Pomeranians

The Pomeranian is a dog in the Spitz family named after the Pomerania region in Western Europe. It is classified as a toy dog breed because of its small size and is known today as a Zwergspitz, which means Dwarf Spitz, or a Toy German Spitz.

History

The Pomeranian dog comes from Greenland and Lapland where they were bred from sled dogs. They were eventually brought to Pomerania Europe which is where they are believed to get their name. Breeders in Pomerania took the dog and improved the coat and bred the dogs for city living. It was not until English breeders through trial and error reduced the dog down to its small size that we know it as today and the many colors. Queen Charlotte was the first to introduce the Pomeranian to English nobility, but it was not until her granddaughter returned from a vacation in Italy with one that they became popular internationally.

Disposition

Although Pomeranians are small dogs this by no means takes away from their confident and outgoing personality. They can be extremely pleasant and loyal companions for many years and easily adapt to many different environments. They are lively, smart, and eager to learn, as well as stubborn, cunning, and somewhat temperamental.

Pomeranians have proven to be great watchdogs because of their intelligence and quick witted abilities. They are vastly aware of their surroundings and are excellent in pointing out subjects and objects that are out of place before their master may notice. Their bark is distinctive and loud which can make them sound bigger than they actually are.

The most ideal group owners for Pomeranians are for older children or the elderly, although they are happy just being with those that love them and give them the attention they need and want. They are in return very attentive to their handlers and make great loving companions. It is not recommended to have a Pomeranian for young children as they can sometimes be temperamental and may nip or bite if provoked. It is important to understand that Poms like to feel like they are the top animal in the home, so they will get along with other pets if they are given the attention they require.

Pomeranians need to be properly trained or they may become quite unpleasant with people. They can become very difficult if you don't take the time to properly teach them good behavior and proper behavior.

Health Issues

Pomeranians live between twelve and nineteen years and some of the healthiest ones may live up to twenty years. There are some health issues that Poms have though and should be carefully considered before getting one. Some of those conditions are:

•Luxating patella
•Legg Calve-Perthes syndrome
•Hip dysplasia can happen but is rare
•Patent ductus arteriosus (congenital heart defect)
•Collapsing trachea
•Cataracts have been known to appear in young adulthood and can lead to blindness
•Skin disease are common; allergies
•Hypothyroidism
•Epilepsy
•hypoglycemia

Pomeranians can make great companions if you are willing to take the time and properly train them, give them the needed attention, and care for them like you might care for a child.

P.S. Here is a Pomeranian coloring page.

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