Pomeranian Dog
If you are thinking about getting an active dog who is intelligent and a very loyal companion, you might want to consider getting a Pomeranian dog or a Pomeranian puppy. Sometimes known as the 'Pom'.
Historically it is claimed that the Pomeranian originated from around the Arctic Circle. Their ancestors were originally sled dogs albeit a much larger dog. In the 18th century, travelers transported these dogs to an area that is now split between Germany and Poland called Pomeranea.
This ancestral breed was eventually bred down to the smaller dog that we know today. The most likely breed that they were bred down from is the Deutscher Spitz breed.
Pomeranian Dog Breed - Description
The Pomeranian is classed in the Toy dog breed. At full adult size, the Pomeranian is little more than 3lb to 7lb in weight and around 8in to 11in tall. Obviously, a Pomeranian puppy would be much smaller than this and this should be taken into consideration if very young children are in the family. Their diminutive size makes them an ideal pet if you own an apartment or have restricted living space. They have a slightly wedged shape face which reminds some of a fox. Characteristic of this breed is their tale which lies over the back and is carried flat. Their main feature is the coat. They actually have two coats, an undercoat that tends to be soft and quite thick with a fluffy texture. The outer coat is longer and made of a more coarse hair. There are several colors accepted officially but you may find the Pomeranian in most colors.
Pomeranian Temperament
Poms are a very lively attentive little dog. They can be very affectionate towards family members and will be a very loyal dog. They will be very vocal if trained to be but naturally they tend not to be overly vocal. They will easily adapt to city life and are ideal for apartment living. Equally, they will thrive in a countryside environment. They love to walk and their hunting instinct will come into play in the right setting.
Caring or your Pomeranian
The most obvious area that a Pomeranian needs close attention is the up keep of the coat. Grooming would ideally be done at least once a day to remove knots and clumps in the under coat. In addition to this, they tend to need good dental care. Poms are known for losing teeth and this is an area that should be looked after. Pomeranians are a very hardy breed. It is not unusual for your Pom to live from between 12 to 16 years of age. It is not unheard of for a Pom to reach 20 years!
Other Health Problems
Poms have been known to suffer from a heart condition called 'Patent Ductus Arteriosus'. Other problems that may occur include dry eye and cataracts which can often occur in young adults. They are also sometimes predisposed to skin allergies.
In summary, the Pomeranian is a lively little dog with an affectionate heart that will make a welcome addition to any family.
|