

The Zwergspitz is an alert, extremely loyal, and confident dog—bred as a watchful companion that carries the legacy of large farm guardians in a tiny body and will immediately report any change in its territory.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Verein für Deutsche Spitze e.V.
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Pomeranian fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–16 yrs
Shoulder height
18–22 cm
Weight
1–3 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Pomeranian, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Pomeranian — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
The real vibes check
A Zwergspitz looks like a fluffy cloud, but thinks it is a full-grown lion. You aren't getting a passive lap dog, but a big, watchful personality in a tiny body that will follow you every step of the way. If you manage its ego with love and consistency, you will have the most loyal shadow in the world.
The Pomeranian, also known as the Zwergspitz, is a small, compact and lively dog that belongs to FCI Group 5 of Spitz and prototype dogs. It is the smallest variant of the German Spitz. His bushy tail, which is carried over his back, and his plush fur give him the characteristic "fluffy" look. His cheeky face is characterized by a short muzzle and large, dark eyes. His ears are small and erect, which contributes to his alert and curious expression. There is no distinction between performance and show lines in the Pomeranian, but it is common to see them in dog shows where they often attract attention.
Although the Pomeranian is small, he has a big personality and character. He is brave, confident and often forgets how small he actually is. Pomeranians are extremely loyal and often form close bonds with their owners. This makes them great companion dogs, but it also means they can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time. With their alert nature and natural curiosity, they are often alert to their surroundings and can prove to be an alert little watchdog, even if their size isn't exactly intimidating. Their barking can sometimes be excessive, but with proper training this can be controlled. They are also very playful and enjoy playing with toys and keeping themselves busy. This makes them a great family dog as long as they are treated with respect and care, especially by children as their small stature makes them vulnerable to injury. The Pomeranian is not known for strong hunting behavior, but like many dogs, it can follow an interesting smell or movement if left unsupervised. Despite their small size, Pomeranians require a moderate amount of exercise. Short walks paired with mental stimulation through games and training are ideal. When it comes to the coat, it is important to note that the maintenance required is quite high. Their long coat and thick undercoat require regular brushing to prevent matting and keep the coat in good condition. The dense fur means the Pomeranian can cope well in cooler climates, but should be protected from extreme temperatures. All in all, the Pomeranian is an adorable, loyal, and entertaining companion. He can enrich life with his cheerful nature, but he also needs attention, care and consistent training. For someone willing to invest time and energy in caring for and training them, the Pomeranian can be a wonderful companion that will bring many years of enjoyment.
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Barely any prey drive — small animals trigger nothing. | Very low |
Fun Fact!
Did you know that the Pomeranian, also known as the Zwergspitz, was so loved by Queen Victoria of England that she owned several of these dogs and even set up her own kennel for them? This helped popularize the breed in Europe in the 19th century.
Pomeranians are self-confident, lively and very vocal dogs. They are quick to excite and have a mind of their own. Therefore they are considered to be difficult to train. They are very small and are therefore not suitable for all activities, but should still be exercised according to their type and trained very consistently.
The Pomeranian can be kept very well as a city dog. He does well in apartments as long as he gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. The Pomeranian is generally child-friendly, but due to its small size, care should be taken, especially with small children who might accidentally be too rough. Pomeranians can also get along well with cats and other pets as long as they are used to it from an early age.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
Actively enjoys the company of other dogs.
Small space, noise, lots of people — no problem at all.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Pomeranians are intelligent and quick learners, but they can also be a little stubborn. It is important that training starts early and is consistent. Positive reinforcement works best with this breed. They tend to be very focused on their owners and are often reserved around strangers, so early socialization is crucial. As small dogs with a lot of energy, Pomeranians are often good at dog sports like agility. At the same time, it is important to be careful not to overwhelm them. They may love ball games, but care should be taken to ensure that they do not become “ball junkies.” The Pomeranian can learn to stay alone, but he should get used to it slowly. They can sometimes develop a loud bark, so it is important to teach them when it is appropriate to bark and when it is not.
The Pomeranian's diet should be balanced and contain high-quality food. Smaller breeds such as the Pomeranian tend to have a faster metabolism, so care should be taken to ensure an adequate supply of nutrients. Dry food specifically formulated for small breeds is often a good choice. When it comes to grooming, the Pomeranian has a dense undercoat and long top coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting. He sheds all year round, with increased shedding in spring and fall. In Germany it copes well with the climate, but should be protected from extreme cold and heat.
| Care Level Needs regular professional grooming — time-consuming and costly. | High-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
In the Pomeranian (Zwergspitz), patellar luxation (PL), tracheal collapse (TC), and congenital heart defects such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) are among the typical health risks. The Verein für Deutsche Spitze e.V. mandates screening for patellar luxation (PL) with a cut-off value of PL 0–1 for breeding. Responsible breeders additionally screen for heart conditions such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and sick sinus syndrome, test for hyperuricosuria (HUU), and have the eyes checked for ectropion / entropion. When buying a puppy, strictly insist on proof of PL 0–1 in the parents and require for hyperuricosuria (HUU) that carriers are only mated with demonstrably clear partners.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
You should avoid letting the dog jump to protect its delicate knees, be very careful in hot weather due to potential breathing issues, and have any changes in the coat checked by a vet early on.
