TL;DR
The typical Pomeranian lifespan is about 12 to 14 years. In a 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs, Pomeranians had a median lifespan of 12.2 years, about the same as the 12.0 years of mixed breeds. The breed's most common orthopedic problem is the kneecap: Pomeranians had 6.5 times the odds of patellar luxation of crossbreeds, the highest of any breed in a large UK study. They are also among the breeds most affected by tracheal collapse, and among those with higher odds of Chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia. Like other toy breeds, they need careful dental care. A Pomeranian is a senior from about 9.1 years.
How long do Pomeranians live?
| Measure | Pomeranian | Mixed breed |
|---|---|---|
| Median lifespan, 2024 UK study (1,170 deaths) | 12.2 years | 12.0 years |
| 95% confidence interval | 12.0 to 12.5 years | 12.0 to 12.1 years |
| Senior from about (last 25% of lifespan) | 9.1 years | 9 years |
Pomeranian age in human years
| Dog's age | Life stage | Roughly like a person aged |
|---|---|---|
| 4 years | Mature adult | 26 |
| 5 years | Mature adult | 32 |
| 6 years | Mature adult | 39 |
| 7 years | Mature adult | 45 |
| 8 years | Mature adult | 52 |
| 9 years | Mature adult | 58 |
| 10 years | Senior | 65 |
| 11 years | Senior | 71 |
| 12 years | Senior | 78 |
| 13 years | Senior, past the median | 84 |
| 14 years | Senior, past the median | 91 |
| 15 years | Senior, past the median | 97 |
This uses the share of the breed's typical lifespan a dog has lived, compared with US human life expectancy of 79 years. For puppies and young dogs, the DNA-based method in the calculator below is more accurate. Try any age:
Dog age calculator
Enter your dog's age and breed. Choose "Mixed breed" if you are not sure.
Human age (DNA method)
64
From age-related DNA changes in Labradors compared with people (Wang 2020). Least reliable for puppies under a few months.
Same point in a human life
53
Your dog has lived about 67% of the typical 12.0-year lifespan for this group. The same share of a 79.0-year US life expectancy is age 53.
Life stage
Mature adult
AAHA: from maturity until the last 25% of expected lifespan, about 9.0 years for this group.
Mixed breed (crossbreed): median lifespan 12.0 years (95% CI 12.0 to 12.1), senior from about 9.0 years.
Lifespans: UK study of 584,734 dogs (McMillan 2024). Life stages: AAHA. Every dog ages differently; health, weight and lifestyle all matter.
Pomeranian health problems
Slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation)
In patellar luxation, the kneecap slips out of its groove. In a UK study of 210,824 dogs, 1.30% had a diagnosis, and Pomeranians had the highest odds of any breed, at 6.5 times that of crossbreeds, ahead of Chihuahuas (5.9), Yorkshire Terriers (5.5) and French Bulldogs (5.4). Dogs below the average weight for their breed and sex also had higher odds.
Signs: a skipping or hopping step on a back leg, or briefly holding a leg up, then walking normally. Many cases are managed medically, and severe ones may need surgery. Keep your Pomeranian at a healthy weight and its muscles strong; see hip and joint care for dogs.
Tracheal collapse
In tracheal collapse, the windpipe flattens, causing a dry, honking cough. In a 2024 series of 110 small dogs with tracheal collapse, the Pomeranian was one of the four most common breeds, 97.2% of dogs had a body condition score of 4 or more, more severe collapse was linked to a higher body condition score, and 86.6% improved with weight loss, changes at home and medication. Use a harness instead of a collar, avoid smoke and dust, and keep your dog lean.
Chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia
This condition, in which the skull is too small for the brain, is best known in Cavaliers, but a UK study found increased odds in Pomeranians too. Pain, yelping and scratching at the neck are the main signs.
Teeth
Toy breeds carry 42 adult teeth in a tiny mouth and are prone to gum disease and early tooth loss. See how to brush your dog's teeth. If brushing is hard, daily help in food can slow plaque: in a randomized trial of 60 small dogs, including Pomeranians, daily treats containing the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum led to significantly less plaque and tartar over 90 days. Our Daily Dental Cleaning Powder contains 700 mg of Ascophyllum nodosum per 4 g serving and is now available to pre-order.
How to help a Pomeranian live longer
- Keep it lean, for its kneecaps and windpipe alike.
- Use a harness, never pull on the neck.
- Daily dental care.
- Prevent falls from sofas and arms with ramps or steps.
- Watch for a honking cough or a skipping step, and see your vet early.
- Twice-yearly vet checks from about 9.1 years.
FAQ
How long do Pomeranians live?
Most live about 12 to 14 years. A 2024 UK study of 584,734 dogs found a median lifespan of 12.2 years.
Is 12 old for a Pomeranian?
A Pomeranian is a senior from about 9.1 years. At 12 it has lived about 98% of the breed's median lifespan, roughly like a person aged 78.
What health problems do Pomeranians have?
Slipping kneecaps are the best documented: Pomeranians had 6.5 times the odds of crossbreeds, the highest of any breed. Tracheal collapse, dental disease and Chiari-like malformation are also concerns.
Why does my Pomeranian honk like a goose?
A honking cough is the classic sign of tracheal collapse, which is common in Pomeranians. See your vet; in one series, 86.6% of dogs improved with weight loss, changes at home and medication.
How can I help my Pomeranian live longer?
Keep it lean, use a harness, brush its teeth daily, prevent falls, and book twice-yearly checks from about 9.1 years.
References
- McMillan KM, et al. Longevity of companion dog breeds: those at risk from early death. Scientific Reports. 2024. PMID: 38302530
- O'Neill DG, et al. The epidemiology of patellar luxation in dogs attending primary-care veterinary practices in England. Canine Genetics and Epidemiology. 2016. PMID: 27280025
- Kim MR, et al. A retrospective study of tracheal collapse in small-breed dogs: 110 cases (2022-2024). Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2024. PMID: 39205804
- Sanchis-Mora S, et al. Dogs attending primary-care practice in England with clinical signs suggestive of Chiari-like malformation/syringomyelia. Veterinary Record. 2016. PMID: 27534983
- Gawor J, et al. Effects of edible treats containing Ascophyllum nodosum on the oral health of dogs: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled single-center study. Frontiers in Veterinary Science. 2018. PMID: 30109236
For individual health questions, your veterinarian remains the best partner.
