The fashion for the smallest dogs has not spared Pomeranians.
Photos of adorable furry babies appear on the Internet and in the press, and it is not surprising that such dogs are in great demand.
However, some experts believe that breeding mini Pomeranians is not advisable and that they are more sickly than standard representatives of the breed.
Is this really so and is it really more difficult to keep such a pet than an ordinary Pomeranian?
Characteristics of the Pomeranian Dwarf Spitz breed
| Name | Meaning |
| Country of origin | Germany |
| Purpose | companion |
| Temperament | active |
| Constitution | miniature Pomeranian Spitz and characteristics of external qualities look impressive |
| Frame | strong, dry, muscular |
| Height | the height at the withers should be equal to the length of the body, namely 18–22 cm |
| Head | small with a pointed nose, the lobe of which is black or brown |
| Muzzle | slightly narrow, elongated at the “chanterelles” and slightly flattened at the “cubs” |
| Eyes | oval, almond-shaped, set obliquely |
| Teeth | number 42, scissor bite: upper teeth overlap lower teeth |
| Ears | triangular, erect, set high with sharp ends |
| Neck | solid medium length |
| Tail | short, set high, raised, rounded, lying on the back, folded into a ring |
| Paws | strong, straight, dark pads and nails, color exceptions may occur in cream, brown and red adult dogs |
| Movements | swift, springy |
| Wool | long guard with dense undercoat |
| Color | from pure white to black |
Distinctive features
The differences between the standard (German) and dwarf (Pomeranian) Spitz are insignificant, the only difference being their size and health . Pomeranians, due to their compact size and not very skillful breeding work of the Middle Ages, are not distinguished by good health. German prototypes were selected naturally, and like all natives, they have much fewer health problems.
The main distinguishing features of Pomeranians:
- General form. Compact, proportional square dog. Lively, brave and inquisitive.
- Head. Small, wedge-shaped, dry. The ears are small, triangular, erect. The transition from forehead to muzzle is very pronounced. The eyes are dark brown, slightly slanted, medium in size, almost almond-shaped. The cheekbones are slightly prominent.
- Muzzle. The heads are shorter, tapering slightly towards the nose. The nose is black (or matches the shade of fur in chocolate-colored individuals). The lips fit tightly to the jaw, completely covering the lower teeth. Full set – 42 teeth, scissor bite.
- Neck. Moderate length, strong, slightly curved, giving the dog an aristocratic appearance. It widens slightly toward the withers and is covered with longer hair than the body.
- Frame. Compact, but strong for its size. The back is short, with moderately pronounced muscles. The chest is voluminous, dropped almost to the elbows, the stomach is moderately tucked. The loin is short and strong.
- Limbs. The paws are straight, with clearly visible feathering, and the metacarpus are rounded and “cat-like.” The shoulders are strong, with well-developed muscles, directed back. The thighs are strong, the knees are not convex, and the hock joint has a pronounced angle.
- Tail. Throwed over the back, set high, long to the hock joint, with abundant feathering.
Origin of the breed and appearance
The Pomeranian Miniature Spitz traces its origins to the German turf dog. The predecessors of Pomeranian dogs weighed up to 23 kg and reached up to 45 cm at the withers. Spitz received its name from the Pomeranian region in East Germany, where the breed supposedly began to be bred in the 18th century. Subsequently, we randomly came to small dogs. The systematic breeding of dwarf Pomeranians began in Great Britain in the 19th century under Queen Victoria. In Europe, the queen was given a small dog, Marco, who won the heart of the great ruler. The baby turned out to be so cute that Victoria ordered to begin selection and breed a miniature dog based on this breed. At the end of the 19th century, a dwarf dog appeared, but larger than its modern relatives. The miniature orange spitz was obtained later, only in the 50s of the 20th century.
All Pomeranian representatives are conventionally divided into three subspecies depending on their appearance.
Bear type dwarf Pomeranian
It got its name because the dwarf spitz looks like a small bear cub. The animal's muzzle is shorter than that of a typical representative of the breed, and resembles a bear's. A correct rounded haircut further emphasizes the baby’s resemblance to a bear.
Fox-type dwarf orange
In appearance, they are most similar to the classic German Spitz: an elongated “fox” muzzle, long legs. And less fluffiness than the “bear cubs”.
