Pomeranian weight: how big do they get?

If you look at the Pomeranian dog breed, you probably want to know how big they get and how much a Pomeranian weighs.

So, how big do Pomeranians get? The average Pomeranian stands about 21 cm tall and weighs between 2.5 and 5 kg, with 3 to 5 kg considered ideal. Occasionally a litter may include puppies that grow larger and reach between 4 and 6.5 kilograms. A Pomeranian is a square-proportioned breed with a short back, with a body length to height ratio of 1:1. They are considered a compact breed with a characteristic double coat and tail.

Pomeranians are known for their impressive and elegant coat and small stature (compact with a short back). They are in fact the smallest member of the spitz family.

However, they descend from sled dogs, so their ancestors were much larger and more powerful.

Average size of a Pomeranian

The Pomeranian (Dwarf Spitz) is a purebred dog, recognised by kennel clubs around the world.

If you have heard the terms ‘toy’, ‘miniature’, ‘teacup’ or ‘micro’, these usually refer to a Pomeranian that is smaller than the average expectation. They are still largely the same breed.

However, it is important to know that size and weight can vary quite dramatically among Pomeranian dogs.

Their eventual size and growth potential are largely influenced by their genetics, lineage and a few environmental factors that you control as an owner. Not all Pomeranians are bred to meet the breed standard.

Ultimately, if you want a good indication of a dog’s potential size when visiting a breeder, you should look at the parent dogs. That is why it is so important that you visit the breeder for selection.

While height is largely determined by genetics, weight can of course be influenced by how you feed your dog. Overfeeding can lead to unwanted weight gain, while underfeeding can lead to nutrient deficiencies and stunted growth. So also read our feeding guide for Pomeranians.

Finally, it is important to mention that some Pomeranians differ from the average breed size.

Some litters may include puppies that weigh 4 to 6 kilograms or more. These puppies usually have larger dogs in their ancestry and are likely to have genes inherited from larger spitz-type dogs in their lineage.

Although this is more the exception than the rule, it is worth being aware of and something you may want to discuss with a prospective breeder.

Average Pomeranian weight

A Pomeranian usually weighs between 2.5 and 5 kilograms. Although they are small, they have a sturdy build.

How big does a Keeshond get?

There are different types of Keeshond, in different sizes. They all descend from the same ancestors; the difference arose from selecting dogs with certain traits.

Below we will briefly discuss the 3 different types:

The Pomeranian

The average withers height of a Pomeranian is about 21 cm. The weight is roughly 2.5 to 5 kg, depending on the size.

The Small Keeshond

They will have an expected withers height between 25 and 35 cm, just a little larger than the Pomeranian. You can then expect a weight of 5 to 10 kg.

Large Keeshond

The withers height of these dogs ranges between 40 and 55 cm and so they are the largest of the three. The weight is about 22 kilos, depending on the size.

We also have a detailed article about the difference between Pomeranians and Keeshonds.

When is a Pomeranian fully grown?

Because it is a small breed, you can expect your Pomeranian to reach its full adult size when it is between 12-15 months old. Generally: the smaller the dog, the faster it will reach adulthood.

That said, a puppy will still gain weight (especially muscle mass) and fill out after reaching its final height, in this breed until the age of 18 months to 2 years. Only then can you consider it fully mature.

The table below shows the growth of this breed from birth through the puppy months.

It gives you an idea of how big a puppy will get, depending on its birth weight (which can vary quite a bit between puppies). Use it only as a guide: there are always exceptions.

As the table shows, the heavier your Pomeranian is at birth, the larger it will ultimately become and the faster it will grow.

Factors that influence the size and weight of a Pomeranian

Not all Pomeranians will reach the same size, nor will they all reach their full potential.

Specific health issues and conditions of the Pomeranian, for example, can slow growth. We will look at some of these below.

Furthermore, there are other lifestyle factors you should be aware of and certain ways you should raise them.

# 1 – Genetics

The full adult size of a Pom largely depends on the genes they inherit from their parents.

