| GROUP |
Toy Group |
| PLACE OF ORIGIN
|
The first book written and printed in England during the Sixteenth Century makes no mention of the Pomeranian. Around this time there were importations of the Arctic Dog, in several varieties, viz. the Iceland dog, the Swedish and Norwegian dogs, the Eskimo dog, the dogs of Lapland - these were all wolf like in type, with the exception that the wolf hangs his tail, and these Northern dogs all carried their tails up over their backs. These dogs were to be likened to the Samoyed, and the early Pomeranians were in the main, of white color. History also indicates that the word Pomeranian comes from the Province of Pomerania, this being when the Samoyede Nation migrated to that area. It would appear that its authentic origins are quite vague. |
| ORIGINAL FUNCTION |
This breed is man-made, having been bred down from larger species of the Spitz type canines, including the yellow/orange colored Volpino. As the breed known as the 'Pomeranian' evolved, it wasn't designed to perform the functions of it's distant ancestors. In the latter part of the last Century when their popularity escalated, they were bred as companion dogs. |
| AVAILABILITY |
There are several reputable breeders of Pomeranians in each State, registered with their State Kennel Authority. In Victoria, they are registered with the Victorian Canine Association Inc. Being a tiny breed, with numerous breeding problems, that produce only on average, one to three puppies, therefore, they may not always be readily available. |
| AVERAGE LIFE SPAN |
Probably around 10 to 12 years, depending on the health of the dog and it's genetic background. |
| AGE OF MATURITY |
Approximately 10 months. |
| HEIGHT |
Approximately 9 to 10 inches. These are a 'weight' breed, however, in my opinion, I would say no taller than 10 1/2 inches (at the wither) |
| WEIGHT |
1.8 kg to 2 kg for a male (4 - 41/2 lb)
2 kg to 2.5 kg for a female (41/2 - 51/2 lb) |
IS THE BREED A NATURAL
GUARD DOG |
In my opinion 'yes'. Although diminutive, he will hold his ground and bark to alert his owner, if there is a stranger (or strange dog) in or near his environment. |
| ATTITUDE TO STRANGERS |
He can be reserved towards strangers. However, most show dogs are subjected to handling by a variety of Judges, and they are quite happy to do this, and are usually friendly and affable with most people. A Pomeranian that is kept at home, would tend to be more reserved. |
| COAT TYPE |
The Pomeranian has a double coat, which consists of a harsher straight outer coat and a softer undercoat. He experiences some coat changes during his life, the first when he loses his baby coat and grows his adult coat. This double coat does need some maintenance and needs to be brushed at least twice weekly. If neglected, it can become matted, so it is easier on the owner as well as the dog, to groom him on a regular basis. |
| COLORS |
The Pomeranian comes in a variety of colors, from white, cream, fawn, orange, red, black and black & tan, to name a few that are relatively common. Several of these whole colors can have sable tips. |
| DOES THE COAT MAT |
Yes. If neglected, particularly behind the ears and between the hind legs, and under the elbows. Grooming at least twice weekly should be sufficient to prevent this. |
| PROFESSIONAL GROOMING |
Not necessarily, a good bristle brush and/or a slicker is all that is needed to keep the coat well groomed. |
| MAINTENANCE |
Washing in warm water, with a mild shampoo is recommended, how often depends of whether the Pomeranian is kept indoors or if he is to be shown. Some exhibitors wash their show dogs on a weekly basis, I don't wash mine as regularly. Talcum Powder can be used to clean and freshen the coat |
| TRIMMING TO SHOW |
Trimming is a controversial subject, for showing we were only allowed to trim the long hairs on top of the ears, the feet and around the vent. Nowadays, most exhibitors tend to trim loose and untidy body coat over the ruff, around the trousers and feathers, to give the show dog a more professional and sculptured look. |
| EXERCISE |
Being such a tiny dog, he does not need marathon walks around the Park. A reasonably sized 'back yard' is sufficient space to exercise a Pom. If he is kept in a flat, then he will need to be taken for a short walk to keep him fit and healthy on a daily basis. |
| FOOD |
I believe that dogs are carnivorous and do need some raw meat. I feed raw chicken necks, raw mince and/or a raw shank. I also feed some dry food (there are many varieties available). Sometimes with the raw mince, I mix in cooked rice, into which I have cooked vegetables. I also give milk with raw egg yolks occasionally. Cooked meats include tongue, liver, heart and kidney. |
| EASE OF TRAINING |
The Pomeranian is an intelligent dog and can be house trained. I rear my puppies on newspaper and they seem to realize that paper if placed in strategic areas - laundry, back porch etc. is for their use. |
| GOOD FAMILY DOG |
Even though this breed is tiny, he can make an ideal family pet. He is not as destructive as many of the larger breeds. He is very inexpensive to feed. He is not recommended as a pet for tiny children, if dropped he may sustain a broken leg. |
| WITH OTHER CHILDREN |
Provided they don't tease him! My Poms don't see many children particularly the Poms that aren't attending shows, therefore they tend to bark at them. However, if a Pom is in an environment, where there are children, he should accept others. |
| WITH DOGS |
It is not wise to allow your Pom with strange dogs, particularly larger breeds. A 2 kg to 21/2 kg Pom is no match for a 20 kg dog, even when playing. Many Pomeranians have been killed by larger breeds of dogs. |
| WITH CATS |
Yes, they can live quite happily with cats. |
| LIVE IN PEACE WITH OTHER PETS |
I suppose that would depend on what kind of pet. I don't recommend they be allowed near larger animals, horses, cattle, goats, sheep, deer etc. Just because they are tiny it does not mean they can be little 'angels'. I would imagine they would annoy the devil out of a tortoise or a guinea pig. Again, I think it depends on the dog, if it grows up with another animal or bird, it may accept it. |
| TOWN OR COUNTRY |
Either, it makes absolutely no difference as to where they live. |
| ADAPT TO A FLAT |
Yes, they can live quite happily in a flat. Your Pom would need to be paper trained to be kept indoors. Also he would need to be taken out on a lead in a safe area, to be exercised. |
| WILL HE LIVE IN A KENNEL |
Yes, the Pom can live outdoors in a kennel, provided he has sufficient shade and shelter from the elements and has some contact with his owner each day. |
DOES THE BREED SUFFER FROM
COLD, HEAT OR WET |
His double coat provides him with insulation. If he is to be kept outdoors, he does need shade in the Summer, and protection from the cold and rain also the wind in the Winter. His kennel area should be in such a position that it is not draughty. |
| SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS |
Remember he is a tiny toy dog, and as such cannot be given large pieces of food on which he may choke. He does not need to wear a collar in case is was to be entangled, which may result in him being strangled. He needs a safe environment, preferably a pen within the garden, in case the gate to the street is left open and he should wander onto the road.
I believe that this breed is best suited in pairs, that is 'two of them'. I don't necessarily mean one of each sex, but two males or two females. Or, if of either sex, have one or both de-sexed. In other words, whether it be two Poms or one Pom and another tiny breed, they would be happier together. Consideration should be given to the amount of time that a lone Pom would be on its own with family members working, going to school etc. This is the reason I suggest 2 animals together. |
