Pomeranians are one of the most fascinating dog breeds out there and for good reason. They have a rich history, a charismatic attitude, and a beautiful look. I bet other dogs wouldn’t mind having any of these characteristics either!
If you have a Pomeranian, had one at one point in time, know someone who does, or plan on getting one soon, there are a lot of fascinating facts about Pomeranians you might be interested in learning about. Some of them are actually incredibly unique. For example, did you know that
- Mozart, Michelangelo, and Houdini had Pomeranians?
- Pomeranians used to be Arctic working dogs?
- There’s a world-famous Pomeranian named Boo?
These are just some of the fascinating facts about Pomeranians and there are plenty more where they came from!
1. Colors Galore
Pomeranians come in all sorts of colors due to their breeding history. Of the colors they can be found in, the ones you’ll find include white, black, brown, red, orange, cream, blue (sort of), sable, black and tan, brown and tan, spotted, brindle, and parti. Out of all those colors, the most common colors you’ll find are orange, black, or cream/white. Actually, Pomeranians have one of the highest varieties in all dog breeds, so pick the color that fits your style!
2. Pomerania is Their Homeland
One of the most interesting facts about Pomeranians is that they historically come from a region in Europe called Pomerania! Pomerania historically was a region near the borders of Germany and Poland and still exists in some regions today.
As a matter of fact, one of the reasons the “P” in Pomeranian is capitalized is due to its referencing the region of Pomerania. The next time you’re in Europe, you should take your Pomeranian there! They just might feel at home.
3. Their Color Changes While They Age
One fact that I’ve always found interesting is the fact that the color of a Pomeranian changes from puppyhood to adulthood quite a bit. Every Pomeranian I’ve had that went through these ages went from a lighter color to a completely different color by about 1-year-old.
Similar to the hair on the head of a young child, Pomeranians also have this hair color transition. I know that some Pomeranian parents have gotten a little nervous when noticing this change since they thought there was something wrong with their Pomeranian. However, you should rest assured that it’s completely natural.
4. “Throwback” Pomeranians Are Still a Thing
Have you ever seen a Pomeranian that’s generally bigger in size when compared to other Pomeranians? Maybe they also have broader shoulders and a larger head. Well, that’s because there’s such a thing called a “throwback” Pomeranian.
A “throwback” Pomeranian is essentially a Pomeranian that shares a lot of their genes with their previous ancestors, who were much bigger, stronger, and industrious. Nonetheless, “throwback” Pomeranians are just the same as any other Pomeranian, but instead just a little different in size.
5. Michelangelo Had a Pomeranian
Michelangelo di Lodovico Buonarroti Simoni, the famous artist from the Renaissance times, had his very own Pomeranian back in the 1500s. When I found this out, I was completely shocked and amazed! But it just so happens that Pomeranians were quite the fashion back then.
It’s a little-known fact that when Michelangelo was creating the Sistine Chapel, his Pomeranian would always accompany him by watching him work from a comfy silk pillow. That was one cozy and lucky little Pom!
6. Queen Victoria Popularized Pomeranians
One of the best-known facts about the origin of the modern Pomeranian is that Queen Victoria was arguably the biggest influence in the popularization and breeding of Pomeranians. Before Queen Victoria, Pomeranians existed in very small numbers and didn’t share too many qualities with one another.
However, Queen Victoria was an avid dog breeder and, after discovering the Pomeranian, fell in love with Pomeranians. She bred a great many of Pomeranians, which “standardized” the Pomeranian breed we know and love today.
7. Pomeranians Are Descendants of Arctic Work Dogs
While it may be difficult to imagine, your Pomeranians distant ancestors were once Arctic work dogs that worked in the snow and pulled sleds around! They originally descend from the German Spitz breed, which is a bigger and stronger breed of dog.
Prior to becoming the lovely little Pomeranians we know and love today, they were at least double in size. As a matter of fact, they used to be referred to as “wolf dog” because they looked so much like wolves, but were eventually domesticated. Who would have thought!
8. Two Pomeranians Survived the Titanic Sinking
The tragic sinking of the Titanic is both sad and heartbreaking. However, of the passengers that survived that horrific event, two Pomeranians were amongst those that made it. As a matter of fact, there was a total of 12 dogs that were on board the Titanic and only three survived.
