Pomeranian

HISTORY:

Other names: Dwarf Spitz

AKC Group: Toy

Country / Date of origin: Germany /1800's

Breed Group -
American Pomeranian Club

Rescue Group -
American Pomeranian Club Rescue

Originally the Pomeranian was a much larger dog, which was used for herding. It was discovered in the Pomeranian region of Germany from which it also derived its name. It is a member of the Spitz family, which includes Samoyeds, Malamutes, and Chow Chows. Through careful selection of breeding stock, the dog from Pomerania was reduced in size from 30 pounds to its present day 4 or 5 pound self.

The breed underwent most of the size reduction in Victorian England but saw continued miniaturization in the twentieth century. The Pomeranian has been recognized in the United States since 1900.

BODY TYPE:

• A dwarf member of the Spitz family that includes the sled dogs.
• Height: 11 inches (at shoulder).
• Weight: 4-5 1/2 pounds.
• Erect, pricked ears are not altered.
• Upright tail tilts forward over the body.
• Expression is described as "foxy."

PERSONALITY:

• Very intelligent, alert, and curious. Downright nosy.
• Excitable nature often accompanied by excessive barking.
• Prefers the company of adults. Tends to become overexcited by children.

COAT:

• A heavy double coat that stands out from the body. The undercoat is short and thick and the outercoat is longer and coarse. The feel of the Pom's coat is somewhat harsh.
• Colors and combinations of colors are numerous. Solids of any color are allowed with or without shadings of sable. Parti-colors and black and tan bicolors are also permitted. Show classes are divided by color. Red is the most commonly seen color.
• The profuse coat takes three years to reach maturity.
• Heavy shedding.

TIPS:

• In the top ten of American Kennel Club breeds. The most popular toy dog in the US.
• Queen Victoria was a great champion of the breed, which flourished in England during her reign.
• Alert nature and tendency to bark at strange noises makes the Pom a tiny but capable watchdog.