Pomeranian Spitz: description of the breed and character, colors and care

Modern dog breeders are divided into two interest camps. Some are engaged in breeding dogs of large breeds, others raise miniature four-legged friends. But despite the differences between the size of the dogs and their appearance, each individual breed of dog requires high attention to itself, especially for the Pomeranian.

Not every dog ​​is ready to boast of such an interesting and rich history of the origin of its breed. It is difficult to imagine that the ancestors of the small fluffy lumps, peacefully sniffing on the litter, were much larger in size and originally lived in the northern parts of the modern European continent. The evidence of this fact is the archaeological excavations, among which the burials of the Neolithic era were discovered, where the skeletons of the ancient Spitz were found.

At that time, peat dogs were used as draft dogs, as they were distinguished by their endurance and remarkable strength. By the way, this method of transportation is still popular in countries with eternal winters.

In the southern countries, these dogs were kept and raised as guards for moored boats and ships. Also, the ancestors of the Pomeranians protected real estate. But with the onset of the medieval era, the life of peat dogs changed radically. Thanks to their cute appearance, enthusiasm and energy, these dogs began to bathe in the attention and love of European aristocrats. Wealthy ladies began to appear at social events in the company of a furry four-legged friend.

A rather large and very tangible interest in the described dogs, from which the Pomeranian spitz went, was first shown by the inhabitants of Germany. The dense and intensive work of German dog breeders led to the emergence of the Spitshund breed, which by the VIII century were widespread almost throughout the territory of the medieval state.

For a long period of time, dog handlers from different countries could not find reliable data and come to a common opinion on the issue concerning the homeland of the Pomeranians. Some argued that the place of their origin was the city of Württemberg, considered the center of German dog breeding, while others argued that the roots of the Pomeranians originate in Pomerania. Still others compared the Spitz with dogs living in China, Egypt and Greece.

The first representatives of peat dogs weighed no more than 15 kg, in size they were much higher and more when compared with modern specimens of pomeranians. In turn, German dog breeders were eager to reduce the size of the breed, so they chose only miniature puppies for breeding.

Following the German dog owners, English lovers of four-legged friends entered the struggle for the external characteristics of the breed. By the way, it was in England that dog breeders managed to introduce different shades into the fur of animals.

Repeatedly royal dogs won the victory at different shows. Everyone who first met these fluffy lumps caught fire with the dream of acquiring the same cute miracle. And at the end of the 19th century, the Pomeranian breed was honored to have a separate club. The first participants were noble ladies. After some time, it turned out to organize the first nursery with oranges of certain colors of wool.

Thanks to the hard work, the English dog handlers managed to make changes in the proportions of Pomerances at the genetic level. As a result, the dogs became much smaller when compared with their German relatives. At the same time, the animals began to be divided into several weight groups.

The first consisted of dogs weighing less than 3.1 kg, 7 feet by British standards. Others, respectively, had a slightly larger mass. Thanks to the special efforts of English breeders, Pomeranians received the first breed standards, to which dog lovers from all over the world brought their pets.

Pomeranian Spitz conquered the inhabitants of America in 1892. Moreover, the local canine organization did not recognize the breed, but most dog breeders instantly appreciated the external data and character of the dogs. Particular attention was paid to the fur of the four-footed babies.

But everything changed at the beginning of the 20th century, it was then that the American Pomeranian Club was formed. This fact led the American Dog Handlers Association to the official recognition of the breed. 11 years after the creation of the club, the first exhibition event took place, where many breeders exhibited their pets and fought for the right to take first place. The Spitz themselves proudly presented their unique fur of different colors to onlookers.

Black, white, chocolate, cream and blue Spitz fought for the first place. Each of them aroused special admiration of the guests of the exhibition event. But, unfortunately, only one pet received the highest award. It turned out to be Banner Prince Charming, with a charming black coat.In subsequent years, exhibitions were also held, in which various representatives of the Pomeranians won. Each winner managed to give multiple offspring.

The progress achieved by the English dog breeders seemed insufficient to the American lovers of four-footed friends, and they decided to continue the process of improving the breed. And soon they abandoned this idea, realizing that it was not possible to make dogs more miniature. The small size of the body leads to the inability to continue the race, which negatively affects the reproduction of elite offspring.

An important fact is that on the territory of America the correct name was established for the breed - the orange. In other countries, they are mistakenly called "German Spitz". Of course, the Pomeranian Spitz sounds more familiar to our days, but nevertheless, in the official lists of the International Cynological Federation, the breed is officially registered as a "German Spitz".

