Do Pomeranians Make Good (Family) Pets? 16 Useful Insights

Thinking about getting a Pomeranian?

Then it’s only natural to wonder…

Do Pomeranians make goods pets?

In this guide you’ll discover:

The answers to 16 frequently asked questions about Pomeranians.
What to expect from training a Pomeranian (from potty training to anti-barking tips).
And more…

Table of contents

Do Pomeranians make good pets?
16 frequently asked questions about Pomeranians answered

Do Pomeranians make good pets?

In general, Pomeranians do make good pets. They’re sociable and loving. They’re vocal, always by the side of their owner and get along with older children. Poms love to cuddle and receive a lot of attention. They’re bright and easily trainable.

What’s your main reason for getting a Pomeranian? If it was their looks that got you hooked, we can’t blame you.

Bear in mind though, that along with the cuteness comes a lot of responsibility. If you spare the time needed to train and socialize your Pomeranian puppy from the beginning, you’ll get a well-behaved loyal companion for life.

16 frequently asked questions about Pomeranians answered

#1: Are Pomeranians aggressive?

Each Pomeranian individual is different but in general, Poms are friendly dogs.

Whether your Pom is prone to aggressive behavior or not, depends strongly on how well he’s been socialized from an early age.

If he hasn’t been exposed to dogs and people of different ages and backgrounds, it’s expectable he won’t be used to them.

As a result, he might show protective behavior and even pick fights with bigger dogs. This is dangerous as some of them could be as aggressive as him or more.

Even though Poms adore attention, your Pom will have his desired times of solitude. Let him be. Don’t try to impose on his personal space too much. Watch out for warning signs that give out that your Pom doesn’t want to be bothered at the moment.

Signs of your Pom wanting to be left alone include him going under the table, a chair, his crate.

Poms love coziness and like to be at places where they feel secure

Make sure that your Pom has a place that’s ultimately his.

Even though you mean well sometimes you might get too close to your Pom for comfort.

For example, if you want to kiss him on the head but he ducks, or turns his head around, that doesn’t mean he’s ignoring you.

It means he’s uncomfortable but patient and wants to avoid confrontation. It’s better to stop what you’re doing then and give your Pom some space.

If you don’t back off, you’re playing with your Pom’s patience. At some point, he might get enough of your behavior and revert to more drastic measures.

He might snap at you. You shouldn’t yell or punish him for that as he’s been warning you all along.

A reason for a Pomeranian to be aggressive is if he’s stressed in his household. If there are too many noises – such as the TV, kids running and playing around or a lot of fights, he could become disturbed, defensive and aggressive.

If a Pomeranian is used to being in such an environment from puppyhood, he shouldn’t notice all of these noises. When he’s been exposed to such triggers at an adult age, it could be a problem.

When you get a Pomeranian puppy, it’s always good to introduce it to a variety of noises and environments gradually. This will help your Pom stay unbothered when faced with similar experiences in the future.

#2: Do Pomeranian dogs bark a lot?

When it comes to the gap between dog and human communication, barking serves as a bridge.

Dogs use their bark mostly to let us – humans, know what’s going on in their world (here you’ll find out more reasons why Pomeranians bark).

Although Pomeranians are tiny fluffy creatures, they have the character and the attitude of a bid dog. This is no wonder considering they come from big sled-pulling arctic dogs.

Pomeranians won’t hesitate to let you know if anything is ‘off’ – if they spot a stranger through the window or a visitor in front of your house’s door. They will communicate this through barking.

They have a high-pitched bark and can be quite persistent if you don’t train them to control it.

If you don’t want to encourage barking, don’t pay any attention to your Pomeranian when they want something and are ‘blackmailing’ you by using their bark. Three simple steps to follow in such a case are:

No eye contact.
No talk.
No touch.

Even though you will find it hard at first, it’s very effective and one of the easiest methods to implement.

You might think that talking to your Pomeranian and consoling him while barking is a nice thing to do but by doing so, you’ll only ingrain bad habits in him.

If your Pomeranian isn’t taught good manners at an early age and you have issues with his barking, there’s the danger of this turning into excessive barking.

#3: What dogs do Pomeranians get along with?

Pomeranians can get along very well with other dogs and even with cats.

You should still be cautious about what dogs you’re letting close to your Pom. Larger breeds, for example, can easily scare him off or hurt him unintentionally.

Pomeranians are fragile dogs. It’s not advisable to let them play with much bigger dogs or dogs that play too rough.

