Pomeranian Dog Black and White: Essential Facts and Tips

If you're considering bringing a Pomeranian dog black and white into your family, it's essential to know that they typically weigh between 3-7 pounds and stand about 6-11 inches tall.

Pomeranians are known for their thick double coats, which require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their black and white coloring is often symmetrical, with distinct patches of color on their face, chest, and legs.

These small dogs are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and make great companions for families with children.

Pomeranians are small dogs weighing 1.36–3.17 kilograms (3.0–7.0 lb) and standing 8–14 inches (20–36 cm) high at the withers.

They have a compact but sturdy body with an abundant textured coat. The top coat forms a ruff of fur on the neck, which Poms are well known for, and they also have a fringe of feathery hair on the hindquarters.

The earliest examples of the breed were white or occasionally brown or black. Queen Victoria adopted a small red Pomeranian in 1888, which caused that color to become fashionable by the end of the 19th century.

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In modern times, the Pomeranian comes in the widest variety of colors of any dog breed, including white, black, brown, red, orange, cream, blue, sable, black and tan, brown and tan, spotted, brindle, parti, and blue Merle, plus combinations of those colors.

The most common colors are orange, black, and cream/white.

Here are some of the most common Pomeranian colors:

A black Pomeranian should appear to be a “coal-black” color, free of red, white-colored, or brownish fur. The points (eye rims, pads, lips, and nose) must also be black.

Black Pomeranians have a double coat, consisting of long, harsh black guard hairs with a soft, fluffy black undercoat.

They may have white patches in the coat, even if it's only one or two hairs on the chest area.

Pomeranians have a thick double coat that requires frequent grooming to prevent matting and tangles.

You'll need to brush your Pom's coat at least weekly to remove loose fur and prevent tangles and mats, with more frequent brushing during shedding seasons.

Daily brushing is a must to keep your Pom's fur clean and comfortable, especially around the eyes where dirt and bacteria can gather and cake on.

Regular grooms are a great idea to ensure a more thorough level of care, as a professional groomer can fully groom, clean, and nourish your dog's fur and skin.

Poms can develop dry skin, so keep an eye out for itching and discomfort, and work with your vet or groomer to find the best solution.

Eye-tearing and staining can be a problem in long-haired breeds, so keep the hair around your dog's eyes well-trimmed and clean their eyes daily with cotton balls and eye-cleaning solution.

Consistent training and regular exercise are also essential for happy and healthy Poms, so make sure to schedule regular playtime and training sessions.

In hot weather, be cautious of your Pom's thick coat and provide plenty of shade and water to keep them cool and comfortable.

A sanitary shave around the genital region is a must to prevent waste from sticking to the fur, and a professional groomer can do this for you.

You'll also need to trim your dog's nails roughly every four to six weeks, especially if you hear them clicking on hard surfaces.

Daily eye checks and cleaning can help prevent excessive tearing and staining, and regular dental care is also crucial to prevent dental issues.

Additional reading: How to Clean Maltese Dogs Eyes

Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. A UK study found a life expectancy of 12.2 years for Pomeranians, which is slightly below the average of 15.3 years for cross-breed dogs below 10kgs.

Their small size means they can be prone to hypoglycaemia, a sudden drop in blood sugar that can cause weakness and shaking. Poms are also more likely to develop eye issues, such as dry eye and tear duct problems, cataracts, and distichiasis, a condition where the eyelashes grow inwards towards the eye.

Pomeranians tend to have small litters, with an average of 1.9 to 2.7 puppies per litter. This can make them more prone to certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia, collapsing trachea, and Legg-Perthes disease. With proper care and attention, many of these issues can be managed or even prevented.

Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Pomeranians:

Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Hypoglycemia is a common problem in small breed dogs, including Poms, and can cause weakness, shaking, and even seizures.

Pomeranians are also at risk of eye problems, such as dry eye and tear duct issues, cataracts, and distichiasis, where the eyelashes grow inwards towards the eye.

