Pomeranians are adorable little dogs that have distinct foxlike faces and plumed tails. But even though they are small, the breed often has a personality that resembles one of a large dog. It is also one of the most popular companion dogs today. Let us know more about the Pomeranian breed.
History
Pomeranians were developed in the province of Pomerania and they came from the ancient Spitz breeds of the far northern countries. Their closest relatives are the Norwegian Elkhound, the German Spitz, the Samoyed, the Schipperke, the American Eskimo dog, and other members of the Spitz which are characterized by their wedge-shaped heads, thick furry coats, and prick-ears. The first Pomeranians weighed up to 30 pounds.
Pomeranians were popular even in the early days. Some of the notable people who owned Pomeranians were, theologian Martin Luther, who had a Pom named Belferlein as mentioned often in his writings, artist Michaelangelo, whose Pom sat on a pillow and watched him paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel, physicist Isaac Newton, whose Pomeranian named Diamond chewed many of his manuscripts and composer Mozart who dedicated an aria to his Pomeranian named Pimperl.
The appeal of Pomeranians moved to England in 1761 when a 17-year-old Princess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz named Sophie Charlotte married the English prince who was to become King George III. She brought a pair of mostly white dogs named Phebe and Mercury. Though they were popular in royal circles, they did not catch on with the public. But all of that changed during the reign of Queen Victoria, Queen Charlotte’s granddaughter.
Queen Victoria bred more than 15 different breeds of dogs during her 64 years as the Queen of England but she was especially fond of Pomeranians in her later years which started when she first saw one in 1888 during her trip to Italy. Upon seeing the dog, she fell in love with it. IT was a sable and red Pom named Marco.
Her love for Pomeranians inspired English dog fanciers to begin breeding even smaller ones. Pomeranians had the largest number of entries at dog shows in Britain during the 1900s up to 1930s. During that time, the breed’s standard was stabilized and its size came down to its present weight. There was also a wider range of colors that became available during that time.
The popularity of Pomeranians spread across the Atlantic and in 1888, a Pomeranian named Dick was the first Pom who entered into the AKC stud book. Pomeranians quickly grew in the United States and in 1909, the American Pomeranian Club was accepted as a member club of the AKC.
In the present time, Pomeranians rank 14th among the 155 breeds registered by the AKC.
Characteristics of Pomeranians
Pomeranians belong to the companion dog breed group. They can grow from 7 to 12 inches tall and can weigh from 3 to 7 pounds. Their coats are thick and stand-out with an undercoat of soft fluffy hair and a top coat of long, straight, shiny hair that is harsh to the touch.
They also have a plumed tail, fanning out upon their backs. But when they are born, their tails do not look like this and it may take some months to develop. They also come in any color pattern you can imagine in dogs such as black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate, orange, red sable, and white.
Pomeranians are smart and extroverted dogs. They love to meet new people and they can get along well with other animals. They are also alert and inquisitive, making them excellent watchdogs.
Caring for Pomeranians
Since Pomeranians are very active dogs, they will enjoy several short daily walks or play times. But keep in mind that they are small and sensitive to heat. You should also give them a lot of toys because they can get bored easily.
Pomeranians are also considered to shed moderately. To keep their hairs off your furniture and clothes, brushing and combing them at least twice a week can help. It’s because this helps distribute their skins’ natural oils, keeping the coat and skin healthy.
You can also bathe Pomeranians as often as you like, whether daily or monthly but be sure to use only mild dog shampoos and conditioner. It’s also a good idea to brush their teeth regularly because they are prone to dental problems.
For their food, the recommended daily amount is ¼ to ½ cup of high-quality dry food every day which is divided into two meals.
Pomeranians are indeed adorable dogs. If you’re looking for a companion for walks or a playmate in your backyard or even inside your home, this is one of the best dog breeds that you can have.