Discover the history of Pomeranians in Australia, including the first Pomeranian Victorian Championship Show in 1923 and the story of Mrs. Spry’s Champion Cheeky Boy. Explore the early breeders, treasured memorabilia, and the legacy that shaped Australia’s Pomeranian community.
From early 20 lb working Spitz imports to today’s elegant toy companions, the Pomeranian has enjoyed a remarkable journey in Australia. On this page, we trace the breed’s arrival on these shores, its transformation through club shows and breeder dedication, and how the Australian Pomeranian community evolved.
Historical Newspaper References to Pomeranians
The earliest mention of the Pomeranian Dog in Australian publications is in an article from The Western Australian Times in 1875.
I quote this article: “A few seasons ago, no lady’s equipage was complete without the accompaniment of a fleecy white terrier, a Pomeranian, or a pug. “
In 1879, an advertisement in the Melbourne Argus offered a reward for the return of a white Pomeranian dog to an address in Toorak, Melbourne.
The Pomeranian In Victoria
Pomeranians Shown during the 1800s
The Victorian Poultry and Dog Society Intercolonial Show in 1883 held classes for Pomeranian Dogs.
The results from this Show are as follows:
Pomeranians-Dogs and Bitches
(£1 is presented by Mr H W Danbj for the best Pomeranian Dog or Bitch)
1. M Mullaly, Richmond,
2. M McClure, Carlton.
Sir William Clarke opened the Show.
In 1884, at the National Agricultural Society’s Show, Mr P. Menny won with his Pomeranian.
Report from The Melbourne Argus on The Dog and Poultry Show, August 1885.
The annual intercolonial exhibition of dogs, poultry, pigeons, and canaries was held under the auspices of the Victorian Dog and Poultry Society.
All dogs exhibited that year had to be entered in a kennel book. Six Pomeranians were exhibited at this Show. Mr McClure of East St Kilda owned the winning Pomeranian.
The Argus, 1888, reported on the Centennial Dog Show of the Victorian Poultry and Dog Society held in August in the Juvenile Industrial Exhibition Building.
This Show was held at the Juvenile Industrial Exhibition Building owing to the Committee’s inability to obtain the International Exhibition Building. Other changes included holding two shows instead of one.
The report of the Pomeranian exhibited, quoted here, “Pomeranians are poorly represented, the winning dog being neither more nor less than a black “Esquimaux.” The winning bitch, however, is a niceish bitch of the small scale.”
Pomeranian In Victoria During the 1900s
The year 1923 marked a milestone moment in Australian Pomeranian history with the inaugural Championship Show of the Pomeranian Club of Victoria. This landmark event brought together early fanciers, dedicated breeders, and some of the finest examples of the breed then seen in the state.
Held at a time when Pomeranians were still evolving in type and popularity, the show played a significant role in shaping the breed’s direction in Victoria. It provided a platform for breeders to showcase their stock, exchange knowledge, and establish the foundations of what would become a thriving and passionate Pomeranian community for generations to come.
First Championship Show of the Pomeranian Club of Victoria 1923
The first championship show of the Pomeranian Club of Victoria, affiliated with the Victorian Poultry and Kennel Club, was held on October 18, 1923, at Wirth’s Park. There was a very good entry, including several interstate and country dogs. Mr. P. D’Helin was a judge, and Messrs. Scott, Roberts, and Bunnester were stewards. Mrs. Spry’s Cheeky Boy was the Champion Pomeranian of the show. Henrietta Spry was a very keen Pomeranian exhibitor.
Mrs. Spry’s Champion Cheeky Boy — A Remarkable Piece of Pomeranian History
At the very first Pomeranian Club of Victoria Championship Show in 1923, Mrs. Spry’s “Cheeky Boy” made his mark as the Champion Pomeranian of the event. His win not only celebrated his quality and type but also highlighted the dedication of his owner, Henrietta Spry, who was known as one of the most enthusiastic and passionate Pomeranian exhibitors of her time.