Having got acquainted with the history of the breed, it becomes clear that Spitz representatives had to go a rather serious way, starting from peat dogs and ending with today's representatives of elite handsome men. In our time, Pomeranians are the main participants in exhibitions. Animals who come to the event delight the guests with their intelligence, enthusiasm and appearance, among which the size of the body and fur are especially appreciated.

The Pomeranian Spitz breed originates in Germany. The period of their origin is the VIII century. After some time, the breed received colossal changes in appearance, after which special standards were identified, according to which they began to determine the breed of individuals and identify culling.

On a visual level, a miniature furry looks like a tiny bear cub, although this has nothing to do with the estimates of dog handlers. Important indicators of the standard are the height and body weight of the dog, where the weight of an orange should be in the range of 1.5 kg - 3.2 kg, and the height of an adult should be from 18 cm to 22 cm.

A distinctive feature of the Pomeranian is a fluffy and delicate coat, suggesting different colors. Experienced breeders note that Pomeranians very easily find a common language with new people. They treat their master tenderly, and most importantly, show loyalty. For grown-up children, Pomeranians are considered ideal companions.

Despite its size, the pygmy spitz is the perfect watchdog... In case of danger, he can throw himself at the feet of the offender and even bite with his small, but sharp teeth. In addition, they have a loud enough voice, so the owners do not need to install a doorbell - the dog will inform about the arrival of intruders without delay.

Dwarf breeds of dogs, including oranges, are not suitable for keeping on a chain or in a cage. Fluffy babies need freedom of movement at home. According to their characteristics, Pomeranians do not differ in their violent disposition, but if the owner shows weak character, they may try to start dominating and stubborn, which will be very difficult to cope with in the future.

Pomeranians, according to their size, belong to dwarf dog breeds. They are distinguished by a dense physique and strong muscles, but this does not in any way affect the grace of movement and grace of the gait.According to the standard, exhibition specimens must be approximately 20-21 cm tall, and their weight must not exceed 2 kg. The head of the Pomeranian Spitz is small. The back of the skull is wide enough, gradually tapering towards the nasal region, forming a kind of wedge. The frontal part has a rounded shape, which contrasts perfectly with the rather pronounced occiput.

The cheekbones on the face are almost indistinguishable, and all because of the chubby cheeks. Small and neat nose, lips and eyes have a pronounced black color. The size of an orange's muzzle is half the size of its skull. Erect ears, in the shape of a triangle with a sharp tip, are located on the top of the head next to each other. At birth, the ears of Pomeranians hang down, but as they grow, they rise up.

The eyes are small, in any species of the breed they are presented in a dark color. Oval in shape, they are often compared to the tonsils. The eyelids are black, and in some oranges they may be dark brown, depending on the color of the animal's coat. In every glance one can feel liveliness and mischief, due to which they are compared to chanterelles.

There are 42 teeth in the mouth of adult oranges. At the same time, the upper jaw is slightly larger in size than the lower one, therefore, it covers it from above. It is important to note that such a jaw is not a breed defect.

A strong neck of medium length, slightly curved in shape, smoothly flowing into the withers on one side and into the back on the other, is hidden under the abundant wool of the Pomeranians. The loin gradually merges into a shortened croup. The baby's chest is quite developed. The abdomen should be tucked up, and the ribs should be felt with the fingers. According to the standard, the tail of the Pomeranian should be located high on the back of the body, be of medium length and ring-shaped, and should lie on the back of the dog.

The forepaws of a thoroughbred specimen are widely spaced. Musculature is visible on the shoulders. The toes on the paws fit snugly together, resembling a cat's paw. The pads have a black pigmentation characteristic of most Spitz species. The only exceptions are those with red, cream and brown coats.

The hind legs are parallel to each other. The thighs and tibiae are of equal proportion, small in size and not so rounded. The toes of the hind paws are sufficiently compressed; black claws grow at the tips.

Pomeranians move around quite easily. Their plastic movements are reminiscent of the dance of ballerinas. The hind limbs are endowed with strong muscles, which is why dogs push off well from any surface. Based on this fact, it seems that when walking, the dog is slightly bouncy.

A distinctive feature of Pomeranians is their bright and rich coat, under which a dense undercoat is hidden. The hairs are short and soft to the touch, covering the entire head of the animal and the facial sides of the limbs. Long, straight hair grows on the main part of the body, and its density covers the shoulders and other parts of the body.

From the information presented above, it is possible to recognize breed defects that are considered a deviation from the standard and speak of culling a pet:

• a sharp transition of the skull from the back to the nose;
• an apple-shaped head;
• light shade of watery eyes;
• prancing step;
• tail twisted in half.

