About Pomeranians
Pomeranian History
Most everyone is familiar with that little ball of fluff, with the foxy face, a personality that is infectious and vibrant, and a coat so full and luxuriant it is like that ball of fluff. There are not very many who are aware of the fact that this breed of dog has its origins in the Arctic ice of Iceland and Lapland. It claimed a genetic bond to the Alaskan Malamute, the Samoyed and the Siberian Husky, they were "cousins", within the Spitz family of canines. Of course, the Pomeranian then was a great deal larger than the dog we know today, averaging about thirty pounds. This dog earned its keep by being a sled dog. As explorers came in contact with the native people, they would bring back the native dogs to their homes. Eventually, these native dogs ended up in an area of Germany known as Pommerania. In Germany these dogs were used to herd livestock.
It is said that among the first to officially import the Pomeranian breed of dog to England was Queen Charlotte, the wife of George III. It must be stated here that at this time the Pomeranian was still a large-type dog. It seems that on the continent of Europe, the wealthy people were looking for small, companion dogs. The Pom was a lovely dog, bright, intelligent, and eager to please, but it was so large. This is when the down sizing of the breed started. When Queen Victoria went to Italy, she returned home with the Pomeranian we are more familiar with. The Pom became very popular in England, with the down sizing of the breed continuing.
In 1870, the Pomeranian was given recognition in Great Britain, by The Kennel Club. It was said that the dog's submitted to the conformation ring from the royal kennel, had to be put into a separate judging class. After all, who would judge that the royal family's dogs were not the best there.
The first Pomeranians that were exported from England to the U.S., were undoubtedly the larger variety.
In 1900, the American Kennel Club gave the breed recognition, and the Pomeranian Club of America was also formed at this time. The P.C.A. was given membership status in the A.K.C. in 1909.
Coat and color
The Pom's coat possesses two coats: an undercoat and a topcoat. The undercoat is shed once a year by males, and by intact females when they are in season, after delivering a litter, and during times of stress.
Coat colors vary across the breed. Such colors include: black, black & tan, blue, blue & tan, chocolate, chocolate & tan, cream, cream sable, orange, orange sable, red, red sable, sable, beaver, brindle, chocolate sable,ash, white, and wolf sable. Patches of one or more colors over a white undercoat are called "Parti-Color." Pomeranians also come in the color merle. There are also tri-color Pomeranians that may be any combination of these colors.
Grooming
A daily or twice weekly (damp) brushing against the hair is essential to keep free of mats. Brushing also helps to prevent dry skin and dandruff. Regular ear and nail care is recommended, along with generally only peak-seasonal bathing. It is unadvisable to bathe Pomeranians frequently as excessive bathing can damage their skin and coat by removing essential oils, especially if using anti-flea products. Pomeranians are also prone to teeth problems, and it is recommended that their teeth be brushed at least once a week. Their teeth should be brushed daily and the dog receive dental and vitamin treats.
Health
Poms often live 12-19 years.
Common problems in Pomeranians are Legg-Calvé-Perthes syndrome and hip dysplasia can occur, but are rare in this small breed. Patent ductus arteiosus (a congenital heart defect) and collapsing trachea have become serious problems in Poms.
Dry eye, tear duct disorders can appear in young females and often lead to blindness are also common. Skin diseases are quite common, especially allergies and follicular dyplasia (also known as alopecia X). Other problems that occur regularly include hypothyroidism, epilepsy and hypoglycemia. Occasionally, hydrecephaluscan occur in Pom puppies as well as luxating patella (slipping kneecap). Poms, like many toy breeds, are prone to bad teeth and harmless episodes of reverse sneezing. Also, it is important that Poms are trained not to mingle around peoples feet. Because of their loyal tendencies, they will follow from room to room, easily getting stepped on. Their delicate bodies will injure easily this way.
Hair loss (alopecia) accompanied by darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation) is often termed "black skin disease". Other names applied to this condition include wooly coat, coat funk, pseudo-Cushing’s syndrome, and severe hair loss syndrome.
In Pomeranians, this condition is suspected to be an X-linked inherited disorder since many more males than females are affected, and research is being carried out to identify a linked gene marker so that dogs in this breed can potentially be tested for the condition. Other breeds with increased prevalence of black skin disease include the Alaskan malamute, keeshond, poodle, dachshund, chow chow, Samoyed and American water spaniel.
Many of the afflicted dogs are diagnosed with growth hormone responsive alopecia. Not all affected dogs have abnormal growth hormone levels though, and though many affected dogs develop abnormal signs after puberty, dogs of any age can be affected. In Pomeranians, late onset signs are sometimes associated with reduced 21-hydroxylase levels, enzymes which are involved with processing of some of the reproductive hormone precursors.
Currently, the condition is still considered to be of unknown cause since similar signs of hair loss and black skin are not consistently associated with a standard set of hormone changes. Other conditions that can mimic this condition include Cushing’s disease, hypothyroidism, chronic skin infections, and reproductive hormone disorders that should all be ruled out by testing.
If the condition is due to a laboratory confirmed growth hormone deficiency, hormone therapy is instituted. Benefits last from six months to a few years. As hormone therapy can produce diabetes as a side effect, so the attending veterinarian will recommend close monitoring of the urine and blood sugars weekly during treatment.
Behavior
Pomeranians are typically very friendly, playful and active. They are very intelligent as toy breeds go and are easily housebroken and trained. Pomeranians socialize well with other dogs, animals, and people. Pomeranians are extroverted and can develop the habit of barking excessively if the behavior is rewarded (i.e. allowed to beg for food). Because of their long double-coat, they tend to seek out cooler environments and it is not uncommon to find them laying down on a cold floor or hard surface. They are extremely loyal and will sit or lay content at an owner's feet. Pomeranians should not be allowed to run free and should always be kept on a leash or enclosed in some kind of yard or inside. They tend to usually be good with kids from the age of 3+ if raised with them from the start. Because of their size, they do well in condominiums and apartments, but they are able to adapt to most any situation or environment.
