Pomeranian · Longevity

How Long Do Pomeranians Live?

Pomeranians live 12-16 years on average. Here is the AKC breed profile, the health areas to stay ahead of, and how to give a Pomeranian more good years.

Pomeranian
Lifespan 12-16 yearsToy GroupAKC Ranks 22 of 208
The Pomeranian, by the numbers

Breed profile

Life expectancy12-16 years
AKC groupToy Group
Height6-7 inches
Weight3-7 pounds
Energy3
Trainability3
Mental stimulation3
Watchdog / protective4
Affectionate with family5
Good with kids3
Good with other dogs3
Openness to strangers3
Playfulness3
Adaptability4
Barking4
Shedding2
Grooming frequency3
Drooling1

Breed profile and trait ratings: American Kennel Club. Trait scores are AKC ratings from 1 to 5.

At 3-7 pounds, the Pomeranian is a small breed. Small breeds age more slowly and are among the longest-lived dogs, which its 12-16 years average reflects.

Lifestyle fit

Does a Pomeranian fit your life?

The Pomeranian is a devoted, endlessly alert little companion that adapts well to apartments and small spaces. It bonds tightly with its people and treats itself as the household's early warning system. The tradeoff is a big voice in a tiny body, plus a size so small it needs gentle handling around kids.

A great match if you

  • You'll get a devoted little shadow, this breed bonds hard and loves being close to its people.
  • You'll have a built-in doorbell, this dog sounds off the moment something changes.
  • You can take this dog almost anywhere, its tiny size and easy adaptability make apartments and travel simple.
  • You'll enjoy a dog that's content with moderate exercise, a couple of walks and play sessions cover it.

Think twice if

  • You'll want to supervise closely around small children, a dog this light isn't built for rough handling.
  • You'll hear a fair amount of barking, this breed alerts often.
  • You'll need patience in training, this breed can be a bit willful rather than instantly obedient.
  • You'll want proper introductions with other dogs, socializing matters here.
What to stay ahead of

Health areas for the Pomeranian

Based on the breed profile, the health areas most worth staying ahead of for a Pomeranian are Joint and mobility, Skin, coat, allergy, Cardiac and Neurological / seizure (owners often watch for luxating patella, skin, heart).

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Pomeranian facts, quick answers

How long do Pomeranians live?

Pomeranians live 12-16 years on average, and plenty go beyond that. The two biggest levers on where a given dog lands are keeping it at a lean, healthy weight and staying ahead of the health issues the breed is prone to.

How big do Pomeranians get?

A full-grown Pomeranian stands 6-7 inches and weighs 3-7 pounds, which puts it firmly in the small-breed range.

What kind of dog is a Pomeranian?

The Pomeranian is a toy breed, and one of the country's more popular breeds, ranked 22 of 208. It is a small dog that typically lives around 12-16 years.

Are Pomeranians high-energy dogs?

Pomeranians are moderate in energy, so daily activity matters but they are not bouncing off the walls.

Are Pomeranians easy to train?

Pomeranians are trainable with patience and consistency; short, rewarding sessions work best.

Do Pomeranians shed a lot?

Not really. They shed very little, though low-shedding coats often trade that for more regular grooming or clipping.

Do Pomeranians bark a lot?

They are fairly vocal. They like to announce visitors and will bark when bored, so teaching a quiet cue early pays off.

Are Pomeranians good with kids?

Pomeranians are able to do well with children, but they are best in homes with older, dog-savvy kids and benefit from early socialization.

Do Pomeranians get along with other dogs?

Pomeranians are able to get along with other dogs, though early socialization helps and some prefer to be the only dog.

Are Pomeranians good for first-time owners?

Pomeranians are rewarding but not the easiest first dog; they do best with an owner ready to commit to their exercise, training and grooming.

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