Nearly a century later, this remarkable piece of Pomeranian history resurfaced in an unexpected and heartwarming way. Mrs. Spry’s great-niece reached out, sharing that her family had lovingly safeguarded a photograph of Cheeky Boy along with the precious silver cup he won at the inaugural Pomeranian Club show. Recognising the immense historical value of these items—and their importance to our breed’s heritage—I immediately agreed to the purchase.
Today, this treasured memorabilia is preserved with the respect and care it deserves, ensuring that the legacy of Cheeky Boy, Mrs. Spry, and the very earliest days of Pomeranian exhibition in Victoria will never be forgotten.
Early Pomeranian Breeders in Victoria
Some of the very early breeders in Victoria were Maybole (Mrs. Leveridge) and Mountroyal (Mrs. Montcrieff, Mrs. O’Toole, Cliffdale, Oakland (Mrs. Esler), and others.
Early History of the Pomeranian in New South Wales
Among the first Pomeranians brought to Australia was a chocolate-colored dog introduced in 1910 by the late Jack Maude’s father. Sadly, there were no existing records about him.
The next Sydneysider recorded as an importer of Poms from the U.K. was Mr. Cook, a resident of Summer Hill. He was the original owner of Orange Pomeranians in NSW.
From 1929 to 1947, Pomeranians were incorporated into the club, which was then called the Pekingese and Pomeranian Club. Mr Hawkless of Hawklock Kennels was the first winner of the Vice-President’s Cup.
In 1947, Mr C. Lambert was the last and outright winner. This was also the year the club officially disbanded, and some of the Pekingese exhibitors chose to set up a breed club they could call their own.
From 1947 to 1959, the Pomeranians didn’t have their own club. They were simply members of a local club for toy breeds.
From 1947 until 1959, Pomeranians had no club and were part of the local toy dog club. During this period, numerous changes were made regarding the exhibition of Pomeranians, particularly in terms of size and weight.
During these years, there were also varying colors, including black, white, wolf sable, and chocolate. Any dog that appeared to weigh over 7 lbs would be weighed before being exhibited.
Claude Lambert first became involved with the breed in the early twenties. His trade was that of a butcher; he purchased a white Pom with a pedigree for two pounds and a month’s worth of meat from an older lady because she told him she couldn’t afford to keep it.
In 1948, Mr Claude Lambert won two Pomeranian Championship categories: the overweight (Egyptian What’s Wanted) and miniature (Egyptian Hurricane).
Mrs. Phil Lawton (Claude’s daughter) carried on the Egyptian prefix. I remember meeting Phil Lawton at a Pomeranian club of the N.S.W. championship show.
Weighing Pomeranians was changed after Mrs Bourke moved to NSW from Queensland and joined the RAS. She initiated ruling out different classes of Pomeranians and introduced the rule that all exhibited Poms must average 2 kg (4 1/2 lbs), and bitches would weigh 2.5 kg (5 1/2 lbs). This put an end to weighing dogs, and any dog that weighed above this average would no longer be shown.
Early Pomeranian Breeders in New South Wales
In that earlier period, there were a lot of dogs with known & shown prefixes, including Egyptian (C. Lambert), Wenya (Mrs. Agnew), Lilyfield (Mrs. Kincaid), Pekin, Remohu, Pomanu, Woodhill, Hawklock, Rado (Mr & Mrs Askew), Muronva (Muriel Boggs), Angora (Mrs Morcana), and Waverley (Mrs Cavanagh).
Pomeranians in Queensland
In Queensland, a Pomeranian was exhibited at the Gympie Show in September 1891.
P. Pollock’s Pomeranian “Tom” is the sole Pomeranian at this exhibition.
Sandgate Dog Show, November 1933
At the Sandgate Dog Show in November 1933, Pomeranians won Champion of Show and Best Novice All Breeds. The Sandgate Electorate Kennel Club held a one-point championship show at Flinders Parade.
Mr. R. Trotter judged all classes, and the following championship awards were made:
Champion of the show: Mrs. B. M. Barstew’s Sundawn Satellite (Pomeranian).
Reserve champion: E. De Voss’s Westboro Duke (fox terrier).
Best novice, all breeds: Mrs. Corbett’s Belmont Evergold (Pomeranian).
