Pomeranians - Breed Introduction

The Pomeranian is an intelligent little dog and a quick study. As such, it has become a popular circus dog, but it is even more popular as a loving companion and lap dog.
With a foxy little face that appears to be sporting a long beard and a perennial smile, the Pomeranian shows a lot of spirit.

The Pomeranian is is a mere 8 to 11 inches in height (20 to 28 centimeters), and weighs just 3 to 7 pounds (1 to 3 kilograms).

History of Breed

The Pomeranian takes its name from the place it comes from – Pomerania, a Prussian province in eastern Germany. The breed is believed to be a descendant of a larger German spitz dog that was used for pulling sleds and herding sheep.

The breed was introduced in England in the 19th century,  where Queen Victoria acquired one of the species and began to show it. She is credited with both increasing the breed’s popularity and influencing its downsizing, as she preferred smaller dogs.

The breed was introduced to the United States in the late 1800s, and earned American Kennel Club (AKC recognition) in 1900. 

Color and Coat

There’s no limit to the colors and patterns that may comprise the Pomeranian’s coat; however, the most commonly seen are red, orange, cream, sable, black, and black and tan. A longhaired breed, the Pomeranian is double-coated.

The undercoat is soft and thick. The outer coat is straight and fluffy. The Pomeranian has a distinctive neck ruff  that gives it the appearance of having a long-haired beard, and a feathered tail.

Personality and Temperament

An energetic little dog, the Pomeranian is playful, spunky, and confident to the point of being cocky. Pomeranians can accurately be described as busy-bodies, curious about everything they encounter and taking a keen interest in the activities of their family members.

Pomeranians are smart and demanding, and they need firm training to learn to respond to obedience commands. They have a tendency to bark excessively, which qualifies them as watchdogs, but also necessitates a need for training to avoid annoyingly incessant barking. Pomeranians can be taught many tricks, as evidenced by those with circus careers.

Pomeranians love to run and need plenty of exercise, though thanks to their tiny stature, much of this can be accomplished indoors.

Pomeranians need socialization at an early age, as they have a tendency to be unfriendly not only with strangers, but even those who are familiar to them.

Pomeranians don’t appreciate rough play, and aren’t particularly suitable for children, especially younger ones. Children tend to make them nervous, and they may bite. They do best when they are the only pet in a family. They’re not afraid to take on dogs many times their size, oblivious to the possible consequences.

The Pomeranian exhibits some characteristics that are more commonly seen among cats. They’re very clean, and may be picky eaters.

In spite of their independent nature, Pomeranians like to be around people, and will get lonely if left to their own devices for too long. They need to be engaged and stimulated both mentally and physically. They’re well-suited to apartment living, but are just as adaptable to country life. They make excellent companions for the elderly.

Show Characteristics

Pomeranians are natural-born show dogs. Their most distinctive feature is the thick ruff of fur around their necks. They are compact toy dogs, and their proportions are square. While they come in many colors, black and white shadings are considered faults.

Pomeranians hold their heads with an upward gaze, and typically have a wedge-shaped, fox-like face, though some have more of a baby-doll appearance.

Their eyes are dark and almond-shaped, and they have an alert, intelligent expression. The muzzle is short and tapered. The ears are pointed and stand erect. The tail is feathered and curls over the dog’s back.

Typical Health Concerns

Some medical problems that Pomeranians are prone to include luxating patellas, hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse, cataracts, and dental problems.

Grooming

The Pomeranian needs to be groomed on a daily basis. Its coat must be brushed to prevent it from matting. Groomers recommend starting at the head and brushing their long hair forward.

This is a time-consuming job, but the hair ultimately falls nicely into place. The breed should be bathed about once a month. Regular tooth-brushing and cleaning of the eyes and ears are also necessary.

While the undercoat of the Pomeranian is shed only once or twice a year, the outer coat sheds continuously.

Country of Origin

The Pomeranian originated in the province of Pomerania in what was once Prussia. It is considered to be of German ancestry.

Average Life Span

The life expectancy of the Pomeranian is 12 to 17 years, with 15 years being average.