The Pomeranian, or pom for short, is a small, adorable dog that’s a Spitz breed. It has a fluffy coat, weighs between 3 and 7 pounds, and is 14 inches tall. Poms have been kept as pets for a long time. They were made extremely popular by Queen Victoria who owned a small red one.
When it comes to their temperament, these dogs have lots of personality. Contrary to what a lot of people think, Pomeranians aren’t loud barkers. They also make good family dogs because they love humans and get along well with both humans and other animals. They are also quite intelligent and can learn several tricks.
If you have been thinking about getting a pom, there are a few things you need to know about them. This article covers everything you need to know about their temperament to help you figure out whether or not this is the dog for you.
Pomeranian Temperament
These dogs enjoy human interaction and they would gladly cuddle and stay with you all day. They also really love attention and as a result of these two qualities, they are likely to suffer separation anxiety. This makes it very important to teach your dog how to stay alone for the times when you won’t be around.
They are also very alert and attentive. Also, they love looking around and they can help tell you when someone is coming closer. They cannot be watchdogs, however. This is because although they can bark loudly, it is highly unlikely that they take down and intruder by themselves.
They are also very hyper and excited, and this might cause them to jump on people and bark. This behavior can be unlearned but not fully.
What’s It Like Owning a Pomeranian?
Owning a Pomeranian can be considered easy since they require intermediate care levels. Like I had said earlier, they are an energetic breed. This will require you to provide enough activities so that it doesn’t get bored, which could result in undesirable behavior like too much barking.
Pomeranian dogs have a double coat that requires constant grooming once or twice a week. It sheds a lot and during this period, you might have to take care of its coat daily. Also, its toenails need to be trimmed as soon as you can hear them clicking on the floor when your dog walks around. Some owners prefer to book an appointment with a dog groomer but this varies from person to person.
They are a hypoallergenic breed so if you have allergies, the pom might not be the dog for you.
Temperament at Home
Pomeranians are cuddly and loving, but they are not overdependent on their owners. This makes them a good fit for people with busy jobs and older people. They are also very playful and having one around will change the energy of your home.
Their small size also makes them very convenient for people with small houses. This way, if you don’t have a backyard, your dog can still be comfortable. They can also live well in apartments but their constant barking might strain your relationship with your neighbors.
They can also be possessive. This will result in them claiming and guarding toys, food bowls, and food that they consider theirs.
Temperament for Training
They are an intelligent breed and training is bound to be a short hurdle. However, the dog’s temperament will depend on its breeder and its genetics. Since more breeders have come into the picture, some do not provide a proper environment for the dog and this may make training harder. For the same reason, you should never buy your dog from a website, at least not before you have visited the breeder.
When training your Pom, you should always use positive reinforcement like praises and cuddles and force-free methods. You can also introduce doggy treats to assist.
Although they can easily learn other tricks, potty training has always been a challenge when it comes to Poms. They have little bladders and ‘holding it’ won’t be effective. To ensure there are no incidents, you can install a doggie door and if you aren’t home all the time, you can get a dog walker.
Getting Along with Other Pets and Children
Their social nature makes it possible for them to live with other pets. You are unlikely to have any problems if you bring your Pom to a household with small pets. If you have large dogs, for example, you will have to pay more attention to their interactions.
Also, you should always keep in mind that this breed is fragile, and it might not be up to rough play that usually comes with children. When the dog feels threatened it will retaliate by growling, barking, and sometimes biting.
If you have small children, you should consider getting a different breed. These thrive in an environment with older children as they are calmer and less likely to mishandle the dog.
Pomeranians enjoy being the center of attention. If you have a small child, in the house, most of your energy is going to be focused on them and not on the dog. This can result in aggression and destructive behavior by the Pom.
If your Pomeranian is having trouble relating with other people, this could be a result of the conditions it stayed in during breeding. Take the Pom to a socialization class when it is as young as possible if one is available near you.
Personality Traits to be Worried About
Here are a few issues you are likely to see in your pom. Some of them can be unlearned with proper training and some cannot.
- They tend to bark a lot. Pomeranians are very attentive and if they hear any movements or see any stranger approaching, they will make a lot of noise.
- Their possessive nature is also something to look out for. It is usually a way of showing dominance.
- They do not relate well to children. This can be because the dog feels the need to compete for the owner’s attention with the child.
- Due to their love for human interaction, leaving your pom alone can result in separation anxiety. You will notice it getting clingy and barking before you leave and after, it will bark for long hours, engage in destructive behavior, and even poop and pee in the house even if it is well trained.
How to Manage Pomeranian Temperament
There are a couple of things you can do to ensure that your little furry friend is well behaved:
- Do not punish or scold the dog. This can only make things worse and it might give your pet aggressive tendencies.
- When training your Pom, remember that consistency is key. Also, their cuteness makes it easier for them to get away with bad behavior so you should always put your foot down.
- Pomeranians bark a lot. Apart from training them to stop barking on command, there are other steps you can take. You can start by keeping your Pom away from windows and the door if you are expecting people over and giving treats when he doesn’t bark.
Are Pomeranians a Good Fit for You?
This is the dog for you if you are looking for some of these features:
- A small dog with the features of a Spitz dog like a fox-like face, a thick coat, and a curled tail.
- A dog that can also be an alarm dog due to its attentiveness.
- One that loves attention and spending time with the owner.
- If you have other pets, a Pomeranian can live well with them.
If you can’t deal with the following, maybe the Pom is not the right fit for you:
- The dog is likely to be hostile to your guests who he considers strangers.
- A fragile dog. Pomeranians are very fragile and even a fall from the sofa can injure and possibly kill them.
- Constant barking, which will get noisy and irritating at some point.
- They are shed heavily, and you might need to constantly brush them. They are also at risk of dental infections so you should brush their teeth often.
Changes in Behavior Could Signal Health Problems
If you notice your dog acting differently, this could be because it is not feeling well.
Generally, Poms are active dogs and if you notice that yours is moving a bit slower, sleeping more, or seeming lazier, there might be something wrong and you should consult your vet as soon as possible.
As your dog grows older, it may start to show signs of separation anxiety. This is usually because of health problems which make them need more care. This makes them feel weak and it might cause anxiety.
Skin conditions like alopecia can also make your dog feel embarrassed and this might cause it to distance itself from you.
In the long run, you are the one who knows your dog best and if you feel like something is wrong, get in touch with your vet.
Preparation Tips for Getting a New Pomeranian as a Pet
Here are a couple of things you can do to get ready for your Pom;
- Get everything that you will need to provide care to the dog. this includes food and water bowls, a comb, brush, clippers, a means to clean the teeth, food, and treats.
- Decide whether you will train the dog yourself or if you will get some help. Get the necessary materials you will need to start training.
- The pom needs to exercise daily so if you cannot make time in your schedule, arrange to find a dog walker.
- You should also get in touch with a vet and a groomer to ensure your dog gets proper care.