Breed info on the Pomeranian

BREED HISTORY

A tiny, five-pound Pomeranian actually descended from a heavy sled dog. In Iceland and Lapland, a mix of Keeshond, Norwegian Elkhound and Samoyed produced a white, thirty-pound dog that pulled sleds and herded sheep. In Pomerania (Poland/Germany), the dog was later bred down in size and borrowed its name from the region. The shrinking trend continued when Queen Victoria purchased a Pom named "Marco" and encouraged the breeding of even smaller dogs.

As pets, they possess friendly and loyal personalities, but the extensive "double" coat requires constant grooming.

IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS

Size: Males and Females 3 to 7 pounds, 4 to 5 pounds is ideal.

Appearance: Compact, balanced body with easy, controlled motion.

Coat and Color: Short, puffy, coarse coat with feathering on the tail and legs. Any solid color (with or without black, tan or same color shading), sable, black and tan or Particolor permitted.

Head: Flat skull with a narrow muzzle; dark, almond shaped eyes and rims; small, erect ears.

Tail: Carried high, flat over the back.