Pomeranian Information Center

Complete Information Regarding the Pomeranian Toy Dog

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Poms

Poms is the shortened name given to Pomeranian dogs. It is common for a Pomeranian dog to be called a Pom or sometimes a Pom-Pom. This nickname seems to fit this breed very well, since this tiny little dog often appears to be a round ball of fluff during the puppy years.

As the dog grows older, the body becomes more lean, and while staying small, adults look a bit longer in the leg and back. If the coat is kept very fluffy, grownup Poms can still look like "balls of fluff".

Let's look at some stats:

FAMILY: Spitz. Poms were not always so tiny. Their ancestors are Spitiz sled dogs that were much larger (about 20 pounds) and pure white. In time, they were bred with smaller canines and eventually, Poms as we know them today were fast becoming popular. They are a fantastic "lap" dog...very friendly, dedicated to their human families and very cuddly.

BREED GROUP: Toy - This is the AKC classification....It is based on the size of Poms...This is the group of the smallest dogs that are recognized by the AKC.

HEIGHT: 8 - 11 inches (20.32 - 27.94 cm)

WEIGHT: 3 - 7 lbs ( 1.36 - 3.175 kg) - There are many people who have heard of so-called "teacup" Poms, "mini Poms", etc....However that is not a true dog breed...there is no such thing...it is a marketing term used to trick people. Poms that are under 3 pounds (1.36 kg) have many healthy problems...often developing luxating patellas (slipped kneecaps) and/or hip dysplasia (slipped hip joint) due to an unhealthy smaller than standard size. They are so fragile that it is dangerous.

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 - 16 yrs. They will live well into their late teens if given proper care. Poms need many elements to stay healthy. This includes health care, dental care (it is a shame how many dogs suffer and/or die due to dental infections), proper feeding and so much more. See Age

ALTERNATE NAMES: Deutscher Zwergspitz, Toy German Spitz,Dwarf Spitz - These names are due to the Pom's ancestors from Europe.

COMMON NAME: Pom - With a long name, it is no wonder that these dogs are very often referred to as Poms.

RECOGNIZED LINES:Valcopy, Pettistree, Emcee, Rosewood, Millamor, Bev-Nor, Chriscendo, Golden Aires- These are just some of the quality bloodlines of today's Pom dogs.

What Makes Poms Special....

Pom dogs

The most "stand out" feature of this dog breed is the coat. From puppy-hood to adult, the coat of this dog is just amazing... it comes in over 20 AKC colors (and even more "alternative" colors)....and when taken care of, is full, thick and oh-so fluffy!

The Pomeranian actually has 2 layers of fur. They are called the inner coat and the outer coat. The inner coat is short and thick. The outer coat is long. Both combined together gives us the "ball of fur" that this dog is so famous for.

Grooming Poms is very important. When one does not take care of the coat of fur, it quickly tangles...The tangles are often called "mats" or "matts". It is simply a knot in the fur. If it is not taken care of, it will grow larger and larger...making it more difficult to remove.

Grooming is not that hard once you get into a good schedule and be sure to keep the dog maintained so that you are not overwhelmed. You will find very good tips in our Grooming section.

Puppy Uglies

Why does this term apply to adorable Poms? It is because the Pomeranian goes through a growth stage dubbed the "Puppy Uglies"...and it is necessary. It is the growing stage when Poms have their puppy fur fall out, to be replaced by their adult fur.

When the fur falls out, Poms can look quite funny for a few months. And then the gorgeous, amazing adult coat grows in. This is a separate issue from BSD .

Health

There are some health issues that this breed is prone to (as is such the case with just about every type of dog breed). Most are due to its very small size. This does not mean that your Pomeranian will have any of these issues, it simply means that owners will want to be aware of luxating patellas, hip dysplasia and collapsed trachea, etc so that if symptoms do arise, you will know what to do. (All found in our Health section).

Pom puppies

Many of the possible issues can be avoided with proper care...Although some issues are hereditary.

One health problem that is easily avoided with proper care is a collapsed trachea.

This is a condition in which the cartilage rings surrounding the dog's throat collapse under pressure) ...This can be avoided by using a harness as opposed to a dog collar.

Of course, when one pictures "walking the dog", they automatically imagine using a leash and collar. This should never be done with Poms!

Due to their very small size, along with the Maltese, Yorkie, Chihuahua and other small breed dogs, a harness should be used instead. They are very easy to use, it only takes moments...and it redistributes the weight and stress across the chest and shoulders, not just the neck. In this way, if the pup or dog suddenly lunges forward, the trachea is not harmed.

Personality

These are amazing dogs. While they are too tiny to be considered 'watch dogs", they will bark when strangers approach, in order to warn you. If someone is looking for a dog to follow them around, who likes to be carried, and who loves to snuggle together, this is the one!

Puppies are very hyper, but in time that calms down and the majority of the life of Poms will be one of peacefulness, play and mutual attention giving.

This dog breed is highly devoted to its owner(s)...often following like a shadow, although calmer (and usually older) dogs will sometimes be content laying in the sunshine near a window and simply keeping an eye on the household. Many Poms love to sleep in their owner's bed and to be carried. Offering daily exercise is an important, part of keeping your Pom healthy.... and many people find that their Pomeranian enjoys the walk to the destination...but loves to be carried back!

Due to the loving nature of the dog, some owners do have issues with Separation Anxiety, when the dog has a hard time being left home alone. In most cases, with training and just a bit of patience, this can be fixed to make both owner and canine family member happy.

Why We Have This Website

We are dedicated to the health and care of Poms.

Here you will find just about everything you need to know...and more! All sections are to your left, in alphabetical order. We also have fun sections such as the Cutest Pom Photo Gallery, an interactive Name area and Halloween Poms!

Our Topic of the Month will keep you constantly updated with new information. Each month, we bring you a new topic of interest regarding the Pomeranian, so that you will always learn something new, to help both you and your Pom. Many times, we will write the topic based on a suggestion by a Member.

It is easy to become a Free Member, so that you will receive updates when new information is added, so be sure to join the PetPom family.

Whether you are thinking about bringing a Pom into your home, or if you have a bunch already....please take some time to read though our pages...You will always find something new on PetPom!

Looking for much more information? Do you have a Pom questions and would love direct advice from the PetPom Experts? Forget about those silly little books that already tell you what you know ! It is time for something different!