A larger dog could accidentally hit your Pom by lifting its paw. Or it could jump over your Pom and break his back.

Even when running after one another, a heavier dog could hit himself into the Pomeranian, causing the small Pom to roll over and get injured.

Besides that, if a Pom has been raised with a cat or a dog of another breed, they should get along just fine. But bear in mind that the Pom will remain protective of other animals that pass his territory.

For example, if you have a cat at home since your Pom was a puppy and he was a kitten, your Pom will be okay with your cat but can furiously chase the neighbor’s cat.

#4: Are Pomeranians easy to train?

So, now that you know what might cause aggression in Pomeranians and how much much they can bark at times, it’s time to take the next step and prevent that. This is achieved through training.

Look at training as a way to channel all of your Pom’s energy into something productive.

Since Poms enjoy mental stimulation and physical exercise, it should be interesting for your Pom to spend time with you and try to please you.

Remember: patience and consistency is the most powerful formula of success here.

One thing to avoid is reassuring the Pomeranian when he’s doing something wrong.

When he exhibits aggressive behavior, make sure you interrupt whatever he’s doing by snapping your fingers or clapping loudly with your hands. This is one of the quickest and easiest methods to do so.

As soon as you have his attention, show him that what he’s doing is unwanted by uttering a firm voice command such as ‘NO’ or ‘STOP’.

If it doesn’t work the first time and your {om persists with what he has started, don’t get discouraged and try again.

When your Pom has calmed down and stopped, reward him with a treat to reinforce the good behavior.

Reading tip: Are Pomeranians Easy To Train? The Truth + Tips & Tricks

#5: Are Pomeranians cuddly?

There are multiple ways to bond with your Pomeranian and this activity is one of them. This is a great way to relax together with your Pom.

Poms love feeling you close to them. They would either sit on your lap or curl up on your feet to warm them or would lie on your legs while you’re both on the couch or at the bed.

Yes – sure, Pomeranians can be tough. But they also have a soft side.

It involves cuddles. A lot of them!

Reading tip: Do Pomeranians Like To Cuddle? 9 Things You Should Know

#6: Do Pomeranians like to be held?

Poms do like to be held and could even sometimes be asking for it if they’re tired of walking.

Now, this is a bit trickier than cuddles.

Cuddling is when your Pom decides to lie down next to you or on you in a comfy position and chill together with you. It’s a voluntary activity from their side.

Being held is more about you having control of the situation and being in charge. That’s why you wanna do it correctly, otherwise, your Pom might not enjoy it and you will wonder why.

Holding your Pom might look like a piece of cake but if you’re not careful you could cause discomfort to your Pomeranian without even acknowledging it.

Let’s dig a bit deeper into that…

The wrong way to lift and hold a Pomeranian:

Picking up your Pom by holding him by the scruff

Yeah, mother dogs do that when the puppies are very young. So, you would assume it’s natural and totally fine. Well…it’s not.

Once the puppies grow up, the Mom no longer does this. And you shouldn’t do it either because chances are that you’re causing pain to your Pom and even stressing him out.

Don’t pick your Pom by the collar

Never do this as you could damage the trachea permanently and also cause suffocation to your dog.

Pomeranians are prone to have collapsed trachea so you wouldn’t want to put your Pom in a disposition like that.

The right way to hold your Pomeranian:

The right way to hold and carry your furry friend is to hold the rear and the chest. That ensures the weight of the Pom’s body is distributed equally.

Make sure to support your Pomeranian’s hind legs and bottom with one arm. With the other, hold his body under the front legs so that he remains seated and comfy.

#7: Can Pomeranians be left alone?

Even if your Pom is your world, you’ll still have to go to work. It’s understandable.

When your Pom is just a puppy, it’s advisable to have someone keep him company at least for several hours while you’re at work.

An adult Pomeranian can be left alone for 8 hours. It’s advisable to give him something to do meanwhile so he wouldn’t feel alone and frustrated.

For example, leaving your Pom with a toy as a stuffed kong can keep your Pom busy and interested. It will also stimulate his problem-solving abilities.

Last but not least, you’re way less likely to find he has chewed on some important part of the house or your favorite belongings.

As long as you can give your Pom a lot of attention upon coming back home, it should be fine leaving him for the day. Try to give him a nice long walk of at least 30-40 minutes in the evening.

#8: Are Pomeranians one-person dogs?

