What Were Pomeranians Bred For? A Brief History of the Pomeranian Dog Breed

Origins of Pomeranians

Pomeranians are a small dog breed that originated from the Pomerania region, which is located in Northern Poland and Germany near the Baltic Sea. The breed is named after the region, which was once a part of Prussia.

Pomeranians are part of the Spitz breed family, which includes other breeds such as the German Spitz, Italian Spitz (Volpino Italiano), and the American Eskimo Dog. The Spitz breed is known for its wolf-like characteristics, including pointed ears, a thick coat, and a curled tail.

The Pomeranian breed was originally much larger than it is today, weighing up to 30 pounds. They were bred for protection, guarding, and pulling sleds. However, over time, the breed was downsized to become a companion dog.

The Pomeranian’s ancestors were the larger Spitz dogs, specifically the German Spitz. These dogs were used as sled dogs and were known for their endurance and strength. The Pomeranian’s wolf-like characteristics can be traced back to their Spitz ancestry.

In the 18th century, Pomeranians made their first appearance in England. Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III, brought her pet dogs to England, which were then called “wolf dogs.” Queen Charlotte’s dogs were mainly white in color, and she imported them from Pomerania.

Today, there is a subcategory of Pomeranians known as “throwback Poms.” These dogs are larger than the standard Pomeranian breed and resemble their ancestors more closely. They are often compared to huskies and have a similar appearance.

Pomeranians in European Royal Families

Pomeranians have a long history of being associated with European royalty. One of the most famous royal Pomeranian owners was Queen Victoria, who was known for her love of dogs. She owned many Pomeranians throughout her life, and was even said to have bred them herself. In fact, it was during Queen Victoria’s reign that the Pomeranian breed became popular in England.

Another prominent royal Pomeranian owner was Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III. Queen Charlotte was known for her love of dogs, and owned several Pomeranians during her lifetime. It is said that she was particularly fond of a Pomeranian named “Phoebe”, who was a constant companion to her.

The English monarchy has a long history of owning lapdogs, and Pomeranians were no exception. In fact, Pomeranians were a popular breed among the royal family for many years. King George III was said to have owned a Pomeranian named “Lux”, who was known for his intelligence and loyalty.

In more recent times, Queen Elizabeth II has owned several Pomeranians throughout her life. Her first Pomeranian, named “Sugar”, was given to her as a gift in 1944. She later owned a Pomeranian named “Whisper”, who was known for his playful personality.

Overall, Pomeranians have a long history of being associated with European royalty. They were popular lapdogs among the English monarchy for many years, and continue to be popular pets to this day.

Pomeranians as Companion Dogs

Pomeranians have evolved from their original working dog status to become one of the most popular breeds of companion dogs. They are known for their friendly, sociable, and lively nature, making them ideal pets for families and individuals alike.

These small dogs are perfect for those living in apartments or smaller homes, as they do not require a lot of space to move around. They love to be close to their owners and are often referred to as lap dogs or “velcro dogs” due to their tendency to stick close to their owners.

Pomeranians are also known for their intelligence and trainability, making them excellent candidates for obedience training and other dog sports. They are quick learners and enjoy pleasing their owners, which makes training them a fun and rewarding experience.

In addition to their friendly and trainable nature, Pomeranians are also low-maintenance pets. They do not require a lot of exercise and are content with short walks or play sessions indoors. Their small size also makes them easy to groom, as they only require occasional brushing to keep their fluffy coats looking their best.

Pomeranian Breed Characteristics

Pomeranians are a small toy breed of dog that originated in Germany. They are known for their double coat, which is thick and furry, and their dark eyes and pricked ears. Pomeranians are a popular breed due to their small size and fluffy coats, which make them an attractive pet for many people.

As a toy breed, Pomeranians are small dogs that typically weigh between three and seven pounds. They have a compact and sturdy build, which makes them well-suited for apartment living. Pomeranians are also known for their friendly and outgoing personalities, which make them great companions for families and individuals alike.

