How to Identify a Pomeranian

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Your guide to easily spotting a purebred Pomerianian
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Pomeranians are one of the smallest dog breeds and a member of the toy group.[1] They are spitz-type dogs descended from Icelandic sled dogs.[2] Pomeranians can be confused with other breeds, but by identifying their key traits, you can more easily distinguish them. This wikiHow will help you know whether or not a dog is a Pomeranian.

Things You Should Know

  • Pomeranians are 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) tall, with dark eyes, small ears, and a fox-like face.
  • Though color and cuts vary, Pomeranians frequently have dense, cream-colored double coats.
  • Pomeranians are known to be bright, energetic, curious, sweet, and social little dogs.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Body Structure

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  1. Step 1 Check the dog's size.
    Pomeranians are very tiny dogs. They are only 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) tall and weigh 3–7 pounds (1.4–3.2 kg).[3]

    Did you know? Not only are Pomeranians the smallest of the spitz breeds (a group of dogs including the Chow Chow, Siberian Husky, Keeshond, Shiba Inu, and other breeds),[4] but they're one of the smallest dog breeds in the world.[5]

  2. Step 2 Examine the eyes.
    The eyes of a Pomeranian are dark and bright. They are almond-shaped and medium in size.[6]
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  3. Step 3 Locate the ears.
    Pomeranians have small ears. The ears are carried erect and mounted high.[7]
  4. Step 4 Notice the muzzle.
    A Pomeranian's muzzle is short and straight, usually with a scissors bite and a black nose, though the nose may be self-colored in chocolate, beaver, and blue dogs.[8] The muzzle and face are often called "fox-like".[9]
  5. Step 5 Find the tail.
    Pomeranians have tails that lie flat and straight on the back.[10] The tails are heavily plumed and set high.[11]
  6. Step 6 Look at the overall structure of the dog.
    The build of a Pomeranian is compact and sturdy. Pomeranians are medium-boned, short-backed, and moderately muscled.[12] They have a brisk, smooth, balanced gait.[13]
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Coat

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  1. Step 1 Check how the coat appears and feels.
    Pomeranians have double coats. This includes a short, dense undercoat and a long, harsh-haired outer coat.[14] Pomeranians have ruffs around their necks that frame the head and extend over the chest and shoulders, along with feathered forelegs, heavily coated thighs and hind legs, and plumed tails.[15]
  2. Step 2 Identify the coat color.
    Pomeranians have a very wide range of coat colors and patterns.
    • Coat colors are broken down into three classifications: red, orange, cream, and sable; black, brown, and blue; and any other color, pattern, or variation.[16]
    • Patterns include brindle, parti, piebald, extreme piebald, Irish, and tan points (which are seen above the eyes, inside the ears, on the muzzle, throat, forechest, legs, feet, and the underside of the tail).[17]
  3. Step 3 Notice the "cut".
    Some people choose to give their Pomeranians specific haircuts rather than keeping the traditional cut. Some of these cuts may include the Teddy Bear cut, Lion cut, Show cut, and Puppy cut.[18]
    • The Teddy Bear cut is seen as somewhat short fur with a circular clip around the head.[19]
    • The Lion cut appears as shaving most of the fur while keeping the fur around the head, chest, and legs long.[20]
    • The Show cut is cutting to meet dog show standards, such as trimming the fur so it appears long and fluffy.[21]
    • The Puppy cut is seen as trimming the cost to a short, consistent length.[22]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Temperament

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  1. Step 1 Watch for affection.
    Pomeranians are very friendly, affectionate, and loyal. They enjoy spending every second with their families.[23]
  2. Step 2 Notice boldness.
    Despite their small size, Pomeranians are very bold. They are confident and may be prone to expecting that they're in charge.[24]
  3. Step 3 Look for curiosity.
    Pomeranians are inquisitive about the world around them. You may see a Pomeranian walking around while sniffing the ground or exploring the area.[25]
  4. Step 4 Pay attention to how social the dog is.
    Overall, Pomeranians are sociable dogs. They are usually quick to get along with other animals.[26]
  5. Step 5 See if the dog is alert.
    The Pomeranian is an alert and intelligent breed.[27] Anticipate barking from a Pomeranian, and see if their alertness enables them to be a good watchdog.[28]
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I figure out if a Pomeranian is a boy or girl?
    Linnie
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    There are few differences between male and female Pomeranians. Unlike many other breeds, both male and female Pomeranians are roughly the same size with the same features. You would need to determine the dog's sex by its anatomy and sex-specific behaviors. Check out How to Tell if a Dog Is a Girl or Boy for more information.
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  • Question
    Why do Pomeranians lick you all the time?
    Linnie
    Linnie
    Top Answerer
    Licking is common among all dogs, though the cause can vary. This could be solely instinctual or to demonstrate affection, for example. However, if a dog licks excessively, it could potentially be due to a health issue or anxiety, in which case you should consult a veterinarian.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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What’s the Best Way to Groom a Pomeranian?
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Expert Interview

Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about dog care and training, check out our in-depth interview with Rendy Schuchat.

References

  1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pomeranian/
  2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pomeranian/
  3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/pomeranian/
  4. ↑ https://www.akc.org/expert-advice/lifestyle/spitz-dog-breeds/
  5. ↑ https://www.akc.org/press-releases/smallest-2014-sept/
  6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  7. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  8. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  9. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  1. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  2. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  3. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  4. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  5. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  6. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  7. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  8. ↑ http://images.akc.org/pdf/breeds/standards/Pomeranian.pdf
  9. ↑ https://www.rover.com/blog/the-top-pomeranian-haircut-styles/
  10. ↑ https://www.rover.com/blog/the-top-pomeranian-haircut-styles/
  11. ↑ https://www.rover.com/blog/the-top-pomeranian-haircut-styles/
  12. ↑ https://www.rover.com/blog/the-top-pomeranian-haircut-styles/
  13. ↑ https://www.rover.com/blog/the-top-pomeranian-haircut-styles/
  14. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/pomeranian-temperament/
  15. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/pomeranian-temperament/
  16. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/pomeranian-temperament/
  17. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/pomeranian-temperament/
  18. ↑ Rendy Schuchat. Certified Professional Dog Trainer. Expert Interview
  19. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/pomeranian-temperament/

About This Article

Rendy Schuchat
Co-authored by:
Rendy Schuchat
Certified Professional Dog Trainer
This article was co-authored by Rendy Schuchat. Rendy Schuchat is a Certified Professional Dog Trainer and the Owner of the largest dog training facility, Anything Is Pawzible, based in Chicago, Illinois. With over 20 years of experience, Rendy specializes in positive dog training and behavior modification to help people build and strengthen their relationships with their dogs. She holds a BA in Psychology and Communications from the University of Iowa, an MA in Psychology from Roosevelt University, and a Certification in Dog Obedience Instruction from Animal Behavior Training and Associates. Rendy was voted one of the Best/Favorite Dog Trainers in Chicago by Chicagoland Tails Reader’s Choice Awards multiple times and was voted Chicago Magazine’s “Best Dog Whisperer” in 2015. This article has been viewed 48,107 times.
2 votes - 100%
Co-authors: 4
Updated: July 3, 2024
Views: 48,107
Categories: Dog Breed Identification | Dog Breeds
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 48,107 times.

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    Katie Aponte

    Apr 15, 2022

    "I really want a Pomeranian and this article helped me to be able to find one."
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