Micro Pomeranians (also known as pom-poms or Poms) derive their name from the Northern European region once known as Pomerania. This is a region that corresponds to areas of Western Germany and Poland.
The Pomeranian is a miniature version of an older and much larger breed of spitz that was once used as Arctic sled dogs. Pomeranians are tiny and cute, but they are well-known for having big personalities.
This adorable looking breed regularly ranks in the top 20 most popular dog breeds in North America, according to The American Kennel Club. With their little features, tiny size, and feisty temperament, they easily endear themselves to their owners. Interestingly enough, their popularity has declined in the UK and Australia in recent years.
They have a tendency to bark copiously. Experts say that with proper training early on, you can do much to mitigate this tendency.
They are sometimes mistaken by predators for other small animals such as squirrels and rabbits. As such, predatory birds and animals present dangers to them. This is something to consider if you live in a rural region and enjoy hiking in the woods.
After all, you wouldn’t want to see your beloved pet suddenly be taken away by a red-tailed hawk. Keep an eye on him whenever you are outside. This includes urban centers, where larger dogs and other animals present problems to them.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Micro Pomeranians At A Glance
It’s hard not to fall in love with this tiny little dog. With their feisty personalities and adorable features, they are understandably very popular in many countries.
- Popularity: This is a very popular dog, beloved by owners for its tiny size, adorable features, and feisty personality. They regularly rank very high on national lists.
- Group: Toy dog/Companion
- Weight: They weigh approximately 3-7 pounds.
- Price: Can usually asleep range from $500-$1500. They can be found much cheaper at adoption centers. Generally speaking, the cost at an adoption center is to cover the expense of the maintenance of the dog prior to adoption.
- Personality: Pomeranians are described as curious, feisty, loyal, independent, affectionate, and intelligent.
This adorable, feisty, little dog is very intelligent and affectionate. They don’t require much space and they are very independent. Being so small, you won’t be spending as much money on their food.
Pros
- It is easy to fall in love with a Pomeranian. After all, it’s a tiny fur-ball!
- They are very intelligent. Some owners maintain that their intelligence makes them easier to train.
- They can live for 12-16 years. With proper care, you can have many enjoyable years together with this dog.
- They are very affectionate and loyal.
- They are suitable for people living in very small apartments.
- Your food expenses will be smaller than with larger-sized dogs. It will be easier to pick up after them when they tend to their business outside.
- They are sometimes described as being mischievous. This can be fun for mischievous owners who will enjoy having another partner in crime.
Cons
- Some experts argue (contrary to the above position) that their independent streak makes training them much more difficult.
- As tiny dogs bred to be small, they are very prone to injury. Don’t sit on them! Be careful with little children who may try to pick them up. Remember that this is not a small dog. It is tiny!
- Pomeranians are sometimes difficult to toilet train.
- They have a tendency to bark.
- They are known to have joint problems, and eye and ear issues.
- They require outdoor supervision since they can be attacked by other dogs, and predatory animals, including birds.
- They are predisposed to a serious health condition called collapsing trachea. In this condition, a weakening of the tracheal rings causes the esophagus to collapse and shut the airway.
Unfortunately, this condition worsens as they age. Additional medical issues include luxating patella and black skin disease.
- They are not easy to groom. Without adequate care, their hair will matt. Dealing with the shedding may become a chore for owners at certain points of the year.
A Day In The Life Of This Breed
They are independent and so you don’t need to be with them all day long. They require daily activity, so don’t assume that just because they are fun lapdogs, they don’t need regular exercise. They are energetic, and they are intelligent, so make sure to get them the right activity they need.
Brush their hair 2-3 times a week, and brush their teeth once a week at a minimum. Be careful with them since they are so small and can become easily injured. They can also become prey to larger animals so keep a good eye on them when you are outside.
History & Origin
Micro Pomeranians are named after their place of origin, in the Northern European region once known as Pomerania. They are miniature versions of an older and much larger breed of spitz that was once used as Arctic sled dogs.
Queen Victoria of England is cited as a factor in the initial British fascination with Pomeranians, and the eventual process of breeding smaller versions of this dog. It is said that the Queen fell in love with this breed during a trip to Florence, Italy.
5 Fun Facts
- As independent dogs, they don’t require excessive care. Because of this characteristic, they are said to make good pets for the elderly.
- As tiny pets, they do very well in small apartments.