Responsible breeders have the mandatory screening for patellar luxation (PL) performed and voluntarily screen for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) as well as hyperuricosuria (HUU) to purposefully minimize risks.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
Tier 1 reflects the tests Verein für Deutsche Spitze e.V. actually mandates. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Club standard. Verein für Deutsche Spitze e.V. requires these tests for breeding approval. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Not health tests, but required for breeding: the club asks for these results too. They don't count toward the risks or the rating.
DNA-Identitätsnachweis
Required by Verein für Deutsche Spitze e.V.
Acceptable result: DNA-Lagerung nebst DNA-Karte nachgewiesen
Wesensbeurteilung
Required by Verein für Deutsche Spitze e.V.
Acceptable result: Erfüllung der Mindestanforderungen oder eine bestandene Begleithundeprüfung (BH)
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Pomeranian costs around ~€170 per month (€90 – €320, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,460 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (14 years) it comes to about ~€31,460.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€160 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€170
In the first year
~€4,460
Across the dog's life
~€31,460
Purchase price per HonestDog's market analysis (asking prices in Germany, as of October 2026): €1,150 – €1,950
Median asking price: €1,450; 40 unique listings in the rolling three-month window. Data for this breed · Methodology
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.

Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageThe Pomeranian has its roots in the historic region of Pomerania, which today lies between Germany and Poland. The larger German Spitz was known in Europe for centuries and was used for various tasks such as herding and guarding. In the 18th and 19th centuries, breeders began to specifically breed smaller specimens, which led to the creation of the Pomeranian. The breed gained popularity in England after Queen Victoria discovered and fell in love with a Pomeranian while traveling. This led to many in the upper echelons of society beginning to keep Pomeranians as a status symbol. The breed was recognized as a separate breed by the British Kennel Club in 1891.
The Pomeranian was bred as a companion dog, valued for its friendly nature and fluffy coat.
Germany
1800
Many owners describe the Pomeranian in everyday life as an unusually loyal and cuddly little "shadow" that would rather not leave its person's side for a second. They keep stressing how adaptable the breed is: Pomeranians do well in smaller apartments, but they are by no means mere lapdogs. They are surprisingly sturdy, love to run, and can be enthusiastic about long walks or dog sports.
At the same time, experienced owners point out that this strong focus on people has a downside. Without early, gentle training, Pomeranians often find it very hard to be left alone. Family forums also warn against seeing the breed as a toy for small children; because of the delicate bones, even a fall from the sofa or being picked up carelessly can lead to serious injuries.
In breed and training forums, barking and watchfulness are a dominant topic. Many owners confirm that announcing noises, doorbells, or passersby is deep in the Spitz's blood. If this behavior is brushed off as cute or tolerated in puppyhood, the dog quickly becomes a persistent yapper that also loudly scolds strangers or other dogs outside.
At the same time, owners stress that Pomeranians are very smart, quick to catch on, and eager to please their people. With calm, confident consistency, set resting spots, and redirecting excitement in time, the guarding can be channeled very well into something manageable. Clear leadership is essential, since these small dogs tend to take matters into their own paws when their people don't set limits.
When it comes to coat and body care, the Pomeranian pleasantly surprises many owners, but it also takes strict discipline. With a healthy hair structure, the coat is often described as largely dirt-repellent, so a thorough brush-out and a towel-dry are usually enough. Owners and groomers unanimously warn against clipping the dense double coat short, though; according to reports, that risks permanent coat damage, up to and including hair loss with hormonal and genetic factors involved (Alopecia X).
Owners also regularly swap notes on the breed's typical weak spots, especially a tendency toward kneecap problems (luxating patella), tracheal collapse with bouts of reverse sneezing, and tartar buildup because of the small jaw. When buying a puppy, experienced Spitz fans therefore strongly advise against extreme "mini" or "teacup" breeding, since such dwarfing frequently goes hand in hand with serious health limitations.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Pomeranian is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Pomeranian is 12-16 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Pomeranian grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Pomeranian can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Pomeranian comes in these colors: Black, White, Brown, Orange, Wolf grey, Cream, Sable, Black and tan, Brown and tan, Piebald, Blue, Merle. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
Pomeranian vs. Chihuahua: Compare temperament, grooming needs, and costs to see which of these tiny dog breeds is the perfect fit for your home.
Master Pomsky training with our expert guide. From puppy basics to advanced commands, discover how to handle this intelligent, energetic breed.
Most popular dog breeds in 2026: Discover the trends shaping how families and dog lovers choose their four-legged companions.
Showcase your kennel on HonestDog and reach families searching for a responsibly bred Pomeranian.