Mini Pomeranian toy type
Transitional conditional type between bear and fox types. The muzzle is not elongated, but not too flattened either. The short-haired plush appearance will not leave anyone indifferent. The unusual location of the eyes gives the subspecies a special charm: wide apart, they make the animal look like a child’s toy. A real smooth-haired cutie.
Wolfspitz, up to 48 cm
The dogs are medium-sized, growing up to 42-46 cm, but some individuals can stretch up to 55 cm, weighing from 25 to 30 kg. Wolfspitz , as the name suggests, are similar in color to wolves; they are silver-gray in color. Dogs are not characterized by aggression; they are very smart and intelligent.
If you want to get a Wolfspitz, remember that they cannot stand loneliness and will bark and howl loudly in an empty apartment. But these are wonderful companions for walks, because... energy flows out of them like a fountain. They love picnics, mushroom picking and any outings into nature, they are not afraid of water and can swim with their owners. Very charming and cheerful animals that can cheer up the gloomiest day.
Character qualities and behavioral characteristics
Pomeranians are temperamental, friendly, love walks and active games. It is not advisable for people seeking a quiet pastime to get themselves an active, cheerful prankster, such as the Pomeranian active mini dog. He will require a lot of attention and will not let the owner get bored.
From their German Spitz ancestors, Pomeranian babies inherited their protective and watchdog qualities. In an apartment, they will bark as a sign that a stranger is approaching the door. Spitz are fearless, ready to rush at any offender, regardless of his size and appearance. While walking, you will have to be careful and avoid conflict situations with other dogs.
Despite the relatively friendly nature of Spitz dogs, one must be careful when interacting with dogs and children. The cute appearance of the Shorthaired Pomeranian can be deceiving. A proud and independent character can emerge at unexpected times. A small dog will defend the boundaries of its possessions and will not allow itself to be treated like a toy.
Training
Despite the high intelligence, training a Pomeranian has its own difficulties. This is due to the dog's independence. Raising a puppy should begin from the moment it arrives in the house. It is necessary to show persistence, consistency, and firmness in teaching your child.
Class time should be short, the lessons themselves should be interesting and rich. Good results should be rewarded with treats. When training, it is the owner who must decide how much the pet will exercise. Disobedience and stubbornness must be stopped gently but decisively.
Positive and negative characteristics of a pet
Approximately the same number of minuses and pluses in the character of a nimble Pomeranian baby speaks of the adequacy and relative psychological stability of the breed.
Positive features:
- a faithful companion, ready to adapt to any habits of his owner;
- small size is convenient for keeping in an apartment and for traveling;
- an active, cheerful friend, playful and tireless;
- a brave, reliable guard with observation skills and excellent guard dog skills;
- finds contact with familiar children, behaves warily and distantly with strangers;
- neat.
Negative points:
- noisy, barks a lot,
- may show aggression towards other animals, dogs, strangers;
- impatient, restless;
- prone to certain types of diseases;
- you will have to pay attention to hair care, cutting, combing;
- prone to dominance, tries to manipulate the owner.
Without behavioral adjustments and basic training, a puppy can grow into a spoiled, selfish creature, constantly barking and attracting attention. Take the time to train your Mini and you will end up with a friendly, obedient Pomeranian dog.
Mating
Those who plan to buy a Pomeranian for breeding should know that mating and childbirth are difficult for the breed.
Before joining the ranks of breeders, learn everything about the breed and breeding characteristics. Difficulties are associated with:
- the size of the Miniature Spitz - often even ideal parents give birth to overly large puppies or with the dwarfism gene;
- hereditary diseases - they move from litter to litter, there are no absolutely “pure” Pomeranians: at least somewhere in the pedigree there will be a relative with a genetic pathology;
- obtaining the desired color - a specific color often has to wait for several litters, gradually deepening or lightening the color;
- directly by childbirth - a dwarf Spitz rarely gives birth on its own; a caesarean section is usually performed.
Plus, in the first years you will have to forget about profit. As a rule, 2-3 Miniature Spitz puppies are born in a litter, with a maximum of 6. And it is not a fact that all of them will be healthy and meet the standard.
Color options
The variety of colors of Pomeranian dwarf Spitz dogs is explained by the variety of nurseries on different continents. There are many colors, not all of them are recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale.
