Pomeranian Dog Breed
The Pomeranian descended from a large German spitz dog of the 16th century, like the related Keeshond, Samoyed, and Norwegian elkhound. It was probably bred down in size from a 30-pound sheep dog. He is very eager to please, active, alert, but gentle. The Pomeranian is a compactly built dog with a foxlike head and small, erect ears. Its long coat, especially full on the neck and chest, may be any of a variety of colors, including white, black, brown, and reddish brown. The Pomeranian stands about 6 to 7 inches high and weighs about 3 to 7 pounds.
As with the Papillon, the Pomeranian dog is a member of the Toy breed. Unlike the Papillon though, the Pomeranian is not recommended for families with small children. They do tend to be a little temperamental and will snap at children they find to be too aggressive. The Pomeranian does make a great pet though for families with older children or elderly people.
Pomeranians & Children
Because Pomeranians are so tiny, this breed is not generally recommended for families with small children. The danger is that children will treat the Pomeranian as a toy and might unintentionally do the dog harm. However, there are exceptions to any rule and a great deal depends upon the control and attitude of parents, as well as the sensitivity and intelligence of the children.
The key to how good of a pet your Pomeranian is, will be how well you
train it at an early age. If you don't train it well, then you will find that it doesn't listen to you with easy to understand commands. The Pomeranian usually will get to about 9 inches tall, and will weigh about 5 pounds. Grooming is very important with these dogs, with special attention needed for the eyes and ears.
Fondly described as "animated puff-balls", Poms appear in 12 different colors:black, brown, chocolate, beaver, red, orange, cream, orange sable, wolf sable, blue, white and prticolored. The coat is amazingly thick and upstanding, with exaggerated ruff that completely surrounds the small foxy face, and a fluffy tail which is held up over the back.
The Pomeranian is intelligent, lively and makes a delightful family dog. It must always be remembered that the Pomeranian is a member of the spitz family and can therefore be very loyal and protective of its owners. However, the Pomeranian can be rather reserved with strangers and does have a tendency to bark at them.
This is an alert and curious dog, always busy, but the Pomeranian can be both bold and willful. As one of the more independent of the Toy breeds, the Pomeranian can be slightly sharp-tempered, but his affectionate nature is very endearing. Although of small stature, this breed has a resonant bark and makes a good watchdog.
It is necessary for a Pomeranian to know exactly who is the boss, and he requires gentle but firm training. Otherwise he may become overly demanding if allowed to get too much of his own way.
Exercise Needs
Although the Pomeranian is small enough to live in an apartment, townhouse, and is a breed that will, to a large extent, exercise himself, owners should still provide their dogs with exercise on a regular basis. The Pomeranian can make an especially loyal companion fo the elderly and can provide many happy years of pleasure and companionship.
A very well illustrated page of the wide range of color in Pomeranians.
Pomeranian Breed Outline
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Country of Origin: | Germany
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| FCI Classification: |
Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types; Section 4 - European Spitz (without working trial) |
| Utilization: |
Watch & Companion Dog |
| AKC Classification: |
Toy Group |
| Personality: | Intelligent, vivacious, very devoted to its owner. Pomeranians are wary of strangers and make good watchdogs. |
| Size: | Small |
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Height: | 7-11 inches at shoulders |
| Colors: |
Black, brown, white, orange, grey-shaded, and other colors |
| Other Names: | Pom, Dwarf Spitz |
| Average Litter Size: | 3 |
| Life Span: | 9-15 years |
| Grooming Requirements: |
They need to be brushed 1-2 times a week and trimmed once in three months. |
| Shedding: | Heavy |
| Social skills: |
Pomeranians usually get along with other cats and dogs but can be aggressive toward unfamiliar dogs. |
| Suitability for Children: | Pomeranians may not be friendly even with all members of their families and will not tolerate young children. They will guard their toys and food and, if teased, can become nervous which can lead to defensive biting. They are usually good with older children. |
| Exercise Needs: | Although primarily known for being a lap dog, Pomeranians have plenty of energy that can exhaust their owners. |
| Train Ability: | Begin obedience training early. Consistency and patience required. Poms responds well to sensitive, firm owner. |
| Health & Behavioral Issues: |
Responsible breeders will make sure that their breeding stock does not have hereditary disorders.
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Comments
My Pom, is 12 years old and a great dog but he cries when he wants things
My Pom, is 12 years old and a great dog but he cries when he wants things. I thought he would grow out of this but he still does this in his Golden Years..you know the puppy scream. He also has ear infections often and problem with his diet and I am currently feeding him dry food for sentative tummys. I do not know if these are old age related or Pom problems. He is very active and does not appear to have any other problems.
Posted by msrae30 on Friday, September 25, 2009
My 1 year old Pom is having a problem with his left rear leg.
My 1 year old Pom is having a problem with his left rear leg. When he runs, he won't put it down. He goes along
effortlessly on three legs. He does not appear to have any pain when I check him out by moving his legs. I have a vet appointment in two days, but hoped someone could give me a clue why he is doing this. I first noticed it a few months ago, but he only did it once in a while. The last three days he is doing it almost half the time or more when he runs only. He does not do it when he trots - only when he runs.
By the way, he is the sweetest Pom I have ever known. He is a love. Rarely barks, loves people and even likes kids. He has no bad habits. He is the best dog in his obeydience classes, too. Even if I do say so myself. He is a diamond.
Posted by Sassycat on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
i know several people with Pomeranians
...i know several people with Pomeranians, and maybe
they're just bad examples (obviously i haven't been around a whole lot of them) but i find them to be demanding, fussy..."
Posted by tanya on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
i have a Pomeranian and she is the best dog in the world
"...i have a Pomeranian and she is the best dog in the world! She is playful, intelligent, sweet and a joy to have around. I have taken her all over with me. She loves the beach and the park and bike rides in the bike basket..."
Posted by nicole on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Pom health problem
Hi. It sounds to me like a luxating patela. My pom had the same problem both back legs on and off. It means the knee cap pops in and out of place. You should take your dog to the vet when you can. We had corrective surgery done on our baby and it was not cheap! But now Bosco can run and play and have a great life. The other option was not doing anything and bosco would have had to just deal with it. Let me know if I can help you with anything else.
Michele
Posted by micheles200 on Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Real Pom???
How can you tell if your pomeranian is a real purebred or not? I bought mine at a local pet store (I know) and she is my 4th pom and she does not look or act like a pom. I am curious how to prove it and what to do when I do prove it. Thank you for any help.
Erin
Posted by erincdunn on Monday, August 06, 2007
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