How to Identify a Pomeranian

• 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.

Body Structure

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).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), but they're one of the smallest dog breeds in the world.

Examine the eyes. The eyes of a Pomeranian are dark and bright. They are almond-shaped and medium in size.

Locate the ears. Pomeranians have small ears. The ears are carried erect and mounted high.

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. The muzzle and face are often called "fox-like".

Find the tail. Pomeranians have tails that lie flat and straight on the back. The tails are heavily plumed and set high.

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. They have a brisk, smooth, balanced gait.

Coat

Check how the coat appears and feels. Pomeranians have double coats. This includes a short, dense undercoat and a long, harsh-haired outer coat. 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.

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. 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).

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. The Teddy Bear cut is seen as somewhat short fur with a circular clip around the head. The Lion cut appears as shaving most of the fur while keeping the fur around the head, chest, and legs long. The Show cut is cutting to meet dog show standards, such as trimming the fur so it appears long and fluffy. The Puppy cut is seen as trimming the cost to a short, consistent length.

Temperament

Watch for affection. Pomeranians are very friendly, affectionate, and loyal. They enjoy spending every second with their families.

Notice boldness. Despite their small size, Pomeranians are very bold. They are confident and may be prone to expecting that they're in charge.

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.

Pay attention to how social the dog is. Overall, Pomeranians are sociable dogs. They are usually quick to get along with other animals.

See if the dog is alert. The Pomeranian is an alert and intelligent breed. Anticipate barking from a Pomeranian, and see if their alertness enables them to be a good watchdog.