Pomeranian History

The Pomeranian is descended from the Spitz family of dogs, the sled dogs of Iceland and Lapland. The breed takes its name from the historical region of Pomerania that makes up the southern coast of the Baltic sea (now present day Germany and Poland), not because it originated there, but because this was most likely where it was bred down to size. In its larger form, the dog served as an able herder of sheep. When it first came to notice in Britain in the middle of the 19th century, some specimens were said to weigh as much as thirty pounds and to resemble the German wolf spitz in size, coat and color.

In 1870 the Kennel Club (England) recognized the so-called spitz dog. In 1888 a Pomeranian named "Marco" was sent from Florence, Italy to become the beloved companion of Queen Victoria of England. Because the Queen was a popular monarch, the breed's popularity grew as well. In fact, the Queen is credited for advocating the trend toward the smaller Poms.

Pomeranians were shown in the United States in the Miscellaneous Class as far back as 1892, but regular classification was not provided until 1900 at New York. In 1911 the American Pomeranian Club held its first specialty show. Early American winners were heavier in bone, larger in ear and usually weighed under six pounds. They had type and good coat texture, although they lacked the profuseness of coat in evidence today.

Diminutive size, docile temper and a vivacious spirit plus sturdiness have made Pomeranians great pets and companions.