Description

In spite of the fact that they are small in stature Pomeranians are quite sturdy in appearance and bone structure. Their tails are plumed and feather over their backs. These dogs are often compared to small foxes because of the shapes of their faces and their intelligent expressions. The head of a Pomeranian should be proportionate to the remainder of their bodies with small ears that rest high upon their heads. They also have a ruff about the neck that is an identifying characteristic of the Pomeranian and, as a result, an important part of their appearance, particularly in show quality dogs.

Pomeranians are favorites among many who show dogs because of their outgoing personalities. They are typically outgoing, easily trainable, and love being the center of attention. Each of these qualities makes them very easy to show in competitions.

If you are purchasing a Pomeranian in hopes of showing or competing with your dog be wary of breeders selling “teacup” Pomeranians. There is no “teacup” version of this breed and dogs that are not a standard size or weight are generally not going to score well in a competitive setting. You could also face health problems with smaller Pomeranians because they are generally the runts of the litter rather than dogs that are bred specifically to be small.

Coat Description

One of the smallest dog breeds in the world, Pomeranians have a very soft and fluffy undercoat and an overcoat that is not only coarse but also long and straight. You will find Pomeranians in coats of many colors, as almost any color is acceptable for these darling little dogs.

History

The history of the Pomeranian dates back to the Prussian region of Pomerania and the ancient Spitz dogs that were originally used as sled dogs. These ancestors were much larger than the dogs we know as Pomeranians. It was during the 1800’s that Queen Victoria requested breeders create a smaller breed that the animal we know today was developed. These dogs, which weighed in at a hefty four to five pounds became an instant hit among the nobility of the day. Their natural skills at showmanship has not only made them popular dogs for showing in competitions but also popular in the circus for their outgoing and winning personalities as well as their agility and ability to learn fairly complicated tricks.

There have been some rather famous owners of Pomeranians throughout history. Among them are Marie Antoinette, Mozart, Thomas Edison, and Michelangelo in addition to Queen Victoria who owned quite a few of these amazing little dogs.

Temperament

You will find very few dogs that are more outgoing and intelligent than the Pomeranian. These dogs have a good deal of spirit and are excellent matches for owners that can match that spirit. They crave attention and will go to great lengths to get the attention they desire. Their small size makes them easily transportable, which means that they can travel well with their owners to their delight and the delight of those that they meet along the way.

These are not dogs that are ideally suited for households with small children because they are not as sturdy (due in large part to their smaller sizes) as larger dogs and more prone to injury (though unintentional) by the children who may play too roughly with them. Smaller children may lead them to becoming overly excited as well. Older and calmer children however are often great matches for ownership of these dogs as they are likely to shower them with the attention they desire. Be prepared if bringing a Pomeranian into a household with children to work to train the children as much as you are working to train the dog so that everyone is happy and healthy in this instance—human and canine alike.

Pomeranians are a bit yippy and this may be disturbing in some households and not conducive at all for apartment dwellings and/or close quarters. If you are willing to invest a great deal of time training them very young however, they can be taught to only bark when it’s appropriate to do so.

You should also expect a few dominance issues along the way. These are dogs that do not seem to realize how small they are and will not hesitate to pick a fight with a bigger dog. Careful training can help calm some of these tendencies and the earlier you begin the better. Make sure that they are not left alone for long periods of time, get the exercise they need, and are made to feel loved and wanted and these dogs should make excellent pets.

Health Problems

There are a few health conditions that are fairly common with the Pomeranian family of dogs. One such condition is early tooth loss. Though this is very common it can be prevented or prolonged by providing a healthy diet of dry dog food that will help them condition their teeth and gums and regular teeth cleaning by trained professionals. Check with the breeder in order to identify any potential problems in the parental lines of a Pomeranian before making one a part of your family and make sure your dog gets regular check ups so that potential conditions may be identified early on.

Grooming

The long coats of the Pomeranian shed constantly and the dog needs constant brushing in order to prevent tangling and matting. This constant brushing also helps prevent dandruff, which may also be a problem for the Pomeranian. Daily brushing in addition to cleaning the ears and eyes daily will help prevent potential problems and infections. It is also important to clean teeth regularly in order to prevent early tooth loss.

Exercise

The Pomeranian is a dog that needs regular exercise though it is possible for them to get an adequate amount by simply running around the house. It is helpful to take them for a walk on occasion (and they love the attention they generally get along the way).

Training

With the Pomeranian training can be an exercise in patience. These dogs by nature are rather willful though they do love attention. Be consistent and begin training early for the best results. They are very intelligent and when properly trained can do quite a few amazing tricks. Crate training is a wise move with these dogs at least until they are properly housebroken and perhaps for a long time after that.