| Pomeranians: the most honest dog breed review you'll ever find. Information about Pomeranian personality and behavior. |
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My book, Your Purebred Puppy: A Buyer's Guide (published by Henry Holt & Co.), includes a full-page profile of the Pomeranian, including these excerpts:
"The AKC Standard says the Pomeranian is "buoyant in deportment... inquisitive by nature... cocky, commanding, and animated."
That he is. Vivacious and spirited, bold and brash, the typical Pomeranian thinks he's "hot stuff."
He is a sharp-eyed busybody who must check out every sight, sound, and activity and preferably tell you what he thinks about it. He is delightfully alive and aware of everything going on around him.
Keenly alert to approaching strangers, the Pomeranian requires early socialization so that he doesn't become sharp or shrill.
Most are fine with other pets -- it is a tribute to their amiability that male Pomeranians can often run and play together with little or no bickering. Some Poms, though, are bossy and will attempt to chase strange dogs, regardless of size.
The Pomeranian is very bright and will look directly at you, cocking his head attentively. BUT he is not inclined to take orders from anyone whom he views as below himself in importance. Don't allow him to become possessive of his food or toys, and control barking from day one.
This proud, self-possessed little breed won't meekly submit to mischief or rough handling."
History
This little fellow, amazingly, is descended from Icelandic sled dogs and herding dogs, hence his "big dog" personality. He takes his name from Pomerania, Germany.
Size
6-7 inches and 4-7 lbs, though larger individuals are common and make sturdier pets |
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Pomeranians
What's good about 'em
What's bad about 'em
- There are energetic Pomeranians, and placid Pomeranians.
- Hard-headed Pomeranians, and sweet-natured Pomeranians.
- Serious Pomeranians, and good-natured goofballs.
- Introverted Pomeranians, and Pomeranians who love everyone.
| If you acquire a Pomeranian puppy, you can't know for sure what he or she will grow up to be like. Because a good number of purebred puppies do NOT grow up to conform to the "norm." |
Now let's look at some common characteristics for this breed...
- Is very small and "spitz-like", with pricked ears, foxy face, a thick coat, and curled tail
- Is vivacious and spunky, bright and attentive
- Is delightfully alive and aware of everything going on around him and keenly alert to approaching strangers
- Is usually fine with other pets
A Pomeranian may be right for you.
| If you don't want to deal with... |
- An extremely careful search to avoid all the nasty, neurotic Pomeranians
- The fragility of toy breeds (see below)
- Suspicious yappiness toward strangers when not socialized enough
- Strong-willed mind of his own, requiring a confident owner who can take charge
- Barking
- Regular brushing and combing
- Heavy shedding
- Housebreaking difficulties
A Pomeranian may not be right for you.
| If I were considering a Pomeranian... |
My major concerns would be:
- Unstable temperaments. Pomeranians are a dime a dozen, and most of them are bred and offered for sale by people who don't have the slightest idea of how to breed good-tempered dogs. Obedience instructors and behavioral consultants see LOTS of Pomeranians with neurotic behaviors, including biting, sharpness, extreme fearfulness, moodiness, and general nastiness.
- Fragility. Too many people acquire a toy breed puppy without understanding how incredibly fragile a toy breed is. You can seriously injure or kill a Pomeranian puppy by stepping on him or by sitting on him when he's curled under a blanket or pillow, where he frequently likes to sleep. And Pomeranians can seriously injure or kill THEMSELVES by leaping from your arms or off the back of your sofa. A larger dog can grab a Pomeranian and break his neck with one quick shake. Owning a toy breed means constant supervision and surveillance of what's going on around your tiny dog. Pomeranians must always be kept indoors, in a safely fenced yard, or on-leash -- they are just too easy to injure when not under your complete control.
| If you have small children, I do not recommend a Pomeranian. There are just too many Poms who won't tolerate any nonsense. And there are too many Poms who feel overwhelmed by the loud voices and quick movements that children can't help making -- and stress and shyness (even defensive biting) may be the result. |
- Suspiciousness. Standoffish by nature, Pomeranians need extensive exposure to people and to unusual sights and sounds. Otherwise their natural caution can become suspiciousness, which are difficult to live with and could even lead to defensive biting.
- Mind of their own. Pomeranians are not a submissive or sissyish breed. They are very bright, but they have an independent mind of their own and can be manipulative. You must show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say.
| To teach your Pomeranian to listen to you, "Respect Training" is mandatory. My Pomeranian Training Page discusses the program you need. |
- Barking. Pomeranians are often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. If you work all day and have close neighbors, Pomeranians are not a good choice for you. For the same reason, Pomeranians should NEVER be left outside in your yard, unsupervised. To make matters worse, some Poms have high-pitched barks that can set your teeth on edge.
- Grooming. To keep their thick coat free of mats, Pomeranians require regular brushing and combing, and occasional trimming of straggly hairs.
- Heavy shedding. Pomeranians are one of the heaviest shedding of the toy breeds. You'll find hair and fur all over your clothing, upholstery, carpeting, under your furniture, on your countertops -- even in your food. Frequent vacuuming will become a way of life. Make sure you're REALLY up for this.
- Housebreaking. Toy breeds are almost always difficult to housebreak. It is so easy for them to sneak behind a chair or under a small table, and it takes only a few seconds for the deed to be done. The results can be hard to see. When you don't see it, you don't correct it -- and so the bad habit becomes established. If you hope to housebreak a toy breed, consistent crate training is mandatory. Pomeranians should not be loosed in the house for many months, until their small internal organs become strong enough for reliable control.
| If you're considering an adult Pomeranian... |
There are plenty of adult Pomeranians who have already proven themselves NOT to have negative characteristics. If you find such an adult, don't let "typical breed negatives" worry you.
When you acquire a puppy, you're acquiring potential -- what he one day will be. So "typical breed characteristics" are very important. But when you acquire an adult, you're acquiring what he already IS.
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Copyright © 2000-2006 by Michele Welton. All rights reserved. No part of this website may be reproduced without the permission of the author. |
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