Pomeranian

Pomeranians are very confident, alert, and proud dogs that are ideal for both city living and suburban home life.

Poms are gentle and playful by nature, but they also need to be treated with care. For this reason, they are best suited for families with relatively older children. They're also generally friendly towards other pets. However, Pomeranians can be reserved around strangers and may require careful socialization to prevent or reduce defensive-aggressive tendencies.

Despite their small size, Poms make excellent watchdogs. But they do like to bark, so training should be provided from an early age to curb this tendency.

Toy dogs like Pomeranians require more calories per pound of body weight than larger dogs. To meet their nutritional needs, it's best to feed them several small meals throughout the day, because their small stomachs don't allow them to eat large meals.

Some Pomeranians are prone to obesity, so it's important to keep a close eye on the amount of food they eat each day. To avoid accidental overfeeding, portion out their food using a measuring cup. And don't forget to account for treats when considering their daily calories. Even a couple of extra treats can add up for such a small dog. As a guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of their calories each day.

As with all dogs, Poms should be fed a diet formulated for their specific life stage (e.g., puppy, adult, senior). Experts also recommend that Pomeranians be fed a diet created for small-breed dogs. These diets have the appropriate blend of nutrients and a smaller kibble size that helps them properly chew and digest their food.

Pomeranians have above-average grooming requirements. They need frequent brushing to keep their lavish coat healthy and beautiful. While you can achieve this at home using both a pin brush and a slicker brush, regular appointments with a professional groomer may be beneficial. Experts recommend a full groom—bathing, brushing, ear checks, nail trims, and anal glands—every 4-6 weeks.

Pomeranians are particularly susceptible to dental issues due to their small mouths and crowded teeth. All dogs require regular dental care—including at-home preventive measures and professional dental cleanings. But Poms may require more frequent cleanings beginning at an earlier age.

Though Pomeranians are active dogs that require regular exercise, their needs can often be met through indoor playtime or short strolls in the neighborhood.

Poms also seem to enjoy dog sports such as agility, rally, and competitive obedience. Some Pomeranians even enjoy musical canine freestyle, which is a mix of obedience training, dance, and tricks. It's not only great exercise but also a fun way to interact with their owners.

Pomeranians are very smart dogs. With consistent training, they can master a variety of tricks. Housebreaking can be challenging, though some Poms can be trained to use indoor potty systems.

They're eager to learn and respond well to reward-based training using treats or favorite toys.