• Activity Level: Moderate
• Grooming Level: High
• Trainability: High
• Adaptability: High
• Kid/Pet Friendly: Often
• Average Size: Small
• Average Lifespan: 12-16 Years
• Prey Drive: Moderate
• Watchdog: Very Alert
• Registered?: Aca, Akc

The Pomeranian is distantly related to the original Arctic sled dogs; they just come in a much smaller package. They are the smallest of the Spitz breeds and have been a royal favorite throughout history. They were recognized by the AKC in 1888 and are part of the Toy Group. They are a popular companion breed and are one of the most popular toy breeds in the world.

Pomeranians are generally active, friendly, and affectionate towards their family. They tend to have a “big dog in a small body” type of attitude and are often suspicious of strangers. This makes them alert watchdogs. However, if left unchecked, this can cause them to bark constantly and to try and intimidate other much larger dogs. Socialization and training early on is very important for a well-rounded and well-behaved Pomeranian.

Poms love attention. They will enjoy life as a lapdog and family companion, which also makes them great therapy dogs. They’ve even been trained as service dogs in some capacities. They tend to do well with children. Due to their small size, they are generally a better fit for older children who are less likely to injure them with accidental falls or rough play.

The Pomeranian is highly adaptable. They are comfortable in apartments as well as larger homes and enjoy city, suburban, or rural settings. Poms also do relatively well in most climates. Their double coat affords them a little more protection in colder climates. However, they can be sensitive to heat. They can become overheated easily in high heat and humidity, so should be kept inside as much as possible and monitored carefully when outside in this type of weather. Because they crave companionship, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time.