![How Big Do Pomeranians Get? [Average Size & Growth Rate]](https://peteducate.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/How-Big-Do-Pomeranians-Get_-Average-Size-Growth-Rate-1.png)
If you are looking at the Pomeranian dog breed, then you are likely going to want to know how big they are going to get. This will help you to plan ahead, set your expectations and know how to best accommodate them if you do decide to bring them home. I decided to research the average Pomeranian growth rate and potential. I’d like to share this information with you here today.
So, how big do Pomeranians get? The average Pomeranian will reach 7-12 inches in height weighing between 3-7 pounds where between 4-6 pounds is considered ideal. Infrequently, a litter may include puppies that are larger and grow to be 12-14 pounds. A Pomeranian is a square breed with a short back; having a ratio of body length to height at 1:1. They are considered a compact breed with a characteristic double coat and tail.
Pomeranians are known for their impressive and elegant coats and small disposition (compact and with a short back). They are in fact, the smallest member of the spitz family of dog and are often characterized in the smallest dog classification categories.
However, they actually descended from sled working dogs – so their ancestors have a heritage of being much bigger and physical.
Let us now take a look at the average Pomeranian size in closer detail before breaking down the average growth rate in this breed throughout the puppy years. Be sure to keep on reading as you’ll even get a breakdown of what factors can impact their growth rate and potential; and what all owners need to be aware of.
Average Pomeranian Size
The Pomeranian (Pom) is a pure breed of dog, recognized by kennel clubs around the world. As such, there is only one Pomeranian breed – with no other varieties or off-shoots.
If you have heard of the terms ‘toy’, ‘miniature’, ‘teacup’ or ‘micro’ then these typically refer to a Pomeranian that is smaller than the average expectation. They are still very much the same breed.
However, it is important to know that size and weight can vary quite dramatically between Pomeranian dogs.
Their final size, and growth rate potential, is largely influenced by their genetics, lineage and some other environmental factors that will be your control as an owner. Not all Pomeranians will be bred trying to meet the breed standard (7-12″ in height, 3-7 lbs).
Ultimately, if you want to get a good indicator of the potential size of a dog when visiting the breeder – you should take a look at the parental dogs. This is why it is so important that you visit the breeder ahead of selection.
You’ll also want to ask a breeder specific questions; especially the lineage of the dog, how they were bred and also their breeding practices.
While a Pomeranian will be considerably more expensive from a reputable breeder – it is strongly advised not to purchase a dog from a backyard breeder or puppy mill. Not only do these typically employ unethical practices, but dogs from these breeding practices are usually more susceptible with health issues and conditions soon after you take them home or even further down the line.
While height is largely determined by genetics, weight of course can be impacted by how you feed your dog. Overfeeding can lead to undesired growth, whereas underfeeding can lead to nutrient and growth deficiencies.
Both will cause issues so it is very important you feed your dog properly, and appropriately for their activity level and age, with the best quality food you can afford.
Lastly, it is important to state that some Pomeranians do differ from the average breed size.
Some litters may consist of puppies that reach 12 to 14 pounds or more in weight. These puppies usually have larger dogs in their lineage, and there is likely to be genes inherted from larger spitz dogs in their ancestry.
While this is the exception rather than the norm, it is worth being aware of and a question you may want to follow up on with a prospective breeder.
At What Age Is A Pomeranian Full Grown?
As a small dog, you can expect your Pomeranian to be reach their full adult size at between 12-15 months of age. Generally, the smaller the dog the quicker it will reach maturity.
With that being said, a puppy will still gain weight (especially musculature) and fill out even after they have have reached their final height and size. For this breed, you can expect it to be up to the 18 month-2 year mark. It is at this time that you can consider them fully mature and where you can expect them to be as big as they will grow naturally.
The following chart shows you the growth rate of this breed from birth and through the puppy years.
