General Info | beau-joli-poms

Pomeranian Grooming
Although the coat of the Pomeranian is long and thick, it doesn't require a substantial amount of grooming as other long-haired breeds often do. Brushing daily or 2 to 3 times per week will remove loose, dead hair. It is not necessary to clip your Pomeranian to keep his or her coat looking healthy and luxurious, as regular brushing and a healthy diet rich in nutrients will suffice. Frequent attention to trimming the rear end will not only help your Pomeranian to show off their amazing profile but will also help to maintain cleanliness when they go "potty"!

Pomeranians will “shed out” their undercoat usually once a year, and it is important to remove this undercoat to prevent matting. It is normal for Pomeranian puppies to go through an awkward stage prior to becoming an adult. This has been affectionately termed as the “puppy uglies” or “monkey” stage. The puppy will lose much of their coat and will appear gangly and awkward. This period usually begins between 16 - 18 weeks old and can last until about 8 months of age.
Depending upon whether you intend to show your Pomeranian, most should be bathed at 4 to 6 week intervals during winter months, then every two weeks during milder seasons. Bathing is important for removing dust and dirt that can be abrasive to your pet's coat.
It's also important that you clean your Pomeranian's teeth on a regular basis as well to keep them healthy and free of tartar build up. A dog's health can be affected when dental disease is present.

Pomeranian History
The Pomeranian is a small, furry dog that originated from the Arctic Circle region near Iceland. They were named for the area of northern Poland and eastern Germany known as the Pomeranian region of Central Europe. The Pomeranian is classed as a toy breed due to its small size, although their ancestors were working dogs which were much larger. A direct descendant of the German Spitz, the breed is known as the Klein “small” Spitz or Zwergspitz in many countries.
Before the breed's introduction into the United Kingdom, there was little documentation on the history of the breed. The evolution of the Pomeranian was greatly influenced by two members of the British Royal Family, Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria. Queen Charlotte's Poms Phoebe and Mercury were included in paintings by Sir Thomas Gainsborough, while Queen Victoria loved the breed and established a breeding kennel. In England in 1891, the first breed club was developed for the Pom; 1898 was the first year a Pomeranian was registered in America to the AKC. The breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1900.

Pomeranian Appearance
Pomeranians are a lightweight, small breed, usually ranging from about 4 to 8 pounds as adults. A Pomeranian puppy can grow to have a height that generally ranges from about 5 to 11 inches.
This is a breed that comes in a wide array of colors including black, black & tan, white, orange, red, blue, chocolate, cream, brindle, merle or other combinations of these colors. However, the most common colors typically seen in Pomeranians are black, orange and sable. There has been a surge of interest in the more exotic colors recently and much has been accomplished in achieving good “type” along with these rare colors.
Dark eyes are usually medium in size, almond shaped and bright in appearance. The Pomeranian dog has a straight, short muzzle and an alert expression. Ears should be erect and set well within the head coat, giving them a small appearance. An abundantly textured double coat and a feathery plumed tail set high and flat on the back give this dog an exquisite if not uniquely recognizable profile.

Pomeranian Temperament
Always aware of everything and everyone around them, the Pomeranian dog is curious, commanding, and usually very people-oriented. This is one cute little bundle of fur that while keenly alert and extremely intelligent, sometimes needs direction for their energy. Obedience and Agility training are often successful outlets for these Pomeranians.
Friendly and protective of their owners, Pomeranian puppies should be trained to spend some time alone, otherwise they could suffer from separation anxiety when the family's away at work or school, or for any extended time period. Barking excessively can become a problem if not addressed early on, as the Pomeranian is a dog that is extremely aware of strangers or other changes in their environment and will let everyone know.

Pomeranian Proper Environment
Nearly any environment is suitable for Pomeranian puppies to grow in, whether you live in an apartment, in a suburban home, or a farmhouse in the country. An ideal companion for elderly individuals, this is a breed that also enjoys an active family atmosphere and is happy in any home no matter how large or small.
The Pomeranian dog is very active indoors, and only slightly less active outdoors. Some Pomeranian puppies are better in the company of adults, while others get along well with children, although due to their small size, most are better suited to older children. Tolerant to most climates, the Pomeranian dog loves to live indoors; People who live in hotter climates frequently trim their Pomeranian in a “lion” cut for the summer to avoid overheating.

Pomeranian Health
While the Pomeranian dog is healthy overall, there are certain health issues that seem to affect the breed. These include open fontanel, hypoglycemia or “low blood sugar”, luxating patellas and collapsing trachea. Talk to your breeder and veterinarian to discuss these issues before purchasing your Pomeranian pet.
The average lifespan for the Pomeranian dog is 12 to 15 years. Pomeranians that are properly exercised and given a good diet should have relatively few health problems. Because of their light build, most are less prone to hip dysplasia than many other breeds.
Alopecia X – also known as “black skin disease” is a condition of progressive baldness, beginning near the base of the tail, which means that affected dogs lose hair (usually permanently). Typically, hair loss is followed by darkening of the balding skin. Little is known about this condition or its cause. It may be that Alopecia X is not due to a single inherited defect at all but rather a combination of several, making diagnosis and treatment that much more difficult. Alopecia X does not appear to affect a dog’s health and is a purely cosmetic issue for the owners of affected animals. Other conditions can be confused with Alopecia X. Currently, there are no medical tests to definitively diagnose this disorder. Veterinarians usually diagnose by exclusion (ruling out all other conditions).
Merle colored Pomeranian dogs and possible health issues:
Merle colored Pomeranians face special considerations when breeding. Merle to Merle breedings can result in puppies that suffer from ocular and skeletal abnormalities. This is also problematic in that the Merle color can sometimes be “cloaked” or hidden by other colors, making it difficult to determine whether they are in fact a Merle. Breeding Merle Pomeranians is best left to those with experience and some working knowledge of genetics.