The History Behind the Pomeranian Breed

Today’s tiny Pomeranian has an unexpected canine lineage. This fluffy member of the toy group has ancestors who were sturdy members of the working group - the Spitz sled dogs of Lapland and Greenland. Early cousins of the Spitz also worked herding sheep in the early 19th century. In fact, it’s easier to imagine today’s Pomeranian yapping around the edges of a herd of sheep than pulling a sled through snow. Still, traces of the Spitz can be seen in the Pomeranian’s colors and winter-textured coat.

Pomeranians get their name from a region on the southern Baltic coast known as Pomerania, where the dogs were imported into Europe and bred down to size. It must have taken many generations of breeding to reduce the thirty pound Spitz to a much-reduced size much closer to the size of today’s Pomeranian. In 1870, the Kennel Club in England recognized the Pomeranian breed, calling it the “spitz dog.”

Queen Victoria, who ruled England from 1819 to 1901, dramatically influenced the future of the breed. As a young girl, Victoria adored a Pomeranian kept by her mother, Queen Charlotte. In 1888, Queen Victoria acquired an Italian Pomeranian named Marco, who enchanted her. She became a dedicated breeder, at one time having 35 Pomeranians in the royal kennel. She showed at least six of her Pomeranians, earning at least two championships. When she died at Buckingham Palace in 1901, her Pomeranian Turi was at her side.

Queen Victoria was one of England’s most beloved monarchs, and the Pomeranian breed grew more and more popular as the public followed the progress of the queen’s six show dogs, Lulu, Gilda, Beppo, Mino, Nino and Fluffy, in newspapers and cheered when her dogs were named champions. The British public began getting Pomeranians of their own, and the Pomeranian remains one of the United Kingdom’s most popular breeds today.

Besides appealing to royalty, through the decades the Pomeranian has also been a favorite of a variety of artists and celebrities. Perhaps the most famous artist in history, Michelangelo, painted the Sistine Chapel with his Pomeranian at his side.

Actresses love Pomeranians. Kate Hudson has one; Cindy Williams who will always be remembered as Shirley in “Laverne and Shirley,” appeared in weight loss advertisements with her Pomeranian. And the best-known canine television star of the 1980s was Chester, who co-starred with his real-life owner Fran Drescher in “The Nanny.”

The Pomeranian is a natural performer. Actress Cindy Williams, of “Laverne and Shirley” fame, appeared with her dog in commercials for a weight loss program. And then there’s Chester, who belonged to actress Fran Drescher in real life, and co-starred with his owner in the hit TV show “The Nanny.”

The Pomeranian appeals to royalty and celebrities, but this delightful breed also makes a great pet for everyday people. Anyone who loves small, confident, intelligent dogs will love the Pomeranian.

About the Author:

Rosie Allan is a passionate lover of the Pomeranian and has a popular website that can show you how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Pomeranian. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Pomeranian types plus a whole lot more.