White Pomeranians: Adorable White Balls of Love and Fluff
We get that dogs aren’t all the same, but some do look a lot alike, like most of the spitz breeds. A spitz dog usually exhibits 3 distinct characteristics: a smiley face, perky ears, and a curled tail. Some commonly seen examples of a spitz dog include Siberian huskies and the adorable Pomeranian. We’re focusing on the smaller spitz breed, which can come in many colors. But today, we’re looking at the coveted white Pomeranian.
What is a White Pomeranian?
What exactly is a white Pomeranian? It is exactly what it sounds like – a Pomeranian dog with a white coat. These are adorable small-breed dogs that are commonly associated with the word dainty. Unlike their cousins with whom they share a similar resemblance, the Japanese spitz, Poms have a shorter muzzle, often poofier coat, and smaller stature (in most cases).
Where Did the White Pomeranian Originate From?
The Pomeranian comes from a region that no longer exists – Pomerania. This area is now part of Poland and extends to Germany. The white Pomeranian was bred over the years to have its small stature and very much like corgis, they shot to popularity because of a royal family member – Queen Victoria. She loved them and it can be said that she had a large hand in the appearance they possess today.
While she was breeding Pomeranians, she worked to reduce their size up to 30 pounds from their original state.
What Was the White Pomeranian Bred for?
We have come to associate Pomeranians with lap dogs or at least domesticated house dogs that aren’t cut out for heavy-duty work like their cousins, the sled-pulling Sibes. However, the truth is quite far from that. Did you know that Poms were actually bred for work?
They were bred for roles you would have never guessed. They could pull sleds like the Siberian husky (albeit smaller ones), and were used to guard households and livestock. This all was true, of course, when Pomeranians were the size of the average Pomsky (Pomeranian-Husky mix), which is around 30 pounds. At this size, it was more practical for them to do work.
Over the years, as we mentioned, Poms were sized down to the household companions we see today around 10 pounds or less.
What Does a White Pomeranian Look Like?
Color
Pomeranians themselves, although they are small dogs, can come in many different colors. Anything from merle (a spotted grey color) to piebald (white base with colored patches) to solid colors.
Of course, the white Pomeranian is pure solid white, and they are very coveted and quite rare. This is because it is easy to get a few patches or tufts of differently colored fur, so getting a pure snow white Pom is quite difficult – and expensive.
Unique Physical Characteristics
1. Eyes
It is possible for Pomeranians to have blue eyes, but for white Poms, you will very likely only see dark brown/black eyes. Poms have eyes that are in proportion to their faces and what’s adorable is their smiles can reach their eyes and you’ll definitely know when your pup is happy to see you.
As said, one of the most distinguishing features about a Pom, or any spitz dog is the tail. Poms sport a long curved tail that arches into their back. Some can even say this is their most prominent and beautiful trait. If taken care of well and brushed often, the tail of a spitz dog (especially if they have a long coat) can be quite majestic.
Like other spitz breeds, the ears of a Pom are perky, although they may not always be the first thing you see, since it will be their adorable expressions. Some Poms are so fluffy that their ears are obscured within all the fur, but trust us, they’re there!
Compared to other larger spitz breeds, the white Pomeranian has a short snout that almost gives it a teddy bear-like look. They usually have black noses, especially if we are looking at a white Pomeranian.
How Big Does a Full-Grown White Pomeranian Get?
1. Height
Poms in general are very small dogs. That being said, they can still come in a wide range of sizes, standing anywhere from 7 to 12 inches tall.
2. Weight
Small dogs don’t usually weigh a lot, and that is true of the Pomeranian. These little dogs only get up to about 10 pounds on average! Yes, there are some Poms that can get bigger than that, but you can expect the average white Pomeranian to be around the 10-pound mark or less, making them perfect for a small home.
3. Male vs Female
Male white Poms are larger than the females. Males usually stand at 10 to 12 inches tall with the females closer to the 7-inch mark. As for the weight, males are also usually heavier, hitting 10 pounds or more, while females remain under that.
How to Take Care of a White Pomeranian?
Exercise
Don’t let their small size fool you, Poms, including white Pomeranians, are very energetic! Luckily, because of their small size, they don’t need a lot of room to get their pent-up energy out. They have enough energy to rival medium-sized dogs and need about 30 to 60 minutes of exercise a day.
Remember to include plenty of mental stimulation along with physical activity because these dogs are intelligent! Smart dogs that aren’t mentally stimulated can get feel easily bored, which means they get up to mischief!
