Pomeranian dog

For other uses, see Pomeranian.

Pomeranian
An orange-sable pomeranian
Other names	Zwergspitz; Spitz nain; Spitz enano; Pom; Zwers
Common nicknames	Pom
Origin	Germany and Poland
Kennel club standards Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The Pomeranian (often known as a Pom) is a breed of dog of the Spitz type, named for the Pomerania region in Central Europe (which today is part of modern eastern Germany and northern Poland) and classed as a toy dog breed because of its small size. As determined by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale the Pomeranian is part of the German Spitz breed, and in many countries, they are known as the Zwergspitz (`Dwarf` Spitz), or Toy German Spitz.

Appearance

Tri-Colored Pom

One breed standard calls for a cobby, balanced dog: no longer than it is tall.

The head of the Pomeranian is wedge-shaped, making it somewhat foxy in appearance. The ears are small and set high. Its tail is characteristic of the breed and should be turned over the back and carried flat, set high. When born, the tail is not spread out; it may take months for it to grow over the Pomeranian's back, and flatten. Beneath the Pomeranian's fur is a small but muscular dog, similar in appearance to a Chihuahua (dog).

Size

At an average of 3 to 7 lb (1.4 to 3.2 kg) according to AKC standards, the Pomeranian (Pom) is the most diminutive of the northern breeds. There are some that may weigh up to 15 pounds or more, and some very rare cases can weight as much as 32 to 35 pounds and have traits back to the larger sled dogs.

Coat and color

White Pom with a treat.

File:Chocolate Pom.jpg

Chocolate is a less common, but perfectly acceptable color for the Pomeranian.

Tan pomeranian.

The Pom's coat possesses two coats, an undercoat and a top coat; the first is soft, thick, and fluffy; the latter is long, straight and coarse. The undercoat is shed once a year by males, and by intact females when they are in season, after delivering a litter, and during times of stress.

Coat colors vary across the breed. All colors, patterns and variations thereof are acceptable according to the 1997 standard and should be judged on an equal basis. Such colors include: black, black & tan, blue, blue & tan, chocolate, chocolate & tan, cream, cream sable, orange, orange sable, red, red sable, and sable, beaver, brindle, chocolate sable, white, and wolf sable. Patches of one or more colors over a white undercoat are called "Parti-Color." Pomeranians also come in the color merle. There are also tri-color Pomeranians that may be any combination of these colors.

Health

A black and tan Pom with an eye injury.

Poms often live 12-19 years. Some very healthy Poms have even been known to live past 20 years of age or more.

The most common problem in Pomeranians is luxating patella. Also Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome and hip dysplasia can occur, but are rare in this small breed. Patent ductus arteriosus (a congenital heart defect) and collapsing trachea have become serious problems in Poms.

Dry eye, tear duct disorders and cataracts that can appear in young adulthood and often lead to blindness are also common. Skin diseases are quite common, especially allergies (that often leads to acute moist dermatitis or "hot spots") and follicular dysplasia (also known as alopecia X). Other problems that occur regularly include hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and hypoglycemia. Occasionally, hydrocephalus can occur in Pom puppies as well as luxating patella (slipping kneecap). Poms, like many toy breeds, are prone to bad teeth and harmless episodes of reverse sneezing. Also, it is important that Poms are trained not to mingle around peoples feet. Because of their loyal tendencies, they will follow from room to room, easily getting stepped on. Their delicate bodies will injure easily this way.

Grooming

A female Pomeranian during its shedding cycle.

Coat care for the Pomeranian is similar to the Pekingese. A daily or twice weekly (damp) brushing against the hair is essential to keep the thick, plush coat, which sheds seasonally, free of mats. Brushing also helps to prevent dry skin and dandruff. A Pomeranian's coat needs very little trimming only every now and then. Combing is seldom necessary and sometimes totally unnecessary. Some people prefer to keep the coat short and trimmed, often referred to as a "puppy cut" (hair is cut down to one to two inches long), but most prefer to maintain the long coat with regular brushing and grooming. Regular ear and nail care is recommended, along with generally only peak-seasonal bathing. It is unadvisable to bathe Pomeranians too frequently as excessive bathing can damage their skin and coat by removing essential oils, especially if using anti-flea products. Pomeranians are also prone to teeth problems, and it is recommended that their teeth be brushed at least once a week. Ideally, their teeth should be brushed daily and the dog receive dental and vitamin treats.

