Pomeranian dog

Meet the Pomeranian

The Pomeranian, affectionately known as a 'Pom,' 'Pommy,' or 'Pome,' is a captivating breed with roots stretching deep into European history. Named after the Pomerania region, straddling modern-day Poland and Germany, this lively little dog belongs to the ancient Spitz family—a group famous for their distinctive dense coats, pointed ears, and curled tails.

It might surprise you, but the Pomeranian's ancestors were not always tiny lapdogs. They descended from much larger, robust Spitz-type dogs, like the German Spitz, originally bred for tasks such as herding sheep and pulling sleds in colder climates. Over time, selective breeding began to shrink their size, setting the stage for their transformation.

The breed's meteoric rise to fame truly began with royal endorsement, particularly from the 18th century onwards. Queen Victoria's fondness for a particularly small Pomeranian had a profound impact, sparking a craze that saw the breed's average size dramatically reduced—by half during her lifetime alone! Today, their popularity continues, ranking consistently among the top fifty breeds globally, especially in the United States.

An Icon of Fluff

Defining Appearance

Don't let their fluff fool you; Pomeranians are surprisingly compact and sturdy for their size. Typically weighing between 3 to 7 pounds (1.36–3.17 kg) and standing just 8 to 14 inches (20–36 cm) tall at the shoulder, they pack a lot of dog into a small package. Their most striking feature is, without a doubt, their luxurious double coat.

This abundant coat features a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, coarser topcoat that stands off the body, creating their signature 'fluffed up' look. Poms are particularly known for the distinctive ruff of fur around their neck, resembling a lion's mane, and a beautifully plumed tail that curls gracefully over their back.

A Rainbow of Colors

The early Pomeranians were predominantly white, or occasionally brown or black. However, royal preferences once again played a pivotal role in shaping the breed's aesthetic. When Queen Victoria acquired a small red Pomeranian in 1888, the vibrant color quickly became the height of fashion.

Fast forward to modern times, and Pomeranians boast an astonishing array of coat colors—more than almost any other dog breed! You can find them in white, black, brown, red, orange, cream, blue, sable, and even intricate patterns like black and tan, brown and tan, spotted, brindle, parti-color, and blue merle, plus endless combinations. The most commonly seen colors today are orange, black, and cream or white.

Personality and Temperament

Behind that fluffy exterior is a surprisingly bold and alert personality. Pomeranians are highly aware of their surroundings, often acting as diligent—and sometimes vocal—little watchdogs. They're quick to notice any changes or new stimuli in their environment and might alert you with a flurry of barks.

While this alertness makes them excellent companions, it can sometimes lead to excessive barking if not managed. They can also be quite territorial, ready to sound the alarm at any perceived intrusion, whether it's a distant siren or a leaf blowing past the window.

Pomeranian Health and Longevity

Life Span and Litter Size

Pomeranians generally enjoy a healthy lifespan, with studies in the UK finding an average of 12.2 years, and some Japanese data suggesting closer to 14 years. These are respectable numbers for a small breed, though slightly below the average for similar-sized cross-breeds.

They are also known for having one of the smallest average litter sizes among dog breeds, typically delivering between 1.9 to 2.7 puppies per litter. This small litter size contributes to the breed's precious nature and value.

Common Health Concerns

Like all purebred dogs, Pomeranians have certain predispositions to particular health conditions. One notable dermatological issue is Alopecia X, also known as Black Skin Disease, where Poms account for a significant percentage of diagnosed cases in veterinary clinics worldwide. This condition causes hair loss, often leading to patchy or complete baldness, though it doesn't typically affect the dog's overall health.

Skeletal conditions are also something to be aware of, with patellar luxation—where the kneecap slips out of place—being quite prevalent. Studies in England and the USA have shown Pomeranians to have one of the highest prevalences for this condition among all breeds, sometimes as high as 75% in certain populations.

In terms of gastrointestinal health, Pomeranians show a predisposition to conditions like congenital portosystemic shunt, a vascular anomaly, and gallbladder mucocoele, a condition where mucus accumulates in the gallbladder. Both require careful veterinary attention if diagnosed.

