Descended from large sled dog breeds, the now-small Pomeranian has a long and exciting history. The fox-faced dog, nicknamed “the little dog who thinks he can,” is active, compact, and skilled, competing in obedience and agility or simply being a family friend.
Poms may be small, but they may challenge larger dogs. Although they make excellent apartment pets, they can also bark a lot, which your neighbours may not like. As long as you give your dog ample playtime and exercise, keep them out of hot weather, and give them lots of love, you’ll have a loving, adorable, furry family companion!
Famous Pomeranians
The Secret Life of Pets (2016)
Famous Owners:
David Hasselhoff has two Poms named Jenny and Killer. Legendary singer Liza Minnelli has a Pom named Austin Powers. Actress Kate Hudson has a Pomeranian named Clara Bo. Singer Cindy Williams has a little Pom named Phoebe.
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Pomeranian History
From ancient Spitz breeds of far northern countries, the Pomeranians evolved in the province of Pomerania. Norwegian Elkhounds, German Spitzes, Schipperkes, American Eskimo Dogs, Samoyeds, and other Spitz, or Northern, dogs are the closest relatives of the Pomeranian. They have wedge-shaped heads, prick ears, and thick furry coats. Pomeranians weighed up to 30 pounds.
The Pom breed was popular even in its early days. Isaac Newton, whose Pomeranian chewed many of his manuscripts; Michelangelo, whose Pomeranian watched him paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel; and Mozart, whose aria he dedicated to his dog.
When Sophie Charlotte, the 17-year-old Princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz (a neighbouring province in Pomerania), married the English prince to become King George III in 1761, she brought a pair of Poms that weighed more than 20 pounds. Despite their popularity in royal circles, the new breed failed to catch on with the general public.
Queen Victoria, Queen Charlotte’s granddaughter, bred more than 15 different breeds dogs during her 64 years as Queen of England. In her later years, she was notably fond of Pomeranians, which she had first encountered in Italy in 1888.
In response to Victoria’s love of Pomeranians, English dog breeders began breeding even smaller Poms. At Crufts, Britain’s national dog show, Pomeranians often had the most entries from 1900 to the 1930s. During this period, the breed standard was stabilized, with the size coming down to its current weight and their coat developing its characteristic deep frilling. During this period, a more comprehensive range of colours became available. Poms were originally white, black, chocolate, or blue, but in the 1920s, an orange dog began winning dog shows.
Poms became popular across the Atlantic. The first Pom entered a dog show in New York in 1892. Pomeranians quickly gained popularity in the U.S. after the AKC recognized them in 1900. AKC accepted the American Pomeranian Club as a member club in 1909. It was designated as the breed’s parent club. America’s most popular dog breed by the mid-20th century was the Pom.
Pomeranian Traits
The Pomeranian (also known as Zwergspitz, Dwarf Spitz, Loulou, or affectionately, Pom) weighs between three and seven pounds, but its personality is bigger than Texas!
In addition to the Samoyed, Alaskan Malamute, and Norwegian Elkhound, the Pomeranian is the smallest member of the Spitz family.
In addition to being cute, feisty and furry, Poms are intelligent and loyal to their families. However, don’t be fooled by their cuteness. Undoubtedly, these independent, bold dogs have their own minds. They are curious about the world and alert to what is happening around them. As a result, they sometimes harass and even attack much larger dogs because, in their minds, they are larger than they are.
They get along entirely well with other dogs and animals if correctly socialized.
Pomeranians have wedge-shaped heads with erect ears. Some describe their faces as fox-like, while others describe them as baby-doll-like or pansy-like. Intelligence and curiosity shine from their dark, almond-shaped eyes. A dog’s nose can be dark or the same colour as its coat. Over their backs, they have a distinctive plumed tail.
The most common colours of Pomeranians are red, orange, white or cream, blue, brown, and black. There might be an orange and sable Pom, a black and tan Pom, or even a white Pom with coloured markings (called parti-coloured). The Pom’s profuse double coat stands out from his body with a luxurious ruff around his neck and chest. While it seems challenging to care for, regular brushing is usually all it requires.
Pomeranians make excellent watchdogs despite their small size. It’s advised to teach them to stop barking on command when they don’t know when to stop.
Because Pomeranians aren’t overly dependent, they make excellent pets for seniors and busy people. Additionally, they are suitable for apartment dwellers and homes without backyards. Families with small children aren’t recommended to use them since they may injure them accidentally due to their small size.
Poms can be seen as prey by owls, eagles, hawks, coyotes, and other wild animals due to their small size. Be sure not to leave them outside unattended and keep an eye out for predatory birds. Stay close to your Pomeranian to discourage birds from trying to carry them off! Dognappers are attracted to Poms because they are small and attractive, which is another reason not to leave them unattended.
Poms generally learn tricks quickly, but you must be consistent and firm when training them. Your Pom may become snappish if you don’t establish yourself as the leader in your household.
Poms are energetic and enjoy walking. With their heads held high, they trot along, meeting new people and exploring new sights and smells.
Many Poms are trained in obedience, agility, tracking, and flyball. Some of them have also been trained to assist people with hearing loss. Hospitals and nursing homes bring delight and comfort to the sick and elderly. The Pomeranian may be the ideal companion for you if you’re looking for a pint-sized companion with a larger-than-life personality.
Health
This breed is typically healthy, but like all breeds, they may experience specific health conditions. Not every dog of this breed will get these diseases, but it’s essential to be aware of them. Some common health problems include:
- Allergies
- Epilepsy
- Cataracts
- Dry Eye
- Hip Dysplasia
- Legg-Perthes Disease
- Patellar Luxation
- Collapsed trachea
- Dental Problems
Regardless of how healthy your dog is, a pet’s health insurance plan can
help you stay prepared for any of your dog’s medical needs.