BACKGROUND

The Pomeranian is believed to have descended from the Wolf-Spitz type dogs that migrated to Pomerania from the north of Russia and Siberia. It shares common ancestry with other Arctic breeds such as the Samoyed and Keeshond. These early Spitz-type dogs were used as guard and sledge animals. At this stage of development, the breed weighed up to 14kg.

The smallest puppies from any litters were often kept as companions and later these smaller Spitz dogs were bred together in an effort to further reduce the size. Pomeranians were established as a breed in the 18th century after they attracted the interest of the English monarchy.

AVERAGE LIFESPAN

Pomeranians live from between 10 to 12 years of age.

WEIGHT

Sizes: Ideal weight: Dogs 1.8-2 kg (4-4.5 lbs)

Bitches 2-2.5 kg (4.5-5.5 lbs)

HEIGHT

23cm to 30cm

BREED APPEARANCE AND PERSONALITY

Classification: The breed is classed as a toy dog

Appearance:    Compact, short coupled dog, well knit in frame. They exhibit great intelligence in expression; activity and buoyancy in deportment. The breed excels at any type of obedience training.

Characteristics: Sound, vivacious and dainty.

Temperament: Extrovert, lively and intelligent.

Personality: The Pomeranian makes a delightful family member they can be very loyal and protective towards its human family. The breed compensates for its diminutive size with extreme intelligence and incredible energy.

COMPATIBILITY WITH OTHER PETS

The Pomeranian has a friendly disposition but as with any new family pet, should be introduced carefully to any other resident companion animals.

CARE AND GROOMING

Pomeranians need some special attention but they are generally an easy breed to take care of. Grooming should take no more than 1 hour a day. Brushing your Pomeranian every day is a good way to bond with your pet as well as insure his coat is healthy and looks good. Poms have a double coat that can easily become matted so brushing is necessary. To keep your dog looking and smelling good a bath one a week is important. Don't forget to groom around his paws and tail area as well as clip his nails.

Unfortunately, Pomeranians can be prone to tooth problems. Tooth loss and bacterial buildup is not uncommon in these little dogs so you should take extra care to make sure your pet has the proper dental care. Brush your dogs teeth daily with a specially formulated enzymatic tooth paste that fights bacteria and have yearly dental checks and scaling if necessary. Tooth care is quite important to your dogs overall health as if bacteria is left unchecked in the mouth, it can spread throughout the dogs body and cause health problems for your pet.

The Pom's eyes are another area where you should pay some special attention. Like most small dogs, discharge from the eye can accumulate causing staining and, sometimes a goopy mess. Clean the area around the eye daily with a Q-tip (be careful not to get too close to the dogs eye). If the fur around the eye becomes stained, you can buy a special liquid that helps remove the staining.

HEALTH PROBLEMS

Luxating Patellas or a knee that slips out of place is common in Pomeranians and in some cases this may require surgery. Many Poms suffer from hypothyroidism which can cause other problems and should be checked by your vet. Some Poms lose patches of hair as they grow older. This usually starts at the back and moves forward. If your Pom sounds like he is coughing then he may have a collapsing trachea which is not uncommon in this breed. An xray can determine if this is the problem and medication can be given to reduce coughing. Tooth loss and bacteria build up is a problem in Pomeranians as well as other small dogs.

IDEAL OWNER/S

Owing to its diminutive size and high energy levels, the Pomeranian is not recommended for families with young children. These little dogs are best suited to flat dwellers who are prepared to exercise them on a regular basis. Owing to their high intelligence and loyalty, Poms also make excellent companions for the elderly.