If you’re eager to have a dog who will stick to you and will want your attention and company more than anyone else’s, a Pomeranian is for you.

A Pomeranian is a one-person dog and although they will respect and love everyone from the household, they will recognize one person as the ultimate authority.

Usually, this is the person who spends most of their time with them and takes care of their needs.

When that’s you, you should consider yourself lucky as they’ve chosen you. Other people from the house might call the Pom to play with him but if you call him or want him to act upon a certain command, he’ll likely prioritize and listen to you.

Reading tip: Check out this article for more information.

#9: How often should Pomeranians be walked?

Two walks lasting between 30 and 40 minutes per day should do it. Ideally, you will walk with a tempo that’s brisk for your Pomeranian.

But remember – depending on the weather conditions your Pom should have the proper equipment. If it’s winter, a coat to protect him from frostbite. In the summer, a bottle of water and a bowl are a must-have during the walks.

If you have the time and will, you could also include a third walk in-between. Your Pom will be more than happy to join you.

You could also do a longer walk if you’d like. Pomeranians are known to have quite a lot of energy and a two-hour walk could do him good provided he has water and a bowl to drink it from.

#10: Do Pomeranians Shed?

Like any other dog, they do but not heavily.

Their hair is very easy to remove from carpets and from the floor as it’s long and it doesn’t get stuck as short hairs of other breeds.

Pomeranians have a double-layer coat that is made out of an inner and an outer part. It’s the inner one that sheds. To prevent it from leaving hair, you can brush your Pom daily.

Reading tip: In this article you’ll discover why Pomeranians shed + 6 essential tips.

#11: Are Pomeranians hypoallergenic?

Meaning of ‘hypoallergenic’ – less likely to cause allergies.

There are no hypoallergenic dogs. All dogs shed hair and dander to some extent. Allergies are caused by the dog’s dander.

Meaning of ‘dander’ – flakes of dead skin cells that are shed by mammals.

Dander is not connected to how much a dog sheds. It is produced by the skin cells.

There are breeds that are more suitable for people with allergies. They have a coat that produces less dander.

As to Pomeranians, it’s possible to have one as long as you’re properly managing your allergy. There are also certain steps that can help you minimize the amount of dander in your home.

The hair of Pomeranians doesn’t cause an allergic reaction by itself. The reason why people who have an allergy and a Pomeranian might get triggered is that the dander could be transmitted on the hair.

Pomeranian Puppies

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk66LcP4BIA

Pomeranian puppies are adorable fluff balls.

Although they look like cute little toys, things can get quite messy and dangerous if their room is not puppy-proof. That’s your task prior to the puppy’s arrival.

A safe place

Getting a playpen will ensure the puppy has enough space to play and will not hurt itself when you’re not around to keep an eye on it.

Plus, what better way to make sure the Pom will not be stepped on?

Active time and sleep time

Although Pom puppies are very energetic, they spend more of the hours in the day sleeping. You’ll see short bursts of energy followed by long hours of sleep.

Feeding

Feeding the Pomeranian puppy is very important as puppies must be fed from 3 to 4 times a day. One the puppies mature, feeding them twice per day is enough.

Teaching your puppy manners

Besides providing the essentials such as a safe place, enough food per day and water at all times, it’s crucial to not spoil the puppy.

Now’s the time to teach your puppy good habits.

If you let it get away with stuff that you would never allow an adult dog to do, you might experience a lot of difficulties with its upbringing later on.

Items your puppy should have

2 puppy bowls that are neither too big or too deep

Avoid getting plastic ones as puppies need to chew a lot of items due to their growing teeth and plastic pieces might get eaten by the pup.

The best choice would be a ceramic bowl instead of a metal or a plastic one.

Tip: You could get a double-bowl for the water to ensure that whatever happens, your puppy is always supplied with water. If you’re very busy or forgetful, this can save the pup.

Get a harness and a lead

The harness is preferable to a collar. A collar used on a puppy could cause trauma to the neck. Puppies are far too delicate to risk it.

At first, it’s best to get a shorter lead to be able to steer the puppy better.

This will also help the puppy get the idea that it should walk by you instead of all over the place. Later on, when the Pom grows up, you can invest in an adjustable lead.

A bed

Get one that’ll fit after the Pom puppy grows in size.

Dog toothpaste and a toothbrush

Now’s the perfect time to get your puppy used to teeth cleaning.

