Author: Connie Limon
This is dog is occasionally referred to as the Miniature Spitz
dog or European Spitz. In its native land of Germany it is the
smallest member of the German Spitz group. The Pomeranian is
also sometimes called the German Spitz in Germany.
In Germany the Pomeranian was bred to its present size in
Pomeranian during the nineteenth century. Its ancestors were of
the Spitz type and larger. Among the Pomeranian's ancestors are
the Samoyed, Norwegian Elkhound, Chow Chow and other northern
European breeds. It is possible that the Pomeranian was reduced
in size from the large white sled dog that originated in Iceland
and Lapland. Exact time of origin is unknown. Queen Victoria of
England took a great liking to the Pomeranian and helped to
increase its popularity in her palace in 1888.
Other Spitz types were used as herding dogs and sled pullers.
The Pomeranian, however, has always been a lapdog. It came to
America in the late nineteenth century and was shown in the
miscellaneous class in 1892 by the AKC. American Kennel Club
recognized the Pomeranian officially in 1900. Since that time
he has become quite popular as a pampered little pet.
Personality
The Pomeranian is sometimes a little too courageous for its own
good. He serves well as an alarm dog, but its barking sometimes
becomes a habit that needs to be discouraged. The Pomeranian
has one primary purpose and that is to please its owners. It
sometimes shies away from children that play too rough. The
Pomeranian may not be a good choice for a household with
children or as a child's pet. They socialize easily with cats
and other small family pets.
The Pomeranian is definitely one of those big dogs in a little
package. They usually won't back down from a much larger dog.
This aggressiveness can be self-destructive as obviously a
bigger dog could make mince meat of a tiny Pomeranian.
The Pomeranian is eager to learn and is devoted to its family.
He is affectionate and has a very loving nature toward its own
family. He is delightful and is always ready for a quick game
with those he loves.
The Pomeranian responds to command if they are consistently
given and he is rewarded with edible treats or kind words. The
Pomeranian has a tendency to become somewhat of a "spoiled
brat." When his bad habits surface he may simply ignore
commands to "act better." He is rarely seen in agility trials;
however, the Pomeranian does well in obedience trials.
Appearance
A Pomeranian stands about 7 to 8 inches tall and weighs from 3
to 7 pounds. The tiny Pomeranian has a short body, straight
legs and well-balanced overall appearance. He has erect ears
and a fox like expression that gives this little dog an alert
expression. Pigmentation of the nose, lips and eyelids are
always dark, usually black.
The Pomeranian's coat is double and profuse. Acceptable colors
are red, orange, cream and sable, black, brown and blue.
Grooming the Pomeranian
The coat of a Pomeranian is made up of an undercoat and an
outer coat. The undercoat is soft and fluffy. The outer coat is
fairly long, straight and harsh and covers the entire body.
There is an abundance of coat around the neck and the fore part
of the shoulders and chest that forms a frill that extends over
the shoulder. The forequarters are well feathered and the
thighs and hind legs are well feathered to the hocks.
The Pomeranian requires regular attention to keep it clean and
attractive. Thorough brushing once a week is required to keep
the coat in good condition.
You will need a slicker/pin brush, medium-tooth metal comb,
scissors and cotton buds.
Brush against the lie of the coat to give the Pomeranian its
round pompom appearance. Brush first with the slicker/pin brush
working from the top of the head, layering the hair as you go
and be sure you reach the skin level. Then work through the
coat with the comb to remove any tangles left behind from the
brushing.
You might consider using a dry bath on your Pomeranian's coat
when in full coat. When the Pomeranian is in full coat, use a
suitable pH-alkaline-balanced shampoo and rinse well.
About The Author: Author: Connie Limon. Visit us at
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