Dog Breed Guide

Pomeranian

Profile

Size

Extra Small

Country of origin

Germany

Origin

19th century (ancestors are older)

Bred for

Companion

Height

18 - 24cm (7 - 9in)

Weight

1.5 - 3kg (3 - 7lb)

Life span

12 - 16 years

A small dog wrapped in a thick, fluffy double coat, like a round stuffed toy. A small fox-like face, small erect ears and a plumed tail carried over the back are its hallmarks. It comes in many colors, including orange, cream, black, white and parti-color.

Bright, lively and curious, the Pom is self-confident and brave for its tiny size. It loves its family and is affectionate, but barks readily at strangers and noises.

It sheds a lot, and keeping its thick coat in shape requires frequent brushing. Kneecap dislocation (patellar luxation), collapsing trachea and a condition that causes hair loss are concerns. Its bones are fine, so take care that it does not fall from your arms.

Good to know

The breed is named after Pomerania, a region stretching from today's northeastern Germany into Poland. Its ancestors were medium-sized spitz dogs that pulled sleds in the Arctic, and the early dogs were large, weighing more than 10kg.

The person who made it small was Queen Victoria. In 1888 she fell in love with Pomeranians she met in Italy, brought home a male named Marco and others, and bred the smaller dogs. Her kennels are said to have once held as many as 35 Pomeranians, and the breed's size is said to have shrunk by about half during her lifetime. Just before she died, the Queen is said to have asked for her Pomeranian Turi to be brought to her side.

Only three dogs survived the sinking of the Titanic in 1912, and two of them were Pomeranians. Both were carried into lifeboats in their owners' arms and saved. The composer Mozart is also said to have dedicated a song to his Pomeranian, Pimperl.