Fluffy Pomeranians are a delight to have as pets, but they do require some special care to stay happy and healthy.
Their thick double coat sheds heavily, especially during shedding season, so be prepared for regular grooming sessions to prevent matting and tangling.
Daily brushing is a must to prevent hairballs and keep their coat in top condition, with a focus on the areas where the coat is longest, such as the ruff and tail.
Their small size belies their big appetite, so make sure to feed them high-quality dog food in the right amount to maintain a healthy weight.
With proper care and attention, your Fluffy Pomeranian can live up to 12-16 years, making them a long-term companion.
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History and Origins
The Pomeranian breed has a rich history that spans thousands of years, with roots in Europe. Pomeranians originated in the region of Pomerania, which is now part of Poland and Germany.
Their ancestors were sled-pulling Spitz dogs, characterized by their pointy ears, thick coats, and big tails that curve along the back. This heritage is still evident in the breed's physical appearance.
The British fell in love with Poms after Queen Victoria brought them back from Italy, where she had spotted them. She became a huge fan of the breed and bred and showed them for many years.
Queen Victoria's influence led to the breed's miniaturization, resulting in the tiny size we associate with Poms today. They once weighed around 30 pounds, but now they're one of the smallest breeds, alongside Chihuahuas and Maltese.
Pomeranians were first introduced to the United States in 1892 and quickly gained recognition as one of the oldest American Kennel Club breeds.
Physical Characteristics
Pomeranians are tiny dogs with a very distinct look. They come in a variety of colors, including red-oranges and orange, with the most common being orange and red-toned coats.
Their fluffy fur can make them look like tiny lions, and their expressive and feathery tail spreads over the back of their double coat. The double coat is made up of a short, thick fur below and an abundant coarse outer coat.
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Pomeranians have dark, almond-shaped eyes and alert ears set high on their fox-like head. Their ears are small, erect, and sit high on the head, giving them a unique and adorable appearance.
Here are some key physical characteristics of Pomeranians:
Pomeranians typically weigh between 3 to 7 pounds and stand between 7 to 12 inches tall. Some litters may have puppies that are throwbacks to the days when they were larger, growing to be 12 to 14 pounds or more.
Personality and Temperament
Pomeranians are a lively breed that thrive on social interaction, making them perfect for families with kids. They're naturally friendly and outgoing, and they love making new friends.
Their extroverted nature means they're often described as happy-go-lucky, with a personality that's equal parts friendly and inquisitive. This makes them excellent companions and a joy to be around.
Poms are highly intelligent and love to learn new tricks, making them a great fit for obedience classes. They're also known to be rather compatible with other pets, including cats and children, as long as they're socialized from an early age.
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To ensure your Pomeranian grows up to be a well-rounded dog, it's essential to provide them with plenty of socialization opportunities. This can be achieved by enrolling them in puppy kindergarten classes, inviting visitors over regularly, and taking them on leisurely strolls to meet new people and experiences.
Some Poms can be prone to separation anxiety, so it's best to have someone around for most of the day. They also prefer to walk on their own feet rather than being carried, which is a testament to their independent nature.
Here are some key characteristics to keep in mind when considering a Pomeranian as a pet:
- Extroverted and social
- Highly intelligent and trainable
- Naturally friendly and outgoing
- Prone to separation anxiety
- Prefer to walk on their own feet
A Courageous Little Star
Pomeranians are known for their bold and confident nature, often forgetting their small size. They're a breed that loves to make their presence known, and their loud voices are just one way they express themselves.
Good socialization is crucial for Pomeranians, as their vocal nature and wilful personalities can sometimes get the better of them. This means that early training and interaction with people and other animals is essential.
Pomeranians are affectionate, playful, and adaptable, making them a great fit for most home environments. They get along well with children and cats, and their small size is ideal for city living.
However, like other Toy breeds, Pomeranians can be prone to separation anxiety. This means they're best suited for homes where someone will be around for most of the day.
