Page 120 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SPITZ-TYPE DOGS

Pomeranian

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Any solid color
9–11in 5–7lb 12–15 years Should be free from
(22–28cm) (2–3kg) black or white shading.

This affectionate miniature dog is brave and protective
despite its small size, and it makes an excellent family pet

This breed, the smallest of the German characteristics—its small size, luxuriant
Spitz-type dogs (see p.116), is known in some “puffball” coat, and cheerful nature—
countries as the “dwarf Spitz” (Zwergspitz were further refined.
or Spitz nain). The Pomeranian takes its The intelligent, lively Pomeranian is an
name from the region of Pomerania (now affectionate pet. It enjoys human company
in northern Poland/northeast Germany), and will become devoted to its owner.
where its ancestors were bred as sheepdogs. However, the breed needs firm but gentle
The original dogs from Pomerania were training so that it will not become overly
much larger than today’s dogs, weighing dominant. Amazingly fast for their
as much as 31lb (14kg), and were usually size, these dogs should be supervised
white. These Spitz-type dogs were imported if running loose. The thick coat is not
from Europe into the UK from the 1760s difficult to groom but needs to be
onward; all dogs of this type were generally brushed every few days.
known as “Pomeranians,” whatever their
country of origin.
During the late 19th century the
Pomeranian was selectively bred down to
“toy” size, partly due to Queen Victoria’s
enthusiasm for smaller dogs. Small
Spitz-type dogs of different colors were
imported from Germany and Italy to
develop the breed (and to eliminate the
old Pomeranians’ tendency to be snappy).
Breeders’ clubs were set up in the UK in
1891 and in the US in 1900. During
the 20th century the breed’s main
PUPPY

ROYAL PATRONAGE

When Queen Charlotte, wife of George III, came to
Britain in 1761 she was accompanied by several white
spitz dogs. These dogs were much larger than
Pomeranians are today but were nevertheless the
favored companion of German courtiers of the time.
The dogs rapidly became popular in Britain and Longer hair on
hindquarters
feature in several paintings by Gainsborough, such as
The Morning Walk (right). The popularity of the breed
increased further when Queen Victoria acquired several
smaller Pomeranians on a trip to Italy in 1888.

MR. AND MRS. WILLIAM HALLETT
(“THE MORNING WALK”) BY
THOMAS GAINSBOROUGH, 1785

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