To avoid misunderstandings in determining the correct color of a Pomeranian, you should study the standard colors recognized in all countries. These are white, beige, brown, red and black. Spotted color also has its limitations. Black fawn and gray fawn Spitz dogs are allowed to participate in exhibitions. The white color should not have any spots or impurities at all. A two-color combination of different shades is included in the color standards, but a three-color color is not officially recognized. In the USA, blue, sable, brindle and merle colors are popular, which are not recognized by the FCI and Russian standards for the Pomeranian Dwarf Spitz breed.
Before purchasing a puppy, determine its purpose. A Spitz acquired for exhibition purposes and a companion for the soul require different approaches to choosing a color.
In Russia, several main colors of Pomeranian Spitz are in demand: beige, red, brown, white and black.
Beige dwarf spitz
The cream or beige color of the animal varies in shade and can only differ by half a tone from white. At the other extreme it can be dark beige, almost red or close to light brown.
Dwarf brown spitz
The brown range includes all shades of this color from light to dark chocolate. A special feature of representatives of this color is a brown nose, which is only allowed on brown Spitz. Intense rich chocolate color is valued more than light shades.
Pomeranian dwarf spitz white
The miniature Pomeranian received its main white color back in England under Queen Victoria. Animals of all other colors were bred from him. It’s simply a miracle that the snow-white color did not disappear in the selective pursuit of diversity of the breed and bringing it to micro sizes and has survived to this day in its pure form. The beautiful white Spitz has been popular since the time of Queen Victoria.
A distinctive feature of a dwarf Spitz (mini) dog is its white color without any admixture of other shades.
How to feed?
It is important that there are equal intervals between the dog’s meals. Develop a routine - this will discipline your pet. Let's look at how to properly ration food intake according to the animal's age:
| Age | How many times to feed |
| from birth to 2 months | until 6 |
| 2 – 3 months | 4 – 5 |
| 3 months – six months | 4 |
| six months – 8 months | 2 – 3 |
| 8 months and older | 1 – 2 |
Sedentary babies who eat a lot quickly gain excess weight. Experts advise walking the puppy a lot, playing, feeding before the walk. Every morning you need to pour fresh water for the animal - access to the container must be constant. The portion is selected for each baby separately, depending on age and health characteristics.
Fill the food bowl with a small amount of food - if there is any left over, the portion is large. It is advisable to reduce the next feeding.
Dry food or natural products?
Pomeranians need a lot of meat - chicken, beef, turkey, lamb, veal are suitable. The portion is calculated according to the weight of the animal - 1 kg - 25 grams of feed. An adult dog eats 2 - 3 times a day, a small dog - 4 - 5 meals. To obtain phosphorus and iodine, it is recommended to feed fish once a week. What should be on the menu:
- porridge – rolled oats, rice, millet, wheat, buckwheat. You can mix several types at the same time;
- cooked tripe;
- quail, chicken eggs, hard-boiled. The yolk is allowed raw. You can have 2 – 3 eggs per week;
- vegetables and fruits: spinach, bananas, zucchini, apples, persimmons, pumpkin, cabbage of all types, carrots, beets. Medium portion + 1 tbsp. l. sunflower (olive) oil per day;
- fermented milk - kefir, 10% cottage cheese, fermented baked milk. To strengthen the nervous system of puppies, cottage cheese is required from birth;
- greens - to obtain calcium, iron and phosphorus. Parsley, green onions, dill will do. To improve vision, raw greens simply need to be introduced into the animal’s diet.
If your pet is just a baby, treat him to beef cartilage.
What is forbidden to feed?
It is forbidden to introduce into the dog’s diet:
- sweets - metabolism is disrupted, obesity appears, eyes run and teeth fall out;
- smoked meats, over-salted foods, fatty foods;
- milk in its pure form – there is no enzyme in the dog’s body to digest lactose – stomach upset is guaranteed;
- Pork is a fatty type of meat and is contraindicated for Spitz dogs. Diseases of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, and problems with the urinary system occur. In addition, trichinosis is found in meat;
- bones – get stuck in the throat, injure the mucous membrane, and cause intestinal blockage;
- potatoes – weakens;
- citrus fruits – cause allergic reactions.
Legumes, pasta, raw protein, and baked goods are also prohibited.
