The Pomeranian
Description:

The Pomeranian is a small toy sized dog. The head is wedge-shaped and in proportion with the
body. The short muzzle is straight and fine. The stop is well pronounced. The color of the nose
varies with coat color. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. The almond shaped eyes are dark and
medium in size. The small, erect ears are set high. The feathered tail lies straight and flat over
the back. Dewclaws are sometimes removed. The Pom has a thick, double coat. The outer coat is
long straight, and harsh in texture while the undercoat is soft, thick and short. The coat is longer
around the neck and chest area. Comes in a variety of coat colors and patterns including red,
orange, white, cream, blue, brown, black, black and tan, wolf sable, orange sable, brindle and
parti-color, which is white with colored markings.

Temperament:

The Pomeranian is a proud, lively little dog. Intelligent, eager to learn, very loyal to its handler and
family. The Pom is a wonderful companion and showdog. The breed's docile temper and affectionate
nature endear it to many. They are alert, inquisitive and active: one of the most independent of the
Toy breeds, they need a firm, gentle hand. Its liveliness and spirit make it well-liked by persons
who do not usually care for toy dogs. They may be picky eaters. If it is properly introduced they
usually get along with other dogs and household animals without any problems. Poms make good little
watch dogs. Teach this dog early that it may bark a couple of times when the doorbell rings or when
there are visitors, but then to keep quiet. Be very consistent about this. Poms have a delightful
nature and do not cling to their handlers. This happy pup is good at learning tricks. Pomeranians
need to see their owners as boss or they will become very demanding. If you allow your dog to tell
YOU when and where to do things than you have a potential problem on your hands and you may not
even realize it. It is not cute or smart, it's dominance and will lead to bigger problems in the future
if it has not already. Because of this breeds tiny size and it's adorable Ewok looking face, there
are a very high percentage of Poms who fall victim to Small Dog Syndrome, human induced
behaviors, where the dog believes he is pack leader to humans. This can cause many varying
degrees of behavior problems, which are NOT Pomeranian traits, but behaviors brought on by the
way they are treated by the humans around them. Behaviors include, but are not limited to
separation anxiety, willful, nervous, bold and sometimes temperamental, not hesitating to attack
much bigger dogs. Guarding behaviors, and excessive barking as they try and tell THEIR humans
what THEY want them to do. They can become reserved with strangers, barking at them
excessively, and sometimes growling, snapping and biting. Because most humans treat this tiny canine
in such a manner that the dog does not see them as pack leader, they are not recommended for
children. However, if a Pom is given rules to follow, limits as to what they are allowed to do, daily
pack walks and a calm, self-assured pack leader who displays confident assertion towards the dog,
this can be a well rounded, mentally stable, trustworthy, wonderful family companion. Because of its
size, it can make a good companion for an elderly person.



Height, Weight:

Height:  7-12 inches (18-30 cm.)
Weight:  3-7 pounds (1-3 kg.)

Health Problems:

Pomeranians are prone to dislocated patella (knee-cap), slipped stifle, heart problems, eye
infections, skin irritations and tooth decay and early loss. It is recommended that they are fed dry
dog food or crunchy milk bones daily to help keep the teeth and gums in good condition. Newborn
Pom puppies are very tiny and fragile. Three newborns can be held in the palm of ones hand. Dams
on the smaller side often need to deliver by cesarean section. When the dog is old it may become
molted with bald spots.

Living Conditions:

The Pomeranian is good for apartment living. They are very active indoors and will do okay without a
yard. Be careful they do not overheat in hot weather.
Exercise

Poms need a daily walk.  Play will take care of a lot of their exercise needs, however, as with all
breeds, play will not fulfill their primal instinct to walk. Dogs who do not get to go on daily walks
are more likely to display behavior problems. They will also enjoy a good romp in a safe open area
off lead, such as a large fenced in yard.

Life Expectancy:

About 15 years.

Grooming:

The Pomeranian's very long, double coat should be brushed frequently. If you work from the head,
parting the coat and brushing it forward, it will fall neatly back in place, so the task, although
time-consuming, is relatively easy. The cottony undercoat is shed once or twice a year. Dry shampoo
when necessary. Clean the eyes and ears daily and take the dog for regular dental checkups. The
Pomeranian is a constant shedder.

Origin:

The Pomeranian got it's name from the region of Pomerania, which is now the area of Germany and
Poland, where it was developed from the ancient Spitz breeds. The original Pomeranians were much
larger, weighing up to 30 pounds and worked as sheep herders. Marie Antoinette, Emile Zola,
Mozart and Queen Victoria all owned Pomeranians. In 1870 the Kennel Club in England first
recognized them as a breed. In 1888 Queen Victoria began breeding and showing the dogs. It was
she who started breeding them down in size, making the breed very popular in England. The
Pomeranian was first recognized by the AKC in 1888. Some of the Pom's talents include: watchdog,
agility and performing tricks. Poms make superior circus performers.

Group:

Northern, AKC Toy
Recognition

CKC, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, APRI, ACR, DRA, NAPR