Pomeranian

Like every breed, the Pomeranian is not the right fit for every home. Based on the breed’s typical traits:

• Use reward-based training techniques.
• Teach them to walk on a harness and come back when called.
• Try trick training, puzzle games or mini agility to keep them busy.
• Expect toilet training to take longer than with larger breeds, and take them out often.

• Children

  Usually better with older, calmer children.

• Other dogs

  Usually sociable with other dogs.

• Cats and small pets

  Varies with the individual dog.

• Flats and smaller homes

  Often adapts to flats and smaller homes.

• Being left alone

  Usually copes only with short periods alone.

• First-time owners

  Some dog experience helps.

Not yet reviewed by a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice: speak to your vet about your own dog’s health.

• Patellar luxation

  The kneecaps can slip temporarily out of place.

• Eye conditions

  Progressive retinal atrophy is a gradual deterioration of the retina that can lead to blindness. The breed can also be affected by cataracts and entropion, where the eyelids turn inwards. Eye testing under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme is part of best-practice testing.

• Chiari malformation and syringomyelia (CM/SM)

  A painful neurological condition where fluid-filled cavities develop in the spinal cord near the brain. A BVA/KC CM/SM health scheme is available.

• Hydrocephalus

  A build-up of fluid around the brain that can cause damage.

• Tracheal collapse

  The rings of the windpipe collapse, which blocks the airway and makes breathing difficult.

• Hormonal and skin conditions

  Pomeranians can be affected by hypothyroidism, where the body produces too little thyroid hormone, and Cushing's syndrome, where it produces too much cortisol. Alopecia X causes symmetrical hair loss and darkening of the skin.

• Elbow dysplasia

  Looseness of the elbow joint caused by poor development, which eventually leads to arthritis.

Responsible breeders and rescues are happy to talk about health, and any pressure to decide quickly is a reason to walk away. Before taking a Pomeranian home, it is reasonable to ask about:

• Health testing of the parents. Ask which health tests the parents have had for conditions known in the breed, and to see the results.
• Veterinary and vaccination records. Puppies should have had a first vaccination and a vet check, with records you can take home.
• Microchip information. In England, Scotland and Wales puppies must be microchipped and registered by eight weeks old. Ask who the chip is registered to and how the transfer works.
• Registration paperwork. Registration papers, where they apply, record pedigree. They do not by themselves prove health or how a puppy was raised.

There are two costs: bringing a Pomeranian home, and looking after one well. Puppy prices depend on the breeder, health testing and demand; the adverts below show what sellers are asking today.

Ongoing costs are the ones new owners most often underestimate: food, insurance (which usually rises with age), routine vet care, vaccinations and parasite treatment, dental care, grooming, training, bedding and equipment, and boarding or a sitter for holidays. Budget for the whole of the dog’s life, typically from 12 years, not just the first year.

If you have decided the Pomeranian suits your life, take the same care choosing where your dog comes from. Meet the puppy in person, see it with its mother, and look at how the litter is raised.

• Check who you are dealing with: every Mypetzilla advert shows the seller type and what we have checked.
• Ask about health testing, vaccinations and the microchip before you commit.
• Take your time. Do not be rushed by deposits or "last one left" stories.
• Meet in person before paying anything, and keep conversations on Mypetzilla.

Pomeranians do come up for adoption, through rescue organisations, breed rescues and private rehoming, often because an owner’s circumstances have changed rather than any fault of the dog. An adult dog arrives as a known quantity: its size, coat and character are already on show.

Rescues will usually talk you through the dog’s history, any medical care, and the home it needs, including children, other animals and time alone. Be honest about your circumstances: a good rescue would rather place a dog once, well.