12 Vet-Verified Fun & Cool Pomeranian Facts (With Pictures)
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 12 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 descend from larger Spitz-type dogs adapted to cold climates and are related to breeds like the Samoyed. 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 15 to 20 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.”
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. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.
Sources
Featured Image Credit: Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock
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Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a kid, she hoped to work in a zoo or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future – maybe another cat or two and a dog.
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