| Height | 6-7 inches [1] |
|---|---|
| Weight | 3-7 pounds [1] |
| Life expectancy | 12–16+ years [1] |
| Temperament | Inquisitive / Lively / Bold [1] |
| AKC group | Toy Group [1] |
| Origin | Iceland [1] |
| AKC popularity (2025) | No. 19 of 202 [2] |
Traits at a glance
Scores are the AKC's 1–5 breed trait ratings. [1]
Exercise needs
As much as Pomeranians enjoy being lapdogs and family companions, they do benefit from some exercise and enjoy the chance to run, play, and go for walks. Be sure to keep a close eye on your Pom when he or she is outside. They are notorious for escaping through small crevices or gaps in fencing, or climbing over short fencing. [1]
Grooming
The Pomeranian's profuse double coat is one of his most distinguishing features. Frequent brushing is necessary to maintain the beautiful coat that we admire. Brush through the dog with a pin brush and a slicker brush down to the skin once a week to keep the hair from matting. [1]
Health issues to budget for
Pomeranians are generally healthy little dogs, and responsible breeders screen their stock for health conditions such as luxating patellas (kneecaps that slip out of place), hypothyroidism, collapsing tracheas, congestive heart failure, seizures, and alopecia X (black skin disease). The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is a registry that keeps health-screening information in a public database. Be sure to request to see copies of OFA results of the litter's parents from the breeder when considering a puppy. [1]
AKC-recommended health tests for breeding dogs: Patella Evaluation, Cardiac Exam, Ophthalmologist Evaluation. [1]
Estimated costs
| Item | Estimate | Src |
|---|---|---|
| Typical vet bill for a small dog (median $508) | $273 – $1,110 | [3] |
| Emergency visit, small dog | $352 – $1,258 | [3] |
| Surgery when needed, small dog | $435 – $1,484 | [3] |
| Yearly cost of a dog, any breed (ASPCA 2021) | $1,391 | [4] |
| Average accident & illness insurance, dog (US 2025) | $836/year | [5] |
Breed-specific price data is rare. These figures are for dogs of this size or for the conditions above, not a quote for your pet.
Did you know?
- The AKC first recognized the Pomeranian in 1888. [1]
- It ranked No. 19 on the AKC's 2025 most-popular list, compared with No. 21 in 2015. [2]
- Its nickname is the “Pom.” [1]
- The AKC lists Iceland as the breed's country of origin. [1]
- The AKC includes it in its “Smallest Dog Breeds” breed lists. [1]
Good fit for
- ✅ People who want less dog hair at home (AKC shedding 2/5)
- ⚠️ Think twice: Close neighbors or thin walls: AKC rates barking 4/5
Common questions
How long do Pomeranians live?
The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12-16 years.
How big does a Pomeranian get?
AKC breed information lists height 6-7 inches and weight 3-7 pounds.
How much are vet bills for a Pomeranian?
Breed-specific bills are rare, so VetReceipt groups dogs by size. For small dogs like the Pomeranian, a typical vet bill runs $273 – $1,110 (median $508). The AKC notes health screening for this breed; see the cost guides linked on this page.