Since Poms have a lot of issues with their teeth later on, teaching them to let their teeth be brushed can prevent a lot of tooth problems later on.

Tip: Puppies are more sensitive than adult dogs, hence it’s advisable to keep any loud noises down. Refrain from playing music too loud and always pay attention to the sound of the radio or the TV.

#12: What are some interesting facts about Pomeranians?

Once a Pom becomes comfortable with its owner, he will begin adjusting to the owner and copying their behavior. If the owner is a more reserved and shy person, the Pomeranian will become like that too.
Poms are part of the Spitz family.
Poms come in a variety of different colors. You could choose between white, grey-shaded, black, orange, brown or tan.
They are named after a coastal region along the Baltic Sea. Yes – Pomerania is a real place! It’s a historical region located on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea in Central Europe. It’s split between Germany and Poland.
Pomeranians were a favorite breed of Queen Victoria. She introduced the fashion of having a small Pomeranian dog.
The US president, Theodore Roosevelt had a pet Pom called Gem. The president owned many animals and dogs in general.
Two Pomeranians survived the Titanic. The dog survivors of the Titanic were three out of twelve dogs in total. One of the Pomeranians belonged to Margaret Hays. The other one was Mrs Rothschild’s.
Puppy pads. There are scented ones for best effect. Even if your puppy doesn’t always do its business there, gradually it will begin getting used to them and will even look for them at a certain point.
Chew toys. Buy several different kinds of chewing toys to provide stimulation for your pup. That way it won’t get bored or do unnecessary damage that you’ll need to repair.

#13: Are Pomeranians good for first-time owners?

Pomeranians are a great choice for first-time owners, provided the owners are prepared to bring a puppy into their home and are aware of what to expect.

Getting a Pomeranian is a good idea if you have a lot of time to spend with him. Ideally, you work from home or are retired.

If you’re an adult that likes being active, then a Pomeranian will suit you well.

Reading tip: Do Pomeranians Do Better In Pairs? Should I Buy A 2nd Pom?

#14: How to handle a Pomeranian puppy?

It’s important to show the puppy it should listen to you. Whenever it’s doing something that you don’t want it to keep repeating, make sure you redirect its attention.

The most common challenges owners face when getting a new puppy are teaching it not to bite limbs, clothes and other forbidden stuff. Also, potty training.

Dogs discover the world through their mouth. Their mouth is to them what your hands are to you.

When a puppy bites you, it’s scratching its teeth. But it could make small wounds in your hand. That’s because puppies’ teeth are incredibly sharp.

The best thing to do would be to simply give your puppy a chew toy immediately after it attempts to bite you. You could also pull the toy to make it more appealing to the puppy. This provokes the chase instinct all dogs have.

As to potty training, it’s almost inevitable that you’ll have poop and pee around your home when your puppy is between 2- 4 months.

You have to be very patient and understanding. If that doesn’t sound like you, better opt out of getting a Pom.

Engage the puppy in play by throwing a ball, pulling another chew toy or simply holding one of the toys.

#15: How to take care of an adult Pomeranian?

Daily combing.
You’ll see how much fur you manage to gather after 10-15 minutes of dedicated combing.
They can bark all day if you let them.
It’s good investing in dog training and teaching them to stop barking on command.
Avoid putting them in one place with kids.
They’re not kid-friendly. Either the kid will cause trouble to the Pom or vice versa. Not worth risking it.
They hate being on their own.
They’re cuddle-buddies. If you’re gone for too long, your Pom might develop separation anxiety.

If you love dogs but also love going out, you don’t have to give one thing up for the other. Luckily, there are plenty of dog-friendly restaurants and cafes.

This way you’ll also get to socialize your dog. Socialization happens throughout your Pom’s whole life and the earlier you start, the better.

Plus, your friends, acquaintances and plenty of strangers will be astonished by the looks of your Pom.You’ll get a lot of smiles, interest and positive vibes.

#16: What are the most common Pomeranian health issues?

Last but not least, it’s important to address all of the possible health issues your Pomeranian might face due to the breed specifics. Some of the issues are:

Bad teeth (more information).
Collapsing tracheas.
Eye issues.
Hip Dysplasia.
Luxating Patella.
Coat Loss.

Note: While these might sound scary, it’s important to remember that with the proper care they can be prevented or their effect might be minimized.

Whenever you take a pet to your home, you should have in mind that some additional costs might arise when you take it to the vet. You should be able to provide.