Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a happy, active little dog that will adapt cheerfully to life in a one-roomed apartment or a spacious dwelling, revelling in the role of lap dog or enjoying walks with its owner Alternatively, it will amuse itself adequately in a garden or a fenced-in yard of modest dimensions. It makes a faithful and devoted companion.

Origin and history

The Pomeranian takes its name from Pomerania in Germany, and is generally thought to be of mid­European origin. However it is a member of the Spitz family, which could mean that its history began in the Arctic Circle,

The known history of the breed dates from the mid-eighteenth century when it was introduced to several European countries. It became very popular until, following the raiding of the Summer Palace in Peking in 1860 and the appearance of the Imperial Pekingese, some of its popularity was usurped by that breed.

The Pomeranian in those early days was a very much larger dog, up to 30lb (13.6kg) in weight. It was bred down steadily, and by 1896 show classes for Pomeranians were divided ,into those exhibits over and under 81b (3.6k). The Kennel Club in the United Kingdom withdrew challenge certificates for the over 81b (3,6kg) variety in 1915.

Pomeranians were shown in miscellaneous classes in the United States as early as 1892 but did not gain championship status until 1900. Eleven years later the Pomeranian Club held its first specialty show.

Pomeranian Puppies

Good points

• Adaptable
• Devoted to owner
• Handy size
• Happy nature
• Ideal for apartment living

Take heed

• Will yap if unchecked
• Thinks it is a 'big' dog, so watch out that bigger dogs are not provoked

Size

Dog 4-4V21b (1.8-2kg); bitch 4V2-5V21b (2-2,5kg).

Exercise

It is wrong to think that toy breeds are of use for little else except sitting decoratively on their owners' knees, and the Pomeranian is no exception. True, they adore being pampered and petted, but they are also lively little dogs, quite able to walk as far as their owner would wish - often further

Pomeranian Information

General appearance
The Pomeranian should be a compact, short-coupled, well-knit dog. It should show great intelligence in expression, and activity and buoyancy in deportment.

Colour
All whole colours are admissible, but they should be free from black or white shadings (UK standard). At present the whole­coloured dogs are white, black, brown, light or dark blue (as pale as possible), orange (which should be as self-coloured and bright as possible), or beaver

Head and skull
The head and nose should be foxy in outline or wedge-shaped, the skull being slightly flat and large in proportion to the muzzle, which should finish rather fine and be free from lippiness. The hair on the head and face should be smooth and short. The nose should be black in white, orange and shaded sable dogs; brown in chocolate-tipped sable dogs; in other colours it may be self-coloured; but it must never be parti-coloured or white.

Tail
The tail is one of the characteristics of the breed, and should be turned over the back and carried flat and straight, being profusely covered with long, harsh, spreading hair.

Feet
The feet should be small and compact in shape.

Pomeranian Feeding & Grooming

Grooming

This is not the breed for those who cannot spare the time for frequent grooming. Indeed, the Pomeranian has two coats to care for: a short, fluffy under-coat and a long, straight top-coat covering the whole of the body. Frequent brushing with a stiff brush is a must. The coat should be damped with cold water, and the moisture rubbed in with the fingertips ;finallythe dog is rubbed down with towel. Working from the head, part the coat and brush it forward to tips. Make a further parting and repeat this procedure until the dog has been combed.

The Pomeranian requires regular trimming; obtain advice from a breeder or breed club as to how this should be carried out.

Feeding

Recommended would be 70z (198g) of a branded, meaty product, with biscuit added in equal part by volume, or 1 cup of a dry food, complete diet, mixed in the proportion of 1 cup to V2 cup of hot or cold water.

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