Golden Poms: The Golden Retriever Pomeranian Mix
Imagine the fluffiest, happiest, most playful golden-haired dog you can think of.
Chances are, you pictured something like a Golden Pom!
This hybrid breed is what happens when you mix a Golden Retriever and a Pomeranian together. These canine beauties make wonderful pets for anybody who wants a cheerful and ultra “floofy” pooch. In fact, Golden Retrievers rank #3 on the American Kennel Club’s list of most popular U.S. dog breeds.
No wonder they got mixed with a Pomeranian! The Yorkie Pom is another mix that we are in love with and is much smaller than this one that may be a little more manageable for some.
Today, Doggie HQ covers everything you need to know about these designer dogs.
Why People Love Golden Retrievers Mixed with Pomeranians
Despite their smaller to medium size, there’s a lot to love about Golden Poms.
They are:
- Beautiful
- Social
- Energetic
- Alert
- Curious
- Protective
- Watchful
- Clever
- Good with kids
- Not too big, not too small
- Easily trained
Breed History
The idea of crossbreeding a Golden Retriever with a Pomeranian might surprise you. Afterall, one is a medium-sized dog while the other falls into the toy category. This makes them an odd match indeed.
Yet when bred responsibly, the Golden Pom is a lovely canine companion.
To begin, let’s touch upon the histories of both the Golden Retriever and the Pomeranian.
Each breed has its own unique origin story. According to the Golden Retriever Club of America, a man named Dudley Marjoribanks (who was the 1st Baron Tweedmouth) also bred the first Golden Retriever in the late 1800s. He used his own yellow retriever–the singular black puppy in a litter of blonde–with a Tweed Water Spaniel. Later, Irish Setters and Bloodhounds were added until, finally, they were officially recognized as a truly independent breed in 1932.
In contrast, the Pomeranians come from a much more regal line.
Give a curtsy, because they are royal dogs!
Long ago, Spitz type dogs were plentiful in the cold Arctic landscape of Iceland, as told by Pomeranian HQ. Northern sled dogs guarded livestock and pulled cargo in the snowy region. After hundreds of years, people bred these dogs smaller and smaller until eventually, a miniature version was born. Queen Victoria then became smitten with Pomeranians during a trip to Italy. She carried a handful home to Britain. Since that era, royalty and regular folks alike have refined the breed’s genetics to create an officially recognized breed in 1900.
From big and burly Arctic sled dog to tiny powderpuff, the Pom has come a long way.
Nowadays, it is a popular choice to create hybrids.
Facts about the Golden Pom
Whenever two dissimilar breeds are crossed, the genetic outcome is a little bit of a gamble. Remember, the Golden Retriever is a tall and long muzzled dog, whereas a Pomeranian is short, stubby, and flatter faced.
So, they could theoretically have traits of both parents.
Still, Retriever’s Hub estimates a Pomtrievers will adhere to the following standards:
- Size: 21 – 24 inches
- Weight: 55 – 75 lbs
- Temperament/Personality: friendly, energetic, loyal, intelligent, protective, confident, clever
- Lifespan: Good news! Golden Poms have a reputation for being healthy dogs. A well-bred puppy who receives proper care and food can expect to live anywhere between 10 and 12 years.
- Unique Qualities: Because of their highly alert natures, they make excellent watchdogs. They won’t attack a stranger but are vigilant and vocal. Expect a Golden Pom to bark at intruders (and probably the mailman, too).
- Do they shed: Oh yes!
- Hypoallergenic: Definitely not.
- Family Friendly: Yes. Golden Poms love being the center of attention and are also often the life of the party. They will play with children and entertain guests with their silly antics.
- Health Issues: The biggest concern with this breed has to do with their physical limitations. Slipped kneecaps, hip/elbow dysplasia, eyes problems, and heart failure are ones to be mindful of.
- Classification: Being a hybrid breed, there is no official classification (AKC). However, Golden Retrievers are working dogs and Pomeranians are toy dogs, making them an interesting blend of both.
What Does a Golden Retriever Pomeranian Look Like?
One word: furry.
