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Pomeranians are small dogs, but they can surprise you with their speed when moving. These little pups have a lot of energy and can run surprisingly fast for their size. One reason why Pomeranians can run so fast is that they have strong hind legs. These legs give them much power and speed when running or jumping. Additionally, Pomeranians have a lot of energy, which they love to use when playing or chasing after something.
I remember when I saw my in-laws’ Pomeranian chasing after a rabbit. At first, I didn’t think the little dog could catch the much larger rabbit. However, to my surprise, the Pomeranian could keep up with the rabbit and even gained ground on it. Although the rabbit eventually escaped, it was clear that the Pomeranian was much faster than I had expected! On average a Pomeranian can run around 10 to 20 miles per hour.
With that said, Pomeranians aren’t the fastest dog. There are many dogs faster than them. Therefore, don’t assume these dogs can run faster than a Greyhound. They can overtake a rabbit in some cases, though.
Exactly How Fast Can a Pomeranian Go?
Providing an exact mph rating for Pomeranians is difficult as their running speed can vary depending on their age, weight, and overall health. Just like humans, dogs that exercise more tend to be faster runners. If a dog goes for a run every day, they will go much faster than a dog that spends more of the day lying around.
Plus, the speed of a Pomeranian can also be affected by the type of terrain they are running on, as well as the specific activity they are engaged in. That being said, on average, a Pomeranian can run at a speed of around 10 to 20 miles per hour. While this may not be as fast as some larger dog breeds, it is still quite impressive for a dog of their size.
It’s important to note that Pomeranians are small dogs not built for endurance running or prolonged high-speed activities. They can run fast for a short period but not for long.
| Pomeranian: | 20 mph |
| Human (Sprinting average): | 27 mph |
| Sloth: | 0.25 mph |
| Cheetah: | 70–75 mph |
| Horse: | 40–55 mph |
| Kangaroo: | 44–50 mph |
Factors Affecting a Pomeranian’s Speed
Some Pomeranians will be much faster than others. Here are some factors that may affect a Pomeranian’s speed:
- Age and health: Younger, healthier Pomeranians will likely be faster and have more stamina than older or less healthy dogs.
- Genetics: A Pomeranian’s genetics can affect their speed and overall athleticism. Some Pomeranians may be naturally faster or more agile than others.
- Weight: An overweight Pomeranian may not be as fast or agile as a dog in good physical condition.
- Training: Regular exercise and training can help improve a Pomeranian’s speed, agility, and endurance.
- Terrain: The type of terrain a Pomeranian is running on can also affect their speed. For example, running on a flat surface may be easier for a Pomeranian than running uphill or on uneven terrain.
- Temperature: Extreme heat or cold can affect a Pomeranian’s ability to run or exercise, impacting their speed and endurance.
- Motivation: A Pomeranian motivated by a toy or treat may run faster than a dog not as interested in the reward.
- Fitness: Some Pomeranians are fitter than others. A Pomeranian that gets plenty of exercise will run faster than one that doesn’t get much—even if no obvious health issues are involved.
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Are Pomeranians Good Running Dogs?
Pomeranians can be great running dogs. They’re active little dogs that can run up to 22 mph. However, they don’t have much stamina. You have a be cautious not to run them too hard. The average Pomeranian can’t run as far as a fit person.
Therefore, they may be a good option for casual runners. If you run marathons, you’ll probably want a different dog. Keep in mind these dogs are quite tiny. Therefore, even an average, fit person can run further than this tiny dog. Overexercise can lead to health problems, especially for younger dogs.
Can Pomeranians Go for Long Runs?
Pomeranians are prone to overheating and can quickly become tired and stressed when exerting too much. It is important to monitor your Pomeranian’s behavior and energy levels during exercise and ensure they can access water and shade.
Because Pomeranians are very people-oriented, it isn’t uncommon for them to overexert themselves while following their people. Therefore, you must monitor their condition and stop the run before your dog becomes too tired.
Overheating is dangerous for Pomeranians and other small dogs, as they are more susceptible to heat-related illnesses than larger dogs. When a Pomeranian’s body temperature rises too high, it can lead to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke. Without treatment, these can be deadly.
During my conversations with dog owners, I’ve heard several anecdotes about their Pomeranians suffering from heat exhaustion or heat stroke. For example, one owner told me that she took her Pomeranian for a walk on a hot summer day, and the dog became lethargic and started panting heavily. The owner quickly realized that her Pomeranian was overheating and took her inside to cool down.
Another owner told me about when her Pomeranian played outside and collapsed due to heat exhaustion. The dog had to be rushed to the veterinarian for treatment. Overheating isn’t as uncommon for Pomeranians as many might think.
Final Thoughts
Pomeranians can run pretty fast for their size. They can reach a maximum speed of around 20 mph if they’re fit and healthy. However, not all Pomeranians will reach this speed. Pomeranians also don’t have much endurance. They’re smaller dogs, so they often have difficulty keeping up with larger dogs and people.
Many factors can adversely affect a Pomeranian’s top speed. Age, fitness level, and health may make certain Pomeranians slower than others. At the same time, the terrain and weather can slow down all dogs. However, they’re a great family dog that loves to play.
- Related Read: Do Pomeranians Like Water? Everything You Need to Know
Featured Image Credit: Tam and Trace Photography, Shutterstock
