Pomeranian (dog)

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Pomeranian
Other names Zwergspitz; Spitz nain; Spitz enano; Pom; Zwers
Nicknames Pom
Country of origin Germany and Poland
Traits

The Pomeranian (often known as a Pom/Pom Pom) is a breed of dog of the Spitz type, named for the Pomerania region in Central Europe (which today is part of modern eastern Germany and northern Poland) and classed as a toy dog breed because of its small size. As determined by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale the Pomeranian is part of the German Spitz breed, and in many countries, they are known as the Zwergspitz (`Dwarf` Spitz), or Toy German Spitz.

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[edit] Appearance

Pomeranians are small dogs. The Pomeranian has a soft, fluffy coat that must be groomed frequently. Their thick, fluffy tails fan over their back. Their teeth come to a scissor bite and they have almond shaped eyes. A Pomeranian's coat can be many different colors including white, black, brown, orange sable, wolf, or white with colored markings.

[edit] Health

Healthy Poms often live 12–19 years. Common problems in Pomeranians are Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome and hip dysplasia can occur, but are rare in this small breed. Patent ductus arteriosus (a congenital heart defect) and collapsing trachea have become serious problems in Poms.

Dry eye, tear duct disorders can appear in young females and often lead to blindness. Skin diseases are quite common, especially allergies (that often leads to acute moist dermatitis or "hot spots") and follicular dysplasia (also known as alopecia X). Other problems that occur regularly include hypothyroidism, epilepsy, and hypoglycemia. Occasionally, hydrocephalus can occur in Pom puppies as well as luxating patella (slipping kneecap). In addition to this, Poms may also suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy PRA, a degenerative disease of the eye and Cataracts,[1] a clouding of the lens. These can both result in impaired vision. Poms, like many toy breeds, are prone to bad teeth and harmless episodes of reverse sneezing. Also, it is important that Poms are trained not to mingle around peoples feet. Because of their loyal tendencies, they will follow from room to room, easily getting stepped on. Their delicate bodies will injure easily this way.

[edit] Grooming

A female Pomeranian during its shedding cycle.

Coat care for the Pomeranian is similar to the pekingese. A daily or twice a day brushing against the hair is essential to keep the thick, plush coat, which sheds seasonally, free of mats. Brushing also helps to prevent dry skin and dandruff. A Pomeranian's coat needs very little trimming. Combing is seldom necessary and sometimes totally unnecessary. Some people prefer to keep the coat short and trimmed, often referred to as a "puppy cut" (hair is cut down to one to two inches long), but most prefer to maintain the long coat with regular brushing and grooming. Regular ear and nail care is recommended, along with generally only peak-seasonal bathing. It is unadvisable to bathe Pomeranians frequently as excessive bathing can damage their skin and coat by removing essential oils, especially if using anti-flea products. Pomeranians are also prone to teeth problems, and it is recommended that their teeth be brushed at least once a week. Ideally, their teeth should be brushed daily and the dog receive dental and vitamin treats.

[edit] Behavior

Pomeranians are typically very friendly, playful and active. The breed is very protective of their owners and love to be around them. They are very intelligent and are easily housebroken and trained. They rank 23rd in Stanley Coren's The Intelligence of Dogs, being of excellent working/obedience intelligence. Pomeranians socialize well with other dogs, animals, and people. Pomeranians are extroverted and can develop the habit of barking excessively only if the behavior is rewarded (i.e. allowed to beg for food). Because of their long double-coat, they tend to seek out cooler environments and it is not uncommon to find them laying down on a cold floor or hard surface. Many people believe the Pomeranian to be a lap dog. They are extremely loyal and will sit or lay content at an owner's feet, but normally prefer not to be overhandled. Pomeranians should not be allowed to run free and should always be kept on a leash or enclosed in some kind of yard or inside. They tend to usually be good with kids from the age of 3+ if raised with them from the start. Because of their size, they do well in condominiums and apartments, but they are able to adapt to most any situation or environment. Pomeranians are very playful and sometimes get attached to their owner and may follow them everywhere.

[edit] History

Pomeranians were eventually brought into Europe in Pomerania. This region, bordered on the north by the Baltic Sea, has been under the control of Wendish Slavs, Poles, Swedes, Danes, Prussians and Germans, at various times, and most recently Poles again. This region extends from the west of the Rügen Island to the Vistula River. The name Pomorze or Pommern comes from Slavic "along the sea". Breeders in Pomerania improved the coat and bred the dogs down for city living, but they were still 20 pounds or more when they reached England.

English breeders, through trial and error and Mendelean theories, are credited for reducing the dog's size and developing the many colors. The Pomeranian of today is small due to selective breeding, but the breed still retains the hardy disposition and thick coat typical of dogs in cold climates.

Queen Charlotte introduced the Pomeranian to English nobility; however, the Pom gained international popularity when her granddaughter Victoria returned from vacation in Florence, Italy with a Pomeranian named Marco.

The dogs owned by Queen Charlotte & Queen Victoria were much larger German Spitz and a Volpino Italiano. The same is true of any other historical Pom from before the 20th century.

The FCI classifies the German Spitz as one family consisting of the Dwarf (Pomeranian), Small and Standard (American Eskimo Dog), and Wolfsspitz (Keeshond). Additional close relatives of the Pomeranian are the Norwegian Elkhound, the Schipperke, and possibly the Samoyed.The pomeranian eventualy came to the U.S.A. in 1901.

[edit] Popularity

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The Pomeranian has been among the most popular of dog breeds, consistently in the top 15 of registered AKC dog breeds over the last 10 years. It came in at #13 in the most recently released 2008 rankings having attained the same ranking in 2007 and 2003. In a way, the Pomeranian is becoming an "accessory" or a "prop" to many people, notably women and especially celebrities. The breed also shows up regularly on television shows and commercials. The dog's diminutive size, ease of care in regards to manage due to its stature and good overall demeanor makes for a very likeable dog. A good Pomeranian, because of the dog's aforementioned traits, makes for a popular pet and is also a prize by many an owner.

[edit] Notable owners

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[edit] Gallery

Smiling tan Pomeranian.

Pomeranian abashed.

14 year-old male Pom.

[edit] Notes and References

  1. ^ Dog Breed Information - Pomeranian

[edit] See also

Sister project Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Pomeranian

[edit] External links

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Toy dogs
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