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Pomeranian dog breed

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Pomeranian dog breed information and advice

The Pomeranian is a popular dog breed. It has distinctive fox-like features with a long pointed muzzle, dark eyes and small upright ears. Their cute and cuddly appearance suits their gentle temperament. And they make good pets for children because they love to play and cuddle.

Originally, a larger dog, Pomeranians were bred for pulling sledges and herding animals. Their size was reduced through breeding to give us a small companion we know today.

Pomeranian facts

 
Lifespan 12 - 16 years
How much £400 - £4,000
Size 18 - 30 cm
Weight 1.8 - 2 kg
Colours red, orange, cream/tan, sable, black, brown and blue/grey
Grooming brush 3 times per week
Temperament lively and loyal
Exercise short daily walks

Pomeranian insurance

Pet insurance for your Pomeranian is one of the first thing you should think about when getting a new dog. Taking out dog insurance for illnesses and accidents will give you peace of mind and help cover the cost of unexpected vet bills. This means that you can always give your dog the health care it needs. Pomeranian puppies are lively and clumsy - and accidents happen. Hereditary health issues can also show from a young age. So, make sure your pet is covered before any problems arise.

Sainsbury’s Bank Pet Insurance

You can take out Pomeranian insurance with Sainsbury’s Bank as soon as your pet is 8 weeks old, right up until their 8th birthday. And once you have cover in place, we’ll insure your Pomeranian for their entire life - as long as you renew your policy year after year. Giving you one less thing to think about.

How to care for a Pomeranian

Caring for your pet means making sure they get the right diet, exercise, training and grooming. In return, they’ll show you unconditional love.

Feeding and nutrition

Your Pomeranian’s diet needs to provide the right balance of nutrition and energy. There are many varieties of dog food available, making it hard to choose. Your vet will be able to give you advice on dog nutrition and the best diet for your dog.

Pomeranians have small appetites and prefer to eat little and often. Feed your puppy between 3 and 4 times a day. Lower this to 2 to 3 times a day for adult dogs. Make sure you weigh their food so that you’re not under or overfeeding them. You’ll find guideline measurements on food packaging, but you can also ask your vet for advice.

Grooming

The Pomeranian is known for its big, fluffy coat. It has a dense undercoat and a long, straight topcoat. All this fur means you’ll need to brush it regularly to prevent matting. Three times a week should be enough, but brush more if it looks like it needs it. Keep an eye out for any tangles.

Exercise

Pomeranians don’t need much exercise, so a 30 minute walk once a day will be enough. Or you can split that time over two walks. Their fluffy coats mean this breed can overheat easily. So, don’t take them for long walks and be careful on hot, sunny days.

You can also exercise your pet in your garden, but don’t leave them outside on their own. They’re small and can be seen as prey to wild animals.

Training

Pomeranians can be difficult to train. But if you start house training from a young age, it’ll be easier to continue the training as they grow. Training classes are a good way of socialising your dog and picking up tips.

Barking is a learnt behaviour that can be prevented by training. When your dog starts barking, distract it with a toy, then reward it with a treat when the barking stops.


Temperament and behaviour

Despite being small, the behaviour and personality of a Pomeranian is that of a big dog. They’re bold and not afraid to chase and bark at larger dogs. This isn’t ideal as their size could get them in trouble with an over-exuberant, bigger dog.

You should always take care when around other animals. Another dog may react to your dog’s barking and your pet could easily get hurt. Socialise your Pomeranian with other animals from an early age and take advantage of dog training too. You may not be able to stop the barking completely, but you may find their temperament around other animals becomes calmer.

Common health problems

Pomeranians are a robust breed and don’t suffer from many health problems. But there are still some risks - which is where Pomeranian dog insurance is helpful. Here are some of the most common health problems:

Luxating patella

Your dog is likely to need surgery to correct the alignment of the kneecap. Physiotherapy will help your dog recover, but normal exercise will be restricted for 8 weeks. They’ll be able to use their leg fully within a few months.

