— Breed of the Month —

Pomeranian

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Breed Traits and Characteristics

According to the American Kennel Club, here are some breed characteristic you can find in Pomeranians. 

 

  • Height

    6-7 inches

  • Weight

    3-7 pounds

  • Life Expectancy

    12-16 years

  • Coat Type/Length

    Double/Long

  • 100 Affectionate with Family
  • 60 Good with Young Children
  • 60 Good with Other Dogs
  • 60 Trainability Level
  • 60 Energy Level
  • 80 Barking Level
  • 40 Shedding Level
  • 20 Drooling Level

History

The Pomeranian takes its name from Pomerania, a geographic area located in what is today northern Poland and western Germany. It was here that experts believe breeding and cross-breeding of large sled dogs created the smallest member of the Spitz (German for “sharp,” referring to their typically pointy noses) family – their cousins include Norwegian Elkhounds, Samoyeds, and the Malamute.

Pomeranians were very popular with 19th-century royalty, who were responsible for altering some of the breeds features and size. Queen Victoria was an especially big fan of the diminutive Pom, showing six of her own at the 1891 Crufts dog show. Over time, breeders further cemented their lush coats, small ears, and plumed tails, along with their short legs, pointed snouts, and big personalities.

The Pomeranian

The Pomeranian (or Pom, for short) is an unfailingly popular dog that consistently ranks in or around the American Kennel Club top 20 breeds. These compact, cuddly, and attractive canines – colloquially nicknamed “The Little Dog Who Thinks He Can” – combine high intelligence and a fearlessness belying their diminutive size with a distinctive lush coat and almond-shaped eyes. While they are active dogs, their small stature means they are comfortable in city or suburb, where they are easily exercised with vigorous indoor play or short jaunts outside.

Pomeranian Breed Facts

Physical Characteristics

Pomeranians are smaller dogs with thick, lush double coats, short, sturdy legs, a curling tail, and a pointy face. Their ears (inherited from Arctic breeds) are short, designed to limit loss of body heat. They are prone to knee issues, including luxating patella – a knee or patella dislocation, sometimes identified by a clicking sound in the knee area. Poms are also prone to tracheal collapse and should never be walked or trained on a collar or anything that places pressure on their trachea. It is vital to confirm their harness fits correctly.

Personality & Temperament

The Pomeranian has a big personality that belies their size. As a result, they can engage in conflicts with other dogs, asserting their perceived leadership status. This can place them at risk of being harmed by a larger breed.

Occasionally, this can lead to behavioral issues around the home. Poms will often want to be first to answer the door; they will bark at noises they hear, and they tend to want to run the entire household. Because of their cuteness, many people allow them to get away with otherwise unacceptable behavior.

Their tendency to bark can be problematic for apartment and condominium dwellers. They are very trainable, however, and with some determined management and ongoing education, they can become loving pets. We recommend basic training for all Poms – early, consistent training pays large dividends when it comes to avoiding future behavioral issues.

Breed Traits

Class

  • Toy Group

Color

  • Blue, Black, Black & Tan, Brindle, Cream, Merle (a recent addition by breeders, this distinct mottling of colors has seen a rise in deafness of the breed ranging from mild to severe), Orange, Sable, Spotted, White

Size

  • Small
  • Height: 6-7 inches
  • Weight: 3-7 pounds

Other Traits

  • Plumed tail that curls proudly over the hind quarters
  • Short ears, designed to maintain body heat
  • Fringe of feathery hair that adorns their short, study legs

Life Expectancy

  • The Pomeranian has a life expectancy of between 12 to 17 years.

Training Your Pomeranian

Tips for Potential Owners

  • While Poms are generally healthy, they can be susceptible to health conditions like luxating patella, hypothyroidism, collapsing tracheas, congestive heart failure, seizures, and alopecia X.
  • Pomeranians can get their exercise in small spaces, making them excellent dogs for apartment and city dwellers.
  • Poms have high activity levels and do best when not left inactive for long hours.
  • If you are thinking of purchasing a Pomeranian, it is important to source from a responsible breeder who is breeding for not only looks, but health and temperament as well. Rescues are also great options for prospective Pom owners. Contact your local Bark Busters trainer today to learn about great breeders and rescue organizations near you!
  • All dogs need a special place to call their own. By selecting a place for yours to eat and sleep away from high traffic areas of your home, you can set good habits early in its life. Prevention is far more preferable to a cure – early basic obedience training is vitally important to ensure your Pomeranian understands and follows your rules.

