DOGSACTUALLY / Breeds / Pomeranian
Good watchdog. Well-behaved in the house. Pomeranians are one of the most independent in the toy breeds. Some can become picky eaters. Usually barky. Has a low tolerance to heat. A good breed for the first-time dog owner.
Germany (Pomerania), 1800s. The original Pomeranians were much larger, weighing up to 14kgs, and worked as sheepherders. The Kennel Club in England was the first to recognise the Pomeranian as a breed (1870). In 1888 Queen Victoria began breeding and showing these dogs. It was she who started breeding them down in size, making the breed very well liked in England. The AKC recognised the Pomeranian in 1888.
Lapdogs; companions.
Proud, loyal, curious, bold, alert, happy, extroverted.
15 to 18 cm; 2 to 3 kg; the Pomeranian is the smallest of the spitz breeds, miniaturised from larger cousins. They have tiny feet, even for their small size. The earliest Pomeranians were all white. Today all colours and patterns are allowed, including chocolate and white.
Heavy, dense, harsh, double, profuse. High maintenance required; daily grooming when shedding; twice a week the rest of the year; some trimming. Professional grooming is recommended. Heavy shedding of the undercoat twice a year. Regular dental check up is highly recommended.
Patellar luxation, PDA, heart problems, tooth decay.
Low; play usually takes care of most of the Pomeranian’s exercise needs, however daily walks are recommended to fulfil their primal instinct.
Adaptable to any living situation, but the Pomeranian can be noisy. Very active indoors and will do fine without a yard.
Okay with older well-disciplined children but are not suited for rough play. Reserved and wary of strangers; some individuals may be snappish. Unless properly introduced, Pomeranians are often suspicious of other pets and may display aggressive behaviour.
Variable—low to high; responds well to consistent training. Pomeranians need to be taught that it may bark a couple of times when the doorbell rings, but then to keep quiet.
Agility, flyball, obedience.