Happy owners of Pomeranians note that the representatives of this breed have a very kind character.They are very inquisitive, they love to be naughty, they are always ready to explore something new, with great enthusiasm they are ready to go on any journey, even if it is an ordinary walk in an unfamiliar yard. Lovers of peace and quiet should not have Pomeranians as a pet. You won't be able to lie on the couch and watch TV with them. It is very important for these fluffy lumps to spend any free time in an active mode.

Oranges are especially fond of walks in the fresh air. Dogs of the described breed are happy to play ball on the street, they can play catch-up with birds, and, if necessary, will rush to protect their master from the approaching threat. Moreover, a bicycle or a small insect can be a danger. Therefore, every walk with an orange arouses a storm of positive emotions in the owner.

A distinctive character trait of the Pomeranian is the ability to find a common language with its owner and his family. They freely adapt to the family's lifestyle. A faithful furry companion will never bother its owner or other family members with early wakes without special need. They will all behave quietly and calmly, waiting for someone to wake up. And after awakening, the owner will follow him on his heels.

Pomeranians are very attached to the people they live with and can become sad if they don't get the attention they deserve. Many owners who spend all day at work find that the fluffy lumps are incredibly happy when they come home. It should be noted that Spitz always prefer to be in the company of their owner. The dog will twirl around while cooking, cleaning, and resting.

Another distinctive feature of the Pomeranian is its bright and barking bark. They react to any noise and rustle that arouses suspicion. This little fluffy lump can be an excellent watchdog that easily scares off intruders. The main thing is that these guests do not see the size of the dog that scared them away.... There are times when oranges start barking for no reason. In this case, the owner will have to take up the education of the baby in order to eradicate this bad habit.

Most parents wish to acquire a Pomeranian baby as a friend for their child. It is important to understand that the attitude towards the newly made family member should be kind, but still wary. If an orange from a puppy age is accustomed to communicating with children, the parents will not have any problems. If the adult did not previously have acquaintances and even minimal communication with the kids, the dog will prefer to stay away and watch the children's games from afar, but will not take part in them.

Pomeranians are very friendly with other animals, although they can sometimes show dominant persistence. Anxiety arises in an orange when another dog appears in the house. Raging passions and experiences will make the fluffy kid prove to the owner that he is the main dog in the house. But if the Spitz from puppyhood communicated with other representatives of pets, such problems do not arise.

The Pomeranian is by nature a breed bred in Germany. Over the years, thanks to the selection carried out on different continents, dog breeders have managed to create 3 additional subspecies in this variety, distinguished by the shape of the head.

• Bear-type Pomeranian Pygmy... The muzzle is rounded, sharply turning into a triangular, may be flattened. The color of the coat can be brown or red.

• Fox pomeranian... The appearance of the muzzle is a lot like a fox. The chin is narrow, the nose is like a button. The coat has a chocolate and cream shade.

• Toy type Pomeranian. Representatives of the subspecies resemble a bear cub with a short and slightly flattened muzzle.

There are no official requirements in the cynological association regarding the Spitz's muzzle, although many participants who win prizes at exhibitions note that the judges give preference to babies with a bear and fox head type to a greater extent.

The presented 3 subspecies of Pomeranians are officially recognized and included in the German classification. Along with them, there are 2 more miniature subspecies, which are close relatives of Pomeranians, which is why an ordinary person may decide that in front of him is one of the representatives of the usual varieties of the breed.

• Japanese Spitz. These dogs were bred in the period 1920-1930 by crossing the German Spitz with the Samoyed Laika, where the Laikas - Japanese specimens received snow-white and blue colors. Their growth turned out to be slightly higher than the exhibition standards, about 40 cm. Distinctive character traits from the standard orange are the absence of barking.
• American Eskimo... Another variety of the breed, bred according to a similar crossing principle. Only instead of the Samoyed Laika, northern dogs were used, from which the resulting dogs also received a white color.

Wanting to have a little fluffy ball, each person needs to make out all the pros and cons. To understand whether the future owner is able to pay special attention to his pet, spend enough time with him, take care of him properly and maintain. There is a certain list of merits of the Pomeranian, on the basis of which everyone will be able to determine whether this dog is suitable for him or not.

