The Pomeranian, also known as Poms or Zwergspitz, is a miniaturized dog breed of the larger and powerful Spitz-type dogs from the Arctic region. The name of the breed was derived from Pomerania, an area in Northeastern Europe which has become part of Poland and Western Germany.
Poms are classified as toy dogs due to their miniature sizes. Their average height is approximately 6 to 7 inches and their weight is between 3 and 7 pounds. The original Pomeranians were large sled dogs and weighed 20 to 30 pounds.
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Pomeranian Average Purchase Price
A Pomeranian costs around $500 to $1,500 for a puppy on average. This price will depend on your location, the quality of the breeder and lineage, as well as the appearance of the dog.
For a purebred or show quality Pomeranian, the price will be much greater – with many breeders charging close to $5,000 or even up to $10,000 for such a dog.
These typically have champion bloodlines which mean that the dog’s ancestors previously held championship titles due to their outstanding traits and qualities. They can also be champion-sired – meaning, that the father is a breed conformation champion.
There are also what’s called Teacup Pomeranians which are exceptionally small Poms whose weight falls at the low end of the accepted weight scale.
These puppies will generally cost more than a regular Pom and could run from $1,000 to $2,000. Alternatively, adopting Pomeranians from a shelter is a cheaper option – running around $300 to $500.
Usually, these adorable canines have already been well-trained, spayed/neutered, and vaccinated.
If you are okay with a mixed-breed Pom, it can be a good option. Younger than four months will also cost more than older ones.
Pomeranians usually have multi-colored coats and this causes solid-colored Poms to be more expensive as they are rarer to come by like pure white or pure black Poms. For example, a 4-month old pure white Pom that is AKC-certified costs $6,000.
What Dictates the Price of Pomeranians?
- Age is the leading factor affecting the Pomeranian price. Puppies from a reputable breeder will cost more than an older dog. The ideal age to buy a puppy is from six to eight weeks old. This is the best time to introduce the dog to its new home and surroundings. They are also receptive to training and socialization with other people. Older dogs tend to be more affordable since they have already established their own habits and it can be difficult to change their ways. You can adopt older dogs starting at $200.
- Color is considered to be another price factor since rare and pure solid-colored Poms are prized for their fur and are sought-after by dog trainers. Slight blemishes reduce the price of the dog.
- Breed specifications also play in determining the price of Pomeranian puppy. Purebred dogs that come from reputable breeders and have a long lineage are usually expensive. This is due to the selection process which retains the most desirable features of the ideal Pom, e.g. solid color, friendly temperament, good genes, etc. Other Pomeranian crossbreeds such as “Teacups” and “Pomskies” (Pomeranians bred with Huskies) are also in demand and costly. Crossbreeds with Beagles or “Peagles,” Chihuahuas or “Pomchis,” and Boston Terriers or “Pomstons” are more affordable than purebreds.
- The location of the breeder also influences the purchase price. Since regulation and breeding fees vary from every state, the price of the Pom will also change. The breeder usually imposes the fees to its buyers. In addition to this cost, you also have to consider your transportation expenses or shipping fees if you want it to be hand-delivered to your address.
- Time of the Year or the season also dictates the price of Poms. Summer is the most expensive time to purchase these canines. Many buyers tend to acquire these adorable dogs during this period. When the demand is high, the price of Poms also goes up. In contrast, when the cold season sets in, the demand and the selling price also go down. To ensure that puppies are sold at the right time, breeders adjust their prices.
- Registration also contributes to the selling price. Registered dogs can cost more than unregistered ones. Registration with a good organization such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Continental Kennel Club (CKC) means that the breeder has followed all rules and regulations on breeding Pomeranians. Registration is optional.
Other Upfront Costs
- Shelter Cost
These canines require a temporary, gated-off living space to confine them so that they cannot damage things, eat something undesirable, and prevent accidents. A good area is a kitchen where the dog is not isolated.
Make sure that hazardous items are removed, e.g. medicines, chemicals, and plants. It should include a comfortable bed, a bowl of fresh water, chew toys, and a doggy toilet. You will probably need some pet gates to block off some sections of your house to keep the dog safe. Pet gate prices range from $12 to $140.
Other dog owners use crates as shelters for puppies. Crates can also be used to train puppies and carry them to an outdoor toilet. The recommended dog crate size for most Poms is approximately 24 inches. Prices of these extra small crates start from $60.
- Microchip
Most owners resort to microchipping as an extra layer of protection once the unfortunate event of losing their dogs happen. It can also be a requirement for licensing in some states.
Microchipping costs around $30 to $60 on average from reputable facilities.
