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The Pomeranian: A Fluffy Marvel of the Dog World

Pomeranian Dog standing indoor on grey carpet with brown background

 

The Pomeranian, often affectionately referred to as the "Pom," is a breed that has captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world with its boundless energy, intelligence, and, of course, its irresistibly fluffy appearance. Despite its diminutive size, this breed has a larger-than-life personality and a rich history that traces its roots back to Northern Europe. In this comprehensive exploration, we will delve into the fascinating world of the Pomeranian, covering its history, breed group, size, coat, colours, appearance, and addressing common questions about Pomeranian puppies and their house training.


Breed History

The Pomeranian, as the name suggests, originated in the Pomerania region, which is now split between Poland and Germany. This breed belongs to the Spitz family of dogs, characterised by their fox-like faces, pointed ears, and fluffy tails. Pomeranians share their ancestry with larger Spitz breeds like the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky.

Originally, Pomeranians were much larger than the toy-sized dogs we know today. They were working dogs, primarily used for herding and pulling sleds. It wasn't until the 18th century, during the reign of Queen Victoria, that the breed's size began to decrease. Queen Victoria played a pivotal role in popularising the smaller version of the Pomeranian through her breeding efforts, and her own Pomeranians weighed around 1.4 to 3.2 kilogrammes, a far cry from their larger ancestors.


Also Known As

The Pomeranian is also known as the Pom, Pommy or Pome by lovers of the breed.


Breed Group

The American Kennel Club (AKC) classifies Pomeranians as part of the Toy Group. Toy breeds are known for their small stature and companionship qualities. Pomeranians are the epitome of toy dogs, with a tiny frame but an enormous personality.


Breed Size

Pomeranians are one of the tiniest breeds, typically weighing between 1.4 to 3.2 kilogrammes and standing only 18 to 30 centimetres tall at the shoulder. Despite their small size, they exude a confident and lively demeanour that can make them seem much larger than they are.


Breed Coat, Colour, and Appearance

Perhaps one of the most iconic features of Pomeranians is their luxurious double coat. They have a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, straighter topcoat that forms a fluffy mane around their neck and a plume-like tail that arches over their back. This double coat comes in a variety of colours, including orange, black, chocolate, cream, blue, sable, and more. The AKC recognises an impressive array of colour patterns, making Pomeranians a breed with an astonishing diversity in coat colour.

Pomeranians have a foxy face with almond-shaped eyes that sparkle with curiosity and intelligence. Their small, pointed ears stand erect, giving them an alert and perky expression. Their bushy tails, carried high, adds to their charm, and it's not uncommon to see a Pomeranian wagging its tail like a furry flag.


How Can You Tell a Pomeranian Puppy?

Identifying a Pomeranian puppy is relatively straightforward, even at a young age. Here are some key features to look for:

  • Size: Pomeranian puppies are small from the start. They are born tiny and stay that way.
  • Coat: While their coat might not be as fluffy as in adulthood, Pomeranian puppies still have a thick, plush coat, usually with a slightly fuzzier texture.
  • Ears: Their signature pointed ears are usually already noticeable, even in puppies.
  • Tail: While their tails might not yet have the distinctive plume, they typically carry their tails proudly and upward.
  • Face: The foxy facial structure, including almond-shaped eyes and a small, pointed nose, is usually evident even in puppies.


Are Pomeranians Hard to Housebreak?

Housebreaking any puppy can be a challenge, and Pomeranians are no exception. Their small size can make accidents seem less significant, but consistency and patience are key to successful house training.

Here are some tips for housebreaking a Pomeranian puppy:

  • Establish a Routine: Pomeranians thrive on routine. Take them out to potty at the same times each day, such as after meals, after waking up, and before bedtime.
  • Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques, like treats and praise, when your Pomeranian puppy goes outside to potty.
  • Crate Training: Crate training can be very effective for Pomeranians. Dogs generally avoid soiling their living space, so a properly sized crate can help in housebreaking.
  • Watch for Signs: Learn to recognise your Pomeranian's signals that they need to go outside, such as sniffing or circling.
  • Be Patient: Understand that accidents will happen, and scolding a puppy for them is counterproductive. Instead, focus on rewarding good behaviour.

 

In conclusion, the Pomeranian is a delightful breed with a rich history, a prominent place in the Toy Group, a tiny yet dynamic size, and a luxurious double coat with a wide range of colours. Recognising a Pomeranian puppy is relatively easy, and while housebreaking can present challenges, with patience and consistency, it's entirely manageable. If you're lucky enough to share your life with a Pomeranian, you'll have a loyal and loving companion that may be small in stature but is enormous in heart.


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