Do you love cuddly dogs that look so similar to teddy bears? No wonder you are thinking about having a Teddy Bear Pomeranian right now.
One of Poms’ most widely known face types is the teddy bear Pomeranian due to its adorable beauty and pleasant character. However, many people still get confused about all Pomeranian dogs because there isn’t much difference between them.
If you want to know and learn more about this dog type before getting one, you are in the right place! Now, let us dive into the essential tips and everything you need to know about these charming teddy bear pom-poms.
What Is a Teddy Bear Pomeranian?
A teddy bear Pomeranian is a dog breed of the Nordic or Spitz type, popularly called poms or pom-poms. Their first breed was in Germany, and the royal court loved them; hence, they tend to act like they indeed are a royal class member.
Teddy bear Pomeranians are born with short snouts and eyes nearer to their nose and cheeks. Among all the Pom types, this dog has the shortest muzzle. When paired with mates with the same appearance, you can get precisely the same face type results.
So what is there not to love about these small teddy bear looking, active, and playful dogs? Teddy bear Poms are the dog type that can melt your heart at first sight and bring happiness to your homes anytime.
What Does a Teddy Bear Pomeranian Look Like?
The most common feature that identifies the teddy bear Pomeranians from other small dog breeds is its muzzle’s length. However, there are times when breeders disagree on its specific characteristics and features that they can interchange the Poms’ terms.
The teddy bear Pomeranians’ muzzles are dramatically shorter, about 1/4 of the entire length of their skull. With teddy bear poms, their cheeks might be fuller, their eyes are closer to the nose, and their bodies may be more compact.
Similar to other teddy bear dog breeds, a teddy bear Pomeranian dog can also come in a variety of colors, such as:
Black
Brown
Cream
Orange
White
From these shades, it can also form a combination and have mixed colored Pomeranians.
Size and Weight of a Full-Grown Teddy Bear Pomeranian
A teddy bear Pomeranian is a small dog type, and individuals even refer to them as toy dogs because of their tiny size. They usually weigh between 5 to 7 pounds and their height measures around 5 to 11 inches.
Due to this, it is apparent that they are small-scale or fun-size pets, so you need to observe excellent care when living or playing with them.
Moreover, it is essential to teach little kids how to manage and understand this toy breed because of their proportion and fragility. One can seriously hurt or even unintentionally take a teddy bear Pomeranian puppy’s life by unknowingly sitting or stepping on them.
Therefore, if you want to have one, you need to learn more about handling and caring for these dogs. Owning poms demand your regular supervision and attention.
Regardless of their small size, teddy bear Pomeranian dogs have a big personality that you will love.
Understanding the Three Different Types of Pomeranian Faces
There are three face types of Pomeranian dogs – fox-faced, baby doll-faced, and teddy bear-faced. However, you should note that this dog breed must have the fox face in AKC standard guidelines, which is also the standard recognized for some centuries throughout a Pom’s development journey.
But do not commit the mistake of identifying one as “baby-doll,” “teddy bear,” or as “fox-faced” Pomeranian. These are unofficial names given to Poms with unique features but are not technically dog breed variations.
Although two other face shapes are becoming more popular as time passes, and, to give you a clearer idea, here are the three different face types of Pomeranian dogs:
Fox-Faced Pomeranian
Fox-Faced Pomeranian has the longest muzzle, covering 1/3 of their skull’s length. As you can see in the photo above, the muzzle or snout is more lengthy than other face types, although not overly elongated for the Pom’s face frame.
When you look closely at this dog, it has an alert expression that resembles a little fox. It also has a dome-shaped skull, giving it a rounded head. Compared to other dog breeds, the Fox-Faced Pomeranians, in general, are smaller.
Baby Doll-Faced Pomeranian
The baby doll face type has a slightly shorter muzzle than the fox-faced and looks similar to a teddy bear faced Pom. However, this Pom face type differs from the teddy bear one because of its head’s shape.
A Baby Doll Pomeranian’s head has a dainty appearance than the broad and chunky ones of a teddy bear Pom. They also have flatter snouts, and eyes are placed higher back on their faces.
Teddy Bear-Faced Pomeranian
Teddy Bear-Faced Pomeranian has a distinct face shape out of the three dog types due to its short muzzle or snout with a well-defined stop. Its eyes are closer to its small nose, and the cheeks are fuller. With its more compact body, this furball is noticeably lighter and shorter than other Poms.
A teddy bear Pomeranian has the perfect full head and body coat. This dog is widely known as the Pomeranian that looks similar to bears and is popular with dog lovers.
History of Teddy Bear Pomeranian: Why Are Teddy Bear Poms Created?
Back in the days, toy dog breeds were not that popular. However, after the 1950s, more and more individuals began to transition from “dog ownership” to “pet ownership.”
