A great apartment dog, Pomeranians have a cheeky and cheerful personality. They love playing indoors and don’t require much exercise – only a short daily walk.
This pint-sized pup loves to be smothered with affection, making them ideal for families and individuals who spend much time at home.
Pomeranians, also known as “Poms,” are small and fluffy dogs that have gained popularity for their adorable appearance and lively personality. But when it comes to living in an apartment, many potential owners wonder if Pomeranians are suitable for this type of living arrangement.
This article will explore whether Pomeranians make good apartment dogs and discuss the factors to consider before bringing one into your apartment.
The Best Dog Breeds for Apartment Living
Living in an apartment doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. Read our list of the best dog breeds for apartments, including a Yorkshire terrier, Maltese, & Greyhound.
According to the Animal Health Alliance, around 63% of Australian households own a furry companion, and almost 40% of those households own a dog.
With 10% of households in Australia being apartments, space can often feel limited. But living in a smaller home doesn’t mean you can’t have a dog. Other than size, many traits make certain breeds perfect for apartment living.
We rounded up the seven best apartment dogs, so you don’t have to miss out on the fun of owning a dog when living in an apartment or smaller home!
1. Cavoodle: Its small size and docile nature make the cavoodle (a cross between a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel and a toy poodle) well-matched to apartment living.
These gentle-natured pups are intelligent, loyal, incredibly laid back, and love spending time with their owners. In their eyes, the smaller the apartment, the better, as they can always be close to their owner.
Low Shedding makes these sweet-tempered companion dogs great for people with allergies, and a short daily walk will keep them happy and healthy.
2. Yorkshire terrier: Yorkshire terriers – often known as Yorkies – are a top dog breed for apartment dwellers.
Feisty yet affectionate, Yorkies love attention, making them well-suited to busier households. A short morning and evening walk keeps them happy, and their light weight makes them ideal lap dogs.
3. Maltese: A much-loved companion dog, the Maltese is known to be intelligent, loving and easy to train. These energetic and playful pups do not need much exercise but love and constant attention.
Maltese dogs are hypoallergenic because they have minimal Shedding, which could make them great for those with allergies and those living in smaller spaces.
Greyhound: Surprise! Despite having a reputation for being a high-maintenance race dog, greyhounds are great dogs for people with smaller homes.
In truth, most greyhounds do not need a lot of exercise each day, and most have a very gentle and quiet temperament, earning them the nickname ’40 mph couch potato.’
5. Pomeranian: A great apartment dog, Pomeranians have a cheeky and cheerful personality. They love playing indoors and don’t require much exercise – only a short daily walk. This pint-sized pup loves to be smothered with affection, making them ideal for families and individuals who spend much time at home. Pomeranians tend to shed quite a lot, so to keep your flat tidy, brush their coats once a week.
Are Pomeranians Good with Kids?
Pomeranians are very friendly and playful with children and usually can have a good relationship. But a Pom is a very small and fragile dog, so a child can easily hurt him while playing.
Pomeranians are also considered cautious dogs and often become defensive if threatened. A Pom may react defensively if uncomfortable and feels threatened when playing with a child.
For the safety of the child and the Pomeranian, you should always keep an eye on the interaction between them to prevent the situation from getting out of control.
Is a Pomeranian a Good Apartment Dog?
Pomeranians can be excellent apartment dogs. He is a small breed with a pleasant, friendly and outgoing personality. It’s also a very active and playful dog, although he doesn’t need much space or a yard to be happy.
But only some things are as easy as it seems with a Pomeranian. He has his personality, and if he’s not cared for properly, he can make life difficult in an apartment.
But there are several things you can do to make the Pomeranian the perfect companion and apartment roommate.
Size and Space Requirements
One of the primary reasons why Pomeranians are often recommended as apartment dogs is their small size. Pomeranians typically weigh between 3 to 7 pounds and stand around 6 to 7 inches tall. Their compact size allows them to comfortably live in smaller spaces like apartments without requiring a large yard for exercise.
Pomeranians can easily navigate through narrow hallways in an apartment setting and comfortably fit in cosy living areas. They don’t need extensive room to roam around, making them a great choice for individuals living in apartments or condos.
Exercise Needs
While Pomeranians are small, they are still active and energetic dogs that require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Despite the limited space in an apartment, Pomeranians can meet their exercise needs through indoor activities and daily walks.
Indoor exercises such as playing with toys, chasing balls, or engaging in interactive games can help Pomeranians burn off excess energy. Daily walks outside allow them to explore new environments and socialize with other dogs and people.
Separation Anxiety and Barking
Pomeranians are known for their close bond with their owners and tendency to develop separation anxiety. This means they may become anxious or distressed when left alone for long periods.
However, they are still suitable for apartment living.
With proper training, socialization, and gradually increasing the time spent alone, Pomeranians can become accustomed to being left alone in an apartment setting. It’s important to provide them with stimulating toys and create a safe and comfortable environment to help alleviate their anxiety.
Another aspect to consider is their barking tendencies. Pomeranians have a propensity for barking, which can be an issue in an apartment where noise levels need to be kept to a minimum. Early training and socialization help minimize excessive barking and establish boundaries.