We are standing by to help you develop a consistent, compassionate approach to good behavior for your Pomeranian. Learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with one of our trainers today!

Connect with Us!

Need help training your Pomeranian? Call 1-877-500-BARK (2275)or enter your zip code.

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Bark Busters Trainer Jeff Drier on the Pomeranian

As The American Kennel Club aptly states, “the Pomeranian combines a tiny body and a commanding big-dog demeanor.” Most of the problems we see with Pomeranians as Bark Busters® trainers are due to people treating them not as big dogs, but as babies. We’ve seen Pomeranians who refuse to walk – with or without a leash – because they have been carried so much. We have seen them bark nonstop, almost like a child having a tantrum, when they don’t get their way.

It’s important to understand that Pomeranians, like all dogs, can view themselves as being big, like a German Shepherd. Most people would not carry around a German Shepherd, but they think nothing about scooping up a Pom, nestling it in the crook of their arm, and carrying it every place they go. As a result, Poms can become demanding and protective of the person catering to them. They become stressed and act out, causing their human family stress, and creating an ongoing vicious cycle.

Fortunately, Pomeranians are typically smart dogs who aim to please. With a few modifications to their owners’ behavior, things can change for the better. Take Princess, a beautiful, professionally groomed Pom: she was the pride and joy of wife Susan – and the bane of her husband Peter.

Susan had adopted Princess before meeting Peter, and initially she was a cute, funny, and endearing dog. Once Susan and Peter moved in together, however, Princess became more protective of Susan. She would sit directly beside Susan or in Susan’s lap, growling and baring her teeth if Peter approached. The same thing would happen when Susan was in bed and Peter came into the room. Finally, after months of stress, they reached their limit when Princess bit Peter. Both Susan and Peter agreed that if Princess’s behavior didn’t change, she would need to be rehomed.

Fortunately, Susan and Peter called Bark Busters. Our trainer, Cathy, met with them to learn about Princess’ history and relationships with Susan and Peter. Once Cathy understood the causes of Princess’s behavior, she explained them to Susan and Peter, then developed a program to create positive changes.

Cathy coached them through some exercises and Princess responded beautifully. She preached consistency in practicing the exercises, as it would likely take a few weeks to make concrete changes. Susan and Peter were excited and encouraged by Princess’ responses to early training and made regular commitments to practice the exercises, vowing to keep Cathy posted about their progress.

A couple of weeks after that initial session, Cathy received a report from Susan and Peter that Princess was like a different dog. She was no longer growling or snapping at Peter and she was much more relaxed. As a result, Susan and Peter were more relaxed and happier as well!

If you are having behavioral issues with your Pomeranian, your local Bark Busters trainer is standing by to help. Our trainers can assist in establishing a pattern of consistency, resolve any and all issues, and help you nurture a relationship with your Pomeranian built on mutual understanding, trust, respect, and love.

Pomeranian Grooming

While grooming a Pomeranian is easy, their luxurious double coat – a soft, dense, thick undercoat, with a straight (and much longer) outer coat – requires daily attention. A once-a-week brushing using a pin brush and slicker brush can help further alleviate any issues and keep hair from matting. Tangling can occur during the Pom’s twice-yearly undercoat shedding, and clipping is advisable every couple of months to further help manage the coat; because of their active lifestyles, their nails should be cut short as well. The American Kennel Club also advises owners find a groomer to perform a full groom every four to six weeks.

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Hear from Bark Busters Clients Who Have a Pomeranian

