How Much Does A Pomeranian Cost?
Pomeranians are renowned for their vibrant personalities and fluffy coats, making them one of the most beloved toy dog breeds. Their small size and striking appearance often lead prospective owners to wonder about the financial aspects of owning one.
The cost of acquiring a Pomeranian can vary widely depending on factors like the dog’s pedigree, breeder reputation, and geographic location. On top of the purchase price, maintaining a Pomeranian involves costs for regular grooming to manage their dense fur, veterinary care to ensure their health, and other routine expenses.
The lifetime cost of owning a Pomeranian can easily exceed $20,000. Investing in comprehensive pet insurance can help mitigate some of these expenses, particularly those related to unexpected health issues.
Key Takeaways
Pomeranians usually live from 12 to 16 years and weigh between 7 and 10 pounds, making them great for apartments and small homes.
Buying a purebred Pomeranian can cost between $3,000 and $7,000, depending on factors like its pedigree and coat color, with rarer colors pushing the price higher.
According to the American Kennel Club, Pomeranians are prone to specific health issues, including dental problems and patellar luxation, which can incur significant veterinary costs; however, having a good pet insurance plan can help manage these expenses.
How Much Does A Pomeranian Cost?
The average cost of purchasing a Pomeranian puppy from a breeder ranges from $3,000 to $7,000. This price is largely determined by factors such as the dog’s pedigree and coat color. For example, rare coat colors like the vibrant orange or the striking blue merle can significantly increase the cost, sometimes reaching two or three times the price of more common colors like white or black.
Adopting a Pomeranian from a shelter or rescue group is generally much less expensive, often costing just a few hundred dollars. This lower cost may include essentials such as vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering.
In addition to the initial cost, prospective owners should budget for ongoing expenses including veterinary care, grooming, a proper diet, pet insurance, and potential health issues.
Pomeranian Characteristics
Below is a table of the main characteristics for Pomeranian.
Characteristic | Pomeranian Averages |
Life Expectancy | 12-16 years |
Weight | 7-10 pounds |
Breed Type | Toy dog |
Size | 6-7 inches tall |
Pomeranians are small, lively dogs known for their fluffy coats and energetic personalities. They usually weigh between 7 and 10 pounds and have a distinctive, double-layered fur that can come in many colors. Their faces are often described as “fox-like,” with a bright, alert expression and a playful demeanor.
Pomeranians are very social and enjoy being the center of attention, making them affectionate and loyal companions. They are also intelligent and curious, which can sometimes lead to a bit of mischief. Despite their small size, they have a big personality and can be quite vocal.
Costs Of Owning A Pomeranian
The costs of owning a Pomeranian include the upfront cost, as well as long-term costs.
Veterinary Care
In the first few years, it’s a good idea to visit the vet about 3 to 4 times each year. Each visit can cost between $100 and $300, covering things like yearly check-ups, blood tests, and other preventive care to keep your pet healthy.
There are several medical issues that a Pomeranian can suffer from and the cost will vary depending on the severity. An example includes collapsed trachea. Treatment can cost around $1000-$2000 for tests, and $2000-$4000 for stent surgery.
Estimated Lifetime Vet Costs: $12,000
Grooming
Pomeranians have long, double-layered fur that needs to be groomed 6 to 8 times a year to keep it looking its best. A professional grooming session typically costs between $40 and $50. While grooming at home can save money, it’s a good idea to take your Pomeranian to a pro during shedding season for the best results.
Estimated Lifetime Grooming Costs: $6,400
Diet
Pomeranians are very small dogs, so they need less food compared to larger breeds. You can expect to spend about $20 a month on high-quality, vet-recommended dog food for your Pomeranian.
Estimated Lifetime Diet Cost: $2,880
Insurance
Pet insurance can save you money on unexpected expenses like accidents and injuries, especially if it covers common health issues for Pomeranians. Depending on your plan, where you live, and your Pomeranian’s age when you start, you might pay between $30 and $50 a month.