Collapsing trachea

The trachea is the windpipe and it’s held in place by rigid rings. Pomeranians are prone to softer tracheal rings, which can cause the trachea to collapse. This narrows the airway making breathing difficult.

If you hear your dog making a ‘goose honking’ coughing noise, they may be suffering from a collapsed trachea. This is most noticeable when they’re excited or pulling on the lead. Your dog may collapse while coughing due to the lack of oxygen. You should visit your vet as soon as you can if you notice these signs.

To help your Pomeranian with this condition, you’ll need to restrict their exercise and use a harness when walking. They may also need to lose weight. Sedatives can be given to your dog for excessive excitement.

In some cases, surgery is needed. Artificial rings can be added to hold the trachea open, but the surgery is complicated and comes with risks. Your vet will be able to advise you on the best treatment for your Pomeranian.

Alopecia X

Alopecia is a hair loss condition causing patchy - or in severe cases - complete hair loss. The cause is unknown, but it’s often hereditary.

To treat the condition, your dog will be neutered and given injections. Other treatment options are available, but they’re less effective.


What colours of Pomeranian are there?

The most common and most popular coat is orange, closely followed by sable. Solid white and solid black are the least common.

Other colours include cream and brown. You occasionally see Blue Pomeranians, but they’re not as popular and quite rare. Although most colours are solid, some colour mixes can be found.

How much is a Pomeranian?

Prices can vary between £400 and £4,000 depending on availability, colour and popularity. However, you should expect to pay between £500 and £1,250. The most expensive colours are solid black and solid white. The cheapest colours are orange and sable.

Finding Pomeranian puppies for sale can be difficult. It is best to buy from reputable Pomeranian breeders. You’ll get to meet at least one of the parents and find out about any hereditary health issues.

Are Pomeranians hypoallergenic?

Pomeranians don’t shed much fur. This helps reduce symptoms of dog allergies, but remember no dog is truly hypoallergenic. Allergy sufferers are affected by the dog skin cells that are shed, not the fur.

If you’re an allergy sufferer, your Pomeranian may trigger some symptoms. But less so than other breeds.

How long do Pomeranians live?

A Pomeranian has a life expectancy of between 12 and 16 years. Your pet’s lifespan will be affected by their diet, exercise and health issues.

Teacup Pomeranians are the smallest example of this breed. Their lifespan is shorter than miniature and toy Pomeranians - between 7 and 12 years. They’re also more prone to health conditions.

So, is a Pomeranian right for you?

Your Pomeranian will bring you infinite happiness. Their teddy bear appearance is well suited to their loving temperament. You’ll be surprised at how a small body can contain such a big personality.

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References

Vetstream ltd (online) Pomeranian. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/treat/canis/breeds-pages/pomeranian opens in new window

Harari J & Arthurs G (online) Patella: lateral luxation. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/diseases/patella-lateral-luxation opens in new window

Vetstream Ltd (online) Luxating patella Owner Factsheet. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/owner-factsheets/luxating-patella opens in new window

Ford R & Tappin S (online) Trachea: collapse. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/treat/canis/diseases/trachea-collapse opens in new window

Vetstream Ltd (online) Collapsing trachea Owner Factsheet. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/clinical-reference/canis/owner-factsheets/collapsing-trachea opens in new window

Vetstream Ltd (online) Skin: alopecia X. In: Vetlexicon Canis. Vetstream Ltd, UK. Website: https://vetstream.com/treat/canis/diseases/skin-alopecia-x opens in new window

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Important information
Sainsbury's Bank plc, Registered Office, 33 Holborn, London EC1N 2HT (registered in England and Wales, no. 3279730) is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register no. 184514). Sainsbury's Supermarkets Ltd is an appointed representative of Sainsbury's Bank plc.
Sainsbury's Bank plc acts as an introducer to Pinnacle Insurance plc who is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (register number 110866). Registered Office: Pinnacle House, A1 Barnet Way, Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, WD6 2XX. Sainsbury’s Bank plc and Pinnacle Insurance plc are not part of the same corporate group.