We have two Pomeranians. One we just got was a rescue. Our vet believes she is 3 and her name is Boo. She had been abused and kept caged for 12-14 hours a day. She was very aggressive when we got her and had the fear she would bite someone. Our Vet recommended Bark Busters and Lexie came and gave the first lesson. Within an hour she had Boo responding to the corrections. It has now been a month and Boo is like a different dog. Although she still does not trust strangers once I give the correction she responds immediately. I am so impressed with the way that Lexie works with the dogs and how they respond. I would strongly recommend Lexie and Bark Busters to anyone.
My husband and I have a strong willed, high maintenance, yappy pomeranian, Bear. We dealt with his craziness for way too long and finally decided we needed help! After one visit with Patrick that has all changed. During our visit we learned how to speak dog and gain back our control. We now have an obediant dog that is much easier to manage. Who you gonna call? Bark Busters!
Working with Michelle from Bark Busters has been so very helpful with our feisty (albeit adorable) little Pomeranian who kind of thought he was in charge of the world! Michelle provided super helpful tools, strategies, and information so we could understand how dogs think and communicate, and learn how to change our dogs behavior by changing our behavior. It takes practice, however the strategies work! She has made herself readily available via a combination of in person sessions, phone calls and texts. We highly recommend Bark Busters! Thank you!
Robert was an absolute pleasure! He truly cares not only about your dog, but also about how you and your family use his techniques consistently. Throughout my training with my seven month old Pomeranian, Robert was very thorough and encouraging. His professionalism and expertise was invaluable. I have seen amazing results already with Robert’s technique and training. I look forward to my next session with him in the next few weeks.
I have been a client of Sharon's at Bark Busters for a couple years. She is worth every penny! My dog Lacey had severe separation anxiety, fear based aggression, as well as other issues. There is not a single thing that Sharon has taught me to do that has not worked when I practice and do it correctly. She is always available for questions and free follow up training.
Orlando helped me stop Louie from barking at animals on tv. Rushing the door and barking and jumping on guest when they came over. Also helped me with Louie staying next to me on walks instead of pulling ahead of me.
She is very well prepared and professional. She gives great lessons. My dog was already taking to the lesson before she was done with it. Would definitely recommend.
Theresa was very helpful and informative and is a great trainer
Theresa Nichols, with Bark Busters, is an amazing trainer! She has worked with both of our dogs and we saw immediate results. She really understands dogs!
We are so glad they sent Theresa to our house. She is very informative and Bark Buster Is lucky to have her she has redeemed our faith in the company because of a previous trainer. We really wanted to refund, but she has showed us that she can help us get control of Our Golden Doodle thanks so so much.
Theresa is wonderful! She is kind and patient and wonderful at instructing both pup and client. She is helping to make a hugely positive behavioral impact with my energetic labradoodle. Highly recommend!
Theresa was very helpful for us and responds super quickly to any of our questions.
Had a great time today with Theresa learning about the steps I need to implement in order to resolve my dog’s anxiety problems. I learned so much today about being the leader that my dog need.
Theresa was timely and spent a long time with me - first explaining why my dog exhibited her behaviors and then how we can go about correcting them. She was friendly and knowledgeable and walked through all the steps necessary (along with the practice that is up to us) to ensure our success. If you’re having an issue with your dog, don’t hesitate to call her.
Our Bark Buster trainer Theresa, was very organized and knowledgeable! It’s clear she is dedicated to the process and we know she will be there along our journey.
Theresa has been incredible with our anxious, smart, hyper-attentive puppy! We finally have some control over him, and he seems much more calm in general. She sat down and educated our whole family about how dogs think, how to read their body language, and how to redirect them. Our previous methods only worked at certain times and in certain ways. This is working all of the time! We sought out distractions and worked on how to stay focused. She follows up, she wants our success, and she is patient and understanding. I’m really grateful we have her as an asset in Tallahassee!
We have been working with Theresa and Bark Buster‘s for the past six months and Justin responds very well to this form of training. The harness she has provided makes walking him a pleasure now. I highly recommend Bark Buster‘s
I highly recommend Bark Busters! After our first session with Theresa, I felt like we really got our money’s worth. She explained dog behavior in a way that made so much sense and walked us through exercises that were perfect for Theo, our Australian Shepherd. I’m excited for our follow-up to show her how much Theo has improved!
Theresa is one impressive trainer. Having had pups for over thirty five years, I was pleasantly surprised to have learned stuff about training our hyperactive Goldendoodle , Daniel, that I was not aware of before. He still has a ways to go, but I can’t believe how much hear improved just after one session. Thank you, Theresa. We’re very grateful for your help.
Gusty is terrific. She came in and assessed our needs quickly and jumped right in with skills and exercises to practice. I saw improvement in my chiweenie right away. Highly recommend Gusty to anyone needing dog training!
Gusty has completely transformed both my life and my dog Benny's--after just two sessions.

Benny is a one-year-old mixed-breed rescue who had experienced significant trauma before I adopted him. When we started working with Gusty, we were dealing with several behavioral challenges: barking and biting, leash reactivity, and difficulty adjusting to my two resident cats--whom Benny felt the need to "protect" me from. He was also very territorial on walks, often lunging and snapping at anyone with an unusual appearance--people in big jackets, those with a unique gait, or wearing medical masks. He even reacted to other dogs wearing sweaters. On top of that, he had a habit of scavenging and displayed food aggression.

