| Looking for a new canine pal and have one of the toy | | | | 30 pounds. |
| breeds in mind? Then take a long, slow look at the | | | | But their pint-sized destiny had already been set. In the |
| stylish Pomeranian -- that prancing little ringmaster who, | | | | late 1800s, Queen Victoria became known as a |
| just like a certain boy or girl from high school, knows | | | | Pomeranian fan, and like many celebrities, especially |
| exactly how good looking he is. | | | | liked the smallest specimens. Sure enough, the |
| If you have the time to brush and comb his magnificent | | | | breeders followed her lead, resulting in the tiny but |
| coat, the Pomeranian deserves your consideration. A | | | | mighty companions we have today. |
| whole lot of dog in a small package, he fairly bursts | | | | Unsurprisingly, Poms are a special favorite of women, |
| with personality. When you walk him down the street, | | | | but they deserve real consideration in many homes |
| all eyes turn to him -- and not because he's blocking | | | | thanks to their special mix of size, intelligence and |
| the light! -- but because of his bright eyes, high-handed | | | | beauty. Urban families without a fenced yard can |
| way of walking and gorgeous coat. | | | | greatly enjoy a Pom. |
| Most dog lovers don't know that the tiny Pom is | | | | It may hardly tip the scales, but the Pom is a distinctive |
| related to the standoffish, handsome Chow, the lovely | | | | pocket pup with an alert expression, incredibly acute |
| white Samoyed and other dogs belonging to the group | | | | hearing, and almost limitless intelligence and eagerness |
| loosely known as "Northern dogs." Europe and | | | | to learn. What's more, Poms are pluckier than you |
| especially Germany boasts several near relatives of | | | | might think (you may have to protect them from |
| the Pomeranian, including the white and black Spitzes. | | | | themselves if a large, aggressive dog approaches). |
| So why are Poms so small, then? The fact is, when | | | | If you're almost set on a Pom, just don't forget that |
| they first appeared in America they were considerably | | | | good Pom ownership means giving time and care to |
| heftier, weighing in at about 15-20 pounds on average. | | | | its coat. They're so attractive and proud that their skin |
| In fact, around the turn of the twentieth century, | | | | and coats deserve special attention, and that means |
| prize-winning American Poms could be found at 25 to | | | | more than a lick-and-a-promise brushing. |