Pomeranian and Toy Dog Club of Queensland, September 1933
The one-point championship show provided by the Pomeranian and Toy Dog Club of Queensland held at the Exhibition Kennels, Pettys Paddock, attracted a fair number of entries in most breeds.
Competition was particularly keen in the Pomeranian and Pekingese classes, where the quality of the exhibits was of a high standard. Mr. W. Byrne (Booval) judged all breeds in a very capable manner.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Cups donated by the club were awarded as follows:
Champion dog of the show: Mrs. J. C. Rutter’s Surrey Fireglow.
Champion bitch of the show: N. J. Langdon’s Grand Champion Sundawn Red Gown.
Champion puppy dog: Mrs. A. Reed’s Benwell Black Prince.
Champion puppy bitch: Mrs. A. Bourke’s The Red Flower of Le Yean.
Mrs. S. Stuart’s “Sweet Lavender” shield for Best Bitch In show: N. J Langdon’s Grand Champion Sundawn Red Gown.
Mrs. Gower’s trophy for best Orange or Orange Sable Pomeranian bitch (any weight), to be won twice in succession or three times in all: Mrs. J. C. Rutter’s Surrey Fireglow.
Mrs. J. Marsdon’s trophy for best baby puppy Pomeranian dog or bitch: Mrs. Kearney’s Chocolate Cherry Ripe.
W. H. Gee’s trophy for best novice dog or bitch, Mrs. J. C. Rutter’s Surrey Play Girl.
Mrs. Gower’s trophy for best graduate dog or bitch, Mrs. A. Bourke’s The Sensation of Le Vean.
Mrs. E. C. Bourke’s trophy for best baby puppy dog or bitch. Mrs. E. C. Wakefield’s Madee of St.Rolln.
Mrs. Kearnov’s trophy for best Pomeranian (any other color) dog or bitch, Mrs. R. Payne’s Myrtleville Chocolate Belle.
Trophy for best dog or bitch bred by exhibitor. Mrs. J. C. Rutter’s Surrey Fireglow.
Trophy for best chocolate baby Pomeranian puppy bitch: Mrs. Kearney’s Chocolate Cherry Ripe.
Mrs. J. C. Rutter’s trophy for best black Pomeranian dog or bitch (no champions to compete): Mrs. A. Reed’s Benwell Black Prince.
Pomeranians (any other colour):
Junior Dog and Graduate Gog: Mrs. R. Pavne’s Myrtleville Chocolate Speck.
Baby Puppy Bitch: Mrs. Kearney’s Chocolate Cherry Ripe.
Novice Bitch: Mrs. O. E Senne’s Lady Tottle.
Queensland-Bred Bitch: Mrs. R. Payne’s Myrtleville Chocolate Belle.
Results of the 1934 at the Pomeranian and Tog Dog Club.
The season’s first outing under the auspices of the Pomeranian and Toy Dog Club, held in the Exhibition dog pavilion on Saturday afternoon, received an aggregate entry of 52 from 33 dogs. Mr. C. Ball made the awards.
SPECIALS AND TROPHIES.
Champion dog: Mrs. E. M. Barstow’s Pomeranian, Sundawn Satellite.
Champion bitch and Sweet Lavender Shield: N. J. Langdon’s Pomeranian, Annerley Ambition.
Champion puppy dog: Mrs. A. McGrory’s Sydney Silkie, Silver Balbern.
Champion puppy bitch and best limit: Mrs. E. M. Bourke’s Pomeranian, Merry Lass of Le Vean.
Best orange or orange sable Pomeranian, and best Junior dog or bitch: N. J. Langdon’s Grand Champion Sundawn So Sweet.
Trophy, Best black Pomeranian: Miss Smith’s Chatterbox.
Trophy: Best of any other colour. Pomeranian: Mrs. G. Payne’s Myrtleville chocolate Belle.
Trophy: Best baby puppy: Mr. H. A. Knape’s Pekingese, Yah Yah Dusky Bol.
GENERAL AWARDS.
POMERANIANS.
Litter: Mrs. E. M. Barstows.
