Pomeranian

Description: The Pomeranian is a natural extrovert enjoying the company of human or canine companionship making them one of the most popular Toy breeds. They adore being pampered and petted but also love to be active and playful. Pomeranians are affectionate and faithful little dogs who make excellent companions. They are a small dog with a fox like appearance. Their tail curls over their back and they have small compact feet. Double coated with a thick undercoat and a straight outer coat. They look like a walking powderpuff of dense hair. The smallest of the five sizes of German Spitz.

Other Names: Poms, Toy German Spitz

Type:  Companion Dog

Height: 8 – 11 inches Weight: 3 – 7 lbs.

Colors: All colors, but free from black or white shadings; whole colors are white, black, brown, light or dark blue. Coat: Long, straight and harsh with a soft, fluffy undercoat.

Temperament: Pomeranians are friendly, active, lively, spunky and are highly trainable. A very clean dog they have been described as catlike. With Children: They may not tolerate young children. With Pets: Yes Special Skills: Companion and pet.

Watch-dog: Very High, will call attention to anything unusual with a shrill yappy bark. Guard-dog: Very Low

Care and Training: Daily brushing of the long double coat is needed to prevent matting. Monthly bathing is recommended. Pomeranians shed once or twice a year. Clean eyes, ears and teeth regularly. Pomeranians do not need a large amount of exercise. Indoors at home or a romp in the park will suffice. Barking needs to be curbed from an early. Learning Rate: High, Obedience – Very Low, Problem Solving – High

Activity: Indoor – Very High, Outdoor – Medium Living Environment: Apartment or house, city or country, Pomeranians thrive in a busy family atmosphere and love to be pampered. Makes an excellent companion for the elderly. Some poms do best in an adult only home.

Health Issues: Patella luxation, cesarean sections are possible if the female is small, will lose teeth if not well cared for, tracheal collapse, patent ductus arterious, PRA, and diabetes.

Life Span: 15 years Litter Size: 1 – 3

Country of Origin: Germany History: Pomeranians are known to have existed around the eighteenth century in Germany. They were said to have come from the province of Pomerania in eastern Germany. They resemble the much larger sled-pulling Spitz type dogs from the Arctic Circle, which they are said to have descended from. The Pomeranian was first introduced to Britain in the 19th century weighting around 30 lbs They were deliberately miniaturized during this time when toys breeds were very popular. After several appeals from different Pomeranian clubs, the breed Standard was reduced to 7lbs. It is said that Queen Victoria was much taken with the breed and had a number of the larger variety in her kennels.

First Registered by the AKC: 1887 AKC Group: Toy Class: Toy Registries: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI (Group 5), KC (GB), UKC