Dental issues are another common problem in small dogs, including Pomeranians, and can lead to food and tartar buildup, causing longer-term issues.

Pomeranians are also prone to collapsing trachea, a condition where the tracheal cartilage grows overly flexible, making it harder for air to reach the lungs.

Hip dysplasia is a manageable condition in smaller dogs, but it can lead to pain and arthritis if left untreated.

Legg-Perthes disease is a hereditary condition that affects the femur head and hip joint, causing progressive hind-limb lameness and pain.

Patella luxation occurs when the kneecap shifts sideways and out of position, causing symptoms like intermittent limping and bowleggedness.

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Pomeranians may also be at risk of skin and joint issues, and consulting with a vet about boosting their diet with omega 3 fatty acids and joint supplements can be beneficial.

To help prevent health issues, it's essential to monitor your Pomeranian's exercise and ensure they get regular, short walks rather than one long walk.

Here are some common health conditions that Pomeranians may be prone to:

According to a UK study, the average life expectancy of a Pomeranian is 12.2 years, while a Japanese study found an average life expectancy of 14 years.

Genetics play a significant role in a Pomeranian's health, and understanding the basics can help you make informed decisions as a responsible owner.

The dominant K allele is typically responsible for the black color in Pomeranians, but there are exceptions within the breed where the recessive black gene (a) comes into play.

Some Pomeranians have an extremely black coat due to the self-color trait, which means they only have one color.

The genetics of a Pomeranian's coat color can impact their overall health, so it's essential to consider this when selecting a breeder or puppy.

In some cases, the recessive black gene can lead to unique coat patterns, but it's crucial to remember that every dog is an individual.

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Pomeranians require high-quality commercial dog food to ensure they get all the essential nutrients, minerals, and vitamins they need.

Feeding your Pomeranian table scraps is not a good idea, as it can lead to unhealthy behaviors and negatively affect their health.

Puppies need a diet specifically designed for their age, which is typically higher in calories to support their growth and development.

Puppy food is usually fed 3-5 times a day, but after six months, the number of feedings should be gradually reduced.

Adult Pomeranians tend to gain weight easily, so monitoring their daily caloric intake is crucial.

Pomeranians can do well eating at least three times a day to help prevent hypoglycemia.

Even a weight fluctuation of 1 pound is significant for these little dogs, so it's essential to consistently monitor their weight.

Adult and senior Poms should eat at least two, preferably three, times daily to reduce their risk of hypoglycemia.

Your veterinarian will be your best point of contact for determining how much your pet needs based on their lifestyle.

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The Pomeranian is a popular breed, consistently ranking in the top 20 of registered American Kennel Club dog breeds since 1998.

It held the #10 spot in 1998, but dropped to #17 in 2011, two spots from the previous year.

In the UK, it's not among the top 20 breeds in either 2007 or 2008.

In Australia, its popularity has declined since 1986, with a peak of 1,128 registrations in 1987.

However, it's worth noting that registration numbers have increased from 491 in 2004 to 577 in 2008.

The Pomeranian's popularity can be attributed to its small size and affectionate nature, making it a great companion dog.

Here are some key statistics on the Pomeranian's popularity:

Pomeranians are incredibly clever and alert, boasting high levels of intelligence and being extremely loyal and protective, making them excellent guard dogs despite their small size.

They are natural extroverts, very lively in nature, and their playfulness and curiosity make them endlessly entertaining and joyful to be around. While they do love a fuss, Poms are super independent and won't always take to being lap dogs; they thrive off of play, exercise, and stimulation.

Poms tend to be pretty docile for the most part, although small-dog syndrome can sneak in, which can in turn encourage a sense of self-importance, stubbornness, and, on a more extreme scale, extreme barking and a tendency for aggression.