Households changed from having big working and guard dogs to getting tiny indoor lap dogs. They were sought-after and were found to be attractive because these adult toy breeds match the larger dogs’ puppy size.
Even in Queen Victoria’s time in the 1700s, she owned a relatively small Pomeranian dog. Of course, people then wanted to mimic her nobility.
As the desire for puppy-sized adult dogs increased, the concept of making even more puppy-looking breeds did so as well. It resulted in breeders’ disposition to experiment with specific qualities in appearance.
Breeders learned that creating dogs with a shorter snout suits the preference of several potential puppy buyers. This idea certainly holds for a Pomeranian dog. Teddy bear Pomeranians’ snouts remain short even when they get bigger and more mature.
Teddy Bear Pomeranian Health Issues: Are Teddy Bear Pomeranians Healthy Dogs?
Pomeranians are fit as a fiddle, and eventually one of the healthiest breeds out there. The average lifespan of Pomeranians is between 12 and 16 years.
Generally speaking, they can live longer if you take care of them, such as giving appropriate exercise and providing a good diet. However, due to its unnaturally compressed face, there are still some health issues that a Teddy Bear Pomeranian encounters.
Pomeranians are bred-down from medium to toy size. Hence, further breeding to achieve a very compact and tiny pup, bone-related concerns are more likely to occur.
Moreover, a pom’s inner facial tissues and structure need to fit into a smaller area than the standard size. Many teddy bear poms can have similar breathing problems as seen with prominent brachycephalic breeds.
To know more about a Pomeranian dog’s wellness issues, I have listed some of the common concerns its owner might encounter.
Patellar Luxation
This condition causes the dog’s kneecap to become dislocated, move loosely, or a bit out of position. It is a common hereditary health concern that poms often suffer. Additionally, injury and trauma can result in patellar luxation.
If the kneecap is slipping out of its position, you can see your dog limping. You may also see your dog running with an injured leg kept off the ground. When this condition becomes very severe, the veterinarian may suggest doing surgery.
Tracheal Collapse
The trachea or windpipe consists of rings of cartilage. A tracheal collapse happens when the tracheal rings do not have average rigidity, primarily in older small breed dogs like Pomeranians.
The usual sign of this health issue is a goose-honk cough. At times, there is also harsh breathing and gagging, made worse by exertion and stress. Poms might cough when eating or drinking as well.
Hypothyroidism
This health issue results from reduced production and release of T3 and T4 hormones by the dog’s thyroid gland. A thyroid gland is an essential organ in the body, producing several hormones necessary for normal metabolism.
If your teddy bear Pomeranian shows a lack of energy, fur shedding patches, itch or dry skin, loss of mental sharpness, or increase in weight, bring it to the vet to get examined for hypothyroidism.
Other Meanings of the “Teddy Bear”
Another way that you may regard a Pomeranian as a teddy bear has nothing to do with its facial structure. Instead, it is a nickname provided for this dog breed when their coat gets shaved down or trimmed.
Technically speaking, this idea refers to the teddy bear cut since the official definition applies to the Pom’s face and snout shape.
When making the teddy bear Pomeranian cut, it usually begins by washing the dog’s long outer coat, followed by brushing and then shaving. The groomers utilize an electric clipper alongside a snap-on comb to keep the Pom’s fur an even length.
After this, they trim the dog’s undercoat using a clipper or a pair of scissors. Then, the groomer cuts it gradually and combs once in a while to check the overall evenness.
Lastly, they trim the hair around the anus and clip the long ear hair off. If any choppy ridges surround the Pom’s face, groomers polish them with gentle snips of the scissor.
If you want to visualize a teddy bear Pomeranian cut, you may refer to the following video:
북극곰이 왜 여기서 나와?<a href="https://youtu.be/tkzwXX53qQ8" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FtkzwXX53qQ8%2F0.jpg" alt="북극곰이 왜 여기서 나와?" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Teddy Bear Pomeranian Temperament: Do They Make Good Family Companions?
Pomeranians, like other teddy bear dogs, are perfect for family homes and those with kids. However, children and family members should be well-educated about dealing with such a small pet.
A teddy bear Pomeranian can get hurt unintentionally due to its size. That is why you must handle them with extra care and love.
Regarding its temperament, these dogs are affectionate, faithful, friendly, intelligent, and active. They are always eager to learn new tricks, making it relatively easy to teach basic commands.
Despite its small size, which is often overlooked by intruders, Poms are good watchdogs. They will warn their persons by barking each time they hear strange noises and detect strangers’ presence.
Moreover, these dogs are protective of their family and might become suspicious of someone unfamiliar. So, when getting one, you have to consider its excessive barking at some point.
Another thing about Pomeranians is they behave like their prominent ancestors. They often think that they are larger than their size, leading to issues if Poms try to fight with bigger dogs.
