Pomeranian: Loyal Companion

Looking at the sturdy Spitz dogs that pull sleds though the deep winter snow of Lapland and Greenland, it's hard to believe that these dogs were the forefathers of the diminutive Pomeranian. It's true, though. The tiny Pomeranian was much a considerably larger dog, large enough to work herding sheep. It's not hard to imagine.

The region that comprises the south coast of the Baltic Sea, now known as Germany and Poland, was once known as Pomerania. The Spitz sled dogs were imported into Europe through Pomerania, where breeders worked through generations of dogs to reduce the thirty pound dogs closer to today's Pomeranian, weighing well under ten pounds. The Kennel Club in England recognized the breed as we know it in 1870, calling it the "spitz dog." Traces of the Pomeranian's lineage can be seen in the breed's coat and color, which are reminiscent of the wolf blood in the Spitz breed.
Perhaps the most famous Pomeranian owner was Queen Victoria of England, who was introduced to the breed by her mother, Queen Charlotte. Certainly the most famous Pomeranian of the 19th century was Queen Victoria's dog Marco. Her Majesty was one of the breed's biggest fans. At one time she is said to have had thirty-five Pomeranians in the royal kennels. Her work with the breed paid off, and she is credited with having reduced the size of the Pomeranian even further. In 1891, Queen Victoria showed six of her dogs: Fluffy, Nino, Mino, Beppo, Gilda and Lulu, and at least two of the dogs won championships.

As one of the most beloved monarchs in British history, Queen Victoria's style had an enormous influence on popular culture, and the Pomeranian quickly became one of the most popular breeds in Great Britain. Her Majesty remained fond of the breed until her death. Indeed, her beloved Pomeranian Turi was at her side when she died.
Besides royalty, other famous Pomeranian owners run the gamut from Michelangelo, who brought his dog to work when he painted the Sistine Chapel, to the actress Kate Hudson, who named her Pomeranian Clara Bo. Legend has it that Sir Isaac Newton's Pomeranian, Diamond, drove him to madness when she knocked over a candle that burned some important papers, causing a nervous breakdown.

Mozart and Chopin composed music for Pomeranians, and the great church leader Martin Luther mentions his Pomeranian named Belferlein in his written works. Actress Cindy Williams, also known as Shirley on "Laverne and Shirley," appeared in commercials for a weight loss program with her Pomeranian. And who can forget Chester, actress Fran Drescher's Pomeranian, whom she made her co-star in the hit TV show "The Nanny."

The Pomeranian is not just for royalty and celebrities. This delightful breed also loves to belong to everyday people like you and me.

The Pomeranians ancestors are Spitz sled dogs who exported the breed to the southern Baltic coast. Later breeders, including Queen Victoria of England, bred the dog to its smaller size. Helpful Pomeranian information such as that found here is also available at libraries and through the American Kennel Club.