Pomeranian

Curiously, Poms are descended from mighty Arctic sled dogs. Selective breeding shrunk these pups down over time. When they arrived in England with Queen Charlotte, they were much bigger, weighing 20 to 30 pounds. Soon enough, Pomeranians caught the eye of other royals including Queen Victoria. Victoria championed Poms, showing them off (and winning) at dog shows. After her reign, the breed continued to get smaller, resulting in the adorable fluff ball we know today. They arrived in America at the turn of the 20th century and have been popular companion dogs ever since.

If cuddles, short walks, and hairstyling are among your favorite pastimes, you might be the perfect Pomeranian owner. Playing keeps Pomeranian minds busy and out of mischief, so an owner with a lot of tricks up their sleeve is even better.

Poms love exercise but don’t need excessive amounts of it, so they are great for city living or small spaces.

Pomeranians are surprisingly adaptable pups who thrive in a variety of living situations. While they might not need acres to roam, daily walks are a must to keep their playful spirits happy. With a commitment to exercise and some creative indoor fun, these pint-sized explorers can find adventure anywhere.

Pomeranian dogs may be compact, but their coats are not—they shed. Daily brushing is helpful, but regular grooming to prevent matting is best.

Pomeranians might be small in size, but they have big brains capable of learning a lot. Teach them tricks and agility to see them thrive.

Although the Poms are friendly, they are delicate. Older children or no children are a better fit.

The cost of a Pomeranian from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.