It will help you to get a rough idea as to what size a puppy will grow to, depending on their size at birth (which can differ quite a bit dog by dog). Remember it should be used as a reference guide only. There are always exceptions to the norm.
Pomeranian Growth Rate By Weeks
| Birth | 70g / 2.5 oz | 77g / 2.75 oz | 85g / 3 oz | 99g / 3.5 oz | 113g / 4 oz | 120g / 4.25 oz | 127g / 4.5 oz | 141g / 5 oz | 155g / 5 oz |
| 1 week | 127g / 4.5 oz | 141g / | 155g / 5.5 oz | 170g / 6 oz | 198g / 7 oz | 212g / 7.5 oz | 226g / 7.9 oz | 255g / 9 oz | 269g / 9.5 oz |
| 2 weeks | 170g / 6 oz | 184g / 6.5 oz | 198g / 7 oz | 240g / 8.5 oz | 283g / 10 oz | 311g / 11 oz | 340g / 12 oz | 368g / 13 oz | 382g / 13.5 oz |
| 3 weeks | 198g/ 7 oz | 226g / 7.9 oz | 240g / 8.5 oz | 297g / 10.5 oz | 368g / 13 oz | 396g / 14 oz | 425g / 14.9 oz | 453g / 15.9 oz | 496g / 17.5 oz |
| 4 weeks | 226g / 8 oz | 269g / 9.4 oz | 283g / 10 oz | 340g / 12 oz | 411g / 14.5 oz | 453g / 16 oz | 510g / 17.9 oz | 566g / 20 oz | 595g / 20.9 oz |
| 5 weeks | 255g / 9 oz | 311g / 10.9 oz | 326g / 11.5 oz | 382g / 13.5 oz | 453g / 15.9 oz | 510g / 17.9 oz | 566g / 19.96 oz | 623g / 21.9 oz | 680g / 24 oz |
| 6 weeks | 283g / 10 oz | 340g / 11.9 oz | 368g / 13 oz | 425g / 14.9 oz | 483g / 17.5 oz | 566g / 19.9 oz | 652g / 22.9 oz | 680g / 23.9 oz | 765g / 27 oz |
| 7 weeks | 311g / 11 oz | 354g / 12.4 oz | 411g / 14.5 oz | 481g / 16.9 oz | 538g / 19 oz | 623g / 22 oz | 708g / 24.9 oz | 765g / 27 oz | 850g / 30 oz |
| 8 weeks | 340g / 12 oz | 382g / 13.4 oz | 453g / 15.9 oz | 538g / 19 oz | 609g / 21.5 oz | 680g / 23.9 oz | 765g / 27 oz | 822g / 29 oz | 907g / 32 oz |
| 10 weeks | 396g / 14 oz | 453g / 15.9 oz | 566g / 19.9 oz | 680g / 24 oz | 708g / 24.9 oz | 793g / 28 oz | 935g / 33 oz | 2.2 lbs / 36 oz | 2.37 lbs / 38 oz |
| 12 weeks | 453g / 16 oz | 510g / 7.9 oz | 623g / 21.9 oz | 793g/ 28 oz | 907g / 32 oz | 992g / 35 oz | 2.5 lbs / 40 oz | 2.68 lbs / 43 oz | 2.8 lbs / 45 oz |
| 16 weeks | 566g / 20 oz | 708g / 24.9 oz | 850g / 30 oz | 2.25 lbs/ 36 oz | 2.5 lbs / 40 oz | 2.75 lbs / 44 oz | 3.06 lbs / 49 oz | 3.37 lbs / 54 oz | 3.68 lbs / 59 oz |
| 18 weeks | 623g / 22 oz | 793g / 27.9 oz | 935g / 33 oz | 2.4 lbs / 39 oz | 2.75 lbs / 44 oz | 3 lbs / 48 oz | 3.37 lbs / 54 oz | 3.75 lbs / 60 oz | 4.06 lbs / 65 oz |
| 20 weeks | 680g / 24 oz | 850g / 29.9 oz | 992g / 35 oz | 2.56 lbs / 41 oz | 2.87 lbs / 46 oz | 3.25 lbs/ 52 oz | 3.62 lbs / 58 oz | 4 lbs / 64 oz | 4.3 lbs / 70 oz |
| 24 weeks | 737g / 26 oz | 935g / 32.9 oz | 2.4 lbs | 2.8 lbs / 45 oz | 3.18 lbs / 51 oz | 3.6 lbs/ 58 oz | 4.06 lbs / 65 oz | 4.4 lbs / 71 oz | 4.87 lbs / 78 oz |
| 18 Month | 2 lbs | 2.5 lbs | 3 lbs | 3.5 lbs | 4 lbs | 4.5 lbs | 5 lbs | 5.5 lbs | 6 lbs |
As you can see from the table above, the larger your Pomeranian is at birth, the larger they will likely ultimately become and the faster tier growth rate.
