Pomeranian — Complete Breed Guide
Toy · from Germany · AKC rank #19 (2025)
Key facts
| Breed group | Toy |
| Origin | Germany |
| Weight | 2–3 kg (4–7 lbs) |
| Height | 15–18 cm |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Coat | long double |
| AKC popularity rank (2025) | #19 of 202 recognized breeds |
Trait ratings
Our editorial 1–5 scoring, based on breed-standard temperament data.
Monthly cost
Expect roughly $70–$150 per month (estimate: food, routine vet care, grooming, insurance). Larger breeds and heavy groomers sit at the higher end. Price out the years, not just the day, with our monthly dog cost calculator.
Pomeranian coat colors and varieties
The Pomeranian's coat is long double. Within the breed you'll come across varieties buyers search for by name — teacup, white, black — which usually come down to different lines and breeders rather than different dogs. Color doesn't change the temperament, exercise needs, or health picture described above.
If you have your heart set on a specific look, ask the breeder to see the parents and recent litters, and be wary of anyone charging a big premium for a color alone.
What does a Pomeranian cost?
Budget roughly $70–$150 a month for the ongoing side: food, routine vet care, grooming, and insurance. Larger breeds and heavy groomers sit at the higher end.
The purchase price itself is a different question, and there's no single honest number — it swings with breeder reputation, health testing, pedigree, and where you live. What actually drives it: documented health screening of the parents, a breeder who answers hard questions, and your region.
Run your own numbers with our monthly dog cost calculator before you fall in love with a puppy.
Common Pomeranian mixes
Designer mixes get a lot of searches, so here's an honest map: a mix inherits unpredictably from both parents — no guarantees on size, coat, or temperament. If a mix catches your eye, read both parent profiles where they exist and judge the dog in front of you.
- Pomeranian × Siberian Husky — read the Siberian Husky profile too; a mix can inherit either parent's traits.
Health issues to know
- dental disease
- luxating patella
- tracheal collapse
- alopecia
- Apartment / city living
- You need a quiet dog (thin walls, close neighbors)
- You want a wash-and-go, low-maintenance coat
- Anyone in the home has dog allergies
Frequently asked questions
How long does a Pomeranian live?
Typically 12–16 years. Larger individuals and lines with known health issues tend toward the lower end.
How much does a Pomeranian cost per month?
Roughly $70–$150 per month for food, routine vet care, grooming and insurance — an estimate that varies by location.
Is the Pomeranian good for apartments?
It scores 5/5 for apartment suitability. Yes — a solid apartment dog with regular walks.
Is the Pomeranian good with kids?
It scores 2/5 for kid-friendliness. Better with older, dog-savvy kids than toddlers.
Does the Pomeranian shed a lot?
Shedding scores 4/5. Yes — heavy, year-round shedding.
What is the common issue with Pomeranians?
Dental disease and luxating patella top the health list for the 2–3 kg frame, plus tracheal collapse. Behaviorally it is the barking (5/5) — Pomeranians announce everything — and the heavy shedding (4/5) that surprises people expecting a ‘small easy dog.’
Do Pomeranians bark a lot?
Yes — 5/5, among the highest scores in our dataset. They are alert, reactive, and vocal about every sound, visitor, and squirrel. Training helps, but a quiet Pom is the exception. Apartment dwellers (suitability 5/5 otherwise) should budget for bark management.
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Health information is for general guidance only and is not veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian about your individual dog. Cost figures are rough estimates and vary by location.