Have you decided to become a Pomeranian parent? Or you are still not 100% sure about that. I guess you would like to know more about the good and bad things that you might face if you are owning a Pomeranian. Or you already have one fluffy bundle of joy but no experience with this breed so far.
Cute appearance and convenient size are defiantely the most obvious pros of Pomeranian dogs. Their friendly attitude towards humans contributes to their popularity. But not all about Pomeranians is sweet and positive.
These small dogs might act bossy and dominant towards other dogs. They often have excessive barking issues. Since Pomeranian breed size is fairly low, these dogs are predisposed to a few genetic diseases.
Table of Contents
What Are The Pros of Owning A Pomeranian?
Cute Appearance
I think there is not much to explain here. These dogs are simply adorable. Small in size with a luxurious, fluffy coat and fox-like face, Poms have a very appealing look.
Their coat is their trademark. Poms have a double coat which is made of a very soft undercoat and a straight, rougher overcoat.
Small Size Dog
Owning a small size dog like Pomeranian is very convenient. It’s easy to carry him around. The majority of airline companies will welcome your dog on the flight, allowing him to travel together with you, in the cabin.
Also, other places like trains, some hotels or restaurants, are willing to welcome small size dogs only.
Small size dogs eat less than larger breeds and normally produce less waste. It’s much easier to collect Pom’s poop than German Shepard’s or Boxer’s.
Another advantage of the fact that Poms eat less than larger dogs is in the price. You will spend less money on the dogs’ food.
Walking around with a small size dog is much easier. A Pomeranian won’t drag you and even if he starts jumping on someone, it won’t be any problem for you to handle.
You won’t experience any trouble with your neighbor who has a cat, as Pom won’t hurt her.
Letter carriers won’t be terrified to come to your place, as your Pom is too small to pose a major threat.
Friendly Attitude Towards Humans
Pomeranians really love their humans. They like to spend time with you, they are loyal and affectionate dogs.
They like to receive attention and according to other owners’ experience, Poms tend to attach very strongly to one particular person in the family.
Even though they are lap dogs and like to cuddle, they are not always thrilled with imposed handling and interaction.
A crate helps with this issue. It’s good for Pom to have a place of his own, where he can go when he doesn’t want interaction. But most of the time, Poms are really willing to play and spend some quality time with you.
Intelligent Dogs
Pomeranians are very smart dogs. They like to learn new things and you can train them easily. In most cases, they like to please their owners.
Your Pom is perfectly capable to read non-verbal cues. He can also feel your emotions and understand what are you saying.
If we are speaking about emotional intelligence, a 4 months old Pomeranian puppy is able to express a wide range of different feelings: affection, love, excitement, joy, shyness, distress, fear, disgust.
What is important, not only in the case of smart dogs like Poms but all dogs in general, is that you need to impose as the leader of the pack.
Your Pom must recognize you as Alpha, otherwise, you won’t accomplish much with your pet. Dogs learn only from the superior in rank ( no matter it’s a dog or a human)
Pomeranian Dog Can Live In Smaller Space
Since they are small size dogs and they don’t require too much exercise, they don’t need a spacious house with a yard. Poms can easily adjust to life in smaller apartments.
Of course, your Pom will still need to get out, either for a walk or a potty break. Bear that in mind when you think to bring a Pom into an apartment.
Despite being active breed, they need two shorter walks daily and some inside playtime and even in a smaller apartment there is plenty of space for them.
Long Lifespan
The average lifespan of Pomeranian dogs is between 12 and 16 years but it’s not uncommon for this breed to live even longer ( 18-20 years)
What Are The Cons Of Owning A Pomeranian?
Health Issues
Despite the popularity, the quantity of registered purebred Pomeranians is small. This breed has a smaller gene pool than some other breeds which indicates a higher risk of several genetic diseases.
One of the most common is Luxating patella (slipping kneecap ). If you notice that your Pom’s walk is a bit strange like he walks with almost straight legs and you think that he feels some pain, do rush to the vet.
If signs are spotted early, this problem might be corrected. Bear in mind the first signs are not easy to catch and if you miss those early symptoms your dog might become too old for corrective surgery.
Pomeranians are known for having dental issues. The core of the problem lies in the fact that Poms are small dogs with a big number of teeth.
This may lead to overcrowding which further may cause rotten teeth or problems with gums. Regular dental care is required.
Other common health issues that your Pom may suffer from are skin problems like Alopecia, eye problems like Cataracts or Distichiasis, slow metabolism, or Hypothyroidism.
Pomeranian Temperament and Personality Issues
Although described as playful and friendly dogs, Pomeranians have their dark side too. They can be really stubborn.
