Pomeranian - Physical Characteristics
Dog Breeds
Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs with wedge-shaped heads and small ears. The shape of their head and muzzle, along with their ever-alert expression all contributes to the Pom's fox-like appearance.
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Appearance
Pomeranians are small, fluffy dogs with wedge-shaped heads and small ears. The shape of their head and muzzle, along with their ever-alert expression all contributes to the Pom's fox-like appearance. The skull is slightly rounded, the eyes are almond-shaped, dark in color, but bright. The eye rims and nose are either dark or match the coat color (called self-colored). The erect ears sit high atop the head. The coat is long, thick and coarse to the touch, with a ruff round the neck and chest. The tail is one of the most distinctive characteristics of the Pomeranian, as it is robustly feathered and fans forward over the back. Any solid color is allowed, but the most common are red, orange, white or cream, blue, brown or black. Sometimes the coat is brindle, parti-colored, or tan pointed.
Size and Weight
Pomeranians average in weight from 3 to 7 pounds. The ideal for the show ring is from 4 to 6 pounds. Dogs who are over or under the limits are not disqualified if they are of proper proportion and of overall good quality. Pomeranians are slightly shorter from shoulder to rear than they are tall (measured from the top of the shoulder to the ground).
Coat and Color
The Pomeranian wears a thick, stand-off double coat made up of a soft, thick undercoat and ad a long, straight and harsh topcoat. The neck is covered in longer hair that forms a ruff and the tail is plumed with hair that lies flat and fans out on the dog's back. Puppies are not born with the characteristic tail, it is something they grow into as they mature.
Pomeranians come in just about every color and pattern imaginable: black, black and tan, blue, blue and tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, cream sable, orange, orange sable, red, red sable, sable, brindle or white. They may be solid colored or parti-colored. No preference is given in the show ring to any one color, combination, or pattern.
Grooming Needs
Pomeranians are moderate shedders. Males shed their entire undercoat once per year and unspayed females shed their undercoats when they are in season, after delivering a litter and when under stress. Poms should be brushed at least twice per week to remove loose hair, prevent tangles and distribute the natural oils of the skin and hair, keeping the coat shiny and healthy. The Pomeranian can be trimmed around the feet, face, ears and rear for the sake of neatness. Baths are required as needed. For some dogs this may be weekly, others monthly or less, depending on the activity level of the individual.
Small dogs are prone to dental problems, especially later in life, so teeth should be brushed once per week at a minimum. Daily brushing is best to help prevent tooth loss later in life. Check the ears on a weekly basis for signs of irritation, infection or wax buildup. Cleanse with a veterinarian approved cleanser and a cotton ball – never stick a cotton swab in a dog's ear canal. Trim nails monthly. If they click on hard floor surfaces, they are too long.
Personality