Bless the queen for commissioning what some people call "the cutest dog on earth." Queen Victoria of England played a significant role in transforming the 40-pound German Spitz into the tiny teacup Pomeranian breed of today.
Pomeranian dogs get their name from the Pomerania region of Central Europe. In some countries, the Pomeranian, or Pom, is called a Zwergspitz "Dwarf Spitz" or Toy German Spitz. Queen Victoria owned a remarkably small red sable Pomeranian named "Windsor's Marco," which consequently spurred the breed's popularity and a 50 percent reduction in their typical size during the queen's lifetime.
Upon first glance, the little dogs may not bring to mind the large Arctic working dogs from whom they descend. However, on closer inspection, the long double coat and the curled tail do resemble the big sled dogs.
Miniature Pomeranian Breeding
In 1767, Queen Victoria's grandmother, Charlotte, Queen-Consort of George III of England, brought two of the older, larger style of Pomeranian to England. The dogs, Phoebe and Mercury, appear in paintings by Sir Thomas Gainsborough. Queen Victoria set up her own Pomeranian breeding kennels and imported smaller dogs of various colors to improve her breeding program.
References to Teacup Pomeranians, Pocket Poms, Miniature Pomeranians, and Toy Poms all refer to the one Pomeranian breed. Separate mini varieties do not exist. Even TeacupPoms.com attests to this fact. Pomeranians grow to a full-size of 3 to 7 pounds (1.8 to 2.5 kg), 8 to 11 inches tall (20.3 to 27.9 cm).
Buying a Pomeranian Puppy
Prospective pet owners who want a small Pomeranian puppy may want to seek out registered Pomeranian breeders who have knowledge of each puppy's lineage and will have screened puppies for genetic defects. Purchasing directly from a breeder allows prospective owners to see the puppy's full-grown parents, which gives an indication of the puppy's future appearance and temperament. See Pomeranian.org for more Pomeranian puppy purchasing tips.
Pomeranian puppies, due to their small size, require frequent feedings. They can suffer from hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if they don't eat often enough. New owners can look for varieties of dog food formulated especially for toy dog breeds to ensure adequate nutrition in small servings.
The Pomeranian's small size requires that people, including small children, handle them with special care. Pomeranians may bark or nip when nervous or frightened. A daily puppy training routine and prompt establishment of an owner-pet relationship helps the puppy feel safe and secure in its new family. In addition, the long double coat of fur may require a regular sanitary clip.
The Pomeranian was Queen Victoria's favorite lap dog for a reason. Well-trained Poms with their high energy, cute appearance, and generally upbeat temperaments can make great companions for the whole family.
Sara McGrath - Sara is a veteran homeschool mom of three, Usborne consultant, and the author of Unschooling: A Lifestyle of Learning.
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