Here are some key personality traits to keep in mind when considering a Pomeranian as a pet:
- Vocal nature
- Wilful personality
- Affectionate and playful
- Adaptable
- Prone to separation anxiety
Temperament & Personality
Pomeranians are known for their friendly and inquisitive nature, making them excellent watchdogs who will bark at anything out of the ordinary. They love meeting new people and getting along well with other animals, but may sometimes think they're bigger than they are.
Socialization is key to ensuring your Pomeranian grows up to be a well-rounded dog. Enroll them in puppy kindergarten, invite visitors over, and take them to busy parks and stores to help them polish their social skills.
Pomeranians are intelligent and can pick up new tricks quickly. They're known to be rather compatible with their extended family, including other dogs, cats, and children. However, they can be prone to separation anxiety and prefer to have someone around for most of the day.
A Pomeranian's independence means they prefer to walk on their own feet rather than being carried. Despite their high energy, they can get plenty of exercise running around the home or with a short neighborhood walk.
Here are some key traits to keep in mind when considering a Pomeranian as a pet:
- Extroverted and social
- Intelligent and trainable
- Can be prone to separation anxiety
- Prefer to walk on their own feet
- High energy, but can get enough exercise in a small space
Overall, Pomeranians are a fantastic fit for families and apartment living due to their small size and friendly nature. However, they do require regular socialization and exercise to keep them happy and healthy.
Care
Pomeranians are active indoors and enjoy several short daily walks or play times, but they can get bored easily, so give them lots of toys and rotate them frequently.
To keep your Pom happy and engaged, consider trick training - they love to learn new things and enjoy being the center of attention. Training sessions should be brief and fun, with rewards like praise, treats, or play.
These little dogs have short legs, but they're still active, so you can get their exercise in even at home. They're great companions for many types of pet parents, including families, singles, and older adults.
However, their long, fluffy coat requires daily upkeep and grooming to stay healthy and pretty. Routine trips to a professional groomer can be helpful, especially for their thick undercoat that sheds seasonally.
Here are some signs that your Pomeranian needs veterinary attention:
• Squinting
• Green or yellow discharge
• Significant changes to the eye
• Swelling
To keep their coat looking sharp, bathe your Pomeranian in warm water every one to four weeks, and brush their teeth a few times a week. A wire pin brush is ideal for their thick coat, and a complete grooming package every four to six weeks is highly recommended.
Pomeranians have a long, straight, fluffy coat with a characteristic 'frill' of fur around their neck and chest. They require consistent grooming to prevent mats and tangles, especially during shedding seasons.
You should brush your Pomeranian's coat at least once weekly, and daily during shedding seasons. Excessive tearing is common, so clean their eyes of debris daily with a clean cotton ball and eye wash solution.
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Health and Wellness
Pomeranians are generally healthy canines, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. They can live up to 12-16 years, making them one of the longest-living dog breeds.
Some common health issues in Pomeranians include patellar luxation, where the kneecap pops out of place, and collapsing tracheas, which can cause breathing difficulties. These conditions can be managed with lifestyle changes, medication, and in severe cases, surgery.
Pomeranians may also be at risk of developing hypothyroidism, which can cause lethargy, hair thinning, and weight gain. Regular blood tests can diagnose this issue, and it can be regulated with medication. To prevent hypoglycemia, a condition of low blood sugar, it's essential to keep your puppy fed on a regular schedule.
Here are some common health issues in Pomeranians:
- Patellar luxation
- Collapsing tracheas
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypoglycemia
- Hip issues (Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hip dysplasia)
- Eye problems (cataracts and entropion)
- Hair loss (Severe Hair Loss Syndrome or Pomeranian alopecia)
Ear Care
Pomeranians are less likely to get ear infections than floppy-eared dogs due to their erect ears.
To prevent ear infections, use a vet-recommended ear cleaner after bathing your Pomeranian to remove lingering water from the ear canal.
It's essential to schedule a checkup with your vet if you notice signs of an ear infection.
Your vet can recommend the best method for cleaning your dog's ears.
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Health
Pomeranians are generally healthy canines, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health issues. Pomeranians are known to live up to 12-16 years, making them one of the longest-living dog breeds.
One common issue Pomeranians face is patellar luxation, where the kneecap pops out of place, causing pain and potentially leading to arthritis. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to correct this issue.
