Pomeranian

Overview

The Pomeranian is a toy spitz: a fox-faced, heavily coated miniature of larger European sled and herding spitzes. Alert, busy, and often louder than its kilograms suggest, it is a companion with a working dog's self-importance packed into a cloud of stand-off coat.

Origin

Spitz dogs from the Pomerania region (today in Poland and Germany) were originally much larger. In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries they were fashionable in Britain; Queen Victoria's small red Pomeranian, Windsor's Marco, accelerated downsizing. The modern toy was AKC-recognized in 1888 and became a fixture of the toy group.

Size & weight

AKC ideal is 1.4–3.2 kg, with 1.8–2.3 kg preferred. Oversized Poms are common as pets. The outline is square, with a foxy head and a plumed tail lying on the back.

Temperament

Inquisitive, attached to household members, and often suspicious of strangers and other dogs if not socialized. They can be sharp-voiced watchdogs. Many have a clownish play style. They should not be treated as ornaments; they have opinions.

Energy

Moderate. Indoor play and several short walks suit most. They enjoy tricks and agility scaled to tiny jumps. They chill in weather that would delight a husky, despite the coat, because of low mass.

Intelligence

Toy companions of spitz heritage: Pomeranians are alert and can learn tricks, but they were not bred for formal working obedience.

Intelligence here means typical trainability, not a ranking of the dog.

Coat & grooming

A double coat: a short, dense undercoat and a long, harsh, stand-off outer coat forming a ruff. All colors and patterns are allowed, from orange and red to black, cream, merle, and parti.

Several brushings a week to prevent mats at the ears, trousers, and behind the legs. Do not shave to the skin except medically; coat may not regrow correctly. Regular dental care is critical in this tiny mouth.

Health notes

Patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, and dental crowding are common. A breed-associated alopecia ('black skin disease') causes coat loss. Patent ductus arteriosus and other congenital heart defects occur. Hypoglycemia is a risk in tiny puppies. Open fontanelles appear in some very small dogs.

Care

Supervise around large dogs and doors; they are easily injured. Use a harness rather than a collar if the trachea is a concern. Teach quiet; the bark is otherwise a lifestyle. Keep teeth clean. They are not outdoor dogs.

Fun facts

• Mozart named his Pomeranian Pimperl; Queen Victoria's Marco helped set the toy type.
• Two Pomeranians survived the Titanic, carried off in their owners' coats.
• The Pomeranian is the toy member of the German Spitz family that also includes the Keeshond and German Wolfspitz.