Pomeranian History

The Pomeranian was originally descended from the ancient Spitz breeds of the far north. This breed was then brought to Europe and employed to herd sheep. The Poms in the past have been noted to weigh up to 30 pounds.

Marie Antoinette, Emile Zola and Mozart all owned Pomeranians. In the 1800's Queen Victoria fell in love with the Pomeranian, and started her own kennel for their breeding. She showed her dogs, in turn, making the breed very popular in England. Since the Queen preferred smaller Pomeranians, many breeders began to breed the Pom much smaller in size.

Today the Pomeranian has been bred down to around 4-5lbs. Pomeranians are well known for their intelligence and their showmanship. Today, most Pomeranians are seen as a loving and loyal house pet, and a companion dog and a beautiful show dog.

Pomeranian's Appearance

The Pomeranian is a small, fluffy dog with a wedge-shaped head and pointed erect ears. Some say that the Pomeranian resembles that of a fox. Poms are also known to have faces that are seen as baby-doll or "Pansy." Pomeranians are known for their dark almond shaped eyes that have an alert or intelligent expression. The nose will be dark or the same color as the face. Teeth should meet for a scissor bite.

Pomeranians have a beautiful bushy or fully tail that fans over the back of the dog. They are known for their full neck area that resembles a lion. The double coat usually comes in solid colors. The most common colors are red, orange, white or cream, blue, brown or black. Sometimes the coat is parti-colored (white with colored markings), black & tan, wolf or orange sable.

Pomeranian Temperament

The Pomeranian is a lively little dog. Poms are known to be willful, bold and sometimes temperamental. Pomeranians are intelligent and very loyal. Once properly introduced to the family and other house pets, the Pom should fair just fine. Pomeranians will sometimes bark excessively when they feel threatened or just unfamiliar with a situation or person. Because of this characteristic they make wonderful watchdogs.

Training the Pom is easy because of their willingness to learn. They will follow commands if taught early on in life and with consistency. They are one of the most independent of the Toy breeds. Poms have a fun loving nature and do not cling to their handlers. Pomeranians are not a good choice for small children. They need a firm hand and cannot stand to be teased. Their temperament allows for a good companion for an elderly person, and those who are patient and not demanding.

Pomeranians' Role

Pomeranians play the role of the family companion quite well. They are very self assured and very intelligent. They are loyal and very loving. They are snappy at times so little children must be taught how to play with the Pom. They are best suited for calm natured people who understand the Pomeranians' finicky ways.