These dogs can have a bit of a stubborn streak and do share the sense of adventure and exploration that their larger Siberian husky cousins do. This is why you have to make sure your yard is completely fenced or these pups might look for ways to get out!
Grooming
As a double-coated breed, you can bet that grooming is a little tougher with the white Pom. Double-coated breeds with long luxurious fur will need daily grooming. If you don’t, the fur will become easily matted and knotted, and these knots will need to be cut out. You wouldn’t want to leave your dog with uneven fur, right?
Since brushing is an everyday thing, you may also want to take the time to check other things such as your pup’s paws, skin, and teeth to make sure it is in peak health.
As for bath time, Poms don’t have an oily coat so they can get away with a bath once a month or longer than that if they are kept clean.
Diet
1. How Much to Feed
Some people may be happy to know that Poms don’t eat a lot, which means you won’t be spending as much on food as you would a large breed. However, this doesn’t change the fact that they deserve good quality food. We would suggest purchasing the best food you can find within your budget that meets a Pom’s nutritional requirements and is balanced without any artificial additives or preservatives.
Generally, Poms will need half a cup up to a cup of kibble a day. How much you feed your Pom depends on its size, activity level, and age. For example, a growing Pom puppy that is always active will need more food and nutrition than a senior Pom that spends its days lazing around the house.
You can always refer to the label on the back of the food package for feeding guidelines, but don’t be afraid to tailor the amount to suit your dog. If you notice that feeding one cup means a lot of leftover kibbles, then try to subtract the amount that’s left over from the next feeding.
2. How Often to Feed
How often you feed your dog can depend on your lifestyle, but we would suggest at least 2 times a day for adults and 3 to 4 times for puppies. This is because a puppy’s gastrointestinal system is still developing, so feeding less food more frequently throughout the day helps with digestion. You can start your pup on meals 3 to 4 times a day and then slowly decrease the amount when it gets to 6 months to 1 year.
3. Common Food Allergies
White dogs, especially white spitz dogs, are prone to tear stains. While the culprit is the tears themselves, watching your dog’s diet can help with this such as feeding better quality food and distilled water.
Poms, like many other breeds, can have a bad reaction to artificial additives and preservatives in food, wheat, corn, soy, and sometimes even beef or chicken. These are the most common causes of irritation for food-related allergies, but keep in mind that your dog’s allergies could be caused by something in the environment as well.
There are tests for environmental allergens, but if you suspect that your dog has a food allergy, then the best way to be sure is by conducting an elimination diet.
Are White Pomeranians Easy to Train?
Spitz dogs are incredibly intelligent, but they also come with a stubborn streak. So, dogs like Poms who are smart and full of energy thrive in competitions such as doggy classes and agility training. With any type of training, Poms need to be met with a lot of patience, love, positive reinforcement, and encouragement.
The best way to ensure success is by communicating what you want and don’t want. The way to do this is with food, as most dogs are food-motivated. If this isn’t your dog, find what it likes and use that as an incentive instead, such as playtime with its favorite toy that it doesn’t get to play with often.
Only reward your dog when it does something right and ignore the bad behavior. Studies have found that this type of positive reinforcement works better than punishment.
Are they Easy to Potty Train?
We’ll be completely honest, but potty training can be tough for some Poms. You may be super lucky and get a Pomeranian that is naturally very well-behaved. But if this isn’t the case, then make sure you are ready for a slightly longer potty training period. Crate training can do wonders to help the process.
What is the White Pomeranian Temperament?
Poms, like many other spitz breeds, are very vocal. Of course, we realize that every dog is different so keep in mind that you may be lucky, but most Poms are vocal and reactive. While this may be hard to nip in the bud, the habit of barking can be somewhat helped with desensitization.
Small breeds like the Pom can be prone to something we call “small dog syndrome”. This is a very general term to describe small breeds that misbehave. You can see this when a small dog is running unruly over a big dog and the big dog kind of just lets it happen.
What is the key to a well-behaved dog and an even temperament? Early and adequate socialization!
Does this breed do well with children?
If your Pom was raised with kids in the home from the very start, you can be sure this breed is quite agreeable with families. However, Poms can be a bit snappy and sassy, which doesn’t make them the best companion for small children. Small dogs can be delicate and if Poms are constantly manhandled by a toddler who doesn’t know better, there could be issues.
Does it do well with other pets?
The same idea goes for Poms and other pets. If you are introducing a new pet or new Pom into your home, it is important to take the time to do proper introductions. Give both animals as much time as they need to get to know each other and get acquainted.
Are White Pomeranians Aggressive?
