THE POMERANIAN
FROM SLED DOG TO FLUFF
by Lee Weston

Most everyone is familiar with that little ball of fluff, with the foxy face, a personality that is infectious and
vibrant, and a coat so full and luxuriant it is like that ball of fluff.  There are not very many who are aware of
the fact that this breed of dog has its origins in the Arctic ice of Iceland and Lapland.  It claimed a genetic
bond to the Alaskan Malamute, the Samoyed and the Siberian Husky, they were "cousins", within the Spitz
family of canines.  Of course, the Pomeranian then was a great deal larger than the dog we know today,
averaging about thirty pounds.  This dog earned its keep by being a sled dog.  As explorers came in contact
with the native people, they would bring back the native dogs to their homes.  Eventually, these native dogs
ended up in an area of Germany known as Pommerania.  In Germany these dogs were used to herd
livestock.
It is said that among the first to officially import the Pomeranian breed of dog to England was Queen
Charlotte, the wife of George III. It must be stated here that at this time the Pomeranian was still a
large-type dog. It seems that on the continent of Europe, the wealthy people were looking for small,
companion dogs.  The Pom  was a lovely dog, bright, intelligent, and eager to please, but it was so large.  
This is when the down sizing of the breed started.  When Queen Victoria went to Italy, she returned home
with the Pomeranian we are more familiar with.  The Pom became very popular in England, with the down
sizing of the breed continuing.
In 1870, the Pomeranian was given recognition in Great Britain, by The Kennel Club.  It was said that the
dog's submitted to the conformation ring from the royal kennel, had to be put into a separate judging class.  
After all, who would judge that the royal family's dogs were not the best there.
The first Pomeranians that were exported from England to the U.S., were undoubtedly the larger variety.
In 1900, the American Kennel Club gave the breed recognition, and the Pomeranian Club of America was
also formed at this time.  The P.C.A. was given membership status in the A.K.C. in 1909.
Today, the typical Pomeranian weighs between three and seven pounds.  In the show ring, you will find that
most Poms weigh in between four and six pounds.  There are Poms who are even smaller, referred to as
Tiny, or Teacup, size.  Most professional breeders will not purposely breed for this size, due to the severe
medical problems that the dog incurs, including shortened life span.