Poms 101

Toy group

Fuzzy and fox-faced, the Pomeranian is an active little dog with a big personality. Devoted to their families, these dogs may be protective towards strangers.

Their thick, double coat needs regular, down-to-the skin combing and brushing to avoid matting. As with many double-coated breeds, they shed their downy undercoats twice a year. A trip to the groomer will speed up the “coat blowing” and minimize shedding.

What we love about Poms

Foxy, furry breed has spunk and smarts.

The Pomeranian is smart dog and a quick learner. Early manners training and socialization is helpful to keep the Pom from deciding that they, not their families, are in charge.

Energy level

75% energy level

Energy level: 75% (High)

Bark level

  • Very vocal
  • As needed

Bark level: Talkative. This breed vocalizes regularly but not excessively

Size

6 to 7 inches tall
Toy breed size

Size: 6 to 7 inches tall. This is a Toy sized Dog.

Lifespan

12 to 16 years

Lifespan: 12 to 16 years average

Weight

4 to 7 lbs

Weight: 4 to 7 lbs typical range

Energy level
High (75%)
Bark level
Talkative
Height
6 to 7 inches
Lifespan
12 to 16 years
Weight
4 to 7 lbs

The Pomeranian stands 6 to 7 inches tall and weighs 4 to 7 lbs. Pomeranians have a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. They are known for a high (75%) energy level and a talkative bark.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big do Pomeranians get?
Pomeranians stand 6 to 7 inches tall and typically weigh between 4 and 7 pounds.
How long do Pomeranians live?
The average lifespan of a Pomeranian is 12 to 16 years.
Are Pomeranians good for first-time dog owners?
Pomeranians are intelligent but have high energy. They do best with experienced owners who can provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.
Do Pomeranians bark a lot?
Pomeranians are considered talkative — they bark more than average but are not excessively vocal.

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My pet’s health plannerSM

This Pomeranian health planner outlines the most common medical conditions at each life stage — from puppy through senior — along with their relative risk levels. Understanding these risks can help owners plan preventive care and choose the right pet insurance coverage.

Mature adult Pom

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Pom conditions

Mid-life Pomeranians should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Collapsed trachea and Luxated patella pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Collapsed trachea
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Senior Pom

8+ years

Risk level for common Pom conditions

Senior Pomeranians face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Collapsed trachea and Luxated patella and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Collapsed trachea
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk

Pom puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Pom conditions

Pomeranian puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastritis is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Gastritis
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Young adult Pom

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Pom conditions

As Pomeranians grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Collapsed trachea
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Toxicity
Moderate Risk

Mature adult Pom

5 years to 7 years

Risk level for common Pom conditions

Mid-life Pomeranians should be monitored for both joint and cardiovascular health. Collapsed trachea and Luxated patella pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Collapsed trachea
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Dental disease
Moderate Risk

Senior Pom

8+ years

Risk level for common Pom conditions

Senior Pomeranians face increased risk for serious age-related conditions. Collapsed trachea and Luxated patella and Valvular heart disease pose very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Collapsed trachea
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
80% on risk scale
Valvular heart disease
Very High Risk

Pom puppy

0 to 6 months

Risk level for common Pom conditions

Pomeranian puppies are most vulnerable during this early stage. Gastritis is at high risk.

70% on risk scale
Gastritis
High Risk
40% on risk scale
Ear infection
Above Average Risk
40% on risk scale
Trauma
Above Average Risk

Young adult Pom

7 months to 4 years

Risk level for common Pom conditions

As Pomeranians grow into young adults, orthopedic and injury risks become more relevant. Luxated patella poses very high risk.

80% on risk scale
Luxated patella
Very High Risk
60% on risk scale
Collapsed trachea
Moderate Risk
60% on risk scale
Toxicity
Moderate Risk
Pomeranian standing — health planner for puppies through senior dogs

Nationwide can help you save on your Pomeranian's health care no matter what lifestage they’re in.

Puppy (0 to 6 months)
Gastritis: High Risk, Ear infection: Above Average Risk, Trauma: Above Average Risk
Young Adult (7 months to 4 years)
Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Collapsed trachea: Moderate Risk, Toxicity: Moderate Risk
Mature Adult (5 years to 7 years)
Collapsed trachea: Very High Risk, Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Dental disease: Moderate Risk
Senior (8+ years)
Collapsed trachea: Very High Risk, Luxated patella: Very High Risk, Valvular heart disease: Very High Risk
3-Fun fact Pomeranian GettyImages-157078214

Pomeranians were once favored by royalty, including Queen Victoria of England. Her Pomeranian named Marco had a special water bowl made of pure gold!

Pomeranian coat care and colors

The Pomeranian has a long overcoat and a downy undercoat. Combing down to the skin helps prevent the undercoat from matting into a solid pelt that must be shaved off. A heavy seasonal shedder, the Pom benefits from professional bathing and a “blowout” a couple of times a year to reduce flying fur. The Pomeranian comes in 18 recognized solid colors, although shades of brown from cream to dark chocolate are most commonly seen. Additionally, acclimating puppies to having their feet handled will make a lifetime of nail trims easier.

Pom exercise & training

Exercise level

Exercise level

Intelligent, bold and lively, the Pomeranian loves doing things with family. A daily walk and some indoor games and play will keep them in good shape.

Trainability

Trainability

A big dog in a small body, the Pomeranian may consider commands as mere suggestions. Encourage good behavior with praise and tiny treats.

Group 7705

Pom fun facts

Top girl names for Poms

100%

of Poms are female

0%

of Poms are male

Top boy names for Poms

Nationwide loves Pomeranians of every name, from Aaron to Zog the Destroyer

Pomeranian gender distribution
GenderPercentage
Male0%
Female100%

Among Pomeranians insured by Nationwide, 0% are male and 100% are female.

Pomeranian statistics: Gender ratio is 0% male and 100% female.

Other breeds like Poms

Best. Pomeranian insurance. Ever.SM

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