- They have been successfully used over many years as therapy and assistance dogs.
- They are intelligent and capable of learning and performing fun tricks. If you want to amuse your friends and family (if not yourself), this rambunctious little dog may be perfect for you.
- Famous personalities who owned Pomeranians include the great writer Emile Zola and the musician, Mozart.
Temperament And Behavior
Pomeranians are loyal, affectionate, intelligent, independent, and energetic.
They are highly alert and attentive to their surroundings. This accounts for their tendency to bark excessively.
With proper training, you can do much to curtail this behavior. Ironically, this tendency to bark copiously makes them a good watchdog, despite their tiny size.
How Much Do They Cost?
Pomeranians can cost anywhere from $500-$1500. Adoption/rescue shelters are a cheaper option. Roughly speaking, the cost at an adoption center will average $300. Adoption expenses cover the overall maintenance expense prior to adoption.
Make sure that you find a professional and reputable breeder. This will likely require some research, although there may be documentation online.
The breeding facility should be clean and sanitary. Ask to visit the facility. A filthy facility is a bad sign and it is always a red flag.
A professional breeder will usually appreciate your diligence and patiently field all of your questions. He will likely have questions of his own.
Inquire how long he’s been a professional breeder. If he is a member of a breeding club, ask to see his registration. Ask for detailed information and documentation of past medical tests, genetic tests, and vaccinations.
Ask for professional references. A professional breeder will be happy to share such information. Be wary of any breeder who is reticent to provide paperwork.
Buyer’s Tips
Appearance
Pomeranians have a very distinctive look with their beautiful double coat which covers their shoulders and chest. Their undercoat is short and dense, whereas their outer-coat is longer. They are described as compact dogs (for their size) of Nordic descent, with little fox-like heads and almond-shaped eyes. Their plumed tail is another unique feature.
Size
Weighing no more than 7 pounds, and standing 6-7 inches, this is one of the smallest dogs around.
Their miniature size renders them vulnerable to injury and accident so be very careful with them. This is not a hardy pet.
Remember where they are. Don’t walk blindly in the dark or you may step on your little friend. Don’t jump on your bed or plop down on the couch without looking to see that he isn’t taking a nap.
Watch where you are stepping. In time, you will eventually develop an awareness of your pet’s unique patterns and behaviors.
Be careful with very small children who may inadvertently mishandle the little guy, albeit with affectionate intent. Even small children are capable of harming such a tiny dog.
Colors
While there is a great range of Pomeranians colors, the most common ones are red and orange. According to The American Kennel Club’s breed standards, all colors are acceptable in dog competitions.
Care Guide
As with all dogs, it is essential to know your breed. Pomeranians require their daily activity and they can be groomed with a consistent but not overly intensive regimen. Make sure to provide them with proper nutrition but do not overfeed them since they can put on weight.
Exercise
- Total Daily Activity: Pomeranians require regular activity.
- Activity Level: Although they are comfortable in the home and make fun companion lap dogs, they enjoy regular activity. They require daily opportunities to walk and play outdoors.
- Favorite Activity: Running, walking, agility tests, and competition
Grooming
One of the Pomeranian’s most striking features is its waterproof double coat. The coat requires frequent brushing to maintain its overall health and to prevent excessive matting. Shedding is seasonal.
Brushing them roughly 2-3 times a week should be sufficient to prevent matting. A thorough tooth brushing of his teeth should be done at least once a week, to prevent tooth decay and infections of the mouth and gums.
It is important to develop good grooming habits very early on. Try to use these sessions as a time to bond with your dog.
Check regularly for any signs/symptoms of infection, ailments, or other medical conditions. Always check for sore spots or lesions on the skin and coat, redness, inflammation, or discharge from the eyes, ears, and nostrils.
Make sure that there are no aberrations with the dog’s genitals. Additionally, check to see that there are no structural abnormalities. Observe if there are any noticeable problems with his gait.
Many experts recommend that owners use a professional groomer to maintain the dog’s overall appearance. If you find home-grooming difficult, a professional can simplify things for you. If this is in your budget, you may want to consider this option.
A full professional grooming session should include brushing the dog’s hair, cleaning his teeth, bathing him, checking his ears for infection, and trimming his nails.
Pomeranians need to have their nails trimmed periodically. Long nails will eventually splinter and cause him discomfort. Additionally, they may impede your dog’s physical activity and lead to excessive weight gain. This in turn will eventually lead to other health issues.
