The Perky Pomeranian

Pomeranian dog owners are welcomed home by a bouncing ball of fur with sparkling eyes and staccato bark. Known affectionately as Poms, these tiny titans are loyal, curious and loving. Their routine nuzzling and happy disposition can cheer the heart of a perpetual grouch. According to author Russell Smith, the Pom's popularity hit the American limelight in 1994 when it surged into the Top Ten list of registered breeds: a first for a toy breed in more than twenty years.

Pomeranians are descendants of the "Spitz group" of dogs and have an interesting history. Originally, the Pom weighed a hefty 30 pounds and served as a sled and herding dog. The Pom's notoriety began in the late 1880's, when Queen Victoria actively worked to miniaturize the breed. By breeding the smallest dogs from each litter, they evolved into today's diminutive stature of 8-11 inches tall with a weight of 3-7 pounds. Amusingly, the Pom retains a big dog mentality. In fact, a Pom will challenge a larger dog, not realizing its own size disadvantage.

The American Kennel Club describes the Pom as having "a soft, dense undercoat with profuse harsh-textured outer coat." This double coat requires weekly combing in order to maintain conditioning. According to veterinarian, Jim Joyner, this "regular brushing can become a strong bonding ritual between the owner and their pet." If groomed correctly, the Pom has a mane resembling an African Lion. The tail of a Pom is curled across the dog's back and covered with ample, straight coarse hair, giving it a feathery appearance.

Breeders have refined the Pom's coat colors to Orange Sable, White, Black and Parti (a combination of several of the aforementioned). However, be leery of using only color criteria when selecting a dog. Prospective pet owners should not choose the Pomeranian for casual breeding. Denise Leo refers to a phrase used among some breeders: the Pomeranian is called a heartbreak breed because even experienced breeders may find the birth of Pom puppies a devastating event. Many knowledgeable breeders have lost both mother and puppies during or shortly after birth.

Like many small dogs, the Pom faces a variety of health problems. Often treatment or surgery by a skilled Veterinarian can correct many conditions. However, the owner of a dog with chronic knee dislocations must be prepared to spend hundreds of dollars on surgery. Besides the financial aspects of health care, the owner will undoubtedly end up acting as both nurse and physical therapist during recovery and rehabilitation.

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