However, other dogs in the line can also affect your dog’s size. So even if a dog’s parents are small, larger puppies are still possible and do occur in this breed.

There are also three conditions this breed can be born with that can affect their overall size.

These are:

• Patellar luxation (kneecaps that slip out of place)
• Tracheal collapse (collapsing windpipe)
• Hypothyroidism

The first two cause structural developmental problems in any Pomeranian that inherits them. They can also be made worse by the way you care for your dog.

Hypothyroidism, also known as a slower metabolism, essentially means that all processes in the dog’s body (including growth) do not work at an optimal level.

Too often these conditions are not detected early enough. In such cases a dog will not receive the treatment it needs to prevent an impact on its growth.

For this reason it is essential to ensure your dog is screened shortly after you get them.

# 2 – Injuries and health problems

Smaller Pomeranians often experience issues related to their size.

The most common is hypoglycemia, where your dog struggles to maintain stable blood glucose throughout the day. If blood glucose drops too quickly, this can cause many problems. Therefore it is recommended to feed a Pom regularly throughout the day: 3-5 appropriate and healthy small meals and snacks, evenly distributed.

Structural problems such as tracheal collapse are most common in smaller Pomeranians. So always use a harness rather than a collar when you walk your dog on a lead.

With this breed, also be careful in how you handle them: never drop your dog, as that can cause injury. Secure them in the car with a dog seatbelt.

If you notice health problems shortly after getting your dog, consult your breeder as soon as possible. A vet can run checks to make sure your dog is not in pain and has no structural problems that could lead to delayed growth.

#3 Nutrition

Nutrition plays an important role in providing the energy your dog’s body needs to grow and develop. However, there is an optimal amount you should feed – being underfed is just as bad as overfeeding.

Overfeeding, on the other hand, can lead to weight gain that puts a lot of strain on their skeleton and leads to structural problems, as mentioned above.

​#4 Exercise

Pomeranians need exercise, but not as much as some other breeds (e.g. a Siberian Husky).

Exercise helps Poms stay at a healthy weight as they grow – it’s good for their joints, bones and muscles.

A Pomeranian should have a short walk each day of 20 to 30 minutes.

One thing to watch is not to overdo walks with this breed. Especially for young puppies. While your dog’s bones and frame are developing, excessive walking and activity can actually cause injury and damage, affecting their growth plates.

Also be careful that they don’t jump on and off furniture or fall from heights to the ground.

# 5 – Sleep

Finally, you must ensure your Pom gets enough sleep and rest to grow as well as possible.

Younger pups generally sleep more and this is to be expected and should not be disturbed.

A good bed helps your Pom relax and rest well. Read our beds guide for a Pomeranian.

Size compared with other breeds

Compared to other breeds, the Pomeranian is larger than a Chihuahua, but smaller than a Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Shih Tzu and Pug. This makes it one of the smallest dog breeds.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is a Pomeranian?

The Pomeranian is a small Keeshond. It stands about 21 cm tall at the shoulder and weighs 2.5 to 5 kilograms. Their small stature makes them perfect companion dogs.

How much should a Pomeranian weigh?

The ideal weight for an adult Pomeranian usually ranges between 3 and 5 kilograms.

How can I check if my Pomeranian is a healthy weight?

You can check a Pomeranian’s weight by weighing regularly and comparing against standard weights for the breed. A healthy weight is determined by both appearance and the feel of your dog’s ribs.

My Pomeranian seems overweight. What should I do?

First it is important to know which type of Pomeranian you have; there are larger and smaller Pomeranians. If your Pomeranian seems overweight, you can review their diet and exercise routine. Reduce calorie intake and increase physical activity to promote weight loss. Always consult your veterinarian for tailored advice.

Is it normal for Pomeranian puppies to grow quickly?

Yes, it is normal for Pomeranian puppies to grow quickly at first. However, ensure their weight gain is gradual and follow your breeder’s guidelines to avoid overfeeding.

How can I ensure my Pomeranian maintains a healthy weight?

To help a Pomeranian maintain a healthy weight, provide them with a balanced diet.

Read all about the Pomeranian