A Golden Retriever Pomeranian mix will be a total fluff ball, right from the second they are born. Their appearance will reflect both their mother and father. So, expect to see a coat that ranges from light whitish cream to a sunset gold color. Since a Golden Retriever has floppy ears (and a Pom has erect triangle ears) either could be expressed genetically.
In addition, their legs could be longer or shorter. However, most Golden Poms take after the Retriever side, meaning they will be on the taller end. This is especially true if your dog is F1 (first generation) Golden Pom puppy.
Eyes are typically chocolate brown. Tails are long and feathered, sometimes with a slight curl. But the most striking characteristic? The “lion’s mane” of fur around their shoulders and face.
So cute!
Is Shedding a Problem?
We won’t lie… these dogs shed… a lot.
Due to their thick double coats, a Pom Retriever will shed 12 months per year. In the spring, they will also “blow out” their coats. This makes them cooler during hot summer months.
Invest in a good brush and vacuum before adopting a Golden Pom.
What Should Pom Retrievers Eat?
To maintain those luscious coats, you must feed a Pom Retriever the right diet. And while all dogs benefit from better food, it’s especially important for this breed.
Why?
Well, because both Golden Retrievers and Pomeranians tend to be overweight. They just love to eat! A kibble or raw food diet should consist of meat for protein, veggies, and fatty acids, like those from fish oils. This will help keep their golden coats shiny, too.
That means go easy on the table scraps such as fruits and tamales.
How Do You Groom Them?
The easiest method of grooming a Golden Retriever Pomeranian is to simply drop them off at the doggy salon.
But, as a pet parent, home grooming can save money and allow for bonding time with your pet. Therefore, those who want to DIY must have the right tools and prepare ahead of time.
Dog Wish suggests a good brushing 2–3 times each week. Add a pin brush and slicker brush to your routine to prevent matts and tangles. Don’t forget to trim those little nails and clean ears regularly.
Exercise and Energy Levels
Want to go play fetch?
If you’re a Pom Retriever, the answer is always yes!
Golden Retrievers were originally meant to be working dogs, chasing after partridge and water birds. And they never lost their strong prey drive. Pomeranians are also high energy dogs by nature.
So, break out those walking shoes. Your dog will need at least two 30 minutes walks each day, plus playtime and off leash time to stay happy and healthy.
Common Health Problems in Golden Retriever Pomeranian Mix and Their Life Span
Hybrid breeds are oftentimes healthier than purebreds. Yet there are still a few health concerns to be aware of.
A Golden Retriever Pomeranian Mix could potentially suffer from:
- Eye problems (Pigmentary uveitis, “dry eye,” cataracts)
- Elbow and hip dysplasia – a medical condition where the their bones don’t fit into the joint correctly. They may also suffer from patella luxation (when the knee cap comes out of place).
- Cancer
- Tracheal collapse
- Heart disease
- Tooth decay – Pomeranians are a breed that is one of the most prone to dental problems. Here are some tips on how to provide dental care without brushing their teeth every day.
Pay attention to any ailments and see a veterinarian early. That way, your pup has an excellent shot at living for 10–or even 12+ years.
How much do these dogs usually cost?
Save up your pennies, because these designer dogs aren’t cheap.
They will cost anywhere between $800 – $3000, as explained by Dogs Planet.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Pomeranian Mixed with a Golden Retriever
Doggie HQ is obviously biased…We love, love, love, Pom Retrievers!
Yet it wouldn’t be a fair breed assessment if we didn’t honestly lay out their pros and cons. The biggest pros of adopting one of these dogs are: friendly and affectionate personalities, gorgeous appearance, high trainability, and convenient size.
As far as cons go, it really depends upon the owner. Somebody who hates cleaning up tumbleweeds of fur, finds barking loud and annoying, and cannot commit to at least 1–2 hours of exercise every day should probably steer clear of a Golden Pom.
Final Thoughts
In summary, a Golden Retriever x Pomeranian is a delightful and handsome dog. They are made from one of America’s favorite breeds, the Golden Retriever. The fun-loving Retriever mixed with the spunky Pomeranian absolutely makes this hybrid breed a winner in our books.
