History and Origin: this breed is thought to have originated in Poland and Germany along the Baltic Sea in an area called Pomerania. Descended from the much larger German Spitz, a large working breed from the arctic. Other ancestors may have been the Norwegian Elkhound, Schipperke, Samoyed and American Eskimo dog. The spitzen group of dogs comprised several sizes. The Pom is the smallest. Early Pomeranians were large at roughly 30 -50 pounds. Because of the spitz influence, the small prick ears and dense profuse coat has always remained. Queen Victoria bred poms and in the 1800’s is credited with the increasing English popularity and eventual downsizing of the breed to a well-suited toy size. Revered by such famous individuals as Mozart, Chopin and Michelangelo. Accepted by AKC in 1888.
General Appearance: Small, sturdy, compact, square in bodily profile. Well muscled. Fox like expression, prick ears, dark almond shaped eyes. Body is heavily coated. Long tail. Weight 3-7 pounds. Moderate bone and cat-like feet.
Coat and Colour: The coat of the Pomeranian is thick and double coated. Under coat soft and dense, top coat harsher textured. Thick ruff over shoulders and chest and frames the head. Tail is straight harsh and fans over back to form a plume. Head and leg coat shorter with feathering on back of front legs and longer hair on back legs forming a ‘skirt’. All colours are appropriate in this breed including several patterns such as brindle, piebald and tan points. Most common colours today are orange, red, black and black and tan. Should be brushed regularly.
Feeding: a mature dog will eat ½ cup food daily… a quality small breed kibble fed dry for teeth and gum health…..vegetables like carrots can be given as a snack and Poms will happily munch away. Good chewing exercise too.
Training and Obedience: can perform well in obedience, agility, rally if trained positively and fairly.
Activity: energetic and busy but also a good lap dog. Can enjoy easy daily walks or a short run in the yard, does not require hours of activity. Tend to respond to activity level of owner and is not demanding of exercise. May bark excessively.
Temperament: Gregarious, outgoing, joyful, lively and spirited little dog. Always fun loving, good with other dogs and children. A wonderful family pet.
