Everything about the Pomeranian and Golden Retriever mix
Both the Golden Retriever and the Pomeranian are firm family favorites across the US. They're loyal, funny, and incredibly friendly. As hybrid breeding develops, we're able to see lots more unusual mixed breeds appear that wouldn't have been possible before.
Size alone would have been really difficult for a Golden Retriever and a tiny Pomeranian! The Pomeranian Golden Retriever mix (sometimes called a Pomtriever) is just as gorgeous as both its parent breeds and just as intelligent and loving.
Here's what you need to know about this amazing dog!
Pomeranian Golden Retriever Mix history
Because this breed is a hybrid dog, it's difficult to pinpoint exactly when it was first bred. It's best to look at the Pomeranian and Golden Retriever history to understand these little dogs a bit more.
Golden Retriever – Parent dogs
Golden Retrievers were first bred by Baron Tweedmouth in Scotland in the 19th century. He wanted a dog that was very loyal, hardworking and that could help him hunt and retrieve.
Golden Retrievers are the third most popular dog breed in the US (just behind German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers). And with good reason!
They're a really loyal family pet and have a wonderful temperament. They're caring, highly intelligent, and love to be around humans and other pets (when well trained).
As well as having a brilliant personality, Golden Retrievers are also very attractive dogs. They can grow to a height of 21.5 to 24 inches, have a dense double coat, and a naturally happy expression! Of course, they're also a beautiful golden color.
They're highly trainable and love to be put to work – whether that's helping you hunt or constantly fetching a ball!
Pomeranian – Parent dogs
Pomeranians are courageous, tiny, and extremely fluffy dogs. They were first bred in an area called Pomerania which was located in northern Germany and Poland. They're actually a descendent and the smallest of the Arctic Spitz breeds, so they also come from a long line of working dogs.
Although their ancestors were hard-working, sled-pulling pups, Pomeranians are better known for being adorable lap dogs. They're energetic, intelligent, and caring around their humans.
Just like the Golden Retriever, a Pomeranian has a double coat which helps them to stay cool in summer and warm in winter. Golden orange is the most common coat color, however, these tiny, fluffy pups come in 13 official colors recognized by the American Kennel Club!
Temperament and personality of the Golden Retriever Pomeranian mix
Even though they're not similar in size, there are a few personality traits that both the Golden Retriever and the Pomeranian have. It's only normal, therefore, that the Pomeranian Golden Retriever mix would have them too! These dogs are friendly, intelligent, playful, and very loyal.
They love nothing more than to be with their family, whether that's snoozing on your lap or catching a ball in the garden. They're very sociable dogs. This, however, means they don't like being left alone.
They love human attention and to keep busy (in between naps) and they're prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for too long. A Pomeranian Golden Retriever mix is the perfect dog for you if you're looking for a pup to be the center of your world!
Because they're so small, Pomeranians are not really used as working dogs, but more to look pretty on your lap. And whilst a Pomeranian Golden Retriever mix isn't a working dog either, they do make great guard dogs thanks to how alert their Pomeranian parents are!
Appearance of the Pomeranian Golden Retriever mix
If you think about the two parent breeds, it's hardly surprising that this mixed breed dog is seriously good-looking. But also, when you think about a Golden Retriever and a Pomeranian, it's hard to imagine how they could possibly breed – they're just so different!
The size of your dog can vary quite a lot. Generally speaking, they're a little closer to a Golden Retriever size rather than a Pomeranian. Because a Pomeranian has small ears which stand up, and a Golden Retriever floppy ones, your hybrid pup could have either. Pomeranian Golden Retriever mixes can have facial features more similar to either parent breed.
It's important you get your puppy from a reputable breeder as they'll be able to help you understand what your pup may look like (and how big they'll be) when they grow up. If you get your dog from an F1 or F1b breeder, you'll be getting a puppy that's from two purebred dogs (in this case, a Pomeranian mating with a Golden Retriever). It's likely that in this litter the puppies will all look fairly different.
