Pomeranians live about 12 to 16 years.
Lifespan
Pomeranians live 12 to 16 years on average.
Health issues
- Luxating patella.
- Tracheal collapse.
- Dental disease.
- Alopecia X (black skin disease).
- Heart disease and eye problems.
Size
3 to 7 lb and 6 to 7 inches tall.
Longevity tips
- Dental care.
- Healthy weight.
- Harness instead of collar.
- Regular vet checks.
Grooming
A double coat requires brushing several times a week.
Facts
The AKC ranks the Pomeranian among popular toy breeds. Queen Victoria popularized smaller Pomeranians.
Lifespan data
Pomeranians live about 12 to 16 years on average, with many reaching 15 or more. The breed is among the longer-lived dogs, as small dogs generally outlive larger ones. Good care may add a couple of years, while obesity and untreated dental disease shorten life.
Size
Pomeranians weigh 3 to 7 pounds and stand 6 to 7 inches tall at the shoulder, according to the American Kennel Club. They are the smallest of the Spitz group, descended from larger sled dogs from Pomerania, a region of Germany and Poland. Queen Victoria bred smaller Poms, which helped make the toy size popular.
Common health issues
- Dental disease, as crowded teeth hold tartar. Poor dental health can lead to heart and kidney disease.
- Luxating patella, where the kneecap slips out of place.
- Tracheal collapse, causing a honking cough. Use a harness, not a collar.
- Alopecia X (black skin disease), a hair loss problem.
- Hypoglycemia in small puppies.
- Heart disease, such as patent ductus arteriosus and mitral valve disease.
- Eye conditions such as cataracts and dry eye.
- Hip dysplasia is less common, but Legg-Calve-Perthes disease can occur in toy breeds.
Longevity tips
- Brush teeth daily or several times a week, and schedule professional cleanings as advised.
- Feed measured portions of high quality food. An adult Pom needs about 200 to 300 calories a day.
- Keep a lean body shape, with ribs easy to feel.
- Take regular walks of 20 to 30 minutes, avoid heat and use a harness.
- Keep vaccines, flea, tick and heartworm prevention up to date.
- Visit the vet at least yearly, and twice a year for seniors from age 8.
- Supervise around larger dogs and small children, as their bones are fragile.
Grooming
Pomeranians have a thick double coat, which needs brushing 2 to 3 times a week and more during shedding season. Do not shave the coat, as this can damage it and cause alopecia or heat problems. Bathe every 4 to 6 weeks.
Facts
Pomeranians rank among the top 25 most popular breeds in the US, according to the AKC. A Pomeranian named Gigi gained fame in the Westminster show in 2008. Three dogs, two of them Pomeranians, survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.
Breed health notes
Pomeranians weigh 3 to 7 pounds and typically live 12 to 16 years, and some reach 18. Frequent concerns are luxating patella, collapsed trachea, dental disease, hypoglycemia in puppies, Alopecia X (black skin disease) and heart conditions. Use a harness rather than a collar to avoid pressure on the trachea. Brush the double coat several times a week, and avoid shaving, which can harm coat regrowth. Dental care is vital since small breeds often need cleanings by age 3. Feed measured meals of about 1/4 to 1/2 cup per day depending on the food, and keep weight under the breed standard.
Based on data from the American Kennel Club and the Merck Veterinary Manual
