The Pomeranian is a toy dog breed whose head looks like that of a little fox. Not at all related to the fox, however, the Pomeranian is a German spitz breed. Other spitz breeds include the Samoyed, Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound, and others, and the Pomeranian is the smallest of them all. Ancestors of the Spitz breeds were sledding dogs but the Pomeranian was bred as a companion dog.
Hundreds of years ago, the Pomeranian was a larger dog and predominantly white. But by the time his popularity spread he was a small 3-7 pound dog standing 8 to 11 inches tall. And he came in a variety of colors. The black Pomeranian and the red Pomeranian seem to be the most common but the American Kennel Club accepts any color and pattern of Pomeranian. The coat of the Pomeranian is double-layered. He has a soft undercoat and a long harsh outer-coat. This type of coat needs regular brushing – at least twice weekly, more during shedding season.
The head of the Pomeranian is very distinct. His muzzle is rather small in proportion to his head. The fluff of hair around his head makes his muzzle look even smaller. This proportion along with his almond-shaped eyes and small perky ears is what makes him look fox-like. The rest of his body, however, doesn’t look anything like a fox. The Pomeranian has a short neck and compact body build with small compact feet. His tail is as fluffy as that of a fox but it is carried over his back rather than flowing behind.
In general, the Pomeranian is not as affectionate as other small dog breeds. But he is a curious little guy who loves to play. The Pomeranian can be a busy little dog with a lot of energy. But even though he has a lot of energy, the Pomeranian doesn’t need to go on long exerting walks. Just one short walk or several outdoor visits is all the Pomeranian needs. And probably some indoor games like fetch to keep him from using his energy to get into mischief.
Like many other small dog breeds, the Pomeranian is feisty and tends to bark a lot. And he tends to have that “big dog” mentality. He can be aggressive towards other dogs but ordinarily gets along well with other pets. The Pomeranian can be good with older children but may not be good with younger children. If not properly socialized when he is young, a Pomeranian may not be good with strangers either.
Training the Pomeranian can be challenging. His playfulness probably keeps him from focusing and his aloofness may not give him that drive to please his human. Using positive reinforcement methods and rewarding him with a special toy or treat is a good way to motivate a Pomeranian to learn. Potty training can be difficult in many small dog breeds, including the Pomeranian. Constant attention is needed when potty training a Pomeranian. And crate training is recommended for those times when no one is home.
The Pomeranian dog breed is prone to a few hereditary and breed-specific health issues. If careful breeding is not done, the chance of a Pomeranian developing patellar luxation or progressive retinal atrophy increases. Patellar luxation is an abnormal skeletal issue where the knee cap slips in and out of position. This can cause painful walking or possibly even lameness. Progressive retinal atrophy is where the retina of the eye gradually deteriorates, eventually leading to blindness. An ill-bred Pomeranian can also end up with severe temperament issues such as aggression. Carefully researching breeders before buying a Pomeranian is highly recommended.
All-in-all, the Pomeranian is a fun little dog. And he is extremely cute. Like any dog, he needs a good home with a family that is going to care for him as well as take him for walks and play with him. If you are considering buying a Pomeranian, remember to research the breeders thoroughly. Having papers with the American Kennel Club is not enough to get a good quality breed since the AKC does not regulate the quality of breeders. A good breeder will be willing to provide detailed information about the genealogy of their dogs and will most likely be a member of a Pomeranian dog club. Be sure to socialize your Pomeranian puppy as soon as possible to help alleviate any issues such as dog aggression or unfriendliness towards strangers. Also, consider getting an adult Pomeranian from a Pomeranian rescue group. Dog rescue groups are all over the country and often have great dogs in need of a good and permanent home.