Pomeranian

Feed a high-quality diet, commercial or home-prepared under your veterinarian's supervision, and match it to the dog's life stage, whether puppy, adult or senior. A small-breed formula works well, with a nutrient blend and smaller kibble that helps Poms chew and digest. Keep clean, fresh water available at all times.

Toy dogs like Pomeranians need more calories per pound than larger dogs, but their small stomachs cannot handle large meals. Puppies should eat frequently across the day because of a high metabolism, low fat stores and a high risk of hypoglycemia. Adults and seniors do well on two to three meals a day to help keep that risk down.

Some Poms put on weight easily, so watch the daily total closely. Portion food with a measuring cup, count treats and toppers toward daily calories, and keep treats to no more than 10% of the total. Even a couple of extra treats add up for such a small dog. Calorie needs depend on age, lifestyle, energy level, and current and ideal weight, so confirm the right amount with your veterinarian and the feeding guide on the bag.

Senior Poms may benefit from extra antioxidants, which help guard against free-radical damage. Because Poms can have skin, eye and joint issues, ask your veterinarian about a dog-friendly supplement, such as omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil or joint supplements like chondroitin and glucosamine. Never give a supplement without talking to your vet first.

The profuse double coat is one of the Pomeranian's most distinguishing features and carries above-average grooming needs. The fur is thick, dense and long, so frequent brushing keeps it healthy and prevents matting. Work a pin brush and a slicker brush down to the skin at least two or three times a week, and daily during the spring and fall shedding seasons. To make upkeep easier, you can keep the coat short with regular haircuts.

A full professional groom (bath, brushing, ear checks, nail trims and anal glands) is recommended every four to six weeks. A groomer can also do a sanitary shave around the rear so waste does not catch in the coat. How often you bathe depends on lifestyle and any skin conditions; dogs without a history of skin disease can usually be bathed every month or two, and more often if they get dirty.

Poms can have dry skin, so ask your veterinarian about adding fish oil to moisturize it, and watch for any redness, flakiness or lumps while grooming. After bathing, a vet-recommended ear cleaner with a drying agent helps remove lingering water from the ear canal; ask your vet about the right method and schedule a checkup if you notice signs of an ear infection. On light-colored Poms, wipe away tear stains with a dog-friendly eye cleaner, and have your vet or groomer trim long hair near the eyes, which can cause irritation.

Poms are especially prone to dental issues because of their small mouths and crowded teeth, so brush the teeth daily with a dog-safe toothpaste, never human toothpaste, which can be toxic for dogs. They may need professional cleanings more often and starting at a younger age. Keep nails short, since Poms are active.

Pomeranians enjoy being lapdogs and companions, but they like the chance to run, play and walk. They are active and need regular exercise, yet their small frame means indoor play or short neighborhood strolls usually meet those needs.

Many Poms also enjoy dog sports such as agility, rally and competitive obedience, and some take to musical canine freestyle, a mix of obedience, dance and tricks. These give good exercise and a fun way to connect with their owners while providing mental stimulation.

Watch a Pom closely outside. They are notorious for escaping through small gaps in fencing or climbing short fences, and their small, fluffy size means large birds of prey such as hawks and owls can mistake them for rabbits or squirrels. Keep your dog under cover or stay with them, and stay alert on walks, since a loose, uncontrolled dog can easily hurt a Pom.

If you are buying a puppy, make sure the parents have been genetically tested for hip, knee, heart, thyroid and eye problems. If you adopt from a rescue or shelter, work with your veterinarian on the genetic testing and screening that fits your dog; some over-the-counter dog DNA tests can also help flag potential health risks.

Pomeranians are alert, eager to learn and highly intelligent, so they respond well to reward-based training with treats or favorite toys. Use consistent, reward-based training for new tricks. Keep sessions positive, stay patient and lean on their love of mentally stimulating games.

Start early: teach loose-leash walking and a reliable recall. Housebreaking can be a challenge, so consistency and patience matter, though some Poms learn to use indoor potty systems. They value their independence and often prefer to walk on the ground rather than be carried. Discourage jumping on and off couches or beds, since the small frame is easily injured.

Socialization is an essential part of every puppy's development. Without it, behaviors like excessive barking, reactivity, separation anxiety and hyperactivity can emerge. Poms tend to be vocal, so expect some barking. Because Poms need a lot of grooming, get them used to being handled all over so they stay calm at appointments.