Estimated Lifetime Insurance Cost: $7,200
Supplies
For keeping your Pomeranian happy and comfortable, you’ll need to budget for items like:
- A bed
- A carrier for vet visits
- Blankets
- Toys
How often you buy new toys, beds, or carriers will depend on your dog’s needs and preferences. Pomeranians enjoy playing, but because they’re small, they don’t wear out their toys quickly. You can usually add one or two new toys each month to keep things interesting for them.
Estimated Lifetime Cost Of Supplies: $1,500
One-Time Costs
Initial costs cover most of the expenses when you first get a Pomeranian.
Adoption Fees
The initial adoption costs are the most expensive one-time cost of owning a Pomeranian.
You can get a Pomeranian from various places, such as reputable breeders, puppy farms, or rescue shelters. A trusted breeder usually charges between $1,500 and $3,000 for a Pomeranian puppy. Alternatively, you might find a Pomeranian to adopt from a local rescue shelter, with adoption fees typically ranging from $50 to $300, depending on the shelter’s pricing.
Vaccinations
When you adopt a Pomeranian you’ll have to pay for their vaccinations. Vaccination costs for Pomeranians can vary based on your location and the specific vaccines your dog needs. Generally, the initial set of vaccinations for a puppy can range from $100 to $200. This typically includes core vaccines such as those for parvovirus, distemper, and adenovirus, as well as optional vaccines like those for kennel cough and Lyme disease.
After the initial round, booster shots will be required annually, costing around $50 to $100 per visit. It’s important to stay up-to-date with vaccinations to protect your Pomeranian from preventable diseases and ensure their overall health.
Microchipping
Microchipping your Pomeranian is a one-time expense that usually ranges from $30 to $60. This small, permanent chip is inserted under your dog’s skin and provides a unique identification number that can be linked to your contact information. While the initial cost covers the chip and insertion, some services might also include lifetime registration fees or additional charges for updating your details.
Registration
If you want to register your Pomeranian with the American Kennel Club (AKC), there are additional fees. The basic registration costs $39.99, while registration with pedigree information is $64.99.
Common Pomeranian Health Issues
Pomeranians can face various health issues, each with different costs for treatment. Common problems include dental issues, which are quite frequent in this breed, as well as patellar luxation and allergies.
According to veterinary sources, around 30% of Pomeranians experience dental issues, 20% may have patellar luxation, and 15% are prone to allergies.
The table below outlines some common health concerns and their estimated treatment costs:
Health Issue | Average Treatment Cost |
Dental Issues | $500 – $2,000 |
Patellar Luxation | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Allergies | $500 – $1,500 |
Cherry Eye | $300 – $1,800 |
Skin Problems | $300 – $2,500 |
How Much Is Pet Insurance For Pomeranian
Pet insurance for a Pomeranian will vary depending on:
- The plan you get
- When you take out the plan (how old the dog is at the time)
- Your location
The average plan for Pomeranian cost between $30 and $50 per month.
Comparing Costs: Pomeranian Vs Other Breeds
The table below shows an average cost of purchasing a Pomeranian puppy from a breeder, compared to other breeds:
Breed | Adoption Costs |
Pomeranian | $1,500 |
French Bulldog | $5,000 |
Pug | $2,000 |
Golden Retriever | $1,000 |
Labrador Retriever | $1,900 |
Yorkshire Terrier | $900 |
Maltese | $1,000 |
Bulldog | $800 |
Australian Shepherd | $1,700 |
Beagle | $500 |
FAQs
Why are Pomeranians so expensive?
Their small size and fluffy coats make them highly desirable, which drives up their price. Additionally, breeding Pomeranians requires careful attention to genetics to avoid common health issues and ensure high-quality traits, which can be costly. Rare coat colors and patterns can also increase the cost.
Are Pomeranians worth buying?
Whether Pomeranians are worth buying depends on what you’re looking for in a pet. They are charming and lively dogs with a lot of personality, making them great companions for those who enjoy a playful and affectionate pet. Their small size and distinctive looks are appealing, but they do require regular grooming and can have health issues that may lead to higher veterinary costs.