Most of us just don’t have enough puffball dogs in our lives, and the absolute epitome of a puffball dog is the Pomeranian!
If you’re an admirer of the Pom and a lover of interesting facts, there are plenty of both in this article. If you’re new to this breed, get ready for a crash course in everything Pomeranian!
The 15 Facts About Pomeranians
1. Poms Are Puffballs Because They Are From a Cold Climate
All of that profuse fur has a purpose other than making them look adorable. Pomeranians are descended from larger dogs that pulled sleds in the Arctic. They are related to Samoyeds and even Huskies. They got their name from Pomerania, the name of a region in Northern Europe.
2. They Were Larger Until Queen Victoria Discovered Them
Poms were actually larger until Queen Victoria had a say in their development. The Queen of England fell in love with Pomeranians when they weighed around 20 to 30 pounds. She bred them to be smaller until we got tiny 3- to 7-pound Poms that we’re familiar with today.
3. Poms Have Inspired Historically Important People
Mozart had a Pom called Pimperl, to whom he dedicated an aria. When inspired by a Pom chasing their tail, Chopin wrote, “Waltz of the Little Dog.” Another Pom watched Michelangelo paint the Sistine Chapel.
4. Two Poms Were Among the Survivors of the Titanic
There were 12 dogs on the Titanic, but unfortunately, only three of them survived. Of the three, two Poms made it through; one belonged to Elizabeth Rothschild, who wouldn’t board the lifeboat without her dog. The other belonged to Margaret Bechstein Hays, who wrapped her Pom in a blanket before getting on the lifeboat.
5. They Have Celebrity Owners
Many celebrities have owned Pomeranians! Elvis Presley, Sharon and Kelly Osbourne, Sylvester Stallone, Nicole Richie, Gwen Stefani, LeAnn Rimes, Steven Tyler, Heidi Klum, Jean Harlow, Sandra Dee, and Hilary Duff, for example—and that’s not all of them!
6. Poms Are Also Celebrities
The most famous Pomeranian was Boo, world-famous until he died in 2019. He still has 15 million followers on Facebook, and there are four picture books based on him.
There is also Jiffpom, who holds two Guinness World Records: one for running 10 meters on hind legs at 6.56 seconds and one for the fastest 5-meter run on front legs at 7.76 seconds. He was also featured in Katy Perry’s music video for “Dark Horse.”
7. They Are Tougher Than They Look
Poms being such small dogs means you must be careful playing with them. Too much roughhousing can injure them. That said, they aren’t dainty little pups. They love being active and having a job to do, which can’t always be said about toy breeds.
8. Pomeranians Are Used as Therapy Dogs
When you think of therapy dogs, you likely imagine large breeds, like the Golden Retriever. But Poms are also excellent therapy dogs and have been used in hospitals and nursing homes quite successfully.
9. They Are Quite Chatty
Poms love to talk. While this is something that most small breeds seem to like to do, Poms have Spitz genes, and those breeds also enjoy chattering. Just watch any Husky video on YouTube, and you’ll see! If you’re considering a Pomeranian, you’ll likely need to take steps to reduce the barking.
10. Some Poms Are Born Larger Than Usual
Some Poms are born larger than the standard toy breed size. These are known as “throwback Pomeranians.” They are usually pure white and can weigh more than 20 pounds. Apparently, this happens quite unpredictably!
11. Some Pomeranians Give Birth to Twins
Dogs rarely give birth to twins, but Pomeranians are among those breeds more prone to the phenomenon. How it works is that each puppy has their own embryonic sac but shares one umbilical cord. However, they aren’t usually identical twins and tend to be different colors.
12. They Like to Smile
Poms are known for their adorable smiles. This is likely a trait that they inherited from their Spitz heritage. Many Spitz breeds, most notably the Samoyed, will “smile” because this trait prevents icicles from forming on their mouths in frigid weather.
13. Pomeranians Are Adaptable
Unlike most other toy breeds, Poms are hardy and can do equally well in an apartment or a house in the country. As long as their care needs are met, Poms can adapt to most situations.
14. They Come in Many Colors
Poms are most known for their orange or red coats, giving them that fluffy, foxy appearance. But they actually come in multiple colors—everything from blue merle to chocolate and white. There are at least 24 possible colors!
15. Some Pomeranians Change Color as They Age
Some Poms change color as they age. You might see a cream Pom turn brown and white, or a brown Pom might end up vibrant orange. It’s virtually impossible to know if your puppy will change color as they grow up. Some Pom puppies might lose most of their fur to make way for the adult coat. This is often referred to as the “puppy uglies,” but they will grow in that glorious coat in time.
Conclusion
Pomeranians are such unique little dogs. They are the smallest of all Spitz breeds, though it’s practically impossible to imagine these cute little dogs pulling sleds! Still, with their feistiness and big-dog-in-a-small-dog-body attitude, you never know! Poms have a long history, with many celebrity fans and artists along the way.
Pomeranians need plenty of exercise, which is manageable because of their short legs. They make fantastic companions for families with older children and will definitely keep you entertained and happy.
Featured Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock
The 15 Facts About Pomeranians
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