- Training
While Pomeranians are irresistibly cute and snuggly, they require proper training in order to become well-behaved pups. In training your puppy on how to urinate or defecate, you’ll need an indoor doggy toilet.
An excellent example is a litter box or a piece of old linoleum layered with turf as toilet material. This is applicable for rural/suburban pups that will eventually be trained to relieve themselves on earth or grass.
For urban puppies, you can use concrete tiles as toilet material and ultimately, they will be taught to eliminate at curbside. You can also take your dog outside if you have a backyard toilet area. The price of a small puppy litter box starts at $16.
- Licensing Fees
Some states would require all dogs to be licensed. More than being a source of revenue, this is one of their ways to monitor rabies control and overpopulation of dogs in the area as one of the typical requirements involves rabies vaccination and fixed dogs have cheaper licensing cost.
Microchipped dogs can also benefit from a one-time license fee (for life) in some areas.
License fees cost around $10 to $20 for fixed and $20 to $50 for unfixed dogs on average per year.
Recurring Cost of Owning A Pomeranian
- Food Costs
Pomeranians need a low-calorie diet which may help avoid hip dysplasia, an abnormal orthopedic condition.
Thankfully since they are such small dogs – usually weighing between five and ten pounds – their food costs are not astronomical. An average Pom will only need between 1 and 2 cups of food a day, depending on its weight.
With this in mind, monthly food costs would be in the ballpark of $30 to $100.
- Hygiene Costs
Grooming is another major consideration for Pomeranian care as they have what’s called a double layer coat. Meaning – there’s both an undercoat and topcoat.
This a classic trait of Pomeranians and helps them with temperature control. All this fur, however, means they need frequent grooming to maintain comfort.
It’s recommended to get monthly grooming sessions; with some breeders recommending grooming twice a month even. Poms can not simply have their hair cut, so one should expect to pay around $100 to $200 in total a month for grooming services. Although basic grooming can cost $30 to $100 per trip to the salon, depending on location and the inclusions in the service package.
- Medical Costs
Pomeranians are relatively healthy. But like all breeds, they are also prone to certain health conditions.
If you’re buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you the health clearances of the puppy’s parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.
As mentioned, Pomeranians do have a number of frequent issues that potential owners should be aware of. Dental disease, collapsing trachea, and luxating patella are all common Pomeranian health concerns.
Like most small dog breeds, Poms are prone to developing teeth problems. To minimize this, you should take your Pom to the dentist at least once a year.
This check-up typically will only run $50 to $100. Dental treats are also a good idea for helping to maintain your dog’s oral health.
Collapsing trachea is a condition seen in toy dog breeds mostly, in which the windpipe starts to narrow as it falls in on itself. The severity of the problem will dictate the cost to treat.
Mild cases can be treated with medications that run around $50 to $100 a month, whereas more severe situations may require surgical intervention. This surgery involves a stent being placed into the dog’s throat in order to reopen the trachea and allow for unobstructed breathing.
This surgery can cost several thousand dollars and with diagnostic x-rays and testing included, may cost as much as $5,000 to $8,000.
Lastly, there is patellar luxation or sliding kneecaps where the kneecaps shift as the dog moves. This relates to general hip and knee problems that most Pomeranians will develop in adulthood, such as arthritis.
Surgery and medicines are the best treatment for most of these diseases. Qualified vets can perform these operations but they can be costly.
Affected Pomeranians usually are able to lead normal, healthy lives in spite of some diseases such as this and even Hip Dysplasia. In severe cases, surgery to correct Patellar Luxation can cost between $2,000 to $4,000, while Hip Dysplasia operation can cost $2,000 to $6,000.
Pomeranians with Patellar Luxation, on the other hand, are particularly at risk of CCL or Cranial Cruciate Ligament tears which could eventually lead to surgery. This could cost from $500 to $4,000 per leg, depending on your location and the type of surgical procedure performed.
These lovable canines also need routine veterinary checkups. Vaccinations prevent them from getting sick.
Puppies get three sets when they are 6 to 16 weeks old. Older dogs need fewer vaccines. Basic vaccinations cost around $20 to $70. On average, most owners pay not more than $131 to finish the vaccination series.
Male Poms also need neutering before their six month birthday to prevent territorial marking. Neutering or spaying cost around $50 to $200, with spaying being the more expensive procedure.
- Toys
Pomeranians are very active and sociable canines. They love to play and can get bored easily. In order to remedy this, give them a variety of toys. It is recommended to change the old toys and swap them with new ones.
Toys can range from $3 to $40; ranging from chew toys to interactive ones; even companion toys especially when you leave them all alone at home most of the time.