• Pomeranians have a cheerful disposition. They are cheerful, active, ready for constant communication creatures. They prefer outdoor games, they can hardly endure hours of loneliness.
• With their external data, Pomeranians express friendliness to others. Sometimes it seems that they are smiling at passers-by.
• Representatives of the Pomeranian breed are clean creatures. They take care of their paws and fur on their own. For this reason, some breeders compare them to cats.
• A developed mind allows Pomeranians to constantly learn something new. They memorize commands well, master tricks without any problems.
• Pomeranians are ideal companions, they happily accompany their owner to any destination.
• They are distinguished by their patience in relation to other animals living with them in the same territory.
• Pomeranians are quite friendly towards children.

For fluffy babies, there are not only advantages, but also some disadvantages.

• The cost of the puppies. Unfortunately, elite dogs are not always affordable for the average lover of miniature breeds.
• Loud barking. For dogs, this is a way to express feelings; for humans, it is an unnecessary irritant.
• Fearlessness of nature... The size of the pet will not allow you to protect a person in the event of a real threat.

There is no consensus among professional dog breeders and breeders regarding the disadvantages of the breed. The only common drawback is health.

• Jaws. Owners need to constantly observe and brush their teeth in order to rule out gum disease and stomatitis.
• When changing milk teeth, the owner needs to seek help from a veterinarian, and all because of the deep root base.
• Pomeranians have problems quite often. with the cardiovascular system.
• Oranges are short-toed dogs. Due to their activity and jumping ability, the likelihood of injury increases.

From the information provided, each newly-made owner will be able to gain new knowledge. For example, the appearance of a pet requires special attention, a lot of time and financial investment.

Before bringing a puppy to a new home, it is important for the owner to decide on a further standard of the dog's lifestyle, from which it will not be possible to deviate. If the pet will be exhibited at exhibitions, then show-class puppies should be considered.

The future owner must initially understand that there are no guarantees of prizes and high fertility. Everything will depend only on the person, on his attention to the four-legged friend, on the quality of the maintenance and care of the pet. It is known that not all show-class dogs can take first places at shows, although even pet-class dogs, with proper treatment, can win. From this it follows that any individuals can take an honorable first place, the main thing is that the owner of the animal is not lazy, but diligently engaged in a furry friend.

One of the important selection rules that apply to all classes of dogs is health. The purchased puppy must be active, playful, mischievous, curious. These very qualities indicate the absence of diseases in the animal.

A distinctive feature of the Pomeranian Spitz is its intensive development from the size of a puppy to an adult. During this very period, special attention should be paid to feeding the animal. In the first 2 weeks, babies have enough mother's milk. In some cases, artificial feeding is required. To do this, you will have to purchase a milk replacer sold in veterinary pharmacies.

Approximately on the 15th day of the puppy's life, cereals cooked in broth can be introduced into the diet. Already at 4 weeks, a healthy fluffy has its first teeth. This indicator says that the organs of the digestive system are doing their job perfectly. For this reason, in the baby's menu, you can include finely chopped minced meat without fat and soups with vegetables. Starting from the 25th day of life, small oranges should be given pureed vegetables, such as carrots or zucchini, seasoned with sour cream.

With the onset of one month of age, the diet of the puppies needs to be slightly changed. The daily feeding rate should be at least 5 meals. It is important to include boiled meat, chicken fillet in the baby's menu. As additional dishes, it is allowed to give rice, buckwheat and wheat porridge cooked in milk. The puppy will find cottage cheese, kefir or yogurt as a tasty delicacy.

As the puppy grows, it is necessary to gradually reduce the number of daily feedings. When approaching one year of age, the diet should consist of 3 approaches: breakfast, lunch and dinner. In the menu of a grown dog, kefir, sour cream, dried apricots must be present.Do not forget about carrots, cereals, broths, sea fish, zucchini, squash and pumpkin.

Individuals that have reached the age of one year must be transferred to two meals a day, namely, morning and evening. For breakfast, it is enough to give meat, cut into pieces, an egg and a few croutons. The dog's dinner should consist of vegetables with a protein supplement and a little olive oil, which can be mixed with ready-made food.

Owners of the Pomeranian Spitz should pay special attention to their pet's coat. It requires daily care, careful brushing. The molting procedure in these animals occurs 2 times a year. Moreover, the first molt occurs at the age of six months of the dog's age. At the very moment when the puppy fur is replaced by an adult coat. Adult females, in turn, molt during estrus and after giving birth.

Therefore, breeders should not worry about excessive hair loss, considering that this is a lack of vitamins in the animal's body. Worry should be shown in the event of bald spots, where hair is completely absent.

Pomeranians can be washed no more than 2 times a month, but it is best to try to avoid frequent contact with detergents and water. A diluted shampoo should be used as a detergent, as a concentrated mixture can have a negative effect on the coat.