White Pomeranians are not generally aggressive, but any dog has the potential to be aggressive if provoked. It is important to treat these dogs with kindness because they have feelings too, and they will show it through their behavior.
What Environment is Ideal for the White Pomeranian?
Because they are small in size, a white Pomeranian doesn’t necessarily need acres of land to run around. They can do perfectly well in a bustling city living in a downtown apartment. They have a lot of fluff so they aren’t too afraid of the cold, but having a cute knit sweater when it’s extra cold out won’t hurt.
No matter if weather conditions get too hot or too cold where you live, the key is to make the environment comfortable for your pooch with blankets and heaters or fans and air conditioning.
What is the Average Life Span of a White Pomeranian?
Smaller dogs tend to live longer lives and the white Pomeranian has an average life span of 12 to 16 years, with some exceeding that with good care! So you will have plenty of years ahead with your adorable companion.
White Pomeranian Common Health Issues
Poms are quite a hearty breed, but they do suffer from patella luxation, as do many other small dogs. This is when their kneecaps get displaced easily and this can happen from simply jumping down from a high place, so you have to watch over your fur baby carefully. In some serious cases, this could require surgery.
These pups can also suffer from skin and coat problems if their luxurious fur isn’t well taken care of. Bald patches called Alopecia can present themselves.
How Much Does a White Pomeranian Cost?
As we mentioned, this breed is not cheap. If you manage to find an all-white Pomeranian with no signs of cream or any other color, then you can expect to pay at least $1000. Some of these if bred well from a renowned lineage can reach over $4000! Don’t worry if this price is a bit steep, because there are other dogs that may have a cheaper price tag but still resemble the white Pomeranian.
Other Similar Dog Breeds
Japanese Spitz
The Japanese spitz looks a LOT like the white Pom except it has a longer snout (giving it an arctic fox look) and a larger body size. We suggest the Japanese spitz because there is only one color – white! So if you don’t mind the slightly larger size, the Japanese Spitz is an excellent white Pom alternative.
Pomsky
The pomsky is a mixed-breed designer dog, a cross between Poms and Sibes. The result is numerous from pure white pomskies to ones that really resemble a small husky with the same markings, to the rarer and somehow less sought-after merles and piebalds. They can look like either breed or a perfect mix of both.
Siberian Husky
If you want a big dog, why not just get a Siberian Husky or an Alaskan Malamute? They are quite a lot bigger than Poms but have the same smile, curled tail, perky ears, and adorable and loving nature.
Finding the Right Breeder
Poms are usually adopted from breeders as not as many are given up. However, we would still suggest looking in shelters first because there are a ton of fur babies there looking for a forever home.
How do you know if a breeder is legitimate? There are circumstances you should consider and questions you should ask.
Here are some examples of questions that can prevent you from making the wrong move.
- Is the breeder shifty and won’t answer questions or reveal to you the kennel environment?
- How many litters do they produce a year? Do they use the same parents? If yes, stay away! Those are puppy mills that should be shut down and the poor dog parents need to be rescued right away.
- Do they have a waiting list? If so, it’s less likely they are a puppy mill and only breed at optimum times to give the moms and dads a break.
- What do they know about the breed? The breeder should be able to answer all your questions about the breed and more.
- How does the breeder treat the pups before sending them off to you? They should be socialized and some even do early potty training.
- When do they let you take them home? No dog should be taken away from its mother before 8 weeks at the very least.
- Do they have a reputable vet they work with?
- Do they engage in responsible mating?
- What does the internet say? Look for references, reviews, etc.
- Are they asking you the right questions? A good breeder should be concerned about where their puppies end up. They should ask you questions too.
- Do they keep in constant contact with you and are always available for advice and help for the duration of your pup’s life?
- Is there a contract? Does it stipulate returning the pup rather than giving it up to a shelter? Is there a health guarantee?
- Does your pet come with necessary papers stating the pedigree, etc., if applicable?
- What does your gut say? If you’re not comfortable and something feels off, trust your instinct!
Conclusion: Is the White Pomeranian Right For You?
How much time do you have to devote to exercising and spending time with your dog? These are the two main things Poms need. All dogs will require effort in the first few months of training, and that is also the best time to get to know your dog.
What is its routine? If you are someone who loves to go on outdoor adventures and have your pup next to you, then maybe a white Pom isn’t your best choice. It is possible for a white Pomeranian to have the energy to do that, but you’ll most likely have a better time with a Pom alternative breed like a Siberian husky.
If you are in search of a companion dog that has enough energy to play but is also perfectly fine hanging around the house, then a white Pom is perfect!