To prevent this from happening, spend time to socialize and train them with other animals. Since this breed is a smart dog, you will not have a hard time doing it.
All in all, a teddy bear Pomeranian is sure to be a good companion for you and your family, thanks to their great personality.
How Much Does a Teddy Bear Pomeranian Cost?
Just like other dog breeds, Pomeranians also vary in price, depending on several factors. Most teddy bear Pomeranians fall in the price range between $500 and $1,500.
However, Poms might also cost more than the prices mentioned above. Several breeders charge at $4,000 or more for dogs that come from top gene pools.
Since we have mentioned that there are factors that affect the teddy bear Pomeranian’s price, let us enumerate some of them below:
The distinction between the breeders
Your location
The dog’s age
The dog’s coat colors
The dog’s qualities (may refer to pleasing build, prettier fur, or outstanding intelligence)
Places to Find Teddy Bear Pomeranian Puppies for Sale and Adoption
There are several places to find a teddy bear Pomeranian of your own. You can get Pomeranian dogs from both online breeders and breeders near your neighborhood.
To help you with that, I have listed the following rescue organizations, breeding homes, and dog shops:
If you want to adopt or foster a teddy bear Pomeranian, you can search for one from the organizations below:
Adopt-a-Pet.com: If you search for a Pom, Adopt-a-Pet.com can genuinely help you find one near you. They have a search option on their website wherein you can browse adoptable Pomeranian dogs.
Pawsitively Pom Rescue Inc.: Pawsitively Pom Rescue Inc. is a non-profit animal rescue organization dedicated to rescuing Pomeranian dogs and other small dog breeds. You can see and follow all their dogs on its Facebook page from the moment they are under their care until they get adopted.
Rescue the Underdog: Rescue the Underdog is a small volunteer-run organization, which saves dogs from being euthanized at high kill animal shelters. So, if you would like to help, you may choose to adopt, foster, or volunteer.
Here are some reputable sites where you can find teddy bear Pomeranian puppies for sale:
American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace: AKC Marketplace is the most reputable marketplace that only lists puppies from AKC-registered litters. In there, you can confidently choose your teddy bear Pom from trusted breeders.
Poms Farm Breeders: Poms Farm Breeders are Pomeranian breeders in the United States that specialize in all types of Pomeranians. They have been breeding for many years already and registered in the American Kennel Club (AKC) today, so you can be confident that you will have the perfect fur babies from them.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can Teddy Bear Pomeranians Participate in Dog Shows?
Since the standard for AKC, FCI, KC, and CKC is a fox face Pomeranian, a teddy bear Pom does not join in dog shows. They are only referred to as pet Pomeranians or companion Pomeranians, unlike the fox-faced ones who have the opportunity to participate and be called as show Pomeranian dogs.
Do Teddy Bear Pomeranians Shed?
These lively and active teddy bear Pomeranians are one of the hairiest small dog breeds. So, you can expect moderate shedding for this dog, and be ready to vacuum. However, they do not shed as much as other dogs.
Moreover, brushing can help reduce shedding and make teddy bear Pom’s coat cleaner and softer.
Can Teddy Bear Pomeranians Be Left Alone?
Pomeranian dogs can stay alone at home. An adult teddy bear Pomeranian can be comfortable with just itself for 6 to 8 hours. You can also train them to be home independently without getting stressed.
However, you should always ensure they have a safe space and the necessary supplies to spend their day.
Are Teddy Bear Pomeranians Easy to Train?
Despite having a small size, teddy bear Poms do need training, aside from regular exercise. You can start early by teaching a teddy bear Pomeranian puppy the basic commands, such as sitting, staying, and lying down.
They are brilliant dogs, so they are easy to train. Teddy bear Pomeranians even enjoy learning new tricks and performing in front of an adoring crowd.
Do Teddy Bear Pomeranians Bite?
Pomeranian puppies usually bite and growl when they are playing with their owners or other family members. These dogs will chew, mouth, and bite your arms, hands, legs, or even pieces of clothing.
If you do not correct it, your teddy bear Pomeranian might develop biting into a habit. Take proper steps to stop your dog from biting so that it can learn and recognize that it is an unacceptable action.
Takeaway on Buying Teddy Bear Pomeranians
When you decide to have a dog, you must acknowledge that it is a huge commitment that brings a bundle of joy to your home. It can help if you do thorough research first to ensure that a Pom is what you want.
Here are a few takeaways before buying and welcoming this small but significant addition to your family:
Consult your decision with your family. A teddy bear Pomeranian is highly energetic and very friendly, which makes them the best family dog. However, their tiny size makes them fragile, so you need to discuss it with your family members if they agree if you get one.
Consider your lifestyle. Having a teddy bear Pom needs your energy and devotion, so you must be honest with yourself if you can take care of one. Look at your lifestyle and everyday schedule, whether you have enough time for this tiny dog or not.