Pomeranians can also be susceptible to collapsing tracheas, which occurs when the rings of the trachea are weak and can flatten, interfering with breathing. A harness is often recommended over a traditional neck collar to avoid putting pressure on the trachea.
Hypothyroidism is another common issue in Pomeranians, causing symptoms such as lethargy, hair thinning, and weight gain. A vet can run a blood test to diagnose this issue, and it can typically be regulated with medication.
Pomeranians can also be prone to hypoglycemia, a condition of low blood sugar, which can cause symptoms such as weakness, sleepiness, and seizures. Keeping your puppy fed on a regular schedule can help prevent this issue.
Hip issues are also a concern for Pomeranians, including Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hip dysplasia. These conditions occur when the ball and socket of the joint don't develop and grow properly, and surgery may be needed to correct them.
Pomeranians can also be prone to eye problems, such as cataracts and entropion. These conditions can be genetic and may require surgery to correct.
Here are some common health issues Pomeranians may face:
- Patellar luxation
- Collapsing tracheas
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypoglycemia
- Hip issues (Legg-Calve-Perthes disease and hip dysplasia)
- Eye problems (cataracts and entropion)
It's essential to monitor your Pomeranian's health and address any issues promptly to ensure they live a long and happy life.
Behavior and Training
Pomeranians are intelligent dogs that thrive on training and socialization. They can learn to sit, stay, and even speak with the right guidance.
Housebreaking is a crucial part of Pomeranian training, and accidents can happen, especially with tiny pups and their small bladders. Training pads are a good option inside, and the Pet Parents washable dog pee pads with a non-slip backing are reusable and match most home decor.
To prevent jumping, it's essential to master the "off" or "down" command right away. This will help prevent energetic Poms from springing onto chairs, couches, and beds.
Pomeranians need plenty of exercise and playtime to stay happy and well-behaved. Two 15-minute walks a day are sufficient, but they'll also enjoy exploring a secure garden or outside space.
Here are some essential training tips for Pomeranians:
- Use positive reinforcement-based training, as Pomeranians respond well to it.
- Keep training sessions positive, consistent, and patient.
- Use touch desensitization to help them be well-behaved and calm during grooming appointments.
- Good socialization is essential from a young age, especially for Poms with vocal and wilful personalities.
- Provide plenty of puzzle toys to keep their minds active when you're away.
Pomeranians can be prone to separation anxiety, so it's best to have someone around for most of the day. They'll do well in most home environments, getting on well with children and cats.
Family and Pet Compatibility
Pomeranians are highly affectionate companion pets, making them a great choice for families. They generally get along well with children, though you might consider waiting until your kids are a little older before bringing a fragile toy breed into the home.
It's essential to teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party.
Pomeranians can get along great with cats and other animals, especially if they're raised with them. However, protect them from bigger dogs, as Poms don't realize just how small they are and have no fear of challenging bigger dogs.
Always keep a close eye on your children until they're old enough to respect your dog's boundaries, as Poms can be feisty at times and may be quick to react to rough play.
To increase the chances of intermingling your Pom with other household pets, it's crucial to ensure they've been properly socialized and are undergoing training. This will help them get along with larger pets, especially those similar in size.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a teddy bear Pomeranian?
A "Teddy Bear Pomeranian" is a colloquial term for a Pomeranian with a fluffy coat and teddy bear-like features, such as a rounded head and short legs. This term is not a specific breed, but rather a descriptive nickname for a Pomeranian's adorable appearance.
What is the lifespan of a fluffy Pomeranian?
A Pomeranian's average lifespan is 12 to 16 years, but individual dogs may live longer or shorter lives based on their environment and health conditions. Proper care and attention can help ensure your Pomeranian lives a long and happy life.
Sources
- Peace Love and Poms Rescue (rescuegroups.org)
- The American Pomeranian Club (ampomclub.org)
- Pomeranian Dog Breed: Characteristics, Care & Photos (chewy.com)
- Pomeranian: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training (petplan.co.uk)
- American Pomeranian Club (ampomclub.org)
- AKC Marketplace (akc.org)
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