Pomeranians, also known as “Poms,” are a beloved and popular breed of dog—and we’re not surprised by that! Who hasn’t been charmed by these pint-sized puffy angels? Cherished for their fluffy coats and adorable, fox-like faces, Pomeranians are one of the most recognizable toy breeds around the world.
Whether you groom them to look like lil’ teddy bears or leave their coat au naturel, these dogs have got oodles of charisma. Small, energetic, and very fluffy—these beautiful dogs have a lot more to offer than just good looks. There’s more to these tiny puppers than meets the eye. From their royal roots to their history in classical music, here are some fascinating facts about Poms that will make you say “OMG” and “LOL”.
The 14 Cool & Fun Pomeranian Facts
1. Small But Mighty
Pomeranians are one of the smallest dog breeds. Even adult Poms typically weigh in at between just 3 and 7 pounds. But don’t let their reduced stature fool you: Poms have a lot of personality and tons of energy. They were originally bred to be working dogs, and they still have a strong desire to please and be active. This can-do attitude makes them an ideal family pet for those who enjoy having a feisty pup around.
2. They’re Named After a Region in Poland
Pomeranians are named after the Pomerania region in Poland, where the breed originated. The Pomerania region is located on the southern shore of the Baltic Sea and was once a province of Prussia. This is an area that lies primarily in the modern-day countries of Germany and Poland. This region was historically known as “Pommern” or “Pomorze,” which, when translated to English, means “along the sea.” It was this location that inspired the name for our beloved canine friends today—Pomeranian!
3. They Can Change Color
There’s something else that sets them apart from other dogs: their ability to change color as they age! This breed can develop different shades of fur over time, with some individuals becoming much darker than when they were first born. The exact cause of this color change is unknown, but the phenomenon may be due to genetic factors or environmental influences.
For example, some Pomeranians start out with light cream-colored coats, usually turning darker by the time they reach adulthood. Some will even become black or brown in later years. The change in coat color doesn’t seem to have any significant effect on the animal’s health; Pomeranians continue to live long and healthy lives regardless of their new hue. Whether a puppy’s color will change as it grows older is impossible to predict.
4. They Have Royal Roots
Pomeranians have a royal history dating back to the 18th century. Queen Charlotte of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, the wife of King George III of England, owned a Pomeranian named “Phoebe” and is credited with popularizing the breed in the royal court. Pomeranians have been a staple of English life since Queen Victoria reigned over the country. With her fondness for the breed, she made them a symbol of wealth and status in the 1800s. The Queen’s influence turned this small but mighty pet into an extremely popular breed. As one of England’s most beloved monarchs, her endorsement gave Poms their place in high society, and they were often seen accompanying members of European royalty at formal events.
5. A Coat of Many Colors
Pomeranians come in a wide variety of colors, including white, cream, orange, sable, black, and brown. And that doesn’t even begin to cover the colorations. They can also have different markings and patterns, such as a black mask or a white blaze on their forehead. In fact, almost no two Poms will be colored quite the same. In some breeds, there are only one or two colors available, while in others, there are four or five. In contrast, the American Kennel Club recognizes an incredible 23 color combinations in Pomeranians.
6. Poms Have Inspired Great Music
The Pomeranian dog breed has been inspiring great music for centuries, with some of the most famous composers in history drawing influence from the small and fluffy animals. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest musical geniuses of all time, was known to be very fond of his pet Pomeranian. His love inspired him to compose. Pimperl, Mozart’s beloved Pomeranian, is said to have been the subject of one of his arias.
Mozart’s Polish contemporary, Frederic Chopin, was also an admirer of these lively little dogs. One of his most famous compositions, the Minute Waltz, was inspired by watching his friend’s puppy chase its tail with great gusto.
7. Blue Poms Are Not Blue
If you’re picturing a vivid blue tone-toned fluffy beastie, you’re way off! As exciting as this sounds, for now, a true-blue coat can only be achieved with a (cruelty-free) dye job. The name “blue” does not refer to the color of their fur. Rather, blue Pomeranians are distinguished from other Pomeranian color types by their noses. In fact, Blue Poms have dullish black coats, and it’s their noses that have hints of blue coloring about them. Their eyes may also be blue sometimes.
8. Poms Are Prone to Certain Health Issues
It is important to note that Pomeranians, like all breeds, can be susceptible to certain health problems. Some of the most common health concerns in Poms include hip dysplasia, luxating patella (a condition where the kneecap dislocates), and dental problems.
To avoid these issues, it’s important to work with a reputable breeder. You want someone who screens their breeding dogs for these issues. Then it’s up to you to do your part by keeping up with regular vet check-ups and dental cleanings.
9. They Make Great Buddies
Pomeranians make great companion dogs because of their affectionate and outgoing personalities. They love us—and we love them! They’re also very intelligent and trainable. It’s astonishing to find such cleverness packed into their tiny skulls. This is what makes it fun to teach new tricks and commands. Because of their small size, they’re also well-suited to apartment living and don’t require a lot of space. Poms are a great choice for city dwellers as a result.
10. They’re Good with Kids and Other Pets
Pomeranians are generally good with children and other pets, making them a great addition to any family. Not only do they love to interact with their owners, but they can also be very gentle around kids and other animals—once they know them and are familiar with them. Pomeranians will bring joy into your home with their lively personalities!
11. They’re Low Shedding
Pomeranians have thick, fluffy coats that require regular grooming, but they are considered a low-shedding breed. This makes them a great choice for people with allergies or who don’t want a lot of dog hair around the house. Poms double coat is made up of a downy undercoat and an outer coat with long, straight guard hairs. This double layer helps them stay warm in cold climates while also reducing shedding by trapping loose hairs between layers. The Pomeranian’s thick fur also gives it a soft, plush look that many people find endearing.
12. They’re an It-Dog in Pop Culture
Pomeranians have made appearances in popular culture, including literature, movies, and TV shows. One of the most famous Poms was Boo, the “World’s Cutest Dog”, with a huge following on social media. Boo sparked a frenzy of interest in Pomeranians and inspired a resurgence in the popularity of the breed before sadly passing away in 2019 of a broken heart.
13. They’re an Ancient Breed
Pomeranians have been a beloved family companion for centuries. Our love affair with Poms has been going on for much longer than you might think! This small, fluffy breed can be traced back to the Spitz family of dogs, which originated during the Stone Age. That’s some origin story! The exact origin of Pomeranians is uncertain, but it is believed that they were bred down in size from larger hunting dogs to provide companionship. It’s certainly much easier to cuddle a Pom rather than a Spitz on your lap.
14. They’re Surprisingly Good Watchdogs
Despite their size, these dogs can make excellent watchdogs. They might be tiny—but it’s almost as if they don’t realize it. They are alert and will bark when something is amiss, which can be a great deterrent for intruders. Their loud barking provides a great early warning system if a prowler enters your home. Pomeranians have a strong sense of smell and tend to be very aware—of even subtle changes in their environment. If something is off—they will pick up on it. This makes them ideal guard dogs because they can detect even subtle changes that might suggest an intruder has entered the home or yard.
And if they pick up on something, they are not afraid to let you know. When they feel threatened or sense danger, they will bark loudly to alert you—and scare away any potential intruder.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pomeranians are more than just cute and fluffy companions: they have a rich history and unique characteristics that make them a fascinating breed. If you’re thinking of getting a Pomeranian, you can expect a loyal, loving companion that will keep you entertained with its antics and affection. Remember to always adopt from a reputable breeder and provide them with proper care and training.
Featured Image Credit: BLACK17BG, Pixabay
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