Pomeranians are one of the most popular dog breeds, especially when it comes to travel and companionship. Their energetic, inquisitive nature and absolutely adorable appearance are a natural fit for those seeking a consistent source of entertainment and friendship. Among the few concerns with this breed is that they are NOT hypoallergenic. But if you’re not allergy-sufferer, the Pomeranian is a great choice.


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Size and Travel Options

The standard size for a Pomeranian is about 6-8 inches at the withers, or about 8-10 inches overall. This makes most Pomeranians just the right size to be eligible for flying in the cabin in a travel carrier under the seat in front of you. Between 3-7 pounds, weight isn’t an issue for Pomeranians even for airlines that impose limits on pets and travel crates. Size is a huge factor for people who are looking for a true travel companion in their Pomeranian. Because the breed has something of a snub-nosed facial structure, it’s not the best breed for traveling in cargo.

Personality as a Travel Companion

If you’re looking for a true travel companion and wondering what sort of vacations a Pomeranian might enjoy, you’ll find a fairly adaptable breed. Pomeranians have a lively personality but are still easily corralled in most situations. Pomeranians may not need to run dozens of miles everyday, but they do benefit from exercise especially when traveling. It’s a good idea to leave enough time to give them a good run or considerable playtime before the flight just to make sure they don’t get overexcited. The fluffy, moderate length coat of fur is tailored for a mix of modest outdoor excursions and indoor settings. You can find lodging options in many areas that will welcome small-sized dogs including Pomeranians. Formerly bred as a sled dog and with fluffy medium length fur, Pomeranians are also up for most outdoor excursions even if they’re no longer the best choice for endurance-based backcountry adventures.

Health and Longevity

One of the healthiest toy-sized dog breeds with a life expectancy between 12-16 years, Pomeranians are also one of the more sensible choices of dog breeds for introducing a new member of the household. We still recommend routine checkups, but many of these pets will go their entire adult lives without serious medical problems. Diet and appetite are among the few notable health risks, especially for travel-minded owners. A strong appetite but smaller frame make Pomeranians susceptible to overeating and obesity. Their tightly set jaws can also lead to dental overcrowding, so it’s a good idea to periodically clean their teeth. When Pomeranians get nervous from chronic inactivity, they can develop a licking habit that causes their hair to thin or even bald. So for when you can’t quite match your Pomeranian’s energy level, it’s nice to have a yard where you can set them loose. Otherwise, it’s time to hire a dog-walking service and/or stock up on pet toys.

Pomeranian Breeders and Adoption Centers

The Pomeranian was originally bred as a large sled dog in the 16th century, but was reduced in size through breeding sometime in the 19th century. This may be one of the reasons Pomeranians are often described as having a bold personality and have little trouble socializing with larger breeds. Because of the animal’s general health characteristics and popular personality, Pom mixes are quite common in the general pet population. However, many Pomeranian mixes end up growing too big to comfortably fit under the seat on a plane. If you’re looking for a healthy Pomeranian puppy to bond with and one that has a high probability of being small enough to stay a true travel companion, it’s likely worth the investment to reach out to a Pomeranian breeder. There is a certain amount of genetic variance and luck involved, but many breeders have achieved a high success rate for health, size, and breed standards. While some animals from top-end breeders can cost a few thousand dollars, many Pomeranian puppies are available for between $500-$1,500.