Pomeranians (also known as Poms) are a small breed of dog developed from ancient Spitz-type dogs in the Pomerania region, now Poland. Dogs in the Spitz family have pointed ears, tails curled over their backs, and a thick double coat. Pomeranians are closely related to German Spitz, American Eskimo Dogs, and Samoyeds.
Pomeranian Dogs – Origin
In 1761, the 17-year-old Princess Sophie Charlotte married the English prince. She then brought with her a pair of white dogs named Phebe and Mercury.
During her 64 years as Queen of England, Queen Victoria bred over 15 different breeds of dogs. In her later years, she became particularly fond of Pomeranians, which she first saw in 1888 on a trip to Italy. She fell in love with a red Pomeranian named Marco.
Initially, Pomeranians were large and were sheepdogs. Later, Queen Victoria bred Pomeranians with many other European breeds to create Pomeranians with a variety of coat colors and the small size they are today.
Appearance of Pomeranians
Here are some of the physical characteristics that you should know about this adorable breed:
1. Body size
Pomeranians are a small breed of the Toy group, standing 18 to 30 cm tall when fully grown and weighing 1.9 to 3.5 kg. Some Pomeranians are taller and heavier, but they are less common in Vietnam and are more common in European countries.
2. The head
Because of their small size, the heads of Pomeranians are also quite small, in proportion to their bodies. The head is rounded, the forehead is high, and the face is quite fox-like, while some others look like dolls . The muzzle is short, the teeth are scissor-shaped.
3. Eyes
Large, round eyes that are dark brown but very bright and sparkling, showing quickness. Pomeranian ears are small, pointed and erect on the head. In addition, in the US, there is a line of Pomeranians with round faces and short muzzles, called Bear Poms. Their noses can be dark or the same color as their fur.
4. Coat
The most striking feature of Poms besides their small size is their fur and color, which attracts a lot of attention when they go out on the street. Pomeranians have a long, 2-layer coat that is soft and smooth, similar to Alaskan, Samoyed, or Husky dogs. The outer coat is long, straight and slightly stiff, while the inner coat is short, soft and thick. In particular, the fur around the neck and chest is longer like a lion’s mane.
5. Colors
Their coat colors are also quite diverse: they can be red, orange, cream, white, blue, brown, black…
6. Legs and tail
The tail of a Pomeranian is usually curled over the back, the tail has fur that grows bushy and looks very soft. Their legs are quite short, the front legs are straight and parallel, the hind legs have a tendency to spread out.
Distinguishing Pomeranians from Chihuahuas
With their quite similar size and similar faces, many people often confuse these two breeds. You can distinguish Pomeranians from Chihuahuas by the following characteristics:
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Head: This is the easiest point to distinguish between these two breeds. The skull bones of Chihuahuas are round and bulging when they are young and will become less so as they grow older. In contrast, Pomeranians always have a sunken skull, which will become less sunken as they mature. The chest of Chihuahuas is wider.
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Face: Chihuahuas have a wide forehead, a short, slightly upturned muzzle, a wide mouth, large, round eyes that are slightly protruding. For Pomeranians, they have a small muzzle that slopes slightly downward, a smaller mouth, smaller eyes, and not protruding.
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Ears: Chihuahua ears are larger than Pomeranian ears, butterfly-shaped and erect facing forward, not with much downy fur, while Pomeranian ears are small, pointed, and have more downy fur.
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Fur: Chihuahua’s fur is also thinner and shorter than Pomeranian’s.
Pomeranian temperament
Some of the traits and habits of this adorable breed that you should know are:
1. Happy and friendly
Pomeranians are small dogs known for their happy and friendly personalities. They are generally good with children and other pets, and they love to play games like fetch, tug-of-war, and chasing toys. They can also be playful with young children and gentle and affectionate with older adults. However, it is important to supervise young children (under 5 years old) around Pomeranians, as teasing or roughhousing can make them snap and bite.
Pomeranians are also intelligent and quick learners, which is why they are often used in circus performances in Europe. They are also brave and make good watchdogs, despite their small size. They will not hesitate to defend themselves against larger dogs, and they will bark to alert their owners of strangers.
Due to their small size, Pomeranians are often spoiled and can develop Small Dog Syndrome, which includes stubbornness and disobedience. Therefore, it is important to train them from a young age to be obedient, not to be destructive, and to eat and use the bathroom in the right places.
Lifespan and Health Issues
Pomeranians have an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. Some of the health problems that Pomeranians are predisposed to include luxating patellas (knee dislocation), elbow dysplasia, heart disease, eye infections, dental problems, and early tooth loss.
Dental Disease: This is a common problem in pets, and Pomeranians are no exception. It starts with tartar buildup on the teeth and progresses to gum and periodontal disease. Regular brushing (1-2 times per day) is necessary to prevent or treat dental disease, as it can lead to tooth loss and increase the risk of kidney, liver, heart, and joint problems.