All photos of Spitz puppies and adult dogs
Diseases
Among the genetic diseases the following are noted:
- Pathologies of the dental system. Even with a proper diet, dogs often suffer from oral diseases. It is important to regularly brush your teeth, examine your mouth, and take your dog to your veterinarian for preventive appointments. Puppies often have difficulty changing their teeth; only a veterinarian can help with this. He will remove the baby tooth so that the molar grows correctly;
- Copious discharge from the eyes is explained by anatomical features. Watery eyes begin when exposed to dust or in hot or windy weather. Your veterinarian will select the appropriate eye drops that will help eliminate the unpleasant discharge. It is not recommended to select medications on your own;
- Hypothyroidism is a pathology of the thyroid gland associated with its functioning. Among the first alarming symptoms are skin itching, obesity and alopecia;
Regular visits to the veterinary clinic should not be neglected, even if nothing bothers the dog. Some diseases can occur hidden, and sometimes a veterinarian, with the help of the necessary tests or examinations, will be able to identify the disease at the earliest stages of development.
Deworming the animal deserves serious attention. After all, the dog is in direct contact with the person. Vaccinations are required according to the vaccination plan. The rabies vaccine is required by law, because this disease is an anthropozoonosis, i.e. transmitted from animal to human. There is no cure for rabies; it is a deadly disease.
Basics of maintenance and care
The decorative breed requires special maintenance conditions. Preparation should begin before purchasing a puppy. Decide in advance on a place for a miniature family member, select hygiene items.
Diet
When picking up a puppy from a breeder, you need to ask what he was fed. And for 2-3 weeks it is better to stick to the same diet, gradually transferring the baby to the food that he will eat in the future.
Miniature Spitz puppies should be fed 5-6 times a day, gradually increasing the time intervals between meals. By the age of one year, it is recommended to switch to two feedings a day. Strictly adhering to the diet,
An adult Pomeranian should receive all vitamins and minerals in full. The diet should include vegetables, protein products - meat and offal, cereals. Or switch your dog to fully balanced Premium food.
Vaccination schedule
When taking the puppy home, you need to ask the breeder about the vaccinations given. The first vaccination is carried out at two months of age. Next, you should be vaccinated according to an individual schedule developed by a veterinarian. Vaccinations against major diseases should be repeated annually: distemper, rabies, enteritis, infectious hepatitis.
Timely vaccination will keep your pet healthy and strengthen its immunity.
Predisposition to disease
Breeding a miniature dog and selection efforts led to a weakening of the animal's body. Decorative dwarf Spitz dogs are prone to eye diseases. Daily inspection of the eyes for tearing and timely care help cope with the problem.
The condition of your teeth can cause concern if you do not pay proper attention to cleaning them. Losing baby molars can sometimes cause problems for puppies. It won't hurt to get help from a veterinarian.
The jumping and restlessness of the dwarf Spitz leads to the risk of joint injury.
Walks
It is advisable to take your pet outside 3-4 times a day.
Frequent walks will help cope with your baby's excessive activity. Plus, the characteristics of a small bladder require regular exercise. If you don’t have time to walk outside for an hour or two, then puppies and adult dwarf dogs adapt to going in a litter box or using a disposable diaper.
Walks are also important for the socialization of the dwarf Pomeranian. Communication with other dogs, establishing friendly connections with strangers and animals helps to even out the dog’s character and eliminate unnecessary intolerance.
Winter walks do not cause discomfort for the Spitz: its body is protected by warm undercoat. In summer, when air temperatures are high, protect your baby from overheating by walking early in the morning, late in the evening or during the day, but choosing shady places.
In the summer, when ticks are active, it is important to treat your furry dwarf against parasites. The dense, thick coat and short stature of the dwarf Spitz are favorable conditions for ticks to penetrate the skin.
Grooming Tips
The most attractive thing about a mini Spitz is its thick, long hair that requires constant care. Combing is carried out at least 2 times a week with a slicker brush or furminator. During the shedding period, which occurs twice a year, daily brushing of the dog becomes a necessity. It is advisable to carry out the procedure not with dry, but with slightly moistened wool. Then the dog will not be bothered, and it will be easier for the owner to cope with the baby’s thick, thick clothing.
It is better to entrust the haircut to a specialist so as not to harm the pet or spoil the fluffy undercoat.
It is recommended to bathe the Pomeranian Spitz no more than once every two months using special products that keep the coat in perfect condition.
Constant attention to the thickness and cleanliness of the coat will save your pet from the unpleasant moments that arise in some individuals. If itching occurs, areas of skin with bald patches are detected, or if there is excessive hair loss, pay attention to your pet’s diet and the products used when bathing. You may need to change your diet or choose a different shampoo. It wouldn't hurt to consult a veterinarian.
