The Pomeranian is a little dog with great qualities: loved by actors and famous personalities, it combines a mini size with great robustness and perfect watchdog instincts.
The Pomeranian, or dwarf German spitz, is a dog that is extremely popular in the United States – over the past ten years the breed has consistently ranked among the top breeds by number of registrations – but somewhat less so in our country. Yet its small size, its gentle and affectionate nature, and above all its enormous popularity among show-business personalities make it a likely successor to the throne currently held by chihuahuas and toy poodles.
This dog, small as it is (it is also known as the "handbag spitz"), is very robust, bold and fearless – qualities inherited from the larger German spitz breeds that were used in Germany as guard dogs by carters. Despite being a companion dog, the Pomeranian is counted among guard dogs because it is often used as a "sentinel dog": thanks to its excellent hearing, it is able to alert the pack and its owners in the presence of a potential threat.
Defining features of the breed include its very thick mane, its impressive curled tail carried over its back, and its dense water-repellent undercoat, which allows it to dry quickly even after a bath. The Pomeranian is in fact a hardy and robust breed that requires no special home care. On the contrary: by its very nature it can live quite happily in a garden or yard, undeterred by bad weather or harsh climates. Provided, however, that it always has the company of its pack – both animal and human – which the Pomeranian will protect and watch over at all costs.
"It may seem incredible, but Pomeranians do not shed hair; the coat is smooth, soft and characterised, as mentioned, by an abundant and protective undercoat," explains Cristina Russo of the Cucce Felici breeding kennel. For this reason they should be brushed regularly, and more frequently during the moulting season, to ensure that the undercoat is also removed and there is room for the new one at seasonal changes.
"A bath once a month is sufficient because the Pomeranian does not give off a bad smell and dogs of this breed are very clean." For brushing, it is best to use a special brush (called a slicker brush) which is easy to find in supermarkets and pet shops. It will prevent the formation of knots and tangles and will remove the dust that tends to build up on the Pomeranian's magnificent coat.
The Pomeranian is an extraordinarily long-lived breed: there are even reports of individuals happily reaching the milestone of twenty years of age. In any case, Pomeranians routinely live to 13–16 years without any particular problems. Do keep an eye, however, on the teeth of these mini dogs. They can, in fact, habitually suffer from excess tartar and tooth decay (as do many other small breeds, for that matter).
Conditions frequently seen in the breed include tracheal collapse in old age and epilepsy. It is also advisable to follow a balanced diet suited to its weight. Especially as it gets older, the Pomeranian can run into problems with obesity and excess weight, which often lie in wait for mini breeds.
"It is worth adding," says Cristina Russo, "that this is quite a sought-after breed, in the sense that it has been becoming very fashionable in recent years, and it is hard to come by. For the Pomeranian, birth is a delicate moment and the small number of puppies in each litter contributes to its rarity." But perhaps this is a good thing in the world of dog breeds, as it will protect this small and adorable four-legged companion from mass advertising and an indiscriminate flood of the dog market. "Few but good" could remain the motto of Pomeranians – mini four-legged companions blessed with excellent health and great longevity.