeranian dog breed and only one Pomeranian puppy. Ignore other descriptive words such as Toy Pom, Teacup Pomeranian, Teacup Pomeranian puppies, teacup dogs, Teacup breed Micro Toy Pomeranian, Miniature Toy Pomeranian, or other words that may imply that once the Pomeranian has reached adulthood, he’ll be smaller than a standard size Pom.
Because the Pomeranian is a breed that’s often called a “toy dog,” many people will just use that description as it helps them with the claim that their puppy is unique and their adult size will be smaller than the norm.
Toy Pomeranian Health Issues
Pomeranian Collapsed Trachea
A collapsed trachea occurs when his neck is overloaded with stress. It mainly happens if a Pom puppy goes for walks wearing a leash and collar, not a leash and harness. As dogs are prone to do, when he tries to run ahead or to the left or right, his leash tightens and applies intense pressure on his neck.
The trachea itself is comprised of cartilage rings and it will just collapse, causing the rings to get crushed, causing severe pain and trouble with breathing. To avoid this horrendous problem, simply use a harness at all times when walking your dog.
Pomeranian Patella Luxation
A luxating patella is a medical term for a slipped kneecap.
Hip dysplasia is rare in the Pomeranian dog. Hip dysplasia is the medical term describing a socket and hip joint that slipped out of its normal place. Pomeranians are more prone to Legg- Perthes disease.
Toy dogs can easily face these health problems. The main way it happens is when your toy Pomeranian jumps down to the floor from a high object of some sort because its body is unable to cope with the impact that occurs once your dog hits the floor. Examples of things to jump off include a bed, a sofa, or even jumping out of somebody’s grasp.
The best way to prevent these problems is to teach your Pomeranian not to jump at all. You can use dog ramps in common areas where your dog wants to jump off.
For example, the sofa where he can safely walk up and down with no harm. Perhaps have a ramp in your bedroom if you want him in your bed at times. It all helps prevent injuries, pain for your dog, and more pain in your wallet.
Buy a Healthy Pomeranian Dog
The ideal way to guarantee you’ll purchase a happy, healthy Pomeranian puppy is to do your research and only buy from a breeder who is reputable. He should have years of experience with Pomeranians and their life is devoted to caring and raising the right size standard Pomeranian toy dogs. If you need somebody you can trust, check out our Pomeranian Breeders list.
Worries That Dog Lovers and Pomeranian Owners May Have
- If you’re worried about how much weight your puppy or dog should be, check out our growth chart.
- If you think he could be overweight, our feeding section may help.
- Certain new owners might have bought a dog that’s not a Toy Pom. Instead, his dog is the opposite, much bigger than expected.
- Pom puppies may grow too big for show purposes and pet Pomeranians often weigh more than their show brothers and sisters.
- Another cause of the larger type of Pomeranian dog is the practices of breeders who don’t prove their Pomeranians in the show ring prior to breeding. These practices have been likened to employing a builder who does not follow plans.
Final Thoughts on Toy Poms
With its diminutive stature, the Toy Pomeranian is universally cherished by canine enthusiasts. Its small size does not align it with the conventional dog classifications; instead, it finds its place within the Toy Dog category designated by prestigious Kennel Clubs in the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States.
Renowned for their popularity, Toy Pomeranians have graced royalty and the general populace with their lively, energetic, and attractive presence. For those seeking a pet that embodies vitality and beauty in a compact form, the Toy Pomeranian is an unparalleled choice.
Embrace the unique qualities of your Pomeranian, regardless of its size. Every dog, including every Pomeranian, holds a special place in the hearts of those who love them.
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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.