For this edition of Dog of the Month, we chose the cuddly and extremely cute Pomeranian’s. For the month of love, what better pup to choose then one that has the face that’ll melt your heart!

It’s hard to believe, but this tiny breed actually are descended from large breed sled dogs. They range, on average, from around 7 to 10 pounds, but they have big personalities! They are incredibly smart, obedient and loyal to their families. They are a member of the Spitz breed of dogs (some others include – Alaskan Malamute, Samoyed and Norwegian Elkhound), however, they are the smallest of all of them. Pomeranian’s are also called, Zwergspitz, Dwarf Spitz, Loulou and of course – Poms. They take their name from the province of Pomerania, in Germany.

From the beginning, Poms have been a favourite breed to have as a companion. Throughout history, many well known people have had them. People such as: Martin Luther; his Pom was named Belferlein and he mentioned it multiple times in his manuscripts, Michelangelo; it’s said that his Pom sat and watched him paint the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel! Also, Isaac Newton; his Pom was named Diamond and it’s said that she chewed many of his manuscripts, and composer Mozart; his Pom was named Pimperl and he dedicated a song to his pup! There is also an extensive history of how much Queen Vicotria loved them. And it is said that she is the one that started to breed the Poms to be smaller in size. Quite the popular breed!

Poms come in multiple different colours and sizes. But they are usually around 7 to 12 inches tall and weigh from between 3 to 7 pounds. Just tiny! But just like all breeds, there can be some that can be quite a bit larger, between 12 to 14 pounds! This breed is happy and vivacious, alert and intelligent. They make excellent watch dogs! They will absolutely let you know if there is someone in their territory that they don’t know. They can have the “little dog complex”, which means they are very courageous and see themselves not as a small one, but as a giant breed. Little pup, BIG personality.

Their personalities are not the only trait they are well known for, they are also well known for their thick coats of fluff! They are double coated, meaning that they have a soft, thick undercoat and long, straight and shiny top coat. Poms have what looks like a lions mane around their head and shoulders. They have a plume tail, that usually comes up and lays on their backs. Put all these characteristics together and you get one proud looking pupper! They come in pretty much any colouring you can think of. From black to brindle, from white to tricoloured. Each one is special and unique.

As a breed, Poms are generally healthy, but can have some allergies. As they get older they can be predisposed to certain health issues. Some of these include, Epilepsy, dry eye, cataracts, tear duct issues, hip dysplasia, Legg-Perthes Disease and patellar luxation. Legg-Perthes Disease is another disease involving the hip joint. It’s when the blood supply to the head of the femur (the large rear leg bone) is decreased and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to break down. It’s important, as with all breeds to make sure your pup has regular veterinary check ups.

There are multiple rescue societies in Canada, that are dedicated in saving Poms and other small breed dogs. One of them is the ‘Pomeranian Club of Canada”. Their goal is to rescue and protect these little fur babies, and find them their fur-ever homes. You can check them out at, www.pcoc.net/rescue.htm. On their website, they also have extensive information about Poms as well.

Thanks for checking out our featured Dog of the Month! Stay tunes for the next one!

References: pcoc.net/rescue.htm, dogtime.com, akc.org, psbrescue.com, dogbreedinfo.com, hillspet.ca