Apartment-Friendly Temperament
Pomeranians are known for their lively and friendly temperament, making them suitable companions for apartment dwellers. They are generally good with people, including children, and can adapt well to various living situations.
However, it’s important to note that individual personalities can vary within the breed. Some Pomeranians may be more reserved or independent, while others may be more outgoing and affectionate. Spending time with a Pomeranian before bringing one into your apartment is essential to ensure compatibility with your lifestyle and preferences.
Rooming and Shedding
Pomeranians have a thick double coat that requires regular grooming to keep them looking their best. While their luxurious coat adds to their charm, it does require maintenance to prevent matting and tangling.
Regular brushing, typically two to three times a week, helps remove loose hair and keeps their coat healthy. Additionally, occasional baths and trips to a professional groomer are necessary to maintain cleanliness and appearance.
Noise Considerations
Living in an apartment means being mindful of noise levels to maintain a peaceful living environment for you and your neighbours. Like many small breeds, Pomeranians can be prone to excessive barking if not properly trained or stimulated.
Investing time and effort into training your Pomeranian from a young age is important to mitigate noise concerns. Positive reinforcement techniques can teach them appropriate behaviours and minimize barking. Engaging them in mentally stimulating activities can also help keep them occupied and reduce the likelihood of excessive noise.
Socialization and Training
Proper socialization and training are crucial for any dog, regardless of their living situation.
This is particularly important for Pomeranians in an apartment setting, as they will be exposed to various stimuli and interactions within a confined space.
Early socialization helps Pomeranians develop good manners, adaptability, and confidence.
Introduce them to different people, animals, and environments to ensure they feel comfortable and secure in various situations. Enrolling in puppy classes or working with a professional dog trainer can be beneficial in teaching them obedience commands and proper behaviour.
Interaction with Other Pets and People
Living in an apartment often means sharing common spaces with neighbours and their pets. Pomeranians can get along well with other pets and people when properly socialised. However, it’s essential to supervise their interactions and ensure everyone is comfortable and safe.
Introduce your Pomeranian to other pets gradually and monitor their behaviour. Similarly, teach them appropriate behaviour around strangers and provide positive experiences to help them build trust and confidence.
Energy Levels and Mental Stimulation
Despite their small size, Pomeranians have moderate energy levels and require mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviour. Engaging them in activities that challenge their minds can keep them entertained and content in an apartment environment.
Consider puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, or interactive games that stimulate their problem-solving skills. Mental exercises can tire them out as effectively as physical exercise and can be a great way to keep them mentally sharp and happy.
Health Considerations
Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs but may be prone to certain health issues such as dental problems, luxating patellas, or tracheal collapse. Regular veterinary check-ups, proper diet, and dental care are essential for their overall well-being.
Living in an apartment may require extra diligence in monitoring their health, as the limited space can restrict their exercise and movement. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and weight maintenance can help mitigate potential health issues.
Consider Your Lifestyle
Before deciding if a Pomeranian is the right fit for your apartment, it’s crucial to consider your own lifestyle and daily routines. Pomeranians thrive on companionship and require quality time with their owners.
Consider your work schedule and availability to ensure you can give them the attention and care they need. Suppose you have a busy lifestyle that keeps you away from home for long periods. In that case, it may be worth considering alternatives such as doggy daycare or hiring a dog walker to ensure your Pomeranian gets adequate socialization and exercise.
Conclusion
Pomeranians can make good apartment dogs, thanks to their small size, adaptability, and moderate exercise needs. While they may require proper training and socialization to address separation anxiety and barking tendencies, their friendly temperament and compact size make them well-suited for apartment living.
Each Pomeranian is unique, so spending time with one is important before deciding. Consulting with reputable breeders or rescue organizations can also provide valuable insights into a specific Pomeranian’s personality and suitability for apartment living.
FAQ
Are Pomeranians Good Apartment Dogs?
Pomeranians can be excellent apartment dogs. He is a small breed with a pleasant, friendly and outgoing personality. It’s also a very active and playful dog, although he doesn’t need much space or a yard to be happy. But only some things are as easy as it seems with a Pomeranian.
Are Pomeranians Easy to Train?
Their intelligence makes them easier to train than many other dogs, and their people-oriented nature means they’ll often listen to commands, too. Many toy dogs need to be more intelligent, which can make them harder to train. Pomeranians are great small dogs for agility competitions and similar canine sports. 3. Alert Pomeranians are great watchdogs.
Are Pomeranians Good Watchdogs?
Pomeranians are great watchdogs. They’re very alert and known to be a little yappy. While this happiness can get them in trouble, it also means that you don’t have to worry about someone sneaking up on your house. Of course, these dogs are extremely small. Therefore, they can’t do much against an intruder.
Do Pomeranians Need a Bathroom?
Pomeranians are very small, which means they have tiny bladders. As puppies, they need to use the bathroom very often. For this reason, they’re a challenge to housetrain unless you take weeks off of work and never leave your house. Many dog owners get their canines an indoor place to use the bathroom—at least when they are younger.