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Pomeranian dogs
Thinking about
Pomeranian dogs as a companion?
Height: 13-28 cm (5.0-11 inches) Group Lifespan: 12-16 years Tell me about Pomeranian dogsAn outgoing, friendly, lively, intelligent little dog, the Pomeranian is an excellent house dog and is one of the world's most popular toy dog breeds. History of the PomeranianPomerania was an area in what is now north-eastern Germany. Spitz-type dogs, with sharp, pointed muzzles and thick coats, were popular in the region and one was often called the Pomeranian. This dog, however, was a medium sized animal of around 14kg (30 pounds). It was introduced to Europe in the late 18th century but found its greatest champion in England's Queen Victoria. Queen Victoria adopted a small, red Pomeranian in 1888, quickly establishing the popularity of both the reddish colours and the smaller size. Victoria established a breeding kennel devoted to breeding the smaller size dogs and the tiny Pomeranian became a fashion favourite among European nobility.
Today, the Pomeranian is one of the world's favourite small dogs and can come in any colour: white, black, brown, red, orange, cream, blue, sable, black and tan, brown and tan, spotted, brindle - as well as any combinations of those colours. Despite its reputation as a silly lapdog, Pomeranian dogs are intelligent and easily trained. They can do well at obedience and agility work. Personality
Good with children?Yes. As with all small dogs, children should be taught how to handle the Pom properly to avoid hurting and teasing it.Exercise needsPomeranian puppies make excellent house or apartment dogs and do not require a great deal of exercise. But they will enjoy their daily walk and games with their family. HealthPomeranian dogs are generally sturdy little dogs and, with a good diet and exercise, most will live a long life. Possible health problemsLuxating patellas (the kneecap can slip out of place and the dog holds its leg up for a few minutes until the muscles relax and the kneecap slides back into place) Tracheal collapse (the dog's trachea - or airway tube - becomes weakened and interferes with breathing, causing the dog to cough frequently) 'Black skin disease' - a combination of alopecia (hair loss) and hyperpigmentation (a darkening of the skin). Sometimes called woolly coat, coat funk, pseudo-Cushing's disease, or severe hair loss syndrome. Cryptorchidism (a condition in which either one or both of the testicles do not descend. Surgery is then required to remove them.) GroomingPomeranian dogs have a thick double coat, which helps to protect them from harsh weather. Surprisingly, despite its thickness and length, it’s not very hard to look after but it does need regular brushing. The undercoat is shed twice a year. More information for new puppy owners:Want to know more about buying, raising and caring for a puppy? Check out these PuppyPrimer.com pages: Ideal ownerThe ideal Pomeranian owner will make sure their dog is not left on its own for too long as they bond closely with their owners and can suffer from separation anxiety. Your neighbours will prefer you to keep it inside while you’re away – Pomeranian dogs are alert to any change in their environment and will bark (sometimes for hours) to warn you even if you’re not there!
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