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Pomeranian - Toy


Pomeranian

Family:

spitz, Northern (companion)


Area of origin:

Germany


Original function:

companion


Average size of male:

Ht: 8-11, Wt: 3-7


Average size of female:

Ht: 8-11, Wt: 3-7


Other names:

none


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    Energy

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    Exercise

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    Playfulness

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    Affection

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    Friendliness towards dogs

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    Friendliness towards other pets

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    Friendliness towards strangers

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    Ease of training

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    Watchdog ability

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    Protection ability

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    Grooming

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    Cold tolerance

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    Heat tolerance

Picture: Kent and Donna Dannen |

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Temperament

Bouncy, bold and busy, the Pomeranian makes the most of every day. He is curious, playful, self-confident (even cocky) and attentive, ever ready for a game or adventure. Some bark a lot.

Care

The Pomeranian is active but diminutive, needing daily exercise but able to meet his needs with indoor games or short walks. Although he has a warm coat, he is too small and too family-oriented to live as an outdoor dog. His double coat needs brushing twice weekly, more when shedding.

Health

Major concerns: patellar luxation
Minor concerns: open fontanel, hypoglycemia, shoulder luxation, PRA, entropion
Occasionally seen: tracheal collapse, PDA
Suggested tests: knee, eye, (cardiac)
Life span: 12-16 years

Related Dogs

Finnish Spitz
American Eskimo Dog (Standard)
Chow Chow
Keeshond
Schipperke
Shiba Inu

Interested in the history of the Pomeranian breed?

Expand

The smallest member of the spitz family, the Pomeranian boasts tough sledding dog ancestors. Exactly when he began to be bred down in size is not known; nor is it known exactly where this miniaturization took place, although Germany, and specifically, Pomerania, is the most likely locale. The breed's likely ancestor was the Deutscher spitz. Only when the breed was taken to England was he dubbed the Pomeranian, but these early dogs were not the "Poms" known today. They weighed as much as 30 pounds and were often white. In fact, the Japanese spitz closely resembles these early Pomeranians and very likely descends from them. Although the Pomeranian was recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1870, it was not until Queen Victoria brought a Pomeranian from Italy that his popularity grew. The queen's Pomeranians were rather large gray dogs, and even then most fanciers preferred smaller, more colorful specimens. By 1900, Poms had been recognized by the AKC, and dogs were being shown in both England and America in an array of colors. The Pomeranian has continued to be bred down in size; at the same time, an emphasis on coat has led to his unsurpassed "puffball" appearance. This miniature sled dog always attracts admirers and is a very popular pet and show dog.


Work With a Group

Some animal welfare organizations with Pomeranians ready for adoption:

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