Appearance and Characteristics
– Pomeranians weigh 1.36-3.17 kilograms (3.0-7.0lb) and stand 8-14 inches (20-36cm) high at the withers.
– They have a compact but sturdy build with an abundant textured coat and a highly plumed tail set high and flat.
– Pomeranians are known for their ruff of fur on the neck and fringe of feathery hair on the hindquarters.
– The breed originally had white, brown, or black coat colors, but red became fashionable due to Queen Victoria’s adoption of a small red Pomeranian.
– Pomeranians come in a wide variety of colors, including orange, black, cream, blue, sable, and parti.
Behavior and Training
– Pomeranians are typically friendly, lively, and playful.
– They can be aggressive towards other dogs and humans in order to prove themselves.
– Pomeranians are alert and may develop a habit of excessive barking.
– They are intelligent and respond well to training, but can become dominant and stubborn if not properly trained and socialized.
– The use of toys can be effective in training Pomeranians to spend time alone.
Health and Common Problems
– The life expectancy of a Pomeranian is 12 to 16 years.
– With proper care, Pomeranians can be healthy dogs.
– They have similar health issues to other breeds, but are less prone to hip dysplasia due to their lightweight build.
– Lack of grooming and dental care can lead to health problems, so routine care is important.
– Pomeranians are prone to early tooth loss, and a good diet is recommended.
– Merle-colored Pomeranians may have various abnormalities, including deafness, blindness, and skeletal, cardiac, and reproductive issues.
– Luxating patella is a common health issue in Pomeranians, where the kneecap jumps out of its groove, causing pain and leg locking.
– Tracheal collapse occurs when the rings in the windpipe weaken, leading to airway closure and symptoms like honking cough and fainting.
– Pomeranians can develop a condition called black skin disease, which is a combination of hair loss and darkening of the skin.
– Other conditions can mimic black skin disease, so proper diagnosis is important.
History and Popularity
– Pomeranian is descended from the German Spitz.
– Named after the area of Pomerania in northern Poland and Germany.
– First recorded reference to the breed is from 1764.
– Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria played a role in the breed’s evolution.
– The first breed club was established in England in 1891.
– Pomeranian has consistently ranked among the top 20 dog breeds in the US.
– Its popularity has declined in Australia since 1986.
– In the UK, it did not make the top 20 breeds in 2007 or 2008.
– It is more popular in certain US cities like Detroit, Los Angeles, and Honolulu.
– The breed’s popularity can be attributed to royal owners, including Queen Victoria.
Notable Events and Additional Resources
– Two Pomeranians survived the sinking of the RMS Titanic.
– Glen Rose Flashaway was the first Pomeranian to win the Toy Group at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1926.
– It took until 1988 for a Pomeranian to win Best in Show at Westminster.
– The breed is included in the German Spitz standard by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
– Pomeranians have been owned by notable figures like Joséphine de Beauharnais and King George IV.
– Various sources provide information on Pomeranian history, grooming, health, and temperament.
– The breed is recognized in different dog breed encyclopedias.
– The Australian National Kennel Council has registration data for Pomeranians.
– The American Kennel Club and the British Kennel Club have breed standards and registration information.
– Pomeranian-related articles and guides can be found in online resources like Web Answers and animal.discovery.com.
– ‘The Pomeranian’ by Lexiann Grant and ‘The New Pomeranian’ by Sari Brewster Tietjen are recommended books for further reading.
– Wikimedia Commons has a collection of media related to Pomeranians.
– The University of Tennessee’s College of Veterinary Medicine provides information on Alopecia X in Pomeranians.
– Pomeranian.com is a website that offers information and resources for Pomeranian owners.