HISTORY:
Did you know this toy pup was once a thirty pound dog?
Still we get what we call 'throwbacks'; when a Pomeranian comes out
bigger than the accepted size today. Some go from eight to twenty-five
pounds. It's because of their history as a larger dog.
The
Pomeranian is a descendent from the Wolf Spitz of the northern climes.
These dogs were used for drawing sledges, guarding, and rounding up
herds of reindeer. Even today, some Poms have the instinct to herd
animals or people and to guard their property and possessions.
Throughout
the centuries, small spitz dogs spread all over Europe but still
maintained a twenty to thirty pound size. It was not until the 18th
century that people began to pay more attention to the little spitz
dogs found in the regions of Pomerania but not always named for it. In
their country of origin, Germany, they were called "Deusche Spitz" or
"Pommer."
By the end of the 19th century, as small breeds became
particularly popular in shows, breeders began to breed for a smaller
Pomeranian. By the 1870s in England, almost all show Poms had shrunk
significantly. The Kennel Club of England recognized the small spitz
dog. The Brits also experimented with color, producing yellow, cream,
white, black and spotted Pomeranians. In 1891 fourteen Poms strutted
around the dog show ring. A group of British breeders formed the first
Pomeranian club in England. The club wrote an official breed standard
that is still used in England and America.
In 1901 one dog show
boasted 60 Pomeranians. The club then revised the standard, splitting
it into two: one for dogs weighing more than seven pounds, and another
for Miniature Pomeranians less than seven pounds. Then in 1910 the
standard was revised to specify weight between four and five pounds.
Later standards made allowances for optional weight divisions up to
seven pounds and exceeding seven pounds, but by 1960, the standard set
one size: three to seven pounds, with ideal show size at four to five
pounds. The current standard amends the "preferred" show specimen be
four to six pounds.
Today's pretty little Poms have come a long
way over the centuries, from sturdy working dogs to leggy, fragile
curiosities to the strong, sweet, tough-but-tiny dogs we know and love.
BREED PROFILE
COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: Germany. The name Pomeranian comes from the old German/Polish region of Pomerania.
LIFESPAN: About 15 years.
SIZE AND PROPORTION: A sturdy, medium-bone dog, with legs proportionate to a well-balanced frame. Toy dogs, like the Pom, have fragile bodies; excessive rough play and environments are not recommended.
AVERAGE WEIGHT: 3lbs - 7lbs. Five pound Pom mothers have been know to give birth to twelve pound babies. Regulation weight is never guaranteed unless Ch. bred & if pup at 8 weeks is still around 1-2lbs.
TEMPERAMENT: Lap-Dogs! The Pom loves to be around their owners
24-7. They get lonely very easily and need to feel 100% part of the
family! The Pom is a very intelligent dog and will also do anything to please their owner; this makes training quick and easy. They are wonderful companion
dogs, as well as competitive show dogs.
COLORS: All colors and patterns are acceptable, including black and tan,
brindle, parti-color, red, organe, cream, sable, black, brown, and
blue.
COAT TYPE: Double.
SOCIALIZATION: A Pomeranian must be exposed to all situations, objects, people, and places! The more attention and love you give to a Pom the less negative attention they will seek. Showing your Pom you are in charge and have no fear of common place situations keeps them feeling secure and less anxious.
EXERCISE NEEDS: Daily light exercise. Going for a walk or play time with appropriate sized toys.
MYTHS:
When a breed becomes popular the world begins to see stereotypes. Did you know, in a recent dog study 85% of people said their number one reason for choosing a dog was based on looks and social popularity. Being a responsible dog owner you know this is a horrible route to take when finding your perfect companion. All dogs should be placed in a home based on matching lifestyle and social intentions. Since just about anyone anywhere with money can go purchase a dog of their choice leads us into creating more myth "problems." All dogs will "act up" if that breed is not correct for you. Here are some myths you can all squash about Pomeranians:
"Pom's are too hyper!"
