| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Pomeranian, also known as Small German Spitz, is one of the most famous dogs on the planet, and also one of the smallest.
The Small German Spitz, commonly known by most people as Pomeranian, comes from the region of Pomerania, between Poland and Germany. We can define this dog breed as a true star among the family of dogs, in fact it is one of the most appreciated and famous dogs in the World.
We can say that is a “best seller”, as the Pomeranian conquered the hearts of many people around the World, and even became one of the favorite dogs among Hollywood celebrities. This is precisely because Hollywood stars like to take it to every event and show off holding a Pomeranian Dog on the red carpet. It also gained the title of the perfect “purse dog”.
But let’s go one step at a time, and try to discover the history of this irresistible dog pet, that looks like a cotton cloud and continues to gain fame.
Pomeranian: Origins
Let’s start with its origins and name: we can say that its name is a little extravagant; but it is clear that it refers to the European region of Pomerania, located between Poland and Germany.
It is possible that you heard before the name Pomerania, because this dog breed came from this region, formerly known as Prussia. But, where is it located exactly? Nowadays, this land is located at the north of Germany and Poland, on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea.
Among the Pomeranian ancestors we can find the Canis Familiaris Palustris; it is believed that all the German Spitz dogs come from this ancient dog breed, the oldest one known in Central Europe, Asia and Africa. However, we are talking about a medium-sized dog breed, so we can assume that the ancestors of the beautiful and fluffy Pomeranian were a lot larger than we imagined.
We are talking about a robust and strong dog breed which was used as a cattle guardian dog or in general, just as a home guardian dog. As one can assume, although it does not have the same size as its ancestors, the Small German Spitz has the same abilities as an alert guardian dog.
The Pomeranian and Its Noble Origins
Since the 19th century, this Teutonic Pomeranian has spread throughout the most refined and cultural environments, entering permanently in the Noble Courts, Salons, but also making its way to the homes of some well-known artists. Who were its most famous admirers? We can mention blue blood characters such as Marie Josèphe Rose Tascher de La Pagerie, commonly known as Joséphine Bonaparte; and George III, King of Great Britain; we can also mention Michelangelo and even Mozart!
Another noble character we can hold responsible for the “reduction in size” of the Small German Spitz, is Quinn Victoria, who wanted to become the Pomeranian into a funnier, adorable and smaller dog. So what happened next? The Small German Spitz was crossed with the Volpino Italiano, a smaller and compact dog breed: the result was a specimen that did not weigh over 11 lb. (5 Kg.), unlike the previous Pomeranian that reached almost 30 lb. (14 Kg.).
From this debatable history between England and Germany, the Pomeranian was finally born. Both nations had claimed to be the motherland of this dog breed; but because of its name, the Germans gained the fatherhood of this beloved little fluffy dog.
Pomeranian: Physical Characteristics
Now let’s analyze the Pomeranian’s physical features. Let’s start with its measures: its height can be of 9 inches (25 cm.), and its weight can be between 6-11 lb. (3-5 kg.), we can say that it is small, but well-proportioned, also it is strong and well-muscled.
The Small German Spitz’s ears are small and pointy; they always lean forward and are quite separated from each other. Its eyes are dark-colored and small, with a slightly oval shape. The tail is medium-length and it curls over its back. Its neck is long, wide and covered in soft abundant hair, forming a little mane.
The coat is perhaps its most iconic and striking characteristic; it is soft, shiny and abundant, it makes the Pomeranian look like a little fluffy cloud, it usually always has one color coat.
We can find the Pomeranian in the following colors:
- White;
- Black;
- Brown;
- Orange;
- Beige;
- Cream or Grey.
You can also find Pomeranians with some spots on their coats.
Pomerania: Temperament, a Smart, Alert and Also a Little Snob Dog
The Pomeranian is the ideal dog pet, it is joyful and has a healthy curiosity for the things that surround it, and also it is worth mentioning that it is very smart. However, it acts enthusiastic and excited only with its owner. With strangers is distrustful and gets very nervous or would not stop barking around them.
Therefore, it enjoys the time it spends at home or on its owner’s purse far away from critical looks, unless they are paparazzi, of course! It adapts instantly to the contact with other humans or other four-legged friends. So we can say that it is a faithful and loyal dog, but also a little bit of a snob.
However, it is always vigilant and alert which makes it an excellent guardian dog; it will warn you every time it senses danger. As we said, it has a protective temperament, but also it learns very quickly, so we can assure that it has a lot of amazing aptitudes. In fact, its surprisingly worldwide success puts it in the 15 most sold dog breeds in the World!
It is important to remember that it is not an “easy” dog, and it is not suitable for a family with children, let’s say that it is not the ideal family dog. Actually, the Pomeranian is very possessive, and as a result it can be competitive with the children of the house, in order to gain its owner’s attention. Obviously, we are talking about general aspects; probably a well-trained Pomeranian can live in harmony with children under the same roof.
Pomerania: Health
The Pomeranian is quite easy to train, but we can say it has two main characteristics: the first one is linked to its diet and the second one to its coat.
As for its nutrition, there are no particular restrictions, but it is important to know that this fluffy dog has a tendency to gain weight, so you must give it a well-balanced diet, and above all else, make sure it does not become sedentary, so you must take it on regular walks. This also improves its mental health and mood; remember that sometimes it can be a little grumpy.
Also, you have to keep an eye on its dental health, this dog breed can suffer from halitosis, and given its tiny teeth you need to prevent the appearance of tartar. For more information on the matter, you can read our article: “How to Brush Your Dog’s Teeth, Removing Tartar and Eliminating Bad Breath”.
The Pomeranian’s coat requires constant care, make sure to brush its hair regularly; it has such gorgeous hair that it deserves proper cosmetic care and treatments. Grooming and esthetics are very important to keep your Pomeranian beautiful and healthy all the time.
Pomeranian: Price and Puppies
Due to its fame and popularity, it should not be very difficult to find the Pomeranian you are looking for. Talking about prices, Pomeranian puppies can cost between 700-1100 dollars, 600-900 English pounds.
Keep in mind that you always must go to certified breeders, especially with such a popular dog breed, because just like the purses, you can end up with an imitation!
Pomeranian: Breeders, and Puppies For Sale
In this section you can find the best registered breeders in countries such as: the US, Canada and UK; but also Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, India and South Africa; where you can find all the information you need. It is important to purchase from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog breed´s purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it among the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new four-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Chinese Crested Dog
- Schipperke
- Maltese
- Volpino Italiano
- Fox Terrier
- Pomeranian Dog
- Dachshund
- Yorkshire Terrier
- Pug
