Originally developed from larger Spitz breeds, Pomeranians were bred to a smaller size in the Pomeranian region in what is now Germany / Poland. Unlike its working Spitz ancestors who hunted, tended, and pulled sleds, the pom was designed for camaraderie and often basked in the arms of kings. Queen Victoria had a pom named Marco from Italy, and her love for poms contributed to the breed’s popularity. Since the queen had a particularly small pom, the smaller variety spread.
Two Pomeranians. Photography by Dixi / THINKSTOCK.
Life with Pomeranian
Perhaps the historical association with larger races explains some of the bravery and self-esteem of the Pom today. The pom doesn’t look for trouble, nor does it turn its tail and run when it finds it.
Loyal companions, Pomeranians, are ready to go, preferably with their families. While affectionate, poms are usually not insecure or overly demanding. On the contrary, many seem to believe that they are invincible. Your curiosity is also limitless. The agile and lively pom can climb amazingly well too; Families need to build tall fences to keep them safe.
Poms are great dogs for city dwellers. Just make sure they exercise frequently and are stimulated by activities. Many poms love agility and rallying. And since poms love people and are often awash with positive personalities, they make adorable therapy dogs.
Can Pomeranians live with other pets and children?
Poms are characteristically friendly to other animals and usually do well in households with other dogs – and cats too – when raised together. While poms are good friends to older, more respectful children, they may not like playing with young children. The breed, like many other races, can defend itself when mistreated. Therefore, always supervise both the child and Pom.
A Pomeranian relaxes on pillows. Photography by Koldunov / THINKSTOCK.
Pomeranian facts
- Lifespan: Usually 12 to 15 years
- Coat: Short, dense undercoat; longer, hard-structured outer hair
- Grooming: The Pomeranian coat only needs weekly brushing and maybe a monthly bath.
- Regular spilling: Shedding is the healthy, natural process that keeps the pom’s coat fresh and renewed. However, the pom is by definition not a “heavy shed” all year round.
- Blow coat: With poms blowing their coats several times a year, owners need to take out the brush more often, if not daily.
- Puppy ugly: In the time between the puppy coat and the adult coat, the pom goes through the “puppy ugliness”, loses its puppy coat and gradually develops its adult coat. Sometimes the adult hairs come on the face first, giving the puppy a monkey face.
- Colours: Many patterns, colors and variations allowed.
- Weight: Ideally 4 to 6 pounds
- Race say: Curiosity is a form of bravery – Victor Hugo
- Famous poms: Two poms survived the Titanic shipwreck. The dogs’ survival was likely related to size: their owners carried them on lifeboats. One surviving pom was named Lady. A New York clothing tycoon owned the other (name unknown) Pom.
Thumbnail: Photography by Tsik / Thinkstock.
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Lynn Hayner, originally an attorney, has been a writer for pet publications for over 15 years. She researches breed profiles, deals with animal rights issues and collects stories about dogs and their families on her travels. Lynn is a lifelong dog lover and is shadowed by her. “Who the hell needs a leash, I’ll follow mom everywhere,” German shepherd Zoey. Follow Lynn on Twitter at @lynnhayner.
Editor’s note: This article appeared in Dogster magazine. Have you seen the new Dogster print magazine in stores? Or in the waiting room of your veterinarian’s office? Sign up now to have Dogster magazine delivered direct to you!
