Pomeranian

A Pomeranian grooming package, which is highly recommended every four to six weeks, will include bathing, brushing, and a haircut (as needed), as well as cleaning the teeth and clipping their nails. A pro groomer can handle this maintenance, too.   

• Bathing: All that gorgeous fluff isn’t going to tame itself, so you’ll need to bathe your dog in warm water at least once a month (and possibly every week). Use a dog-friendly shampoo—never one meant for humans.  
• Brushing: Brush their double coat a couple times a week to remove shedding and matted hair. A small wire pin brush or a FURminator is ideal for Pomeranians.  
  • Pro Tip: You can cut down on brushing time by getting your Pomeranian a haircut, like the teddy bear cut (short body hair with longer face and ear fur that’s framed in a circle) or the lion cut, which features closely clipped body fur and long head hair shaped like a mini mane. 
• Dental care: Brush your Pomeranian’s teeth at home a few times a week (or daily, if you can) starting at a young age. See a vet for a professional dental cleaning once a year. 
• Nail care: Trim your dog’s nails at home; you’ll know it’s time when you hear them tapping on hard surfaces. If you have trouble, your groomer or vet can help. 

Sign your Pomeranian up for obedience training, where they’re certain to be at the top of their class. They’ll quickly learn cues like sit, stay, and speak, as well as how to walk on a leash. (Make sure that leash is attached to a harness, not a collar, as Pomeranians have trachea issues, making harnesses a healthier choice.)  

You’ll also want to master the “off” or “down” cue sooner rather than later with these energetic pups, as Pomeranian dogs are likely to spring onto chairs, sofas, and beds—with mixed results. A Pom’s confidence may lead them to think they can leap tall loveseats in a single bound, but they could end up with injured joints or even a broken bone. 

Potty training is another important part of a Pomeranian’s education, but accidents may still happen, especially with tiny pups and their equally small bladders. Invest in some pee pads to use inside the house. The Pet Parents washable dog pee pads have a nonslip backing, are reusable, and come in neutral tones to match most decor. If your dog goes indoors a lot, there is no shortage of disposable pads on the market.  

Choose a complete and balanced diet that’s AAFCO-compliant for your dog’s life stage (puppy, adult, or senior). Ask your vet if dog food made just for Pomeranians is a good fit for your pup. 

Feed your dog on a consistent schedule. While full-grown Poms do well with twice-daily feedings, tiny Pomeranian puppies need to eat more frequently to prevent low blood sugar. Schedule three to four meals per day for young pups.  

Treats are an important part of a dog’s diet, and they’re a must during training to reward a very good dog when the moment arises. But don’t go overboard with your handouts (or with your nightly scoops of dinner), as serving too-large portions can lead to an overweight Pom. Treats should not be more than 10% of your dog’s daily calories.  

Pomeranians do have small bladders, but water should still be available 24/7, no matter what. You should also learn which human foods are safe for your dog in case they eat something that falls to the floor during meal prep. (But in general, you shouldn’t feed your Pom table scraps).

Widely considered a lapdog, your Pomeranian probably loves being coddled, but they need to fit in some exercise, too. A 20-minute walk a couple of times a day should do the trick. But it’s important to not let your pup out of your sight—it’s too easy for this breed to slip through holes in a fence.   

You also need to keep an eye on small Pomeranians to protect them from hawks and owls. From above, Poms could be mistaken for rodents like squirrels, hedgehogs, or rabbits, so winged predators could assume your dog is dinner and swoop them away. Stay by their side, especially in fields or other large, open areas. Keeping them on a leash is always safest.  

You’ll also want to keep your Pomeranian pup safe when they play with bigger dogs. Because they’re so tiny, they might be accidentally hurt during roughhousing. But they’ll play well with other small dogs and with other pets like cats, when properly socialized.   

Pomeranians are a great fit for nearly any type of person or family. This friendly breed is content to reside in small condos with adults or larger homes with a posse of pets and children.  

For apartment dwellers, keep in mind that your Pom might want to alert you to the very exciting sounds they’re hearing in the hallways, though barking can be curbed by working with a certified trainer. 

Pomeranians love going along on adventures, but make sure that your outings allow their short legs the grace to keep up with everyone else. Before heading out, Pom parents should always check the weather; high temps can overheat Pomeranians, thanks to their double coat.  

When you are out (or even in your backyard), it’s easy to keep these little smarties entertained: Try a game of fetch; toys that squeak, bounce, or crinkle; or even a Chuckit! Ultra Ball.