Remember that your finances matter. Your first significant expense would be getting the dog. Since a teddy bear Pomeranian is a toy breed, they tend to be more expensive, and there are other expenses to have in mind, such as dog food, grooming, and vet visits. So, always consider your financial capacity at the moment and in years when this pup is under your care.
Think about your preferences or standards. Arm yourself by researching information about teddy bear Pomeranians to get familiarized with them. This way, it can help you decide and pick your puppy based on your preferences and general standards. There are many teddy bear Pomeranian colors to choose from and reliable breeders available to match your choice.
See if the teddy bear Pom’s overall features work for you. Another takeaway when buying a teddy bear Pomeranian is to check if its general features work for you. You must know that this dog has a double coat of hair and it is small. Ask yourself whether having a tiny, hairy dog fits you.
Taking Care of a Teddy Bear Pomeranian
Poms are tiny little pups that need proper grooming, care, and exercise. Aside from food and pet grooming, this energetic furball needs constant attention, exercise, and training.
Grooming
A Pomeranian dog should get groomed at least three times a week or more frequently when shedding to prevent its loose hair from matting. Since they are active little dogs, you also need to keep their nails short.
Every four to six weeks, visit a professional dog groomer so that your teddy bear Pomeranian can have full grooming, which consists of bathing, brushing, and trimming. Neglecting their hygiene may lead to brittle fur and dry skin.
However, a lot of care must be observed when clipping your Pom. Pomeranians have double-layered fur. If the inner coat is accidentally trimmed, it may not grow back correctly anymore.
Thus, it is essential to groom your teddy bear Pom appropriately for both health and aesthetic purposes.
Food and Diet
The amount of food you must give to your Pom depends on their size, age, activity level, and metabolism. For a better understanding of how to feed a Pomeranian dog, you may refer to this table:
For the diet of an inactive, senior, and pregnant Pom, consult the veterinarian for changes according to their requirements. Here are some safe and healthy food options and treats for your pup:
Tuna
Sardines
Egg (boiled)
Plain yogurt
Cottage cheese
Roast lamb or chicken breast (cut into small pieces)
Raw bones
Minced meat (human grade)
You may also ask your vet for a diet sheet if you are not sure what to feed your Pom baby.
Remember that Pomeranian fur babies are very tiny and may suffer from Hypoglycemia if they don’t get the proper amount of food now and then. It has a lot of energy to burn as an active dog; hence, it needs frequent small feeding.
Training and Exercise
Exercise-wise, an adult Pomeranian typically requires no more than 30 minutes of walking every day split into a morning and evening walk. For the younger and senior ones, the suggested exercise dose is likely lower.
On the other hand, positive reinforcement is the technique for teaching your teddy bear Pom the basic commands, such as stay, sit, leave it, spin, and down. It aims to exhibit who is in charge without making the dog nervous or scared.
The following video shows an example of teaching tricks to a Pomeranian dog:
How to Teach a Pomeranian Tricks | Dog Tricks<a href="https://youtu.be/dlRMG7sAtbc" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FdlRMG7sAtbc%2F0.jpg" alt="How to Teach a Pomeranian Tricks | Dog Tricks" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Vet Visits and Vaccines
Make sure to bring your Pomeranians to the vet for deworming at 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks. You may ask for worming products you may use at home in the future.
Another important reason to pay a veterinarian a regular visit is to get its proper doses of vaccines. Puppies love to play outside and with other pets; thus, they need to be immunized as protection against sickness and diseases.
Here are the essential immunizations Pomeranians need starting at six weeks of age:
Parvovirus
Hepatitis
Distemper
Parainfluenza Virus and Bordetella
Other Pom-Proofing Tips
Once you have taken home a teddy bear Pomeranian, there is no looking back. It will surely delight and entertain you every minute you spend together.
Since that will be the case, it is wise to take the following precautionary measures to ensure your family and furry friend’s safety:
Look for small things on the floor underneath furniture like children’s toys and strings that it may chew and swallow.
Hide electrical cords from both the Pom and toddlers at home.
Pick up any human food that falls on the floor.
Ensure that chemicals are safely kept out of reach of children and your pup.
Keep waste-baskets and garbage away and hidden.
Never keep plants indoors that may be poisonous to dogs.
Make chew toys readily available to avoid having your favorite and essential items, such as shoes, being nibbled by your Pom baby.
Final Thoughts
The teddy bear Pomeranian is one of the cutest dogs you can encounter and manage. It is like having a dog and teddy bear into one, making them more appealing to nearly everyone.
If you want an energetic, loyal, smart, and friendly dog for your kids and the whole family, it is a perfect choice. Having the chance to own a teddy bear Pom can undoubtedly give you a rewarding experience.
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