The surviving dogs included two Pomeranians and one Pekingese. The name of one of the Pomeranians was Lady and was owned by a 24-year-old woman traveling to Europe. The other Pomeranian’s name is unknown but was owned by one of the family members of the wealthy Rothschild family.
9. Pomeranians Have Two Coats
It should come to no surprise that Pomeranians, who once worked and toiled in the harsh weather of historic Pomerania, have two coats of fur to keep them cold when it matters most. Both their inner and outer coats serve different purposes and should be taken well care of.
A Pomeranian’s inner coat is there to keep them warm in very cold weather. While it’s not as tough as it used to be due to select breeding over the years, it’s still fairly effective. When it comes to their outer coat, this mainly serves as a guard to their inner coat so no damage is made due to the elements.
10. Martin Luther Wrote About His Pomeranian
The famous monk, theologian, and church reformer that took on the Catholic church in favor of another form of Christianity owned a Pomeranian! It’s amazing to see such historically famous individuals with Pomeranians!
Whenever Martin Luther wasn’t busy with his work, he’d be entertained by his cute little Pomeranian named Belferlein. There’s not a whole lot known about Belferlein, but I’m sure we can surmise that he was adorable!
11. Pomeranians Are Extremely Social
If you’re looking for a dog that’s a little more introvert and to themselves, you’ve found the wrong pup! Pomeranians are by far one of the most social dogs I’ve ever known and I’m sure that can be attested by many a Pomeranian owner.
Whether you’re having friends over, take your Pomeranian on a walk, or just relaxing on the couch, they’re likely to spend whatever energy they have stored up. Some dog owners aren’t made for this kind of activity, so it’s important to be sure you want a Pomeranian before getting one.
12. Relatively Light Weight
Pomeranians are sometimes like a little lightning bolt shooting around and making a fuss. However, if you ever need to grab them or pick them up for whatever reason, you’ll know instantly that they’re light and easy to take around wherever you want to go.
While I’m definitely a fan of all sizes of dogs, I like the fact that I can simply pick up my Pomeranians and take them with me wherever I go. It can make life a lot easier and the physical products needed for Pomeranians are usually smaller and cheaper.
13. Pomeranians Adapt Well to Apartment Living
Of the many benefits and interesting facts about Pomeranians, the fact that they’re e perfect fit for living in apartments is one of the best. Don’t get me wrong, they love living in houses as well, but their small size makes apartment living just fine.
It’s not uncommon for people living in apartments to be a bit unsure about whether they can own and take care of a dog properly. Well, if you get a Pomeranian, apartments are just fine! Just make sure you take them out once or twice a day.
14. Sir Isaac Newton Had a Pomeranian
It becomes more and more shocking learning about historical owners of Pomeranians. Sir Isaac Newton, the famous mathematician and physicist who essentially discovered gravity, had his very own Pomeranian named Diamond.
A funny fact about Diamond is that he used to eat the manuscripts of Sir Isaac Newton, which had important discoveries he worked on tirelessly! Lucky for Diamond, he was a Pomeranian and it’s nearly impossible to stay mad at a Pomeranian.
15. Exercise Is Easy
One of the best facts about Pomeranians is that they’re very easy to keep in shape since they don’t require a huge amount of exercise. Simply by taking them on a short 20-30 minute walk every day will keep them in tip-top shape.
Of course, your Pomeranian can have an endless amount of energy and they need to tap into that energy from somewhere. That’s why if you ever see a Pomeranian with a shorter haircut and they exercise regularly, they’re often in really good shape compared to other dog breeds.
16. Pomeranians Shed Very Little
While this is certainly a shocking fact to a lot of people, Pomeranians don’t shed much and hardly leave any hair around the house. Even with their super plentiful and puffy hair, they shed far less than your average dog.
This is a great quality when it comes to owning a Pomeranian because they make it very easy to keep your home, car, and wherever else you take them clean. Minimal cleanup, maximum cuteness!
17. Lots of Stylish Haircuts to Choose From
With all of that hair, Pomeranians have a great potential for a variety of different haircuts. From mohawks to lion cuts, the possibilities are endless! Some of the most popular Pomeranian haircuts include the lion, kennel, show, teddy bear, lamb, puppy, Bichon head, mohawk, half-and-half, polar bear cut.
If you want to get your Pomeranian one of these super cute haircuts, be sure to hire a dog groomer that has experience cutting the hair of Pomeranians. It’s very important that your Pomeranians inner coat doesn’t get damaged during the process since any damage to it is almost always irreversible.
18. Houdini Smuggled His Pomeranian Around the World
The number of famous people that have owned and currently own a Pomeranian is nearly endless, but one of the more fascinating facts about Pomeranians is that Houdini had one named Charlie. Houdini’s Pomeranian, Charlie, was actually a gift from the Grand Duke of Russia!
A funny fact about Houdini and Charlie is that Houdini would sometimes have to hide Charlie when traveling when crossing certain international borders. Lucky for Charlie, Houdini was pretty good at hiding him!
19. Pomeranians Are Super Smart and Trainable
A fascinating fact about Pomeranians is that they’re exceptionally easy to train due to being smarter than your average dog. For whatever reason, Pomeranians have a relatively higher level of cognition and are known for learning rather quickly.
If you own a Pomeranian, don’t let their cuteness and puffiness fool you into thinking they’re a little dim. They know perfectly well what they’re doing if you ever suspect them of being a little devious. They’re smarter than you think!
20. Teacup Pomeranians Are the Smallest Pomeranians
Have you ever seen a Pomeranian so small that you could have sworn they were just a living furball? Well, there exists a kind of Pomeranian called a teacup Pomeranian, which is one of the smallest dogs out there.
Teacup Pomeranians aren’t a separate breed from normal Pomeranians. As a matter of fact, it’s known in the Pomeranian breeding community that breeders who breed teacup Pomeranians are not the nicest breeders. To get them down to such small sizes, they have to deprive their parents of growing to produce smaller and smaller Pomeranians. If you see a teacup Pomeranian, it’s best to not buy one or associate yourself with those breeders.
21. They’re Extremely Affectionate
If you’re ever feeling down and out, having a Pomeranian close by can be a great way to perk up. Pomeranians are an extremely affectionate dog breed that is quite good at reading the emotions of their owners.
We know that Pomeranians are smart, and this is just another aspect of their character that proves just that. Pomeranians simply want the best for their owners, so be ready to give that feeling right back to them!
22. Mozart Named a Song After His Pomeranian
While it should be no surprise to you by now, famous historical figures loved Pomeranians. Mozart is another one of those figures and even named a song after his Pomeranian, who was named Pimperl.
If you ever listen to Mozart, you should look up the song Pimperl. Actually, it’s a form of classical music called an aria, which is a self-contained piece of music for one voice usually accompanied by background music. Mozart sure loved his Pomeranian!
23. Not Big Droolers
Not all dog breeds are the type to drool in excess, and thankfully Pomeranians aren’t the biggest droolers either. For whatever reason, they’re good at keeping their saliva to themselves.
As you might already be able to tell at this point, Pomeranians are easy to keep clean and don’t cause much of a mess around the house. They’re exceptionally clean dogs that are easy to take care of, which is one of the facts that makes them so popular today!
24. Pomeranians Can Develop Separation Anxiety
Have you ever left your house knowing that one of your loved ones would miss you like no other? Well, Pomeranians are known for developing separation anxiety when they become overly attached to their owners.
You’ll know if your Pomeranian has separation anxiety if they start to cry when you’re about to leave the house and just sit near the door or window waiting for you to come back. This isn’t at all healthy, but, thankfully, can be treated quite easily if you seek the help of a dog trainer.
25. Pomeranians Love to Spin
If you’ve ever seen a Pomeranian get super excited, you’ve likely seen them enter a spinning spree, not unlike a tornado. I don’t know where it comes from or how they don’t get dizzy, but they can spin an incredible amount of times in rapid succession!
This is one of the fact that shows how much Pomeranians love and care for their owners. The sheer excitement of seeing you invokes a physical response that they can’t even control, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
26. Pomeranians Bark a Lot
Pomeranians are known to be happy, protective, energetic, and social dogs, which are feelings often relayed in the form of barking. I don’t think it takes much convincing of this fact if you’ve ever been in the presence of a Pomeranian!
While this may seem like a negative trait for Pomeranians, it’s actually a sign of the love and loyalty they hold for their owners. Overall, it’s a good thing! However, it can sometimes get a bit excessive, which is why proper training is always welcome for Pomeranians and dogs alike.
27. Perfect for Companionship
If you know someone that can use some companionship or you’re in the need of some yourself, Pomeranians are an excellent source for this. It goes without saying at this point that Pomeranians are excellent companions when it comes to their owners.
Pomeranians will stick by their owners in almost any situation. The level of companionship a dog gives is like no other, and it’s absolutely amplified when it comes to Pomeranians.
28. Elvis Presley Gifted His Mom a Pomeranian
How would you feel if someone got you a nice, cute little Pomeranian as a gift? Well, that’s exactly what Elvis Presley did for his mom, which is definitely a gift that keeps on giving!
The Pomeranian Elvis bought his mom, Gladys, was named Sweet Pea both of whom became extremely close over the years. Elvis originally got his mom Sweet Pea because she was entering the final years of her life and ended up adopting Sweet Pea after his mom passed away.
29. Pomeranians Have a Napoleon Complex
Why is it that the some of the smallest dogs start barking and, what appears to be, picking fights with bigger dogs? Pomeranians are no doubt one of these kinds of dogs, which are often times labeled as having a Napoleon complex.
Pomeranians have a high opinion of themselves and, in my opinion, probably think they’re a big dog stuck in a small dogs body. While they certainly used to be bigger and wrapped up during famous moments in history, their small size makes them more cute than dangerous.
30. They Weren’t an Official Dog Breed Until 1900
As you already know, Pomeranians became famous mainly due to Queen Victoria breeding a large number of them and “standardizing” the breed. One of the most interesting historical facts about Pomeranians is that they weren’t officially accepted by the American Kennel Club as an official dog breed until 1900.
Before they were accepted by the AKC, they would always be categorized as “miscellaneous”! Whether they were a part of a dog show or used while breeding, they were officially considered “miscellaneous” for quite some time.
31. Pomeranians Are Portable
This probably goes without mentioning, but one of the best facts about Pomeranians is that they’re very portable dogs. Whether you’re taking them on a car ride to the grocery store or a short plane ride, they’re easy to take along with you when on the go.
The fact that Pomeranians are small in size and light weight means that they’re extremely location versatile. This also means it’s easier to own several Pomeranians, which is always fun!
32. Collapsed Trachea
There are several common Pomeranian health problems that anyone who owns or plans on owning a Pomeranian should be aware of, and that includes a collapsed trachea. Simply put, a collapsed trachea is when a Pomeranian’s windpipe starts to collapse on itself.
This happens because the cartilage surrounding a Pomeranian’s windpipe weakens and decays over time. Sadly, this is mainly caused by bad genes, so it’s hard to avoid. Luckily, it doesn’t hurt Pomeranians and only causes mild discomfort.
33. Luxating Patella
Another common Pomeranian health problem is a luxating patella, which is when a Pomeranian’s knee cap shifts in and out of their kneecap socket. Similar to a collapsed trachea, this is more likely than not a cause of bad genes, which makes it generally unavoidable.
Thankfully, a luxating patella doesn’t hurt Pomeranians. What it does do is make it more difficult for them to walk around and to walk up and down stairs.
34. Black Skin Disease (Alopecia X)
Another Pomeranian health problem to keep in mind is Black Skin Disease (aka Alopecia X). While this is a relatively rare condition, Pomeranians and other small breeds are the most common victims of this disease.
Black Skin Disease causes the hair of a Pomeranian to fall off and usually turns the skin dark gray or black, both of which are irreversible outcomes. The cause of Black Skin Disease is still unknown to doctors and is an ongoing research topic in the veterinary field.
35. Prone to Food Allergies
While not uncommon among dogs in general, one of the most important Pomeranian facts is that they’re more likely to have food allergies compared to other dogs. It’s particularly important for a Pomeranian to avoid wheat and any kind of food additive or preservative.
Feeding Pomeranians high-quality (and ideally organic) food is the best way to avoid Pomeranian food allergies. If you notice a Pomeranian starts scratching, sneezing, or acting differently after eating a certain brand of dog food, they’re likely to be allergic to something in it.
36. Need Their Teeth Brushed Regularly
Who doesn’t like having nice pearly white teeth? Pomeranians may not necessarily want to have their teeth brushed, but one of the most important facts about Pomeranians is that they’re more prone to bad teeth than other dog breeds.
