Pomeranians are adored for their tiny size, poofy fur, and charming personalities, making them perfect for snuggling—and sometimes small enough to fit in their Pommy Mommy’s purse! But did you know that not all Pomeranians fit into that tiny mold? While the standard Pomeranian weighs between three to seven pounds, as designated by the American Kennel Club (AKC), some Poms are much larger. These bigger Poms have a special name—they’re called throwback Pomeranians!
What Is a Throwback Pomeranian?
A throwback Pomeranian is a full-grown adult Pom who weighs more than a healthy 14 lbs . If your Pom is over 10 lbs but under 14 lbs, they may have partial throwback genes. Some throwback Pomeranians can weigh up to 18 or even 20 pounds! Though larger than the standard size, these Poms are still purebred and just as lovable as their smaller counterparts.
The term “throwback” refers to the Pomeranian’s larger ancestors, Spitz-type dogs. These early Pomeranians weighed about 30 lbs and were related to breeds like the American Eskimo dog and the Siberian Husky. Genetic testing reveals that many Spitz-type dogs are closely related to wolves, making them one of the oldest types of dogs. This could explain the feisty and alert nature many Poms exhibit.
The History of Throwback Pomeranians
In the late 1800s, Queen Victoria fell in love with the Spitz breed, which led to her desire for smaller versions of the dog. As a royal trendsetter, Queen Victoria began a breeding program to reduce the Spitz’s size, resulting in the tiny Pomeranians we adore today. Her efforts created the smaller Pom size and dramatically increased the breed’s popularity across Europe.
However, not all Pomeranians were the lap-sized fluff puffs that Queen Victoria envisioned. Sometimes, throwback Pomeranians appear in litters, seemingly at random. These larger Poms often have long hair and flat coats and may sport a fox-like nose rather than their smaller relatives’ shorter, teddy-bear-style nose.
Temperament and Behavior of Throwback Pomeranians
Regarding personality, throwback Pomeranians don’t differ much from their smaller cousins. They exhibit the same behavior traits typical of Pomeranians: they’re alert, independent, and often act as though they’re much bigger than they are.
Most Pomeranians—big or small—love to travel and adapt well to new situations, typical of their larger Spitz ancestors. Whether they’re throwbacks, Poms are loyal, loving, and always ready for an adventure.
Are There Health Concerns?
Contrary to what some might assume, throwback Pomeranians aren’t typically more prone to health problems than smaller Poms. In fact, being larger can sometimes be an advantage. Small Poms are more susceptible to injuries from jumping off furniture or running too quickly. The more robust, stockier throwback Pomeranians are less likely to get hurt during such activities and can often handle physical challenges better.
My Experience with a Throwback Pomeranian
As a proud Pommy Mommy, I am one of the many who owns a throwback Pom! My big boy, Bear-Bear, is a purebred Pomeranian who weighs in at around 16-17 lbs, which puts him in the throwback category. His sturdy frame and love for jumping are classic throwback characteristics.
Bear-Bear is much bigger than his brother, Foxy, who weighs around 11-12 lbs. Although Foxy might have partial throwback genes, he’s not considered a full throwback Pom.
Interestingly, the Pomeranian my family had when I was growing up, Sugar, was also a throwback! We didn’t know much about throwback Poms at the time, but we always marveled at how big she was for a Pomeranian. Sugar weighed about 16 to 18 pounds, even bigger than Bear-Bear! Her father, Big Red, was likely a throwback too, which would explain her larger size.
The Legacy of Throwback Pomeranians
The term throwback Pomeranian might sound a bit unusual, but it’s a nod to the breed’s rich history and the incredible variety in their genetics. While smaller Poms tend to get a lot of attention due to their petite size, throwbacks carry the legacy of their sled-pulling ancestors and are just as special.
Whether they weigh three pounds or twenty, Pomeranian love comes in all sizes. Their playful spirits, loyalty, and bold personalities ensure that Poms always steal the show—regardless of their size.
Celebrating Pomeranians of All Sizes
Being a Pommy Mommy means embracing every little (or big) quirk that comes with your furry companion. Whether you have a tiny purse-sized Pom or a robust throwback Pom, these dogs bring incredible joy, love, and companionship to your life.
So, the next time someone asks why your Pomeranian is bigger than expected, proudly tell them about the amazing world of throwback Pomeranians. Because no matter how big or small, Poms have a way of leaving their paw prints on our hearts!
Peace, Love & Pomeranians,
Pom Mom Jaime Mowers
Jaime Mowers is the Pommy Mommy of Foxy and Bear-Bear.