Getting a Pomeranian

A dog joins a household for many years. The Royal Kennel Club gives the Pomeranian's lifespan as over 12 years. In each part of the UK, the law also sets out who may sell a puppy, and how.

What a Pomeranian needs

The Royal Kennel Club lists the Pomeranian as a small dog in its Toy group. It needs up to 30 minutes of exercise a day. The club says it suits a flat, in town or country, with a small or medium garden.

Its coat is of medium length and needs grooming more than once a week. It sheds. The breed is the smallest of the spitz dogs, and it was first seen in the UK in 1870.

Health in the breed

A study published in 2016 used the records of 210,824 dogs at 119 vet practices in England. Vets had diagnosed a slipping kneecap (patellar luxation) in 6.5% of the Pomeranians. The figure for crossbred dogs was 1.2%.

The Royal Kennel Club lists eye testing, under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme, as a best-practice test for Pomeranian breeders. It also says the breed "can be affected by conformational concerns". GOV.UK asks buyers to choose a dog whose appearance has minimal adverse impact on its health. A vet can talk through any doubts about a particular dog.

Who may sell a puppy

In England, Lucy's Law came into force on 6 April 2020. Since then, anyone getting a puppy must buy it direct from the breeder, or adopt from a rescue centre. A breeder in England needs a council licence to breed 3 or more litters in any 12 months and sell any of the puppies. Licensed breeders must show the licence number in any advertising.

In Wales, since 10 September 2021, a commercial seller may only sell a puppy it bred at its own premises, with the mother present. In Scotland, a breeder needs a licence to breed 5 or more litters in a year and sell any of the puppies. A licensed breeder there may only advertise or offer for sale a puppy it bred, from the place where it was born and reared, and each advert gives the licence number and the council. In Northern Ireland, a dog breeding establishment needs a licence from the local council.

Checks before you agree

GOV.UK sets out what a responsible seller will do.

All dogs in the UK must be microchipped and registered by the time they are 8 weeks old. GOV.UK asks buyers to take care if a puppy is advertised with a pet passport, because it may have been imported. The RSPCA recommends the Puppy Contract, which helps buyers get the right information before they agree to a sale.

Rescuing a dog instead

GOV.UK suggests thinking about a rescue dog from a reputable UK rehoming organisation. The Association of Dogs and Cats Homes (ADCH) has a rescue finder. GOV.UK says a good rescue checks your suitability first, usually uses an adoption contract, and helps you choose the right dog.

If an advert worries you

GOV.UK asks people to contact their local authority Trading Standards if they are worried about the health or welfare of a dog advertised for sale. The same applies to anyone who thinks they may have bought an illegally imported pet.

Useful links