Named after the Pomerania region in N-W Poland and N-E Germany, these dogs are descended from the larger German Spitz, they are also known as "zwergspitz" or dwarf spitz. Queen Victoria owned a small Pomeranian and consequently, the breed was bred smaller, no larger than 3-4 kg; the breed's size decreased by half. This little toy breed now comes in the widest variety of colours – more than any other dog breed.

Poms are playful, energetic, bold, and intelligent, they make good watchdogs, some can become yappy, and others may still have an innate suspicion of strangers and other dogs. They have few health problems, especially if fed a good diet and exercised, and they can live up to 12 or more years. Special attention needs to be given to grooming with extra attention to the eyes and ears, and as with all toy breeds, regular dental care. The Pomeranian has been one of the most popular breeds over the last 10 years, however, they are not really suited to families with young children, according to some breeders. Most poms have a long ruff of fur around their neck and feathery fur on their hindquarters, as the picture above shows, and like most spitz dogs, they have a double coat of fur that needs thinning out in hot climates. The FURminator rake is a great tool for de-shedding double-coated dogs, I use it regularly in summer.

Spitz – A German word for pointed. The term 'spitz' is not a breed of dog, but a classification of many breeds with similar features and bloodlines, mostly originating from colder Arctic regions and Siberia. They were originally developed to work, and they were used for hunting moose and bears, pulling heavy sleds and herding reindeer. Some of these dogs travelled with the Vikings.

Their common features include a foxy or wolflike appearance, with pointed ears, curled tails, almond-shaped eyes, a wedge-shaped skull that warms frigid air that goes through their nasal passages and thick coats. Most have a double coat: a soft, waterproof undercoat and a longer tougher outer coat and they shed profusely twice a year. The spitz breeds are often loyal, smart, and affectionate, but they can also be independent and bold.

According to The Federation Cynologique Internationale, there are between 50-70 spitz like dog types. A few of the most common are the Siberian husky/ Alaskan malamute/Samoyed/ chow chow/ elkhound/ and Akita. All these dogs are suited to colder climates.

Pam Brandis
Dip.Canine. Prac.