- WRONG! Pomeranians are mellow companion lap dogs. Why do most Poms appear over energized? A notorious common mistake owners have with Poms is not understanding who they really are. This dog needs the same amount of time and attention you would give to your own human child. A responsible Pom breeder will refer to their dog as "their baby" or "their child"; this is not something to mock, but something to respect. Poms want to go where ever their owners go; see whatever their owners see. Many owners will make complaints like "they even follow me into the bathroom and have to sit their and wait for me to finish!" A Pom will follow you around everywhere you go in the house, no matter what. If this type of attention is denied or unwanted you will create an inner conflict of frustration and confusion which leads to a hyper Pom! If you enjoy this type of affection and embrace the attention your Pom will soon spend of most their time sleeping quietly in their cage or on your lap.
"All they do is bark!"
- WRONG! If not properly socialized Toy dogs will have a tendency to be reserved and bark at strangers or strange situations. They must be socialized to all kinds of people, places, and objects as puppies! If someone knocks at your door and you act calm but happy your little puppy will recognize this! Praise your Pom for sitting their quietly waiting as you great your guest. If there is a really loud noise all of a sudden, look into your Poms eyes and smile saying "good girl/boy!" Soon they will see there is absolutely nothing to fear. It takes a responsible owner to have a respectful dog. [My own female Pomeranian has never barked. Yes I mean never, not even once. The most noise she ever made in her life were slight soft whimpering sounds after spaying surgery. We taught her other ways to get the attention or things she wants and being vocal is not an option or answer.] On the other hand many owners enjoy their dog barking when someone knocks at the door. This gives an alert recognition or the comfort feeling of protection. Which ever style you choose, all pups can be taught proper household manners.
"Total ankle biters!"
- WRONG! All puppies have the tendency to follow under your foot steps and playfully nip at your pant leg or shoes. This behavior should be stopped early on with proper training. If not, likewise it will continue into adulthood. Larger dogs tend to not continue this type of behavior into adulthood for the pure reason they are no longer "ankle height." If you can not take the proper time to train your dog then do not get a toy/small dog.
"Unfriendly and distant"
- WRONG! Poms are the most affectionate and lovable breed out there! They will everything and anything to please their owner! Are their "grumpy" Pom puppies out there? Of course! Just like any dog they could of had an improper puppyhood and been through the wrong stages of socialization. (i.e. A Pom at the Hopkinton, MA shelter refuses to let you pick him up or touch him. Not because he's a Pom, but because of the horrible previous life he came from!)
"Wimpy toy babies!"
- WRONG! Most Pomeranians don't even realize they are small. In play they will have a "tough guy" attitude; "psh your not so big, I can take you." A factual common statement about a Pom is "big dog in a little package."
"Ugh too much grooming!"
- WRONG! A Pom can go a whole two weeks without a bath or brush. Most owners of long-haired dogs enjoy brushing their lovely coats (i.e. myself). Over bathing does nothing but cause dry skin. Necessary clipping around the anus is required due to soft fecal matter possibly sticking. Other than that a Pom is just like any other hairy pup.
"People with children should not own a Pom, they bite at you!"
- WRONG! Let's get something straight when we say child appropriate pup. If you can not handle a Pom then your child could not handle a Pom. From day one you should be "rough housing" your pup (i.e. pulling ears, fur, light rough play). If the dog bites at you, you correct. If the dog ignores the rough play, you praise and reward. You also in return must teach your children to respect the puppy! If the child pulls at the dog like a stuffed animal, you correct them! If they pet the Pom nicely, you praise and reward! If the owner did not use this strategy early on I would not be surprised if a child came along, pulled on a dogs ear, and got a little nip; the poor dog had no idea what else to do.
There may be many more stereotypes I did not cover under "MYTHS" that are in fact not true. But a simple guideline to always use is: it's the owner that makes the dog, and it's hard to teach an old dog new habits; no matter what breed!