How to Pick a Pomeranian Puppy: What to Look For and What to Avoid

Picking a Pomeranian puppy is one of the most exciting things you'll ever do. It's also one of the most consequential. The decisions you make before you bring your Pom home — about the breeder, the puppy's health, their temperament — will shape your next 12–16 years together.

The Pomeranian market is flooded with options. Not all of them are good. This guide is here to help you find the right puppy from the right person, ask the right questions, and walk in on day one with your eyes open.

Start with the Breeder, Not the Puppy

The single most important factor in picking a healthy, well-adjusted Pomeranian is who bred them. A reputable breeder produces healthier puppies, socializes them properly, and gives you a foundation you can actually build on. A careless or profit-driven breeder produces puppies with preventable health problems and behavioral challenges.

Here's how to tell the difference.

Signs of a Reputable Breeder

• Health testing is standard — reputable breeders test their breeding dogs for genetic conditions common in Poms: luxating patellas (loose kneecaps), tracheal collapse, heart conditions, and eye issues. Ask to see documentation.
• They know their dogs personally — a good breeder can tell you each parent dog's personality, history, and quirks. They're raising a family line, not a product.
• They ask you questions too — a breeder who doesn't ask about your living situation, experience with dogs, or lifestyle isn't vetting their buyers. That's a sign they prioritize sales over placement.
• Puppies are raised in the home — socialization with everyday household sounds, different humans, and varied experiences during weeks 3–12 is critical to temperament. Kennel-raised puppies often struggle more with anxiety.
• They're connected to a breed club — membership in the American Pomeranian Club or similar organization suggests commitment to breed standards and ethics.
• Waitlists are normal — the best breeders often have waitlists. If a breeder always has puppies available immediately, that can indicate overbreeding.

Red Flags to Walk Away From

• No health testing documentation or evasive answers about it
• Multiple litters available at all times
• Reluctance to let you see where the puppies live
• Puppies being sold younger than 8 weeks (ethically, Poms should go home at 8–12 weeks minimum; many reputable breeders wait until 10–12 weeks)
• Pressure to decide quickly or pay a deposit immediately
• Puppies that seem fearful, lethargic, or unsocialized
• Unusually low prices for a "purebred" (often signals health shortcuts or puppy mill origin)
• No willingness to stay in contact after sale

Health Checks: What to Look For in the Puppy Itself

Once you're confident in the breeder, evaluate the individual puppy carefully.

Physical Signs of a Healthy Pom Puppy

• Eyes: Clear, bright, no discharge or cloudiness
• Nose: Moist, no crustiness or colored discharge
• Ears: Clean inside, no smell, no scratching at them
• Coat: Soft and clean — even at 8–10 weeks, the puppy coat should look healthy
• Belly: Not bloated or distended (can indicate parasites)
• Gait: Moving freely and evenly on all four legs — watch for any limping or favoring of a leg
• Weight: Should feel substantial when held, not bony or paper-light
• Energy: Alert and curious when awake, not lethargic

Ask when the puppy was last dewormed and what vaccinations have been started. A reputable breeder will hand you a health record.

Luxating Patella: Ask About It Directly

Poms are prone to luxating patellas (a kneecap that slips out of place). Reputable breeders have their breeding dogs evaluated by a vet and can tell you the parent dogs' patella grades. This doesn't guarantee the puppy won't develop the condition, but it significantly reduces risk.

Temperament: What You're Actually Watching For

Pomeranians are big personalities in a small package. You want a puppy with confidence and curiosity — not excessive timidity or aggression.

Watch the Litter Together First

Before fixating on a specific puppy, observe them with their siblings:

• Does the puppy play actively with littermates?
• Do they hold their own without being a bully?
• Are they curious about you when you approach, or do they retreat?

The boldest puppy in the litter isn't always the best choice for a first-time owner — sometimes that puppy is the one who will test every boundary. Look for a puppy who's engaged, friendly, and comfortable approaching you.

One-on-One Temperament Check

Ask to spend a few minutes with the puppy alone:

• Cradle them on their back in your arms (like a baby). A puppy who relaxes after a moment shows adaptability. One who fights hard and stays panicked may be higher-strung.
• Make a sudden soft noise — a hand clap nearby. A healthy response is a startle followed by quick recovery and curiosity. Sustained fear is a flag.
• Set them down in a new area — do they explore, or do they freeze and hide? Exploring is the sign you want.

None of this is a perfect science — puppies have off days. But these observations give you a real read on baseline temperament.

Questions to Ask the Breeder Before You Commit

Come prepared. A good breeder welcomes informed buyers.

• What health tests have been done on both parent dogs?
• Have any puppies from previous litters had health issues? What kind?
• What are the parent dogs' personalities like?
• How have the puppies been socialized?
• What food are they currently eating?
• What vaccinations and deworming has this puppy received?
• What health guarantee do you offer, and what does it cover?
• Do you take puppies back if I can't keep them?
• Can I contact you after I bring them home with questions?

A breeder who's impatient with these questions, deflects, or pressures you to decide before answering — walk away.

Getting Ready for Day One

You've found the right breeder and chosen your puppy. Now the preparation begins.

Before Your Puppy Comes Home

• Puppy-proof your home — Poms are small and curious. Loose wires, small objects, and gaps under furniture are hazards.
• Set up a safe space — a crate or playpen with soft bedding, in a calm, low-traffic area of the home.
• Get supplies in order — food (the breeder should tell you what the puppy is eating — transition slowly), food and water bowls, a harness (Poms should wear harnesses, not collars, to protect their tracheas), and a leash.
• Schedule a vet appointment — book a new puppy appointment within the first week. Bring all health records the breeder gave you.

Day One: Keep It Calm

The first day home is overwhelming for a puppy. They've just left their mother and littermates for the first time. Give them time to decompress:

• Let them explore at their own pace
• Limit loud noises and big gatherings
• Stay nearby but don't force cuddles
• Let them sleep — they need a lot of it

The relationship you're building starts here. Patient, calm energy on day one sets the tone for everything that follows.