Black: Queensland-bred and graduate dog: Mrs. Gower’s Weeroona prince.
Open Dog, over 71b. : Miss Smith’s Chatterbox.
Australian-Bred bitch: N. Langdon’s Annerley Ambition 1st and Ch.
Open Bitch, under 71b.: N. J. Langdon’s Victoree Noeleen.
Orange and Orange Sable: Queensland-bred Dog: Mrs. G. Payne’s Harlestone Johnnie.
Open dog, under 71b.Mrs. E. M. Barstow’s Sundawn Satellite 1 and Ch.
Puppy Pitch: Mrs. M. Bourke’s Merry Lass of Le Vean.
Limit Bitch: Merry Lass of Le Vean 1st, Mrs. N. Lloyd’s Sunbeam Girlie 2nd.
Junior Bitch: N. J. Langdon’s Grand Champion Sundawn So Sweet 1st, Merry Lass of Le Vean 2nd.
Graduate Bitch: Miss N. Lloyd’s Sunbeam Airlie.
A.O.C.: Junior, and Open Dog: Mrs. G. Payne’s Myrtleville Chocolate.
Queensland Bred and Open Bitch over 71b.Mrs. G.Payne’s Myrtleville Chocolate Belle, 1st and Ch.
Bundaberg Dog Parade 1934
Over 200 dogs of all breeds were on show at the Bundaberg Dog Parade in 1934.
A. Rowland’s Pomeranian Golden Oak, Sir Rodger, was the best toy dog, champion of champions, and best coated.
Pomeranians in Western Australia
The earliest records I have found of Pomeranians being exhibited in Western Australia date back to around 1896.
A Pomeranian bitch owned by Miss E Edwardes was exhibited at the first York Dog, Poultry and Horticultural Society’s Annual Show in 1896
The Coolgardie Dog and Poultry Society held their 3rd Annual Show in May 1899.
Pomeranians were represented at this Show, with Mrs. Burnett exhibiting the Pomeranian “Punch.”
Pomeranians in Tasmania
The Hobart Kennel Club prize schedule advertised classes for Pomeranian dogs as early as 1886.
Records indicate that a Pomeranian was exhibited at the 1887 Hobart Kennel Club Annual Show and won a second-place prize.
Pomeranians In South Australia
1902 Adelaide Show reports that Pomeranians owned by A. Quick won first and second prizes.
At the Poultry and Kennel Club Show in Adelaide in 1906, Entries for Pomeranians had increased.
Pomeranian Exhibits included A. S. Miller’s Ch. Lopino, a Black Male Pomeranian. Mrs. F. Robertson exhibited a puppy bitch, and Miss R. M. Banks exhibited a White Pomeranian male called Heath King Cole.
1908 Pomeranian Exhibitors at the Adelaide Poultry and Kennel Club Show included R. A Buckley, T F Haines, and Mrs T Eagle. The colours of the Pomeranians exhibited included Black and White.
Looking for a broader understanding of the Pomeranian breed?
Explore our Pomeranian Information hub for detailed guides on breed characteristics, coat colours, genetics, and what defines a healthy, well-bred Pomeranian.
Conclusion
The history of Pomeranians in Australia is rich, colourful, and filled with remarkable individuals whose dedication helped shape the breed we treasure today. From the early days of pioneering exhibitors like Mrs. Spry and her celebrated Champion Cheeky Boy, to the establishment of breed clubs and the preservation of valuable memorabilia, every piece of the past adds depth to the story of the Pomeranian in this country.
By honouring these early achievements and safeguarding the memories, trophies, and records they left behind, we ensure that future generations of Pomeranian lovers can appreciate the legacy on which today’s thriving community is built. The passion, commitment, and love for the breed that began more than a century ago continue to inspire breeders, exhibitors, and enthusiasts across Australia—keeping the spirit of the Pomeranian alive for many years to come.
This Article is a work in progress. We would appreciate any information regarding the early history of the Pomeranian in Australia that can be added to this section.
Copyright Denise Leo, Pomeranians.com.au. All Rights Reserved. The article may not be used without written permission.
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