Neurologically, atlantoaxial subluxation—an instability in the upper neck vertebrae—is observed more frequently in Pomeranians across various global studies. Additionally, tracheal collapse, a weakening of the windpipe, is another common respiratory issue seen in this breed.

Finally, certain genetic traits, like the merle gene, can bring additional health considerations. Merle-colored Pomeranians, especially those born from two merle parents, may face a higher risk of sensory impairments such as deafness and various eye abnormalities, including blindness. Male Pomeranians also have a higher incidence of cryptorchidism, where one or both testicles fail to descend, typically requiring surgical correction.

A Royal History

From Working Dog to Lapdog

The Pomeranian's journey from humble origins to royal laps is truly remarkable. As we touched upon, their ancestors were the larger German Spitz dogs. The breed gained its name from the historical region of Pomerania, an area along the Baltic Sea, where selective breeding for smaller sizes first began to shape the 'Pomeranian type' of dog.

While its exact early development lacks detailed documentation, we find fascinating glimpses of the breed in historical records. One of the earliest modern mentions dates back to a 1764 diary entry by James Boswell, noting 'The Frenchman had a Pomeranian dog named Pomer whom he was mighty fond of.' This shows the breed was already recognized, even by name, in intellectual circles.

The first major turning point came in 1767, when Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III of Great Britain, introduced two Pomeranians, Phoebe and Mercury, to England. These dogs, depicted in paintings by Sir Thomas Gainsborough, were considerably larger than today's Poms—reportedly weighing 30 to 50 pounds—but already displayed the distinctive heavy coats and curled tails we recognize.

However, it was Queen Charlotte's granddaughter, Queen Victoria, who truly cemented the Pomeranian's place in history. A passionate dog enthusiast, Victoria established a large breeding kennel. Her particular affection for a small red sable Pomeranian, possibly named 'Windsor's Marco,' weighing only 12 pounds, caused a sensation.

Upon exhibiting Marco in 1891, the demand for smaller Pomeranians skyrocketed. Breeders quickly began selecting for the most diminutive specimens, leading to the breed's size shrinking by half during Victoria's reign. She even imported smaller Poms of various colors from across Europe to diversify and enhance her breeding program, influencing the breed's development significantly.

This era also saw other European royalty falling for the Pomeranian's charm, including Joséphine de Beauharnais, Empress of France and wife of Napoleon I, and King George IV of the United Kingdom.

Formal Recognition and Modern Fame

With growing popularity, the breed gained formal recognition. The first Pomeranian breed club was established in England in 1891, quickly followed by the writing of the breed's official standard. Across the Atlantic, the American Kennel Club registered its first Pomeranian in 1898, formally recognizing the breed just two years later in 1900.

The Pomeranian's remarkable tenacity was even highlighted during the tragic sinking of the RMS Titanic in 1912. Among only three dogs to survive the disaster were two Pomeranians—one, 'Lady,' owned by Margaret Bechstein Hays, and another taken to safety by Elizabeth Barrett Rothschild in lifeboat number six. A testament to their feisty spirit!

In the show ring, Pomeranians have also achieved great success. Glen Rose Flashaway made history as the first Pomeranian to win the Toy Group at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show in 1926. Decades later, in 1988, 'Great Elms Prince Charming II' proudly became the first Pomeranian to claim the coveted Best in Show prize at Westminster.

Internationally, the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) recognized the Pomeranian by including it within the German Spitz standard in 1998, affirming its heritage. This classification underscores its close ancestral ties to its larger Spitz relatives.

Enduring Popularity

The Pomeranian's charm has ensured its lasting popularity. In the United States, it has consistently remained a favorite, ranking within the top 20 of American Kennel Club registered breeds since at least 1998. While its exact spot may fluctuate year to year, its presence near the top remains undeniable.

Globally, popularity trends vary. While not as dominant in the UK's top 20, the breed has a significant following. In Australia, however, after peaking in the late 1980s, registrations have seen a decline, showcasing the dynamic nature of breed popularity across different regions.