Pomeranian Appearance

Overview

With the Pomeranian, there is not an overly simple answer to 'what does a Pomeranian look like?'. There are aspects that can vary such as size, weight, and face type. The sheer number of colors that can be found with this breed are amazing. And, there are certain elements such as hair trimming and use of coat products that can change how a Pom looks. In addition, adult Pomeranians look different than puppies and the transformation process of puppy to adult coat can be drastic, though short.

General Pomeranian Appearance and Description

The Pomeranian is a Spitz breed; so, like others in its class, the coat is a double coat of fur (which is attained, in most cases, by the 1 year mark). The inner layer is soft and thickly packed (this is where most of the heavy shedding comes from) and the outer layer is comprised of longer guard hairs. Most adult Pomeranians appear to be fluffy; though, a slight trim to layer and tidy things up is needed to create a truly round shape [A]. Just about every Pom you see in conformation show rings has a trim (more ahead).

Pomeranians are small dogs and are in the toy breed group with all major kennel clubs and registrations. The breed standard calls out for just '3 - 7 pounds with the ideal weight for show specimens being 4 to 6 pounds.’ (1.36 – 3.18 kg and 1.8 to 2.72 kg). However, the majority of pet Poms are larger than this (more ahead). The body shape is squared [B], meaning just about as tall (from the floor to the withers [top of the shoulder blades] as long (chest to rump, not including fur).

Pomeranians have small triangle ears that naturally stand erect [C]. This is a steadfast feature of this breed. Some Pomeranian puppies are born with ears already erect to a certain degree. And for pups with small folded ears, the ears will stand by the 2 to 6 month mark.

The muzzle is a moderate length; in general it is 1/3 the length of the skull [D]. This, along with the wedge-shaped head creates what is known as a 'fox face' (the official face type that fits the breed standard). There are Pomeranians with shorter muzzles (known as baby dolls or teddy bears) but these are unofficial face types and do not fit the 1/3:2/3 ratio that is called out for in the AKC breed standard (more ahead).

A Pomeranian's tail is heavily plumed with lots of fur and is set high on the rump. It lies flat over the back [E], though Poms can certainly hold it at varying positions.

Pomeranians can be found in a wide variety of colors, with solids, partis, tri-colors, and several patterns. The eye coloring for most Poms is dark brown; however, 'self-coloring' can be seen with dilute colors (like beaver) and merles, so eyes can be hazel or blue in those cases. Skin pigmentation points (eye rims, nose, lips, and paw pads) is black with many of the coat colors but can be varying shades of brown (seen with chocolate or beaver) or blue (much more ahead regarding colors).

Pomeranians have a scissors bite, meaning the incisor teeth in the upper jaw are in contact with but slightly overlap those in the bottom jaw.

Specific Appearance Aspects of the Pomeranian

Now it's time to dive deeper into all of the wonderful aspects of how a Pomeranian can look.

Size:

The AKC breed standard calls out for a very small dog of just 3 to 7 pounds (1.36 – 3.18 kg) with those in show a preferred 4 to 6 pounds (1.8 to 2.72 kg). Other kennel clubs are generally in line with this and the FCI does not list a weight but does list a height of 18 to 22 cm (7.09 to 8.67 inches). However, this does not represent an accurate picture of what pet Pomeranians look like. The majority are actually larger than 7 pounds. Read more about size and how much Pomeranians weigh.

Another element regarding size is throwbacks, which refers to when a Pomeranian is much larger than expected due to a jump in the genes that produces a dog similar to this breed's ancestors which were sturdy sled dogs. Full throwbacks (14 or more pounds) are rare but do occur. Read more about Pomeranian throwbacks.

On the flip side of things is the element of a Pomeranian being smaller than normal, or at least the notion that this can be so. With the small end of the AKC breed standard being 3 pounds, it certainly would be rare to find a full grown adult Pomeranian that weighs less than this.

However, the idea of teacup, toy, or miniature Pomeranians is related to marketing. Certain less-than-reputable breeders may label their dogs with one of these terms to suggest that they are somehow special when in fact they are simply regular-sized Poms. Or in rare cases, a person may indeed produce under-sized Poms in which case particular care must be given in regard to size-related health issues. Read more about miniature Pomeranians.

Variances:

One Pomeranian can look vastly different than another one. In many cases, this is due to physical traits but can also be due in part to the type of grooming that is done. To see an interesting overview of all the reasons why there can be dissimilarities, read more about why Pomeranians look different from each other.

Color is one of facets of how varied the Pomeranian breed can be. Fur ranges from pure white to deep black with just about every color in between including creams, oranges, reds and browns. Though some Poms are solid in color, many hold double or triple colors. And, there are patterns in the fur such as sable (dark-tipped hairs), merle (a splattering effect), and brindle (striping). Read more about Pomeranian color.

One of the most obvious differences in appearance is when you compare a Pomeranian that competes in conformation events with a typical pet Pomeranian. Show Poms are always given trims to create a very rounded look, many have compressed facial features (even though this goes against the breed standard), and some have even had cosmetic surgery to create extremely small ears. Read more about show versus pet Pomeranians.

A somewhat controversial physical trait of the Pomeranian breed revolves around muzzle length. The breed standard calls out for a moderate snout that is 1/3 the length of the skull, often referred to as the 'fox face'. Yet, take a look at champion Poms that have won ribbons in the show ring and you'll often see much shorter muzzles that are sometimes referred to as baby doll or teddy bear faces. With 'teddy bear' snouts (very short), this feature be even further enhanced with certain hair cuts. Read more about teddy bear Pomeranians and what this really means.

Comparisons:

It can be fun to consider how Pomeranians look compared to other dogs or even to other animals. For example, Poms are referred to as 'fox-like' in the AKC breed standard and there are indeed some similarities in regard to coat, color, head shape and other features. Read more about the comparison of foxes and Pomeranians.

Another interesting element is how Pomeranians may look like other breeds. Poms have some physical traits in common with several Spitz breeds as well as a few other breeds in the toy class. Read more about other breeds that look like Pomeranians.

Fur-related appearance elements:

Since this breed is famous for its double-layered fur, an aspect that can dramatically affect a Pomeranian's appearance is alternations to the coat.

Puppies have short soft puppy fur but this chances as they mature. The transition from puppy to adult coat can be an awkward one; in fact, it is often referred to as the Pomeranian puppy uglies since the fur can look oddly sparse and patchy for a short time.

The coat of fur on adult Pomeranians must be properly taken care of; if not, it can become dry with split ends or otherwise unhealthy, just like a human's head of hair. Care involves using certain hydrating shampoos and leave-in coat products that offer protection.

The only sort of trimming that should be done, if at all, are slight 'tidy trims' meant to even out the fur. In these cases, only the outer guard hairs are touched. Trouble can arise if a Pom has a very close haircut or lion cut in which the inner coat is cut into. When this happens, the coat may really struggle to grow back as it once was.

In some instances, a rouge groomer may inexplicably shave a Pomeranian. When this happens, it can take years for the fur to grow back and work will need to be put into this effort to help avoid extremely patchiness.

Do you have your book?

If you have a Pom, you'll want to check out our book: PetPom's GIANT Book of Pomeranian Care. It's the most comprehensive book of its kind and will be your guideline for your Pom's entire life.