Pomeranian: temperament, training and care

At a glance

Temperament

• Lively and bold
• Barks readily
• Fluffy double coat

Training tips

Reward calm at the window before the barking starts.

Pomeranians can be independent thinkers. Find what your dog will really work for, keep sessions short and fun, and expect to repeat things more often than with an eager-to-please breed.

Start with a marker word, sit, come and leave it. For a puppy, see the puppy training guides.

Exercise and energy

A healthy adult Pomeranian typically needs around 30 to 30 minutes of activity a day. Mix walks with sniffing and short training games: mental work tires dogs as much as running does. Puppies need much shorter sessions while they grow.

See how much exercise a dog needs and our games and enrichment ideas.

Health to watch

Things the breed is known to be prone to. Ask your vet what to check for your dog.

• Kneecaps. Kneecaps can slip: a skip or hop on a back leg is worth showing the vet. See: Broken Bone or Sprain.
• Teeth. A small mouth crowds the teeth: brush them a few times a week.
• Heart. Heart conditions run in the breed: a yearly listen at the vet catches them early.