Are Pomeranians Good for First-Time Dog Owners?

Browsing through possible dog breeds to get, coming across the Pomeranian might stop you in your tracks. These small dogs are adorable with their fox-like faces and fluffy coats. Available in a variety of different colors and markings, Pomeranians don’t typically weigh more than 7 pounds and don’t stand taller than 7 inches. You might wonder if this is the perfect dog for you. But what if you’ve never owned a dog before? What’s involved with taking care of a Pom? Let’s find out.

Can I Have a Pomeranian as a First Dog?

They’re hard to resist and look like stuffed animals that came to life. For people who live in apartments, Poms may be extra appealing because of their size. They also pack a lot of personality into a little package! Energetic and bouncy with a stubborn streak, Poms are affectionate companions and make wonderful dogs for seasoned and novice dog owners alike.

With any dog you get, however, it’s important to dedicate the time to get to know them, train them, and care for them properly. Even the “easy” dogs to care for still require care. Deciding to get a dog is a commitment for the rest of that dog’s life and should not be entered into lightly. With that said, what kind of care does a Pomeranian require?

Caring for a Pomeranian

Poms are affectionate and very loving, so if you want a dog that loves to cuddle, look no further. Since they’re so small, they’ll want to be in your lap all the time. Even with their small statures, they’ll think they’re guard dogs and alert you to every noise or movement they detect. If you have close neighbors, your barking Pom might cause trouble.

Training is often necessary for Poms and patience is going to be required during every session. As sweet as these dogs are, they can be stubborn as well. A Pomeranian’s lifespan is 15–20 years. When you get this dog, you’re getting a commitment that can span two decades. Being sure about bringing this dog into your life is extremely important before you make the decision to do so.

Diet

As puppies, Poms are so small that they need to be fed 3–4 times a day to avoid becoming hypoglycemic. Low blood sugar is dangerous in dogs but especially those this size. A high-quality, nutritious kibble made for puppies is ideal. As your puppy grows and becomes an adult, the number of required meals will depend on your dog’s activity level. Usually, 2–3 feedings a day is sufficient. They don’t require much food at each meal, so their food bills tend to be very affordable. Treats are something your Pom will love but should be offered in moderation to avoid your small pup becoming too big.

Grooming

Grooming is important to keep your Pom’s coat shiny and healthy. Pomeranians shed and should be brushed every day to help keep their coats from matting. Regular nail trims and teeth brushing are required. Toy breeds are prone to dental disease and brushing their teeth helps keep this at bay. A bath every 4–6 weeks will keep your Pom’s skin moisturized and healthy and keep their fur clean. A professional groomer can offer these services and also trim your dog’s fur to keep it tidy.

Exercise

Small Pomeranians still need exercise to stay healthy and happy. They are energetic dogs who enjoy running around an enclosed backyard, chasing a ball or toy. They also like walks. Two brisk 20-minute walks a day will help your Pom burn off energy. Remember your Pom has a double coat of fur, so avoid times when it’s extremely hot outside. Your Pom will likely have to walk very quickly in order to keep up with you due to their size. Slow down and let your dog match your pace so they don’t overexert themselves. If you notice your dog getting too tired, it’s time to go back home.

Training

Pomeranians are intelligent and easy to train if you use the right approach. A smart dog can also be a mischievous dog, though, and combined with the Pom’s stubborn streak, this can quickly go awry. Training sessions should use positive reinforcement and a special reward your dog loves. Keeping their attention can be difficult at times, but not impossible.

Potty Training

As a toy breed, the Pomeranian can be difficult to housetrain because they’re so small. First, owners aren’t always able to notice accidents quickly because the accidents are always small. By not catching this and being able to correct the Pom, the dog doesn’t know that they did anything wrong.

Pomeranians also have small bladders that need to be relieved often, and if they can’t hold it anymore, they won’t. The key to housebreaking toy breeds is vigilance. A proper schedule and routine that you don’t deviate from will be crucial in teaching your dog where to go potty, as well as a high-value reward system when they do a good job.