Behavior

Pomeranians are typically very friendly, playful and active. They are very intelligent as toy breeds go and are easily housebroken and trained. Pomeranians socialize well with other dogs and animals. Pomeranians are extroverted and can develop the habit of barking excessively if the behavior is rewarded (i.e. allowed to beg for food). Because of their long double-coat, they tend to seek out cooler environments and it is not uncommon to find them laying down on a cold floor or hard surface. Pomeranians have been known to play in their water bowls or spill water in order to lay in it and keep cool on hot days. Pomeranians tend to interact well with their owners in unique ways. They have been known to stare at people, a behavior which many owners find soulful and charming. They also will spin once or twice in a circle when excited. Pomeranians can also walk on their hind legs quite well. Although many people believe the Pomeranian to be a lap dog, the breed typically does not like to be held or sit on a person's lap for long periods of time. They are extremely loyal and will sit or lay content at an owner's feet, but normally prefer not to be overhandled. Pomeranians should not be allowed to run free and should always be kept on a leash or enclosed in some kind of yard or inside. They tend to usually be good with kids from the age of 3+ if raised with them from the start. Because of their size, they do well in condominiums and apartments, but they pretty much adapt to any situation or environment.

History

A black and white Pomeranian.

The Pomeranian originated from the sled dogs of Greenland and Lapland, which were eventually brought into Europe in Pomerania. This region, bordered on the north by the Baltic Sea, has been under the control of Wendish Slavs, Poles, Swedes, Danes, Prussians and Germans, at various times, and most recently Poles again. This region extends from the west of the Rügen Island to the Vistula River. The name Pomorze or Pommern comes from Slavic "along the sea". Breeders in Pomerania improved the coat and bred the dogs down for city living, but they were still 20 pounds or more when they reached England.

English breeders, through trial and error and Mendelean theories, are credited for reducing the dog's size and developing the many colors. The Pomeranian of today is small due to selective breeding, but the breed still retains the hardy disposition and thick coat typical of dogs in cold climates.

Queen Charlotte first introduced the Pomeranian to English nobility; however, the Pom gained international popularity when her granddaughter Victoria returned from vacation in Florence, Italy with a Pomeranian named Marco.

The dogs owned by Queen Charlotte & Queen Victoria were much larger German Spitz and a Volpino Italiano. The same is true of any other historical Pom from before the 20th century.

The FCI classifies the German Spitz as one family consisting of the Dwarf (Pomeranian), Small and Standard (American Eskimo Dog), and Wolfsspitz (Keeshond). Additional close relatives of the Pomeranian are the Norwegian Elkhound, the Schipperke, and possibly the Samoyed.

Popularity

The Pomeranian has been among the most popular of dog breeds, consistently in the top 15 of registered AKC dog breeds over the last 10 years. It came in at #13 in the most recently released 2007 rankings and number 10 in 2008. The breed also shows up regularly on television shows and commercials.

Historical owners

• Michelangelo had a Pom who would sit and watch him paint the Sistine Chapel.
• Sir Isaac Newton had a Pomeranian who once upset a candle on his important papers, which contained more than 20 years of research.
• King Edward VII had 3 Poms.
• Queen Victoria had 2 Poms, one of which was named Turi.
• Marie Antoinette
• Harry Houdini had a Pom named Charlie.
• Charles Darwin had a Pom named Snow.
• Bobby Barnes had a Pom named Sugar.

See also

• Lap dog
• German Spitz
• Companion dog
• Companion Dog Group
• Toy Group

Notes and References

• Various (2005). The Dog Bible. Bowtie Press. ISBN 1-931993-34-3.
• Spirer, Louise Ziegler; & Spirer, Herbert F. (1965). This is the Pomeranian. TFH Publications. ISBN 0-87666-354-4.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
• Liebers, Arthur; & Sheppard, Georgia M. (1959). How to Raise and Train the Pomeranian. TFH Publications. ISBN 0-87666-352-8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
• Tietjen, Sari Brewster (1989). The New Pomeranian. Howell Book House. ISBN 0-87605-251-0.
• American Pomeranian Club, Inc.
• American Kennel Club

External links

• Template:Akc standard
• Standard coat colors recognized by the AKC, according to the American Pomeranian Club, Inc. website
• Helpful Pomeranian tips by American Pomeranian Club champion breeder