Here are some key temperament traits of Pomeranians:

Pomeranians are incredibly clever and alert, boasting high levels of intelligence as well as being extremely loyal and protective, making them excellent guard dogs despite their small size.

Their high intelligence and alertness can sometimes lead to excessive barking, which can be a nuisance for apartment or condo dwellers. They're natural extroverts, very lively in nature, and their playfulness and curiosity make them endlessly entertaining and joyful to be around.

Pomeranians tend to be pretty docile for the most part, but small-dog syndrome can sneak in, encouraging a sense of self-importance, stubbornness, and extreme barking and a tendency for aggression.

Poms are adaptable and can live in various different housing environments and with various owners. They're usually good with children, but it's essential to choose your pup carefully and make sure your children are calm and gentle with them.

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Here are some key temperament traits to consider:

Pomeranians are high-energy little pups that don't let their small size define them. They have a larger-than-life personality and aren't particularly fond of being coddled. They'd much prefer to walk on their own feet than be carried around.

Pomeranians can get along great with other household pets, especially those that are similar in size.

To increase the chances of intermingling your Pom with other household pets, it's essential to ensure they've been properly socialized.

Pomeranians can successfully coexist with larger pets, but caution should be used to prevent the bigger animal from inadvertently injuring the smaller Pom.

Proper socialization and training are key to a harmonious household with multiple pets.

Pomeranians are super smart dogs and very receptive to training and discipline strategies. They thrive on praising and clicker-training, as well as highly stimulating games and activities that appeal to their curious and playful nature.

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Socialization is vital to any dog's development, and especially to breeds that can be prone to over-independence and anti-social behaviors. Consistency and patience are essential when training a Pom, as they can be stubborn at times.

Poms need considerable grooming to ensure their long coats are properly maintained, so desensitizing them to touch is a main part of their training. This will make for a calmer and easier time for both pup and owner.

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The cost of owning a Pomeranian can vary greatly depending on several factors.

The price of a black Pomeranian can range from $300 to $5000+, depending on its size, age, and quality.

As a breeder, the price is the same as other kennel club standard Pomeranian colors, but different breeders may charge more or less.

Pomeranians are highly trainable, but they can be stubborn at times. Consistency and patience are essential when training a Pom.

Poms need to be socialized early in puppyhood to prevent separation anxiety and unwanted behavioral issues. Socialization is crucial for any dog's development, especially for breeds prone to over-independence.

Praising and clicker-training are effective methods for training Pomeranians. Highly stimulating games and activities will keep them engaged and curious.

House training can be a challenge with Poms, so persistence and patience are key to success. It's essential to work on housetraining right away to prevent bad habits from forming.

Pomeranians can coexist with other pets when given proper training and socialization. However, they may not back down from a fight, so it's crucial to socialize them with other animals and people.

To prevent injuries, it's essential to teach Poms to use a ramp or stay off furniture when jumping on and off. This will help keep them safe and prevent potential harm.

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Choosing a Puppy is a crucial step in the dog ownership process. Researching reputable breeders is essential to ensure you get a healthy puppy.

Poorly bred dogs are more likely to develop health problems due to inherited diseases. This is especially true if the parent dogs have existing health conditions.

It's always a good idea to meet your puppy in person to see which one you connect with. This allows you to ask the breeder important questions and get a sense of the puppy's temperament.

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If you're thinking of bringing a Pomeranian into your life, you'll want to consider the cost. Expect to pay around $1,000 or more for a puppy, with prices varying widely for older dogs and adoptable dogs.

Pomeranians from champion bloodlines can be quite pricey, costing between $3,000 to $5,000.

If you're on a budget or prefer to give a loving home to a dog in need, check your local animal shelter and breed-specific rescue groups for dogs waiting to be adopted.

Be sure to have the time and energy to devote to training and caring for a Pomeranian, as they can sometimes be stubborn and vocal.

Here are a few organizations that can help you locate a reputable breeder or rescue: