Pomeranian
Breed characteristics
- Size
- Small
- Exercise
- Up to 30 minutes per day
- Size of home
- Flat/ Apartment
- Grooming
- More than once a week
- Coat length
- Medium
- Sheds
- Yes
- Lifespan
- Over 12 years
- Vulnerable native breed
- No
- Town or country
- Either
- Size of garden
- Small/ medium garden
About this breed
The Pomeranian is the smallest of the spitz breed and was bred down from the German Spitz, which is found in the Utility Group. The breed was first seen in the UK in 1870 and became a great favourite of Queen Victoria whose dogs were exhibited at dog shows in London. Royal patronage played no small part in popularising the breed, aided by its dainty appearance and extrovert character.
Images for this breed
The Toy breed group
The Toy breeds are small companion or lap dogs. Many of the Toy breeds were bred for this capacity although some have been placed into this category simply due to their size. They should have friendly personalities and love attention. They do not need a large amount of exercise and some can be finicky eaters.
Colour Watch
Category 3: Breeds with >10% to 30% registered NBS colours or between 500 and 1000 NBS registrations per annum
Breed Standard colours
Breed standard colour means that the colour is accepted within the breed standard and is a traditional and well-known colour in this breed.
Breed standard colours in this breed include:
- Beaver
- Black
- Blue
- Chocolate
- Cream
- Orange
- White
- Orange Sable
- Wolf Sable
- Shaded Sable
- Parti Colour
Non-breed-standard colours
Non-breed-standard colour means that the colour is not accepted within the breed standard and whilst some dogs within the breed may be this colour, it is advised to only select a dog that fits within the breed standards for all points.
Colour is only one consideration when picking a breed or individual dog. Health and temperament should always be a priority over colour.
Non-breed-standard colours in this breed include:
- (NBS) Cream Sable
- (NBS) Black and Tan
- (NBS) Blue and Tan
- (NBS) Black and Silver
- (NBS) Black with white markings
- (NBS) Blue with white markings
- (NBS) Chocolate with white markings
- (NBS) Cream with white markings
- (NBS) Orange with white markings
- (NBS) Orange Sable with white markings
- (NBS) Wolf Sable with white markings
- (NBS) Shaded Sable with white markings
Education notes
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Orange (including red orange, light orange, bright orange) |
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Orange Sable (including red orange sable, light orange sable, bright orange sable) |
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Parti Colour (Any whole colour or sable evenly marked patches on White eg Black & White Parti, Red Orange & White Parti, Blue & White Parti Orange Sable and White Parti etc.) |
Other colour/s
'Other' means you consider your puppy to be a colour not currently known within the breed and one that does not appear on either the breed standard or non-breed-standard list. In this instance you would be directed through our registration process to contact a breed club and/or council to support you on identifying and correctly listing the new colour.
Health
Whether you’re thinking of buying a puppy, or breeding from your dog, it’s essential that you know what health issues may be found in your breed. To tackle these issues we advise that breeders use DNA tests, screening schemes and inbreeding coefficient calculators to help breed the healthiest dogs possible.
More about health
Important health schemes and tests
We strongly recommend that all breeders, both assured breeders (ABs) and non ABs, use the following (or equivalent) schemes, tests and advice.
Currently there are no additional health screening schemes or DNA tests for this breed. You may want to speak to your breeder, vet or local breed club about any health issues in the breed.
Find out about a particular dog's results
Please visit our Health Test Results Finder to discover the DNA or screening scheme test results for any dog on The Kennel Club's Breed Register.
You can also view the inbreeding coefficient calculation for a puppy's parents, or for a dog you're thinking of breeding from.
Have any questions about health in your breed?
If you have any concerns about a particular health condition in your breed then you may wish to speak to your vet or you could contact your breed health co-ordinator.
Breed health co-ordinators are individuals working on behalf of breed clubs and councils who are advocates for the health and welfare of their chosen breed. They acts as a spokesperson on matters of health and will collaborate with The Kennel Club on any health concerns the breed may have.
To contact your breed health co-ordinator please email
Breed watch
Category 2
Particular points of concern for individual breeds may include features not specifically highlighted in the breed standard including current issues. In some breeds, features may be listed which, if exaggerated, might potentially affect the breed in the future.
Breeding restrictions
There are a number of The Kennel Club's rules and regulations that may prevent a litter from being registered, find out about our general and breed specific breeding restrictions below.
More about breeding
There are not currently any additional breed specific restrictions in place for this breed.
Looking for a puppy?
Looking for a Pomeranian? Explore our list of puppies and rescue dogs for sale near you.
More information
Need to find out more about a breed?
Use our Find a Club service where you can locate breed clubs that can offer support and advice.
Use our Find a Puppy service
The Kennel Club's Find a Puppy service provides contact details for breeders who have puppies available. Let's help you find your new best friend.
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