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The Pomeranian Today
Through the efforts of breed enthusiasts the Pomeranian's diminutive size (three to seven pounds) and profuse coat have been standardized, yet even the smallest Poms should retain the weather-protective qualities that typified the early Nordic dogs: short body, good length of leg and tiny ears among them.
The variety of colors in which Poms are arrayed has also been maintained. Indeed, there are few colors in which this tiny charmer is not available. The most frequently seen are shades of darkest red to lightest cream, some with sable accents; but many Poms occur in solid black, black and tan, and parti-colors.
Although the Pom is minuscule in size, its temperament, when brought to full potential, displays the same courage as the largest sled dog racing across the frozen tundra. A Pom will also let the world know when it feels its home or loved ones are threatened. Moreover, Poms may well attempt to fight off the largest adversary to protect what and whom they love. Newspaper stories about Poms getting into fights, often fatal ones, with larger dogs attest to the Pom's limitless, if sometimes self-limiting, courage.
As the Owner Is Bent
Properly socialized, well-bred Pomeranians are enthusiastic and loving companions. They are affectionate and adaptive, and they can easily take on the characteristics of their owners. The nervous, flighty owner will find his or her Pom reacting to life in the same manner. Persons who hibernate at home and avoid most social contacts may well find their Poms lacking the graces well-socialized dogs should have.
Small but Sturdy
The mature Pom is a fairly sturdy individual for its size, but the very young puppy is too delicate to withstand rough handling by small children. Most breeders will not sell a puppy to a home where children are not old enough to understand the kind of treatment a young Pom needs.
A healthy, well cared for Pom can live to an exceptionally old age for a dog. Many live well into their teen years, an age comparable to a very senior, senior citizen in human terms. Pomeranians are also inclined to maintain that legendary puppyhood effervescence until the day they travel on to whatever comes next for a well-loved dog.
The Pomeranian's abundant double coat must be groomed regularly. A double coat consists of an undercoat, soft and dense on the Pom, and an outercoat composed of long, straight, glistening, harsh-textured guard hairs. A thick undercoat allows the guard hairs to stand off to dramatic effect from the Pom's body.
A Pomeranian's coat goes through many changes before the adult coat grows in. At about three months a Pom puppy loses that cloud-soft puppy fluff, and for several months what was a little puff ball can look ragged and disrobed. The adult coat begins to appear when the Pom is a year old, but that coat requires months of growth before it is fully mature.
The regular care that must be given to a Pomeranian's coat is especially needed during coat-change and shedding periods. Bathing and grooming are vital to keeping the little dogs clean and healthy. Neglected coats, in addition to matting easily, can harbor undetected vermin, skin conditions and fungus. Left uncared for, the coat will mat to the skin, necessitating a crew cut that is not only embarrassing to the dog but also extremely unattractive. Shaving a Pom eliminates the very benefits of the breed's coat - protection from both cold and heat. |