Gusty not only helped me see that Benny is an incredibly intelligent dog, but also gave me the tools and structure to bring out the best in him. With just a few consistent rules, Benny has blossomed into a calm, focused, and eager-to-learn companion. Thanks to Gusty's guidance:
- Benny no longer barks at people passing our apartment.
- He's calm and responsive on leash--no more lunging.
- He sits at crosswalks, comes when called, and no longer demands attention by barking.
- I no longer need to rely on endless chew toys or treats to keep him occupied.
- He drops trash when asked and responds beautifully to direction.
- Most importantly, our bond has grown stronger than ever.

While he still occasionally reacts to the cats' presence, he is MUCH calmer, only barks and them once or twice and then immediately goes to lay down after I tell him to. The fact that he can disengage from something that once distracted him so totally that I was concerned about his safety and the cats is actually incredible.

With Gusty's encouragement, I'm now excited to take things further--we're starting agility training, and I'm working on getting Benny comfortable in busier environments with the goal of certifying him as an emotional support animal so he can eventually travel with me.

Thank you, Gusty and the Bark Busters team! Your dedication to educating dog owners is inspiring, and the results speak for themselves. This has been one of the best investments I've ever made.
We are blown away by how effective Orlando's techniques were. He explained things in a clear way, and completely changed the way we saw our role in our dog's life. We are very pleased with the results.
Deb is incredibly helpful as a dog trainer and uses a system that really works! My husband and I are already pretty well versed in dogs, but something about the dynamic of the two we have now--barking at the door and windows, jumping on guests, even to the point of fighting with each other--we couldn't get a handle on. Deb came in and brought an expert outside perspective to our situation that has completely changed the stressful dynamic of the house. We've so appreciated the resources offered, the follow up texts, and the simple way to track what we should practice. By applying these trainings, already after just two sessions, our dogs are so much calmer and more obedient and we've taken back control of the house. I would 100% recommend Deb to anyone who has a difficult dog/s. If you listen to her and do the practice, you will absolutely see results.
I have a min pin who barked all the time at anything. I knew that Kate saw herself as the alpha of the pack and nothing I did was successful. I decided to give Bark Busters a try. Deb helped me understand how to speak dog and exactly what I needed! After the first session the barking was very much under control and Kate knew I was the leader and not her! After our second lesson I can now take Kate for walk and I am the leader instead of Kate dragging me down the street at her pace. Barking at others or dogs on our walks has also subsided. Deb is amazing and I can't say enough good things about her knowledge of dogs. My house is more peaceful and I believe Kate is happy that I have stepped into the alpha role and me too! Deb also provided training tools and a special harness for Kate that helped assure immediate success with barking!!!! This program is worth every penny I paid!
It was great meeting with Deb. She was so informative about how train our puppy. We have raised several dogs from puppies, but Deb put everything into perspective. All of the information that she shared with us made so much sense. Our puppy is a Shiba Inu with lots of energy, an attitude, and a huge personality. Deb was able to get our pup to respond to her immediately with some of the training techniques.
We looked at several training options. After meeting with Deb, we are 100% sure that we made the best choice possible. We are looking forward to working with her.
We are well pleased with Orlando and his training. Ori is responding very well. Thank you.
I am thrilled with Bark Busters and with my trainer, Kevin. Although I've had dogs my whole life, I never trained a dog, and I was a little afraid of doing it. I lost my 15-year-old Cocker Spaniel a year ago and got a puppy quickly. Joey is a pure-bred Cocker Spaniel--he is emotional, gorgeous, and loving, but he is a handful!

Kevin has provided me with a ton of innovative information, approaches, and tasks to train Joey, and they are working!

My family and I see the improvement! The methods work by using sounds that a dog naturally responds to.

There are many trainers in Los Angeles, so the information alone is insufficient. I am an intuitive person, and Kevin is kind and understands human and dog nature!

I feel comfortable sharing what is hard for me with Joey. He responds quickly with new ideas, humor, and patience. I consider him a friend of my family.

Joey and I are in great hands, as problems come up, and as Joey grows.

I'm grateful and relieved that I found the right company and person for me and Joey.

If you need dog training, make sure to call Bark Busters of Greater Los Angeles!
Deb is wonderful to work with and she sure knows her job. After working with her the first training session we were rewarded with a whole new dog. We now know how to communicate with our dog so he understands what we are asking of him I would recommend bark busters to anyone who is looking for some training for their precious four-legged animal.

Need Dog Training Assistance with Your Pomeranian? Find Your Local Trainer Now!

CALL TODAY 1-877-500-BARK (2275)

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