| Description: The Pomeranian is a small Spitz dog | | | | They do tend to bark quite a bit, though, so should be |
| weighing between 3 and 7 pounds, and measuring 7 to | | | | taught to be more restrained from the start. Since the |
| 12 inches at the withers. The Pomeranian has a long, | | | | Pomeranian is such a tiny dog, it is not a good choice |
| fluffy coat that can be found in many color varieties | | | | as a pet for small children. There is generally no |
| such as orange, cream, black, red, spotted, and white. | | | | problem with older children or adults. |
| This dog carries its plume-like tail flat on its back. | | | | Health Issues: A major health problem with |
| Pomeranians have a short, pointed muzzle, and small, | | | | Pomeranians concerns the breed's high propensity for |
| upright pointed ears. This is a confident and active toy | | | | tooth decay. This can lead to heart or kidney ailments. |
| dog. The Pomeranian has a delicate body structure. | | | | It is best to feed Poms dry dog food and provide |
| The Pomeranian is also known as the Dwarf Spitz, | | | | chews that help clean the teeth. Although they do not |
| Pom, or Loulou. | | | | usually suffer from hip dysplasia, Pomeranians can |
| History: Ancient Spitz herding dogs led to the toy dog | | | | experience problems with their knee caps, which can |
| we know today as the Pomeranian. Originally utilized | | | | shift out of place, causing the affected leg to become |
| as sled dogs in Lapland, these Spitz dogs were | | | | stiff. The Pomeranian can develop eye conditions such |
| brought to Pomerania, now part of Poland and | | | | as cataracts or entropion. The trachea can sometimes |
| Germany, in the 16th century. This early progenitor was | | | | collapse, which is a serious condition. The Pomeranian |
| considerably larger than today's dog and weighed 30 | | | | can live for 16 years or more. |
| pounds or more. Mozart and Marie Antoinette kept | | | | Grooming: Since the Pomeranian has a very thick |
| Pomeranians, but it was Queen Victoria of England | | | | double coat and sheds heavily, it is important to brush |
| who was responsibly for breeding the dogs down to a | | | | the dog daily. The fur can easily become matted |
| smaller size. These small Pomeranians became very | | | | otherwise. It is best to use a dry shampoo on the |
| popular and the breed was officially recognized in 1900. | | | | Pomeranian to preserve the dog's coat oils. The |
| Temperament: The Pomeranian is a merry and lively | | | | owner should clean the ears and eyes every day to |
| dog. It is even-tempered and makes an excellent | | | | help prevent infections. While a daily brushing of the |
| companion. Pomeranians are very affectionate and | | | | teeth can help prevent decay, a veterinarian should |
| attached to their human family. This is an intelligent, | | | | clean the teeth on a regular basis. |
| trainable dog that also serves as a good watchdog. | | | | |