Pomeranian: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care
Quick answer
PDSA, the UK veterinary charity, puts the Pomeranian at about 25-27 cm tall and 2-3 kg, living over 12 years. It suggests around 30 minutes a day, and lists 10 health problems to watch, including luxating patellas and progressive retinal atrophy. Minimum running cost: at least £70 a month after buying and setting up.
From PDSA, the UK veterinary charity. Not veterinary advice. Worried about your own pet? See who to call.
On this page (7 sections)
Key facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Average height | 25-27 cm |
| Average weight | 2-3 kg |
| Average lifespan | Over 12 years |
| Exercise | Around 30 minutes a day |
| Grooming | Brushing two or three times a week, more often when shedding (double coat) |
| Cost | At least £70 a month after buying and setting up |
Source: PDSA, Pomeranian breed information.
Health problems to watch
PDSA lists these for the breed. A higher risk does not mean every animal will be affected; where a screening scheme or test exists, ask the breeder for the parents' results.
- luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps)
- progressive retinal atrophy
- elbow dysplasia
- Chiari malformation and syringomyelia (CM/SM)
- hydrocephalus
- tracheal collapse
- hypothyroidism
- cataracts
- entropion
- Cushing's syndrome
Source: PDSA, Pomeranian breed information.
Exercise and grooming
PDSA suggests around 30 minutes a day. Grooming: brushing two or three times a week, more often when shedding (double coat). Source: PDSA, Pomeranian breed information.
Temperament
PDSA describes the breed as lively, curious and very playful; training needs patience and works best with rewards. PDSA notes the Kennel Club lists Pomeranians as a Category Two breed (points of concern) and advises checking that the parents were health screened. Source: PDSA, Pomeranian breed information.
Cost
PDSA's figure: at least £70 a month after buying and setting up. These are minimums that leave out buying the animal and vet bills for illness or injury. More: annual cost of owning a dog and puppy first-year costs. Source: PDSA, Pomeranian breed information.
Questions people ask
How long do Pomeranians live?
PDSA gives an average lifespan of over 12 years.
How much exercise does a Pomeranian need?
PDSA suggests around 30 minutes a day.
What health problems do Pomeranians have?
PDSA lists luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps); progressive retinal atrophy; elbow dysplasia; Chiari malformation and syringomyelia (CM/SM); hydrocephalus; tracheal collapse; hypothyroidism; cataracts; entropion; Cushing's syndrome.
How much does a Pomeranian cost?
PDSA's estimate: at least £70 a month after buying and setting up.
Sources
- PDSA, Pomeranian breed information, read 7 November 2026.
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