These dogs have rather a strong will and they are pretty independent. In some cases, they can be manipulative towards humans so early obedience and respect training is a must.
Despite their body size, they have an attitude of a much larger dog. Actually, they see themselves as much larger canines so they act accordingly.
It’s not uncommon for Poms to behave bossy and dominant especially towards other dogs. They usually see themselves as Alpha dogs. This may bring trouble in case they challenge three times larger dogs ( which can easily happen)
To prevent all this, early socialization is a must. If your Pom is not properly socialized, he might become overly aggressive and protective.
Grooming Issues
Pomeranians are considered moderate maintenance dogs. You might expect to have far less work with your dog’s grooming, taking his size into consideration but these dogs do require a moderate amount of grooming.
In order to keep that beautiful fluffy coat, you need to work on it on a daily basis. Regular daily brushing is important to prevent matting.
Also, Pomeranians are one of the heaviest sheddings of all toy breeds. You may be lucky if you have a light shedding Pom but most of these dogs shed heavily.
Don’t forget your Pom’s teeth, regular brushing is required to keep their teeth and gums clean and healthy.
Barking Issues
Pomeranians are great watchdogs. They are always on alert willing to inform you about any stranger ( or another living being) that comes close to your home.
Not just that, these dogs are very talkative. That means that they like to vocalize their thoughts. Poms are in close relation with wolves but also with dog breeds like Alaskan Malamute and Samoyed. So the fact they like to ”talk” is not strange.
The problem is that their voice -bark is very powerful and loud. One wouldn’t expect that tone from the small size dog.
If not socialized properly at an early age, Pom may bark a lot. Excessive barking is usually an attention-seeking behavior. If Pom was not taught how to behave with humans and other dogs /animals, he may feel fear in some situations which further may lead to excessive barking.
The point is you need to socialize your Pom early. If he is socialized well and he is still barking a lot, means that he seeks your attention ( I will exclude the possibility that your dog is ill or feels pain and barks because of that).
If we assume that you are the owner that loves and cares for a dog then you need to ignore those attempts to get some extra attention. If you are persistent enough, he will stop.
Ok, he won’t stop barking, because dogs need to bark, that is their way of communication but at least he will reduce barking to some normal level.
Small Size Dog
Yes, you are right. You have already seen the same subheading. Where? In the Pros section. How come? Well, the fact that Poms are small size dogs is pro and con at the same time.
As we already have explained why the small size is pro, let’s see why is a con.
Small size dogs are more fragile. They can easily end up hurt. If you add their problematic attitude because of which Pom is keen to fight with the much bigger dog then you can see the problem very clearly.
Especially Pomeranian puppies are jeopardized. If a large dog just shakes them, they can end up dead.
Pay special attention if you have young kids. They shouldn’t interact with a Pom without supervision. A young kid doesn’t know to handle a Pom properly, the kid might treat a dog too roughly so Pom may end up seriously hurt.
Pomeranian Potty Training
Although Pomeranians are very smart dogs that are easy to train, potty training is considered as challenging task in their case.
Dogs usually don’t like to “eliminate” in their living space. The problem with toy breeds including Poms is that almost every space is big enough for them.
So if they pee in one corner, they just go to another room and they are far from the potty spot.
Another problem is that people treat toy breeds like babies and tolerate them some things that would never be allowed to the larger breeds.
Just bear in mind, that small size dogs are equally ( if not more ) clever as larger dogs. Poms can learn everything larger canines can and be sure that potty break is one of these things.
You just need to be consistent. Positive reinforcement is the right way, never punish or yell at your Pom because he had an accident.
Some people buy pee pads for toy breeds. Unless it’s really necessary, don’t do that as this is the way you teach your dog that is acceptable to pee inside and it’s not. Dogs should always do potty outside.
Poms Cannot Live Outside
Whatever reason you might have, it’s not acceptable to keep your Pom outside. This dog simply cannot live outside, it’s too dangerous for him.
Poms are companion dogs, they need to be with their human family all the time. But this is not the major reason why you should never let your dog live outside.
Poms are too small, they are seen as prey even by hawks, not to mention larger predators ( including larger dogs from the neighborhood) like foxes, coyotes, bobcats…
Another reason is the weather. Although they tolerate low temperatures to a certain point, they cannot tolerate heat and humidity very well.
If your Pom is an excessive barker, you may have trouble with neighbors.
Don’t forget that Poms are very popular small dogs, often on the thieves’ radar. Keeping your Pom in your backyard, make their ”job” easier.
Hopefully, this article helped you see all aspects of owning this cute breed and made you decision a bit easier.
