Pomeranian

Breed Profile

The Pomeranian is the smallest member of the Spitz family of northern breeds and is a descendent of sled dogs from Iceland and Lapland. Although the original Pomeranian weighed up to 30 lbs (13.5 kg), today, the Pom is one of the most popular of the Toy breeds.

He makes a wonderful family companion with his docile temperament, intelligence and devotion. He is a very good watchdog being very defensive of his home and family. He is also fearless when it comes to other dogs, even those much larger than himself. Known to have a “big dog” attitude, the Pom is alert, active and very easily trained.

Pomeranians are seen successfully competing in conformation and obedience trials. They are also used to work as hearing assistance dogs, therapy dogs, as well as in search and rescue on sites where small sized dogs are needed.

The Pom has a soft, dense undercoat with a long, perfectly straight and glistening outer coat that covers his entire body. He carries a plumed tail that is set high and lies flat on his back.

Health Issues

The Pomeranian is known to be a very healthy, hardy and long-lived breed. As with all breeds of dogs, however, certain health problems have been seen. The most common problems involve the teeth which must be cleaned frequently and maintained or they can fall out at a relatively young age. Other problems, seen in most toy breeds, are Luxating Patellas and Collapsed Trachea. Hypothyroidism is also quite common in Pomeranians and breeding stock should be tested for this.

If you are considering the adoption of a Pomeranian puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy’s parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main General Information page.)

Additional Health Resources:

• Pomeranian Health Problems
• Health and Nutrition — Growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website which includes information on several health and nutrition related issues.
• Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) — Providing a source of health information for owners, breeders, and scientists that will assist in breeding healthy dogs. CHIC is a centralized canine health database jointly sponsored by the AKC/Canine Health Foundation (AKC/CHF) and the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA).
• AKC Canine Health Foundation — Working towards developing scientific advances in canine health.
• Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF)
• Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
• Ontario Veterinary College (OVC)
• University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program (PennHip)
• HealthGene — HealthGene Corporation is the leading provider of veterinary DNA diagnostic services in Canada.
• Labgenvet — Laboratory of Veterinary Genetics is a Canadian diagnostic laboratory that offers a comprehensive service of DNA tests for veterinary genetic diseases.

Grooming Information

Although the Pomeranian’s coat looks difficult to care for, it is actually quite easy. Regular brushing will keep the coat in good condition. Toenails should be kept trimmed — at least every 2-3 weeks — and teeth, as previously mentioned, must be kept clean.

• Grooming — This section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website includes tips, articles and information covering all aspects of dog grooming along with a listing of Groomers from across Canada.

Training Resources

• Toy Breeds — Housebreaking
• Training — For training information, see this growing section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.

Additional Information

• Pomeranian Club of Canada Breed Education — Several articles are available here covering a variety of topics, from grooming to training to health issues and more.
• 10 Things to Consider Before Getting a Dog
• Toy Breeds — Selecting the Perfect Pooch
• Clubs, Sports & Activities — For information on the many sports and activities you can get involved in with your dog.
• Working Dogs — The Working Dogs section of the Canada’s Guide to Dogs website provides information and listings of organizations that are involved in various dog jobs, such as Guide Dogs, Therapy Dogs, Police Dogs, Protection Dogs, and much more.

*NOTE 1: CHIC – The Canine Health Information Center “is a database of consolidated health screening results from multiple sources. Co-sponsored by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) Canine Health Foundation, CHIC works with parent clubs to identify health screening protocols appropriate for individual breeds. Dogs tested in accordance with the parent club established requirements, that have their results registered and made available in the public domain are issued CHIC numbers.” To learn more, visit: www.caninehealthinfo.org

*NOTE 2: The Fédération Cynologique International (FCI) is the World Canine Organization, which includes 91 members and contract partners (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 344 breeds, with each being the “property” of a specific country. The “owner” countries write the standards of these breeds in co-operation with the Standards and Scientific Commissions of the FCI, and the translation and updating are carried out by the FCI. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.