Infections: Pomeranians are susceptible to infections caused by bacteria and viruses, which are common in dogs and can have serious health consequences. These include parvovirus, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections can be prevented with vaccination.
Parasites: Parasites are common in dogs with thick, double coats like Pomeranians. Everything from fleas, ticks, and ear mites can invade their skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms can enter their bodies from drinking contaminated water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by infected mosquitoes. These parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so regular grooming, bathing, and a healthy living environment are essential.
Care
1. Coat: Pomeranians need to be brushed daily to keep their coats mat-free and remove loose hair. In hot weather, they may need a haircut. After bathing, they should be dried thoroughly to prevent chills and unpleasant odors.
2. Hygiene and Dental Care: They should brush their teeth at least three times a week. Avoid giving them hard food that could damage their teeth later on. Check their teeth regularly for mouth sores, cavities, and periodontal disease. Deworm them regularly and feed them high-quality food. Clean their noses regularly to prevent respiratory problems. Clean their ears weekly, even when they are puppies.
3. Shelter: They should have their own bed, which can be a small crate. In hot weather, move them to a cool place and turn on the air conditioning.
4. Diet: Provide them with a balanced diet that is appropriate for their age and activity level.
Suitable foods for Pomeranians:
*Cooked meats such as beef, chicken, pork, and lamb, as well as organ meats such as liver.
- Vegetables and rice combined with meat to provide carbohydrates, vitamins, and fiber. You can chop the rice and vegetables and mix them with the meat to make them easier to eat.
- Fresh water should always be available, and the water should be changed daily.
- Occasionally, you can give them boiled duck eggs to make their fur smoother.
Foods to avoid giving Pomeranians:
- Do not give them raw or spoiled food, as this can cause them to have diarrhea.
- Do not give Pomeranians fatty foods, as they can cause digestive problems.
- Milk should be limited because their intestines are weak and they can easily get an upset stomach.
- The amount of food for a Pomeranian should be 3-4% of their body weight. Do not overfeed them or feed them too much in one meal. For young puppies, they need more food and should be fed multiple times a day. Adult Pomeranians only need to be fed twice a day.
Exercise
Pomeranians can adapt very well to living in apartments without yards, as they can be happy indoors as well. However, they should still be taken for walks, exercised daily, and played with regularly to keep them mentally stimulated. However, do not over-exercise or run them too much when they are young, as this can affect their musculoskeletal development.
Training Pomeranians
Training Pomeranians basic skills can help them be obedient and control their behavior. Train them to be disciplined to break free from Small Dog Syndrome.
1. How to train a Pomeranian to lie down
Step 1: Pull the leash down and forward, while pressing down on the dog’s shoulders to get them to lie down. You can also pull on their front legs to get them to lie down.
Step 2: With your right hand, hold a treat and stimulate the dog. Extend your hand with the treat and lower it, while repeating the command “lie down.” The dog will immediately lie down if they are eager to eat.
Step 3: Once the dog is lying down, say the command “lie down” in a low voice and then give them a treat. Repeat this daily. When you say “lie down” and walk away about 5 meters, if the dog stays lying down, it means they have formed a reflex and the command “lie down” has been effective.
2. How to train a Pomeranian to stand up
Step 1: When the dog is in a sitting or lying position, stand next to them and give the command “stand.” Then reach under their belly with your left hand and lift them up.
Step 2: As the dog stands up, encourage them by petting them, repeating the command “stand” and “good,” and giving them a treat. If the dog starts to sit down, reach under their belly again and hold them in a standing position while repeating the command “stand” along with “stay.”
3. How to train a Pomeranian to use the bathroom in the right place
Step 1: Find a designated potty spot for your Pomeranian.
Step 2: Observe your dog closely. If they show signs of needing to use the bathroom, such as circling, lifting one leg, or sniffing, quickly take them to the designated potty spot.
Step 3: Keep the Pomeranian in that spot to teach them that they must use the bathroom there.
Step 4: Wait for them to use the bathroom. If they don’t go, make them sit there. Once they are finished, they can get up. Repeat these steps 2-3 times each day.
4. How to train a Pomeranian to follow its owner
Step 1: Stand next to the dog’s left leg and give the command “sit.”
Step 2: Once the dog is sitting, give a gentle tug on the leash and say “go.” The dog will follow you.
Step 3: When the dog is walking ahead of you, give a gentle tug on the leash and say “slow” to get the dog to walk next to your knees. When they walk next to your feet, say “good.” If the dog starts to fall behind, give a gentle tug on the leash and say “fast” to get the dog to catch up.
Step 4: Combine walking training with standing, sitting, lying down, and crawling training for a more effective way to train your dog to walk beside you.
Price of Pomeranians
The price of Pomeranians on the market today varies greatly, ranging from over 200$ to 2000$. Pomeranians that are bred without a clear origin, pedigree, or parents are often naturally bred in private households and are therefore inexpensive, costing only 500$