One of the most distinctive features of the Pomeranian breed is their double coat. This coat is made up of a thick, soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat. The coat is typically fluffy and can be seen in a variety of colors, including red, orange, cream, sable, black, brown, and blue.

Pomeranians are also known for their pricked ears and dark, expressive eyes. Their small size and fluffy coats make them an attractive pet for many people, and they are often seen as a symbol of luxury and elegance.

Pomeranians in Work and Service

Pomeranians have a rich history of working and serving in various roles throughout the centuries. They were originally bred as larger dogs that were used for pulling sleds, herding sheep, and guarding homes and livestock. However, as time passed, they were downsized to become smaller and more suitable for companionship.

One of the most notable jobs that Pomeranians were bred for was pulling sleds. Prior to the 19th century, Pomeranians weighed up to 30 pounds, which gave them the ability to pull sleds and work alongside larger dogs. According to The Smart Canine, Pomeranians were used in sled races and even helped deliver mail in Alaska during the gold rush.

Pomeranians were also used as herding dogs to help manage livestock. Despite their small size, they were able to effectively herd sheep and other animals. Additionally, Pomeranians were used as watchdogs and guard dogs to protect homes and livestock from predators and intruders. They were known for their loud bark and fearless nature, which made them effective at deterring potential threats.

As Pomeranians became more popular as family companions, their role as working dogs diminished. Today, Pomeranians are primarily kept as pets and are known for their affectionate and playful nature. However, they still retain many of the traits that made them effective working dogs, such as their intelligence, loyalty, and courage.

Pomeranian Behavior and Temperament

Pomeranians are known for their lively and alert personalities. They are confident dogs that are always on the lookout for potential threats. They are vigilant and will bark to alert their owners of any perceived danger. This makes them great watchdogs and loyal companions.

Despite their small size, Pomeranians are intelligent dogs that can be easily trained. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. They can learn a variety of tricks and commands, making them great performers.

Pomeranians have a tendency to bark excessively, which can be a problem if not addressed early on. Owners should train their Pomeranians to control their barking and not bark unnecessarily.

Pomeranians are known for their loyalty to their owners. They form strong bonds with their families and are always eager to please. They enjoy spending time with their owners and thrive on attention and affection.

Health Concerns in Pomeranians

Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 12-16 years. However, like all breeds, they are prone to certain health concerns that potential owners should be aware of.

Alopecia X

One of the most common health concerns in Pomeranians is Alopecia X, also known as Black Skin Disease. This condition causes the dog’s hair to fall out, leaving patches of black, hairless skin. While the exact cause of Alopecia X is unknown, it is believed to be related to hormonal imbalances. Treatment options include medication and hormone replacement therapy.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is another common health concern in Pomeranians. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with medication, and most dogs can lead normal, healthy lives with proper management.

Other Health Concerns

In addition to Alopecia X and Hypothyroidism, Pomeranians are also prone to other health concerns such as dental disease, tear duct issues, tracheal collapse, cataracts, and hip and joint problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventative care can help catch these issues early and ensure that your Pomeranian stays healthy and happy.

Overall, while Pomeranians are generally healthy dogs, it is important for potential owners to be aware of the breed’s common health concerns. With proper care and management, however, most Pomeranians can live long, happy lives.

Pomeranian Care and Maintenance

Pomeranians are small, active dogs that require regular exercise and grooming to keep them healthy and happy. They are known for their thick, fluffy coats, which require daily brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Regular grooming can also help to reduce shedding, which can be a problem for some Pomeranian owners.

Positive reinforcement training is recommended for Pomeranians, as they respond well to praise and rewards. This type of training can help to reinforce good behavior and prevent negative behaviors from developing. Pomeranian owners may also consider joining a breed club or attending events like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, which can provide opportunities for socialization and training.