At the end of the wash, it is important to treat the coat with conditioner, which will make the hairs soft and pliable, which will allow the dog to comb without much difficulty. Drying the animal should be done with a hairdryer. The comb should have long teeth. When brushing, the dog's coat should be damp.

The owner needs to pay special attention to the teeth of his ward and brush them with a special paste about 4 times a week. Dogs are not always good at this procedure, so the toothpaste should smell and taste good. You can use a finger brush instead of a toothbrush. To avoid tartar build-up, you should include solid foods in your dog's diet.

Highly developed intelligence is a quality that nature has endowed with the Pomeranian. Thanks to this fact, the learning process of the animal is much easier. However, the stubborn nature of the pet can put spokes in the wheels.

The basic rule when raising a baby is to forget about his appearance. Newbie owners often treat Pomeranians like little children, believing that they are weak and sophisticated, so they will not be able to follow complex commands. However, the Pomeranian himself only needs a firm and self-confident owner capable of showing leadership potential. Only feeling these qualities, the dog will meet and begin to learn commands and tricks. The Spitz, who considers himself the dominant person in the relationship with the owner, will simply refuse to obey.

It is very important to treat your pet delicately and to reward it with your favorite treats during training.... The Pomeranian is a rather wayward creature that does not tolerate criticism. In response, the dog can show insolence and sometimes aggression.

A well-bred dog must understand and execute the simplest action commands, namely: "sit", "lie down", "to the leg", "beside" and "place". Owners of puppies should pay special attention to the command to stop barking. After all, not everyone will be able to endure the long barking of a pet.

In general, it is quite easy to train an orange. The only thing that can cause serious problems is toilet training. And all because of the structure of the dog. It is quite difficult for them to retain fluid in the bladder, so they can relieve themselves right in the apartment. But if you teach the kid to ask to go outside, then the problem will disappear by itself. And only especially creative dog lovers are able to teach a puppy to walk in a cat's litter box.

Pomeranian puppies grow fairly quickly at the age of up to six months. It was during this period that they increase in size and gain weight. At about six months of age, fluffy creatures begin to resemble adults, although dogs, like human children, differ in individual development. Some already at 4 months have the form of adult dogs, while others are just beginning to change their appearance at 9 months old.

Breeders, for their part, argue that the period of active growth of puppies stops with the onset of one year of age. However, even after setting a stable weight, oranges may begin to gain weight or stretch slightly at the withers. These changes can occur up to a year and a half of the dog's age. But visual changes in the body are not indicators for a change in puppy status to an adult. After all, the internal organs and the skeleton continue to form. At this very time, a change in the fur coat takes place. The final stop of development of puppies occurs at the age of 3.

Spitz are the owners of a unique and intense heat exchange that nature has bestowed on them. Accordingly, the use of different items of clothing can lead to overheating of the animal and thereby harm it.

Most activists insist that overheating leads to the destruction of the mental state of the animal, and this negatively affects the relationship between the pet and its owner. But if you look at the issue from the other side, then you should not go to extremes.

During walks in bad weather, getting dirt on the fur cannot be avoided - the Spitz's wool gets wet quite quickly and gets very dirty. However, bathing the animal is very often prohibited. The only way out of this situation is a jumpsuit. The main thing is that it does not have a strong insulation.

In turn, breeders argue that in order to keep pomerances, it is necessary to acquire a few must-haves that will be quite enough for a pet:

• raincoat or raincoat-overalls;
• blanket;
• panties;
• boots.

The raincoat will not allow the wool to get wet, it does not allow moisture to pass through and protects the animal from dirt. The blanket is purchased exclusively for females. She is able to protect the mammary glands from frostbite, and also prevent mud from getting on the nipples. Not a single female can do without panties. They are put on a dog only during estrus. This wardrobe item will help you avoid blood stains on the floor and furniture. Shoes, used only in the cold season, save the paws of the animal from reagents.

The proverb "how many people, so many opinions" largely corresponds to the content of Pomeranians. In most cases, only the positive aspects of dogs are considered. Happy owners note that Pomeranian Spitz are distinguished by a developed mind, a powerful intellect.

Unfortunately, almost all breeders talk about the poor health of the Pomeranian breed. Some dogs have been found to have epilepsy, others suffer from frequent dental problems, and still others are worried about heart failure.

But despite this, fluffy lumps remain the most beloved and charming pets. Just what is their cute image and enchanting look, filled with love, care, warmth, and most importantly, trust.

All about the Pomeranian spitz, see the next video.