THE POMERANIAN
FROM SLED DOG TO FLUFF
by Lee Weston
Most everyone is familiar with that little
ball of fluff, with the foxy face, a personality that is infectious and
vibrant, and a coat so full and luxuriant it is like that ball of fluff.
There are not very many who are aware of the fact that this breed of dog
has its origins in the Arctic ice of Iceland and Lapland. It claimed
a genetic bond to the Alaskan Malamute, the Samoyed and the Siberian Husky,
they were "cousins", within the Spitz family of canines. Of course,
the Pomeranian then was a great deal larger than the dog we know today,
averaging about thirty pounds. This dog earned its keep by being
a sled dog. As explorers came in contact with the native people,
they would bring back the native dogs to their homes. Eventually,
these native dogs ended up in an area of Germany known as Pommerania.
In Germany these dogs were used to herd livestock.
It is said that among the first to officially
import the Pomeranian breed of dog to England was Queen Charlotte, the
wife of George III. It must be stated here that at this time the Pomeranian
was still a large-type dog. It seems that on the continent of Europe, the
wealthy people were looking for small, companion dogs. The Pom
was a lovely dog, bright, intelligent, and eager to please, but it was
so large. This is when the down sizing of the breed started.
When Queen Victoria went to Italy, she returned home with the Pomeranian
we are more familiar with. The Pom became very popular in England,
with the down sizing of the breed continuing.
In 1870, the Pomeranian was given recognition
in Great Britain, by The Kennel Club. It was said that the dog's
submitted to the conformation ring from the royal kennel, had to be put
into a separate judging class. After all, who would judge that the
royal family's dogs were not the best there.
The first Pomeranians that were exported from
England to the U.S., were undoubtedly the larger variety.
In 1900, the American Kennel Club gave the
breed recognition, and the Pomeranian Club of America was also formed at
this time. The P.C.A. was given membership status in the A.K.C. in
1909.
Today, the typical Pomeranian weighs between three
and seven pounds. In the show ring, you will find that most Poms
weigh in between four and six pounds. There are Poms who are even
smaller, referred to as Tiny, or Teacup, size. Most professional
breeders will not purposely breed for this size, due to the severe medical
problems that the dog incurs, including shortened life span.
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