In addition to regular grooming and training, Pomeranian owners should also provide their dogs with a healthy diet and regular veterinary care. Pomeranians are prone to certain health issues, including dental problems, luxating patella, and collapsed trachea, so it is important to keep up with regular check-ups and preventative care.

Pomeranians can also excel in agility and other dog sports, which can provide mental and physical stimulation for these active dogs. However, it is important to start training early and to use positive reinforcement methods to ensure that the dog enjoys the activity and is not stressed or overworked.

Pomeranians in Popular Culture and History

Pomeranians have a rich history and have been a popular breed for centuries. They were originally bred in the Pomerania region, which is now part of Germany and Poland. Pomeranians are believed to be descendants of the Spitz-type dogs, which were used for hunting and herding.

In the 19th century, Pomeranians became a fashion statement among the wealthy. Queen Victoria of England was a big fan of the breed, and her Pomeranian named Lulu became a celebrity in her own right. Pomeranians were often seen in portraits and were considered a status symbol.

Pomeranians were also used as watchdogs, alerting their owners to intruders. Despite their small size, they were known to be fearless and would bark to warn their owners of any potential danger.

The breed’s popularity continued to grow in the 20th century, and Pomeranians became a popular choice for apartment dwellers due to their small size and adaptability to indoor living.

Pomeranians have also made appearances in popular culture, including movies and television shows. For example, in the movie “Milo and Otis,” a Pomeranian named Puffy played the role of Otis, the adventurous kitten’s best friend.

Even famous figures like Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Michelangelo are said to have owned Pomeranians.

The Pomeranian name comes from the region where the breed was first developed, and it has become a beloved breed worldwide. Today, Pomeranians are often kept as pets and are known for their playful personalities and fluffy coats.

Breeding of Pomeranians

Pomeranians are a small dog breed that originated in the Pomerania region of Germany and Poland. They were originally larger and were used for various tasks such as herding sheep, pulling sleds, and guarding homes. However, over time, they were selectively bred to be smaller and more suitable as companions.

One of the most famous Pomeranian owners was Queen Victoria, who fell in love with the breed and helped popularize them in England. She owned a small Pomeranian named Marco, who became a celebrity in his own right. This led to a surge in demand for Pomeranians, and breeders began to focus on creating smaller and more refined specimens.

The breeding program that produced the modern Pomeranian involved crossing the original larger dogs with smaller breeds such as the Samoyed and the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This was done to create a smaller dog that was still sturdy and healthy. Selective breeding was also used to create the distinctive fluffy coat that Pomeranians are known for today.

Despite their small size, Pomeranians are still descended from larger working dogs, and they retain some of the traits of their ancestors. They are intelligent and energetic, and they make excellent watchdogs. However, they are also affectionate and loving, and they enjoy spending time with their owners.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the original purpose of Pomeranians?

According to The Smart Canine, Pomeranians were originally bred as working dogs in the Pomerania region of Germany. They were used for herding sheep and as watchdogs. They were also used as sled dogs in Iceland and Lapland.

What are the current uses for Pomeranians?

Nowadays, Pomeranians are kept as companion dogs and are popular due to their small size and affectionate nature. They are often used as therapy dogs and are also used in dog shows.

Are Pomeranians considered a royal breed?

Yes, Pomeranians are considered a royal breed. Queen Victoria is credited with popularizing the breed in the 19th century. She owned a small Pomeranian named Turi, and her love for the breed helped make them popular among the upper classes in England.

Do Pomeranians have a history of hunting?

Pomeranians were not originally bred for hunting, according to All About Poms. However, they were used for hunting small game such as rabbits and squirrels.

When were Pomeranians first discovered?

Pomeranians are an ancient breed, and their origins can be traced back to the Pomerania region of Germany in the 1700s. They were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1900.

How did Pomeranians become so small?

Pomeranians were selectively bred for their small size, according to Pomeranian Headquarters. Breeders in the 19th century wanted to create a smaller version of the breed, and so they selectively bred the smallest dogs together. Over time, this led to the development of the smaller Pomeranians that we know today.