Pomeranian

The Pomeranian (often known as a 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. At an average of 3 to 7 lb (1.4 to 3.2 kg) according to AKC standards, the Pomeranian (Pom) is the most diminutive of the northern breeds. There are some that may weigh up to 15 pounds or more, and some very rare cases can weight as much as 32 to 35 pounds and have traits back to the larger sled dogs.

Pomeranians are typically very friendly, playful and active. They are very intelligent as toy breeds go and are easily housebroken and trained. Pomeranians socialize well with other dogs and animals. Pomeranians are extroverted and can develop the habit of barking excessively 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. Pomeranians have been known to play in their water bowls or spill water in order to lay in it and keep cool on hot days. Pomeranians tend to interact well with their owners in unique ways. They have been known to stare at people, a behavior which many owners find soulful and charming. They also will spin once or twice in a circle when excited. Pomeranians can also walk on their hind legs quite well. Poms are easily trained.

Although many people believe the Pomeranian to be a lap dog, the breed typically does not like to be held or sit on a person's lap for long periods of time. 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 pretty much adapt to any situation or environment.

The head of the Pomeranian is wedge-shaped, making it somewhat foxy in appearance. The ears are small and set high. Its tail is characteristic of the breed and should be turned over the back and carried flat, set high. When born, the tail is not spread out; it may take months for it to grow over the Pomeranian's back, and flatten. Beneath the Pomeranian's fur is a small but muscular dog, similar in appearance to a Chihuahua.

The Pom's coat possesses two coats, an undercoat and a top coat; the undercoat is soft, thick, and fluffy; the top coat is long, straight and coarse. The undercoat is shed once a year by males, and by intact females when they are in season, after delivering a litter, and during times of stress. Coat colors vary across the breed. Such colors include: black, black & tan, blue, blue & tan, chocolate, chocolate & tan, cream, cream sable, orange, orange sable, red, red sable, and sable, beaver, brindle, chocolate sable, white, and wolf sable. Patches of one or more colors over a white undercoat are called "Parti-Color." Pomeranians also come in the color merle. There are also tri-color Pomeranians that may be any combination of these colors.

A daily or twice weekly (damp) 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 only every now and then. 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 too 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.

Poms often live 12-19 years. Some very healthy Poms have even been known to live past 20 years of age or more. The most common problem in Pomeranians is luxating patella. Also 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 and cataracts that can appear in young adulthood and often lead to blindness are also common. 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. 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.

Help with Pom training