Last Updated on June 5, 2023 by Denise Leo
Where do Pomeranians Come From?
The Pomeranian is believed to have descended from wolf-spitz-type dogs which at some early period, migrated to Pomerania from the north of Russia and Siberia—sharing the same ancestors with many other Nordic breeds, such as the Samoyed, Schipperke, and Keeshond.
Why Were Pomeranians Bred?
These early spitz-type dogs were used to work as guard and sled animals. However, the smallest were kept as companions. At this stage of development, the breed weighed 30 lbs and was colored white, black, or cream.
In many parts of Europe, this dog breed developed and was known by different names. In Italy, the Volpino, France, the Lulu, Belgium, the Keeshond, Germany, the German Spitz. A variety of the Pomeranian or Spitz was known for many years in Italy. The type of Spitz dog or Pomeranian peculiar to Italy was bright Yellow or Orange.
Pomeranians were established as a breed in the eighteenth century after they drew the interest of the English monarchy. Upon her marriage to King George 111, Queen Charlotte brought large white Pomeranians to England in 1761.
Queen Victoria’s Pomeranians
However, it was not until Queen Victoria’s reign that the Pomeranian became one of the most popular toy breeds. In 1888 Queen Victoria traveled to Florence, Italy, and found a breed of dog called ” Volpinos. ” These dogs resembled the descendants of Queen Charlotte’s “Poms” descendants but were much smaller, weighing around 5 kilos.
Queen Victoria fell in love with these delightful little dogs, a love affair to last throughout her life. She brought home some of these dogs and called them “Toy Pomeranians.”
After 1915 the breed became known as the Pomeranian, with the prefix “toy” being dropped altogether.
Queen Victoria, at one time, had 35 of the breed in the royal kennels. In 1891 she showed six dogs at Cruft’s – Fluffy, Nino, Mino, Beppo, Gilda, and Lulu.
A Pomeranian called Turi often accompanied the Queen on her carriage drives in the last years of her life and was at her side when she died.
Famous Pomeranian Owners
Many famous people have fallen under the spell of this delightful little dog, including Mozart. More recently, we have seen Fran Drescher’s Pomeranian “Chester” appear in “The Nanny”. Fran Drescher’s newest Pomeranian, Esther Drescher.
Sharon Osbourne recently lost her bellowed Pomeranian, Minnie, and of late, we have all seen Nicole Richie’s Pomeranian – Foxxy Cleopatra gracing the tabloids. The Rap Star P Diddy, or Sean Combes, has imported 4 Pomeranian puppies from a leading Australian Pomeranian breeder.
Characteristics of Pomeranian Dogs
The Pomeranian is the smallest member of the Spitz family. He’s a small, compact, dainty dog. He displays character and glamour.
His crowning glory is a dense double-coat of long, harsh, standoff guard hairs and a soft woolly undercoat. The Pomeranian’s coat contributes tremendously to the breed’s visual appeal.
The Pomeranian has a short, compact body, a short neck, and tight cat-like feet. He should move soundly with grace and style.
Pomeranian Tail
The Pomeranian tail is a unique characteristic of the breed. It’s profusely covered with long, harsh, straight hair and should be carried high and flat over the back. This plume of long glistening hair helps to give the illusion of a circle.
Pomeranian Head
The head is wedge-shaped with a short fine muzzle. He has medium-sized almond-shaped eyes, tiny pricked ears, and an intelligent, sweet expression.
Pomeranian Colours
Colours of the Pomeranian dog here in Australia include Orange, Orange Sable, Cream, Cream Sable, Black, Wolf Sable, Chocolate, Chocolate Sable, Beaver, White, Blue, Black & Tan, and Parti colour.
N.B. Blue Merle Pomeranian or any coloured Merle Pomeranian is NOT an acceptable colour to the Australian Pomeranian breed standard.
Pomeranian Size:
Dogs 1.8 kg. to 2 kg. Bitches 2kg. to 2.5 kg.
The Pomeranian breed standard deviates from most other breed standards by requiring the female to be slightly larger than the male.
Pomeranian Height
The Pomeranian ranges in height from about Height: 8 – 11″ (20.3 – 27.9cm)
Miniature Pomeranians, Toy Pomeranians, or Teacup Pomeranians Do Not Exist…..Just Pomeranians
A reputable, registered breeder will not describe their puppies by these terms. Beware of any “breeder” advertising using these terms. You can be sure that anyone who tells you they have teacup Pomeranians, miniature Pomeranians, or toy Pomeranians for sale is not a reputable Breeder. I advise purchasing from a reputable breeder, so I would look for your new family member elsewhere.
Lifespan of Pomeranian
What is the lifespan of a Pomeranian? The average Pomeranian lifespan is about 12 years, but it’s not unusual for some to live a happy life well into their mid to late teens. Keeping your Pom trim and active will help prevent many health problems and enable him to lead a happy life into the mid-teens.
I have found that keeping your Pomeranian trim and active will help prevent many health problems and enable your Pomeranian to lead a happy life into the mid-teens.
Desexing reduces the risk of many cancers, so it is a good idea to do this close to puberty.
Pomeranian Temperament
The Pomeranian is a delightful family member. He’s playful, energetic, loyal, loving, lively, outgoing, and intelligent. He may come packaged in an extremely small parcel. However, he hasn’t forgotten his heritage and behaves like an enormously large Spitz dog.
Because Poms are intelligent and playful, they require lots of mental stimuli to keep them busy. They’re fiercely independent and succumb to “small dog syndrome,” a trait they share with numerous other small dog breeds. They require plenty of training to help them socialize and ensure good behaviour.
Poms respond well to training and enjoy learning, so training them becomes easier as you add new elements to the training regime.
Are Pomeranians Yappy?
Pomeranians can be yappy little dogs if allowed to misbehave. Like human children, well brought up, Pomeranians are obedient, well-mannered, and a joy to live with.
Where Do Pomeranians Live?
Pomeranians are suitable for most situations, small homes, large homes, and apartments. Flat dwellers will find that a Pomeranian adapts well to apartment living. A Pomeranian is happy to snooze or play with toys while their human family is away during the day.
Can Pomeranians Live Outside?
The Pomeranian is a toy dog and must be provided with suitable inside accommodation.
Pomeranians and Children
Owing to the diminutive size and high energy level, the Pom dog is not recommended for families with young children. Pomeranians make loyal, loving, and very intelligent companions for the elderly.
More Information regarding this delightful dog breed is available on Pomeranian Resources.
© The author Denise Leo. All Rights Reserved. Used by Pomeranians Australia with permission.
References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo “The Pomeranian Handbook.”
[2] ANKC Pomeranian Breed Standard.
The Pomeranian Handbook
( Printed and shipped in Australia).
