Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a tiny dog of the northern Spitz type. In most of Europe it is called the Zwergspitz meaning "dwarf spitz"� and indeed, it is the smallest of the Spitz dogs. The American Kennel Club categorizes the Pomeranian in the Toy Group. Throughout past centuries, this breed has enjoyed continuous popularity and has seen many famous owners including Marie Antoinette, Queen Victoria, Emile Zola and Mozart. Legend has it that Michelangelo's Pomeranian supervised his painting of the Sistine Chapel, and that Thomas Edison's spilled ink over pages of research on which he had labored for twenty years.The Pomeranian is a compact, medium-boned, sturdy dog despite its size. Its head is in proportion to its body and its snout is long and pointed. The prick ears are set high. The face gives the impression of a small fox. The Pomeranian stands from 7 to 12 inches high at the shoulder, and weighs an average 4 to 6 pounds. Its coat is very thick and stands out from the body, giving the dog the appearance of being much larger than it is. The coat is double, and the outer coat is made up of very long, coarse hairs. The undercoat is very dense and soft. There is a pronounced ruff around the neck and upper chest area. The Pomeranian's coat can occur in any color; in North America blue and black is especially sought after, but the most common color is a red to sable. The face may be darker than the rest of the body. The tail is long and plumed and held flat over the back. Pomeranians are extroverted and possess a proud carriage. Their flashy presence makes them very popular at dog shows. The Pomeranian is the smallest descendent of the northern Spitz type the original sled dogs of northern central Asia and northern Europe and amongst the oldest domesticated breeds in history. It was developed to be the distinct breed we know today once it came to former Pomerania several centuries ago - which is the area of the southern Baltic Sea coastal region in what is now Germany and Poland. The Pomeranian of its homeland was usually about thirty pounds and was a working breed used to herd sheep and act as a watchdog for the farmstead. Occasionally a strain was bred as a lapdog to be much smaller, but for centuries there was quite a bit of variation in size. In the eighth decade of the 19th century, a small Pomeranian named "Marco"� was sent from Italy as a gift to Queen Victoria of England; this specimen was not a working dog but was bred tiny to be a companion to the queen. The English monarch was renowned for her great love of dogs and her devotion to the proliferation of particular breeds. Her royal kennels were well-known worldwide. The queen took a liking to the little dog from Pomerania and established a breeding program that favored breeding of the small size. Thus the form of the breed we know today was established. The UK Kennel Club had recognized the Spitz in 1870; in 1888, shortly after Marco's arrival, it recognized the Pomeranian as a distinct breed of the Spitz type. In the same year it was also recognized by the American Kennel Club but was not actually exhibited in the United States until 1892. With the help of the popular Queen Victoria, the Pomeranian quickly became a popular companion dog in England. It also became widely popular for use in entertainment such as street exhibitions and circus acts.The Pomeranian, in spite of its size, takes its role as household watchdog very seriously. It can be quite vocal and must be given early training to avoid obsessive barking. Although very active, its small size dictates that it is well suited for life in any human abode, whether a house or a small apartment. Bred for centuries to be a companion, this breed needs a great deal of attention from its owner. The coat of the Pomeranian needs frequent brushing to keep it free from matting, the development of which can be painful to the dog and encourage skin infections. The undercoat sheds moderately all year round, and heavily seasonally; brushing can help keep this to a minimum. It is important that the Pomeranian have regular dental care, since the teeth of very small dogs are prone to problems which can become life-threatening. The number one health problem in the Pomeranian is dental disease and early tooth loss! The owner should schedule a thorough teeth cleaning at the veterinarian's at least once per year. This breed does best if fed dry kibble, and should be given treats that force it to chew and clean the teeth. Pomeranians become overheated easily. The owner should always provide shade, fresh water and fresh air. In very warm weather this dog should be kept out of the sun and heat, and should be monitored frequently for early signs of heat stroke. This breed is predisposed to luxating patellas, slipped stifles, and eye diseases such as cataracts, chronic dry eye, and tear duct disorders. The Pomeranian occasionally presents with patent ductus arteriosis, a genetic heart disorder. Many of these health problems can be avoided by careful and selective breeding by responsible and experienced breeders. Prospective owners should always speak to the breeder about whether their stock has been tested for specific genetic problems. The Pomeranian should be given early and consistent training in obedience, to prevent behavioral problems especially problematic in small breeds. It is by its nature an inquisitive, quick-minded dog. A daily walk around the block will go far in avoiding boredom which could lead to undesired behaviors. The Pomeranian can live successfully with other household pets. Households with small or rambunctious children are not advised for this breed, because its size makes it extremely fragile and prone to accidental injury.The Pomeranian enjoys competing in obedience and agility, and is an expert at learning and performing tricks.

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