Pomeranian

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Size

Small

Life span

16 Years

Weight

2.5 Kg

Group

Toy Dogs

Pomeranian Overview

The Pomeranian is a small, compact breed with a square proportion that belongs to the spitz family of canines. Its main asset is the distinct fluffy double coat and a fox-like head that features a wedge-shaped skull with small erect ears that are highly set, a nose with a foxy outline that comes in different colours depending on the coat colour (but never parti-coloured or flesh) and slightly oval, medium size eyes. The tail is also one characteristic of the breed, highly set and turned over the back, carried flat and straight with a profuse, long, harsh hair. The upper teeth closely overlap lower teeth and set square to the jaws. The strong, short neck gives enough support to the foxy head, well set into the shoulders. It has fine-boned, perfectly straight, well-feathered front legs and equally fine-boned hind legs, well set into a compact, deep-chested body. The limbs are supported by compact, cat-like feet. The double coat is made of soft, fluffy undercoat covered by a long, straight topcoat that is harsh in texture. It has profuse coating around the neck, shoulders and chest forming a frill that extends over the shoulders. The Pomeranian comes in all colours. However, the breed standard does not allow black or white shadings.

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Pomeranian Characteristics

Size InformationIntelligence
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Size InformationExercise Needs
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Size InformationDogs Health
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Size InformationChild Friendly
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Size InformationApartment
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Size InformationShedding
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Size InformationGrooming Needs
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Size InformationBarking
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Size InformationAlone
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Size InformationTrainability
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Size InformationEnergy Levels
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Size InformationDog friendly
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History & Origin

The Pomeranian was named after the region of Pomerania of Historical Eastern Germany which forms part of northern Poland and part of eastern Germany today. It belongs to the spitz family and is the smallest of them all. There are no exact written evidences as to the origins when the Pomeranian was bred down in size but the most likely ancestor of this breed is the Deutscher spitz. The Pomeranian got its name when it was brought to England, but the ancestors of this modern breed that were brought there were generally white and weighed as much as 30 pounds. Queen Charlotte first introduced this breed to English nobility but the Pomeranian gained wide fame when her granddaughter Victoria brought a Pomeranian named Marco from her vacation in Florence, Italy. She became a breed fancier and started showing the dog. It is also believed that the queen had great influenced in the breed’s ultimate smaller size because she favoured smaller dogs. The Pomeranian was officially recognized by the English Kennel Club in 1870 and by the AKC in 1900. Today, this breed is primarily an affectionate friend and a gorgeous show dog.

Pomeranian Temperament

The Pomeranian is a very active dog, friendly, and inquisitive but may not typically do well with small children because of its natural timidity and may become snappish. It is more suitable to a family with older, more considerate children. This breed is very intelligent and courageous which has the potential of being a good watchdog. It has a very loud, sharp bark and the Pomeranian has a reputation of being a constant barker. It is playful and quite smart but sometimes it can be too challenging to handle and may not readily obey commands. Tend to bark excessively at unfamiliar faces.

Pomeranian Training

Training needs to be consistent and the Pomeranian must be trained who is the master or it will not obey. It must be trained early not to bark excessively or it will become a stressful companion to anyone who’s not accustomed to loud noises.

Grooming

The low exercise requirement is offset by a high grooming requirement. The breed’s double coat should be brushed on a daily basis. The eyes and ears should also be checked daily. This constant shredder usually sheds off its undercoat once or twice a year.

Health

The Pomeranian is generally a healthy breed and has an average life expectancy is between 13 to 16 years. It will be happy on a diet of fish or beef but not poultry, lamb, rice or soy.

However, like most dog breeds, it is not without certain medical predispositions. Some of the known health issues that can affect the Pomeranian include:

  • Luxating patella (slipping knee cap)
  • Legg-Calve-Perthes disease
  • Hip dysplasia – a degenerative hip disease which can cause severe arthritis
  • Patent ductus arteriosus (a heart disease)
  • Collapsing trachea
  • Dry eyes
  • Tear duct disorders
  • Cataracts
  • Skin diseases
  • Follicular dysplasia
  • Hypothyroidism – the inability of the thyroid glands to produce thyroid hormones
  • Epilepsy

Hypoglycaemia – a pathological state caused by low amount of blood sugar (glucose).

Pomeranian Exercise Needs

It has a low exercise requirement. It will enjoy a long walk several times a week or a short walk once a day. The Pomeranian will be most happy playing around in a small, fenced-in yard. It  is suitable for an apartment or condominium living because it is very active indoors and with such a small size, it will always find plenty of room to walk around.

Children and other pets

The Pomeranian is a very active, friendly   but not recommended with small children because of its natural timidity and may become snappish. It is more suitable with older, more considerate children, a loyal companion and a good pet to elderly people.

If can co-exist with other animals in the house (dogs, cats, and other small pets) quite well if introduced to them at an early age. It is also quite reserved with strangers.