---
title: "Pomeranian Breed Guide: Size, Lifespan, Health Problems and Costs"
url: https://pawmultiverse.com/pomeranian-breed/
description: "Pomeranian: PDSA figures for size, lifespan (over 12 years), health problems to watch, exercise, grooming and cost, with the questions owners ask."
source: Paw Multiverse (https://pawmultiverse.com), free to cite with a link
---

# Pomeranian: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care

Published by Paw Multiverse (A.I.T. Multiverse Consulting Ltd) · Last updated 7 November 2026

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](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## 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](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pomeranian).

## 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](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pomeranian).

## 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](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pomeranian).

## 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](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pomeranian).

## 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](https://pawmultiverse.com/annual-cost-of-owning-a-dog/) and [puppy first-year costs](https://pawmultiverse.com/cost-of-a-puppy-first-year/). Source: [PDSA, Pomeranian breed information](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pomeranian).

## 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](https://www.pdsa.org.uk/pet-help-and-advice/looking-after-your-pet/puppies-dogs/small-dogs/pomeranian), read 7 November 2026.

## Related pages

[All breed guides](https://pawmultiverse.com/dog-and-cat-breeds/), [everything for dog owners](https://pawmultiverse.com/dogs/), [human foods dogs can eat](https://pawmultiverse.com/human-foods-dogs-can-eat/) and [pet emergency: what to do now](https://pawmultiverse.com/pet-emergency-what-to-do-now/).

## Keep reading

- [Jack Russell Terrier](https://pawmultiverse.com/jack-russell-terrier-breed/)
- [Bernese Mountain Dog](https://pawmultiverse.com/bernese-mountain-dog-breed/)
- [Great Dane: Size, Lifespan, Health and Care](https://pawmultiverse.com/great-dane-breed/)