Pomeranians have a small mouth, which causes teeth crowding and, thus, a greater chance of having various teeth and gum problems, such as tartar or plaque buildup. Thankfully, as long as you brush your Pomeranian’s teeth at least twice a week, they’re going to be in good shape.
37. They Have Good Lifespans
It’s not that common for small dog breeds to live a long time, but one of the best facts about Pomeranians is that they have relatively longer lifespans! Most Pomeranians live to be 15-16 years old, which has most definitely been the case for the Pomeranians I’ve had over my lifetime.
Having the ability to spend more time with your Pomeranian means you’ll be able to build a long term and loving relationship with them. As long as they stay healthy and fit, they’ll be around for quite some time!
38. Not the Cheapest Purchase
It probably goes without saying, but one of the facts about Pomeranians is they aren’t the cheapest purchase out there. If you’re in the market for a fresh Pomeranian puppy, you’ll likely be spending around $900 to $1000.
While Pomeranians have a relatively greater purchase price, most costs following are rather affordable. Remember, they’re easy to keep healthy and in shape while also not having to eat a large amount of food. Win!
39. One of the Most Popular Breeds in the World
I don’t know about you, but I feel like I see Pomeranians all the time nowadays. Pomeranians are loved by so many in the world and it even shows in worldwide statistics.
The AKC has repeatedly put Pomeranians within the worlds top 25 dog breeds in terms of international popularity. While they’re most popular in the USA, they’re known to be quite popular all throughout Europe and even Australia.
40. Not 100% Kid Friendly
You’d think that such a small, kind, and toy-like dog would be a great match for children, but, unfortunately, that’s not the case for Pomeranians. While Pomeranians might have a lot of similar qualities that a child’s stuffed animal might have, it’s generally advised not to leave children and Pomeranians alone with one another.
The main reason for Pomeranians not being 100% kid friendly is because they’re fairly frail dogs and a child can easily outweigh and potentially hurt them. Couple that with the strong extrovert mentality of a Pomeranian and it’s not hard to imagine a potentially dangerous interaction.
41. Their Shape Changes After Puppyhood
Pomeranians have well-structured and prominent body figures as adults, but that isn’t the case when they’re still in puppyhood. Before they enter adulthood, Pomeranians have a relatively round figure, not unlike a watermelon.
After about a year, Pomeranians start to move away from the round look and take their more natural shape. I’ve heard some Pomeranian parents get worried when seeing this happen, but rest assured that it’s completely normal.
42. Pomeranians Don’t Eat a Lot of Food
If you’re looking for a dog breed that doesn’t eat too much, Pomeranians are definitely a breed to check out! A fun and economic fact about Pomeranians is that, due to their size, Pomeranians don’t need to consume a large number of calories.
Even though they’re one of the most active and energetic dogs you’ll ever see, they only need to be fed twice a day and 0.25-0.5 cups of dog food per pound of their weight.
43. Boo: The Most Famous Pomeranian in the World
It’s hard to imagine a world without Pomeranians, especially in the case of the world famous Pomeranian named Boo. If you haven’t heard of Boo, there’s plenty of information on him all over the place!
As the most famous Pomeranian out there, he’s extremely active on social media and has a follower base larger than most people! Sadly, Boo passed away in early 2019 from a bad heart.
44. They Stop Growing at 1 Year Old
When Pomeranians are puppies, they can grow a great amount in a very short amount of time. However, once a Pomeranian hits about the 1-year mark, they tend to stay at that size for the rest of their lives.
While the 1-year mark is usually the time a Pomeranian stops growing, it can vary between Pomeranians. If you have a “throwback” Pomeranian, they can keep growing until they get to about 1.5 years old.
45. Pomeranians Used to Be Twice as Big
Back before Pomeranians become the modern craze they are today, they actually used to have much difference features including their physical size. As we already learned, Pomeranians came from larger Arctic working dogs, which were certainly bigger than the Pomeranians we know and love today.
When Queen Victoria began her campaign to breed a large number of Pomeranians and to “standardize” them, they were anywhere between twice and three times the size as they are now. Goes to show how powerful the breeding process is when it comes to changing certain physical characteristics!
