The Ideal Pomeranian (AKC STANDARD)

Size:

The average weight is 3 to 7 pounds, with 4 to 6 pounds for SHOW preferred.

  • Note from breeder: We aim to preserve the beauty, temperament and structure that make the Pomeranian such a beloved breed. While the American Kennel Club lists the ideal SHOW weight as 3–7 pounds, our program focuses on producing healthy, well-balanced Pomeranians that may naturally fall slightly above that range while still maintaining correct breed type and structure.

General Appearance:

The Pomeranian is a compact, short-backed, active toy dog of Nordic descent. The breed is characterized by its profuse double coat, heavily plumed tail carried flat over the back, and its fox-like expression. The dog should appear alert, intelligent, and lively.

Head:

The head is in proportion to the body.

  • Skull: Slightly rounded but not domed.

  • Muzzle: Medium, straight, and fine.

  • Stop: Well defined.

  • Nose: Black in most colors; self-colored in chocolate, blue, and beaver dogs.

    Eyes:

    Eyes are medium in size, almond shaped, dark in color, and set neither too wide nor too close. The expression should be bright and intelligent.

    • Note from breeder: Blue eyes are not recognized in the SHOW standard however it is NATURAL to the breed per the merle gene.

      Ears:

      Ears are small, erect, and set high on the head, carried stiffly upright.

Bite:

A scissor bite is preferred, where the upper teeth overlap the lower teeth. A level bite is acceptable.

Neck:

The neck is fairly short and well set into the shoulders, covered by a profuse ruff of hair.

Body:

The body is short-backed, compact, and well ribbed.

  • Topline: Level from withers to tail.

  • Chest: Moderately deep.

Forequarters:

The shoulders are well laid back, with straight forelegs of moderate bone.

Hindquarters:

The hindquarters are muscular with moderate angulation, with hocks perpendicular to the ground.

Feet:

Feet are small, compact, and cat-like, with well-arched toes.

Tail:

The tail is set high and lies flat on the back, covered with a profuse plume of hair.

Coat:

The Pomeranian has a double coat.

  • Undercoat: Soft, thick, and dense.

  • Outer coat: Long, straight, and harsh in texture.

The coat forms a ruff around the neck, feathering on the legs, and full britches on the hindquarters.

During specific seasons the undercoat will shed leaving the dog with a silky coat in its place while it grows back in

Gait:

Movement should be smooth, free, and balanced, with good reach in the front and strong drive from the rear.

Temperament:

The Pomeranian is extroverted, intelligent, and lively, displaying confidence and alertness.

  • Note from breeder: Pomeranians should NOT be aggressive AT ALL! This is a flaw that has been byb into the breed. Pomeranians also should not be unnecessarily yappy! This is often a learned trait passed on by parents or other house-hold pets. DNA plays a HUGE role on temperament involving vocal tendencies as well!

AKC recognized Pomeranian colors:

Solid Colors:

  • Black

  • Brown (Chocolate)

  • Blue (dilution gene)

  • Beaver

  • White

  • Cream

  • Orange

  • Red

Sable Variations

  • Wolf Sable

  • Orange Sable

  • Cream Sable

  • Red Sable

  • Chocolate Sable

  • Blue Sable

Parti / Marked Colors

  • Black & White Parti

  • Chocolate & White Parti

  • Blue & White Parti

  • Orange & White Parti

  • Cream & White Parti

  • Beaver & White Parti

Tan Point Variations

  • Black & Tan

  • Blue & Tan

  • Chocolate & Tan

  • Beaver & Tan

Brindle

  • Brindle

  • Brindle & White

Merle

  • Blue Merle

  • Chocolate Merle

  • Red Merle

  • Sable Merle

  • Important Notes: (AKC STANDARD)

    • Merle is recognized by AKC, but it must be bred responsibly (never merle to merle).

    • Lavender is usually registered as dilute chocolate (beaver or chocolate). (Yes lavender is natural to the breed & recognized as another form of chocolate as it is a dilution of chocolate caused by the same dilution gene that produces blue)

    • AKC allows any color combination, meaning many variations exist beyond the basic list.

  • Our program follows the standard while also focusing on what we find most important to preserve.