Special Considerations

Bringing any dog into your home is a big decision, and you should know the pros and cons. While Pomeranians are great dogs with fun personalities, cute looks, and an affectionate temperament, there are some things to consider when you want to add this breed to your home.

Fragility

Small dogs may be adorable, but their size also means they’re more fragile and prone to accidents and injuries. Well-meaning children who are accidentally too rough with the dog could cause a lot of damage. With owning this dog comes more monitoring and keeping them safe from harm. Accidents can happen quickly. Falls, people dropping them, getting stepped on, being hit with closing doors, etc., are all things to be mindful of when you own a Pom. Larger dogs or wildlife can also pose a threat to your Pom. When around other animals, your dog should always be watched closely.

Strong-Willed

When a Pomeranian sets their mind to something, not much can stop them. Their stubborn streak will kick in and they won’t stop until they get what they want, be it jumping to get something off the table or barking for your attention.

Shedding

This dog is going to shed, so if you don’t want dog hair in your home, this breed may not be for you. Brushing can help remove some of the fur so it doesn’t wind up on your carpet, but there will always be some fur somewhere.

Being Left Alone

This is not the Pomeranian’s favorite thing. In fact, they don’t like it much at all. This is a social little dog who wants to be around their people. If you leave for long hours, your Pom might pass the time by barking, whining, and yapping. This can pose a problem with close neighbors who don’t enjoy hearing your dog’s protests. Some Pomeranians have very high-pitched barks that can’t be easily ignored.

In addition, this is a dog breed that can never be left outside alone. Being so small, predators can easily attack the Pomeranian. Hawks, foxes, coyotes, and even feral cats are just some of the dangers waiting outside for a dog this size. Not only that, but human beings sadly pose another threat. A dog this tiny and friendly can easily be stolen. Never leave your dog outside unattended and unprotected.

Aggression

Pomeranians are not aggressive dogs by nature. Any dog can be aggressive due to improper socialization, mistreatment, and neglect. Pomeranians can bite if they are scared and fearful or are picked up when they don’t want to be held. If your little dog is biting, there’s likely a reason for it.

Lifespan

The lifespan of a Pomeranian is longer than the average larger dog by about 5–10 years. When you bring this dog into your life, that relationship is going to last a very long time. Be sure this is the dog for you before you make the commitment.

The bottom line

Pomeranians are good dogs for first-time dog owners. They’re sweet, affectionate little dogs that love to be around their owners and be social. They require a minimum of two walks a day to be happy and get their exercise needs met. While they shed, regular brushing and grooming can help keep their fur under control. They are intelligent dogs who can be easily trained but might put up some resistance due to their stubbornness. Potty training can prove to be a little difficult but is not impossible if done with consistency and patience. Because of their small size, it’s always important to watch your Pom and make sure they aren’t in danger of being hurt. With their size comes fragility. If you’re looking to add a loving companion to your home, a Pomeranian could be the right dog for you. This is a very popular breed and finding a puppy through a breeder or private seller should be easy enough to do with some online searching. If you’re looking to adopt, check shelters and breed-specific rescues for Pomeranians to see if your new friend is waiting for a home of their own.

Author: Jessica Rossetti

Jessica lives in Chicago with her husband, Dominic, and their rescued cat, Toast. She has lived with dogs for over 30 years and spends her days writing, caring for various animals, and enjoying her backyard that has become an oasis for wild creatures.

Her passion for animals began at a young age when she would bring home the lost dog or cat. As she got older, she went on to bring home an injured bird or raccoon. This love and desire to help all creatures led to her work as an adult with various animal rescues, where she saved the lives of many domestic and wild animals while learning the necessary skills to care for them.

Owning and operating a professional pet care service in Chicago for the past twelve years, Jessica cares for dogs in her home while writing full-time.