If you choose an F2, F2b, or F3 breeder you'll get a dog that's been bred from two mixed-breed parents. The puppies will look more similar and you'll be able to get a realistic understanding of what your pup will look like.
Normally (although not necessarily), these designer dogs have a golden or golden orange coat. This color is the most common of both parents, so it's only natural they'd also have it. What's more, it's common for a Pomeranian Golden Retriever mix to have fur which is a bit fluffier and more consistent with that of a Pomeranian.
Training and Exercise needs of a Golden Retriever Pomeranian Mix
Size isn't the only aspect in which Golden Retrievers and Pomeranians differ hugely. They also have very different exercise requirements. Because Pomeranians only have little legs, they're happy with a short walk and a bit of play in the backyard.
Golden retrievers, however, need a lot of exercise to keep healthy. They'll need a decent walk a day, plus time playing in the doggie park or enjoying a game of fetch with you. Both the Pomeranian and Golden Retriever need a lot of mental exercise if they're not to become bored and frustrated.
How much exercise your Pomeranian Golden Retriever mix needs really depends on how big they are. Larger pups will need more and smaller pups less.
Both parent breeds are highly intelligent and excel in training. Golden Retrievers are generally really happy to please their owners and will love training sessions. Pomeranians, on the other hand, will enjoy training as long as it doesn't go on too long. It's important to keep training time fun, with lots of positive reinforcement from you.
Again, how your pup responds to training will really depend on which parent breed they take after more. As long as it's fun, they should love it!
Grooming a Pomeranian Golden Retriever mix
Do they shed?
Yes! Because these dogs have a double coat you can expect them to shed all year round. They'll also blow their coat in spring and fall as they prepare to grow a lighter/warmer coat for the coming season.
Getting yourself a decent brush can help to keep shedding to a minimum. Because this mixed breed has long, fluffy fur, it's important you regularly brush your dog's coat to stop mats from forming. Daily brushing can also help to spread important oils which will keep their coat and skin healthy.
Health and life expectancy of Pomeranian Golden Retriever mix
Generally speaking, mixed breeds suffer from fewer illnesses and health conditions than their purebred ancestors. There are, however, a few conditions that can be passed down from Golden Retrievers and Pomeranians.
- Patella Luxation. This is a painful condition in which the kneecap slips in and out of place.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia. Dysplasia is a common health concern for many dog breeds. It's a condition in which the bone doesn't fit into the joint properly and can be quite serious.
- Eye issues. Both Pomeranians and Goldens can suffer from an array of eye diseases.
- Hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid condition.
- Heart issues. This breed can suffer from a few different cardiac issues.
On the whole, Pomtrievers are pretty healthy pups. If you make sure you feed them well, give them the right amount of exercise, and entertain them enough they should live a very happy and healthy life – roughly 10 to 12 years!
Before getting your hybrid puppy, it's important to check that the breeder has done all the necessary tests and checks to make sure your dog is as healthy as possible!
Fun Facts about the Pomeranian Golden Retriever mix
How much does this breed cost?
These pups can cost anywhere between $800 and $3000. It's also worth checking in shelters because you may find one of these adorable dogs there!
Do they make good family pets?
Absolutely! They're really loving dogs and care a lot about their family members. If trained well, they're also good with children and other animals.
Are they easy to train?
Yes! They're very intelligent dogs and will pick up new tricks easily. They love to please their owners and be praised. Training should be done regularly and it's important that it's always fun so they don't get bored and lose interest in it!
Would you consider getting a Golden Retriever Pomeranian mix? They make great pets!
I’m Charlotte, a content and copywriter from the North of England and currently living in Berlin. Animals have always been a huge part of my life, so writing about dogs is a total pleasure! I love all kinds of dogs and their cheeky personalities, but I’d have to say Weimaraners are my favourite!