Nutrition
There are many excellent available options to provide your dog with proper nutrition. These include commercial brands and homemade options. As with all breeds, a good diet is critical for maintaining your dog’s health.
Educate yourself on how to identify proper food products and how to understand the ingredients. Speak with a veterinarian to find out more.
Pet owners will need to consider the dietary requirements for the lifetime of their pet. The needs of a young puppy are different than those of a full-grown dog. What is sufficient or necessary for the former will not be for the latter. A good regimen of diet and exercise will do wonders to ensure your dog’s health.
Human Food: Yes, No, or Sometimes?
It is tempting to want to feed our dogs our human food when they beg for it, but it really isn’t good for them. It also creates bad habits that are hard to break.
While it may be hard to resist his beautiful eyes and listen to his sad moaning as he begs for a piece of your rib-eye, such habits can eventually lead to more serious medical conditions.
Occasional treats are okay but too many will lead to weight gain and obesity, which causes additional health problems. The importance of his diet cannot be overstated. Use treats sparingly.
Finally, make sure that your dog always has immediate access to sufficient amounts of clean water.
Health Concerns
While generally, a healthy dog compared to other breeds, Pomeranians do have predispositions for certain health issues. Two issues endemic to this dog are luxating patella and collapsing tracheas. Additional health issues include congestive heart failure, black skin disease/alopecia, and seizures. Fortunately, hip dysplasia is not a serious problem with this breed as it is with many other problems.
Another common medical condition is cryptorchidism. In this condition, one or two of the dog’s testicles fail to properly descend into the scrotum. There are medical options to correct this condition.
Serious Medical Issues: Luxating Patella & Tracheal Collapse
- Luxating Patella: In this condition, trauma or deformity of the ridges of the patellar groove causes the patella to slip out.
- Tracheal Collapse: In this serious medical condition, a weakening of the tracheal rings (which maintains the overall esophageal stricture) leads to the esophagus collapsing and the airway closing shut.
Proper nutrition and exercise will go a long way to ensure your dog’s health. Schedule regular visits to the veterinarian for examinations/tests, medical treatments, and to ensure that he is up to date with vaccines.
Responsible breeders screen for all medical issues. Insist on obtaining all proper medical documentation whenever purchasing a dog from a breeder or adoption center.
How Long Do They Live?
Smaller dogs frequently live longer than large dogs. While there are never any guarantees, with proper care Micro Pomeranians can live 12-16 years.
Longevity is an attractive quality in a pet. It’s nice to know that with proper care you will have a loving animal companion at your side for many years.
As noted above, a combination of good nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary care will go a long way towards ensuring longevity.
How To Train A Pomeranian Mix
Pomeranians are intelligent and very capable of easily learning new skills. The question of whether or not their independent temperament makes dog training easier or more difficult is debatable. There are mixed reports confirming both positions. Here are some puppy training tips for your micro pom.
As with all intelligent dogs, you will need a structured regimen that is fair and consistent, but flexible enough to keep his continued interest. A training regimen that fails to keep the animal’s interest will be ineffectual.
A good training regimen incorporates different aspects of positive reinforcement and rewards. It will also encourage and cultivate the skills of overall obedience.
Because they are so small and fragile, you will need to train them not to jump on (or off) couches or beds. Unlike other dogs, their tiny bodies are prone to sustaining injuries from such activities.
Summary
We have tried to provide you with adequate information on this unique breed, in order for you to determine if this is the right breed of dog for you.
In conclusion: There is a lot to love about this mischievous, playful, and affectionate little dog. We now understand why they regularly rank as one of the most popular dog breeds in North America.
They are generally healthy and with their tiny size, the overall cost of feeding them will be much less than with larger dogs. They are very intelligent so you can have fun teaching them new tricks. Plus they have a lifespan of 12-16 years.
The downside is that dogs bred for such extreme sizes are often vulnerable to injuries, and the micro Pomeranian is no exception. Be careful with him. While Pomeranians are tiny, they have big personalities.
Although they are independent they do require a fair amount of exercise for their size. Pomeranians make excellent companion lap dogs. They are relatively low maintenance.
Taking into account all there is to know about this fascinating breed of dog, we highly recommend the Micro Pomeranian as a family pet. You will not regret it.
With proper care, these adorable energetic furballs will provide you and your family with a fun and feisty companion for many years to come.
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