 The Pomeranian derives its name from Pomerania, a former province of what was once East Germany. It was originally derived from the Spitz and was once a very much larger and heavier dog than it is today, once weighing in at over 30 pounds. European breeders are responsible for the Pomeranian we know today, having adapted the once larger dog for city living.
The Pomeranian was initially introduced to England in 1767 by Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. It was later popularised by the Victorians, in particular Queen Victoria who brought two dogs over from Italy in 1883. Queen Victoria was actually the first to show the Pomeranian and the first to win prizes at Crufts with her Poms!
Through selective breeding reduced the size of the dog even further. Today's Pomeranian is in the 'toy' group of dogs and weighs little more than 5 pounds.
The original Pomeranian is believed to have hailed from Iceland and Lapland where, as a much larger dog, it would have been used as a sled dog alongside the likes of the Alaskan Malamute, the Keeshond, the Norwegian Elkhound, the Husky and the Samoyed.
The Pomeranian we know today is a compact dog with a soft undercoat and a harsh, long outer coat. Pomeranians have a plumed tail that is carried upright with the end laying flat along the back. They are intelligent, alert and curious dogs with a short muzzle, rounded skull, small pointed ears and almond shaped eyes. The Pomeranians wedge-shaped head makes the dog look almost fox like. They make wonderful companion dogs, particularly for the older person or for families with older children. |
