Are you looking for a cute and silly canine suited for apartment life? Perhaps you need to look no further than the Pomeranian. Pomeranians, or Poms, are a popular breed with an almost cult-like following. Could they be the right pup for you?
Where Do Pomeranians Come From?
Pomeranians are named after the Pomerania region of north-west Poland/north-east Germany. This region is where people first bred these dogs. Pomeranians are from the Spitz family. These dogs are characterized by small, erect triangular ears, a thick double coat, and a tail that curls over the back. From that description, does a particular dog come to mind? How about the Husky, Chow Chow, or Shiba Inu? Yup, all spitzes. Here is a list of more spitz breeds. Like many of the current spitz breeds, Pomeranians’ ancestors were much larger. They were bred for jobs like guarding homes, pulling sleds, and protecting livestock.
In the 18th century, the Pomeranian breed as we know it began to emerge when breeders sought to create a lap-dog spitz breed. Then, these much smaller dogs were imported into England by Queen Charlotte as lapdogs and companion animals. (If you’ve seen the popular Netflix show, Bridgerton, you might have noticed the Pomeranians around the Queen. This part of the show is historically accurate!) The queen was known to give Pomeranians as gifts to visiting diplomats and others whom she favored, thus spreading the breed’s popularity far and wide.
What Do Pomeranians Look Like?
Indeed, Pomeranians have an iconic and easily-recognized appearance. As stated previously, they are a true spitz. Their small ears are erect and triangular, and their tail curls over their back. Pomeranians are tiny, weighing no more than 7 pounds. They stand 6 to 7 inches at the shoulder. In addition, their pointed faces resemble a tiny fox. The puffy, wispy double coat frames their small bright eyes. Their coat usually comes in a shade of white, brown, or black. However, the AKC recognizes 18 coat colors, including combinations and tri-colors.
What Is A Pomeranian’s Personality Like?
Pomeranians are proud and spirited. They are intelligent and quite loyal to their humans. These dogs make ideal companions, with a docile temperament and affectionate nature. Though small and companionable, this toy breed is rather independent compared to others of such diminutive stature. Poms are inquisitive and always on the watch to let their humans know when something is afoot. You might want to train your Poms to bark a few times when the doorbell rings, but then to keep quiet. Otherwise, they can become quite noisy.
How Hard Is It To Train a Pom?
Socializing and training a new puppy are essential tasks for any dog; the hard-headed Pomeranian is no exception. As we’ve discussed, this breed is incredibly loyal, intelligent, and eager to please their people. However, they are independent and strong-willed. With this breed, you need to assert yourself as a firm leader. Then, with patience and consistency, you will find that training your pup is an enjoyable pastime for you both.
When training, try to avoid shouting or punishment methods. These harsher techniques may cause your pomeranian to shut down. Instead, try to stick with positive reinforcement. Additionally, keep your training sessions short and fun. A great-tasting training treat doesn’t hurt either. If you begin to feel frustrated, end your training session quickly and on a positive note, if possible.
How Much Exercise Do Pomeranians Need?
Despite their small size, Pomeranians still require plenty of regular exercise. Luckily, their size also means that they expel their energy pretty quickly! Make an effort to take your pup for a quick walk or a play session in the yard at least twice a day. You’ll be able to burn off your Pom’s extra energy in no time. Dogs that don’t get enough exercise are prone to boredom. Bored dogs can turn to destructive behavior. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog.
In addition to adequate exercise, it’s important to follow serving-size recommendations from pet food manufacturers or your veterinarian. Even if your dogs flash you those hungry puppy dog eyes!
Do Pomeranians Have Health Problems?
As with most purebreds, Pomeranians can suffer from a couple of inherited health issues:
- Dislocated patella (kneecap)
- Heart issues
- Eye infections
- Tooth decay
- Skin irritations
A Pomeranian’s life expectancy is 15 years.
How Do You Groom a Pomeranian?
If you choose to bring home a Pomeranian, plan on regular brushing. Their double coat requires frequent brushing to remove the shedding undercoat and to prevent mats. They will shed their short undercoat twice a year. Between baths, use dry shampoo to keep them smelling fresh. Clean their eyes and ears daily. Prevent dental issues by taking them for checkups yearly.
Can’t Go Wrong With a Pomeranian
There’s a good reason Pomeranians are such a popular breed. Their playful, loving demeanor, feisty disposition, and independent nature make them an ideal companion animal for those that prefer a little spunk in their pet. In a Pomeranian, you will find a diehard companion and cuddle buddy, a furbaby with energy for almost any adventure.