Factors That Influence Size And Growth Potential
Not all Pomeranians will reach the same size. Equally, not all will reach their full potential. Its important as a prospective owner to be aware of the reasons in why they may not develop as they should.
For example, specific Pomeranian health issues and conditions can inhibit growth. We will take a look at some of these shortly below.
Additionally, there are other lifestyle factors that you need to be aware of and certain ways that you will need to raise them.
Let’s explore some of the factors that undoubtedly impact the size and growth potential of your dog in more detail and some of things you should do as an owner.
#1 – Genetics
The full adult size of a Pomeranian is largely dependent on the genes they inherit from their parents.
However, other dogs in the lineage can have an impact in your dogs size. So, even if a dogs parents are on the smaller size, a larger litter is still possible and does occur in this breed.
It has also been cited that full adult weight can differ between the sexes and between males and females. This is due in part because females typically do not have as thick or long a coat as a male.
There are also three diseases that this breed can be born with that may impact their overall size.
The (American Kernel Club) AKC outlines these as:
- Luxating patellas (kneecaps that slip out of place),
- Collapsing tracheas,
- Hypothyroidism.
The first two cause structural developmental issues in any Pomeranian that is unfortunate enough to inherit them. They can also be exacerbated by how you care for and look after your dog.
The latter, otherwise known as a slower metabolism, essentially mean that all the processes in the dog (including growth) are not at an optimal level.
Too often, these conditions are not detected early enough. In such cases, a dog does not get the treatment they need to prevent them from having an impact on their growth.
For this reason, it is essential to ensure that your dog is screened shortly after getting them.
You’ll also want to ensure you get your dog from a reputable breeder whom complies to ethical and safe breeding practices and has had their litters checked and monitored.
# 2 – Injuries and Health Conditions
Following on from potential inherited diseases, there are some other considerations Pomeranian owners need to be aware of regarding potential injuries and health conditions.
Pomeranians that are on the smaller size often experience size-related issues.
The most common is hypoglycemia where your dog struggles to maintain steady blood glucose level throughout the day. If blood glucose drops to rapidly, it can cause a lot of problems. Therefore, it is recommended to feed a Pom regularly throughout the day – 3-5 appropriate and healthy small meals and snacks spaced evenly apart.
Structural issues like collapsing trachea’s are most often found in smaller Pomeranians. To help prevent this issue, you should always use a harnesses on your dog and not a collar, when putting them on a leash.
With this breed of dog you also need to be aware of proper handling practices. Dropping them can cause injuries, so you need to ensure that this does not happen. Equally, you’ll want to strap them in when travelling in the car.
If you notice any health conditions arise shortly after getting your dog you should speak to your vet at the earliest opportunity. They will be able to run some examinations/tests to ensure they are not in pain or suffering from any structural problems that can lead to stunted growth.
Its also important to consider that a puppy with health issues may be unable to exercise as they would like to and should.