Pomeranian
Summary, Temperament, Barking, & Facts
Pomeranian, byname Pom, breed of toy dog that can be traced back—like the related Keeshond, Samoyed, and Norwegian Elkhound—to early sled-dog ancestors. The breed is named for the duchy of Pomerania, where in the early 19th century it is said to have been bred down in size from a 30-pound (13.5-kg) sheepdog. Characteristically spirited but docile, the Pomeranian is a compactly built dog with a foxlike head and small erect ears. Its long coat, especially full on the neck and chest, may be any of a variety of colours, including white, black, brown, and reddish brown. The Pomeranian stands about 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm) tall at the withers and weighs about 3 to 7 pounds (1.5 to 3 kg).
| Pomeranian breed facts | |
|---|---|
| other names | Pom, Zwergspitz |
| area of origin | Pomerania |
| breed group | toy |
| height at withers | 6–7 inches (15–18 cm) |
| weight | 3–7 pounds (1–3 kg) |
| life span | 12–16 years |
| Did you know? | During the 19th century, Queen Victoria bred Pomeranians that were significantly smaller than the dog’s original size of 30 pounds (14 kg); they became widely popular and gave rise to today’s breed standard. Theodore Roosevelt and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart have been credited with owning Poms. Michelangelo is said to have had a Pomeranian present as he painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. |
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