Without proper care and attention, the dwarf Spitz's coat can lose its splendor.
You need to start caring for your Pomeranian baby’s coat from the very first days, teaching him to do daily procedures. Subsequently, he himself will be happy to ask you to comb him.
Home content
A beautiful fluffy orange does not take up much space, it is clean and tidy. Keeping a mini friend in an apartment or country house will not be burdensome. Carefully monitor the health of your small pet, walk him several times a day, and pay attention to the dog’s appearance.
Traveling with a dog
It is convenient to take a small dog with you on a trip. Pomeranians do not take up much space, they tolerate long journeys well, sitting comfortably in the arms of the owner. They quickly navigate unfamiliar surroundings and adapt to new conditions. You just need to take care of the dog’s toilet, food and drink.
Place to sleep
Miniature Pomeranian Spitz will not take up much space. He will sleep where the owner indicates. It will take a little persistence to train your dwarf fluffy to its place. Specialized stores sell comfortable mattresses and houses for miniature dogs. Cozy, beautiful micro-dwellings will fit into the interior of any apartment. The main thing is not to place the dog in a draft or near a heating radiator. The mobility of the dwarf orange is great; it is not suitable for keeping in a cage or other limited space. Installing a spacious enclosure with enough space for games and rest can protect the house and the most fidgety of the dangers that await him in the absence of the owner.
Health
In terms of health, the Miniature Spitz is a controversial breed. On the one hand, he is hardy, active and full of strength into old age. The average life expectancy of a Pomeranian is 14-16 years. On the other hand, the dog is fragile and susceptible to numerous hereditary and acquired pathologies. Among them:
- alopecia;
- black skin syndrome;
- congenital deafness;
- nanism;
- dislocations and subluxations of the knee and elbow joints;
- hypothyroidism;
- defects of the eyeball, retina, iris;
- hydrocephalus.
In addition, the dwarf Spitz often suffers from eczema, dermatitis, allergies, obesity, and disorders of the cardiovascular and digestive systems. Another weak point is teeth and gums. The Miniature Spitz suffers from caries, gingivitis, and complicated replacement of milk units with permanent ones.
Disease Prevention
Some owners believe that because Mini Spitz are decorative dogs; they do not need vaccinations or antiparasitic treatments. However, this opinion is wrong. Even indoor cats that have never gone outside can catch viruses, fleas or worms. Therefore, preventive measures are mandatory. So:
- a Pomeranian Spitz puppy is vaccinated against distemper, parainfluenza, leptospirosis, herpes, and rabies before the age of one year;
- adult Pomeranians are annually given comprehensive vaccinations against possible viral infections;
- Miniature Spitz dogs are treated every month for blood-sucking parasites, and once every 3 months for helminths.
Boy and girl: differences in height and weight
The differences in height and weight between a boy and a girl in Pomeranian dogs are not noticeable. Everything is hidden by fur.
The Spitz male is more powerful, with more developed muscles. The height at the withers of an adult dwarf dog reaches 20-22 cm, which corresponds to the length of the body from neck to tail. Some individuals can grow up to 25 cm.
The weight of animals ranges from 1.3 to 3.2 kg. The indicator depends on genetics. To a small extent, it can be regulated by diet and physical activity.
Pomeranian dwarf dogs weighing up to two kilograms are allowed for exhibitions, regardless of whether they are male or female. Deviations up and down are not allowed.
The Miniature Pomeranian looks like a small puppy and an adult.
American Eskimo dog, up to 48 cm
The breed appeared at the beginning of the twentieth century, when German Spitz dogs were brought to the United States. At that time, anti-German principles were developing in America, so they were renamed American Eskimo Spitz . Gradually a new decorative breed was formed.
They weigh from 2.7 to 16 kg, there are standard Eskimo Spitz, whose height can be up to 48 cm, as well as miniature - up to 38 cm and toy - up to 30 cm. They have a thick and soft coat of only white color, without spots. But a cream shade is allowed.
Very friendly, cheerful dogs, but can be excellent guards. The American Eskimo Spitz is disciplined, intelligent, follows commands well, quickly finds a common language with children, and can make friends with other animals.
It is considered one of the most docile varieties of Spitz, and is not at all aggressive. They love to play in the snow; for them this is the most desirable entertainment.
Photo of a white dwarf Pomeranian Spitz
Lifespan
The life expectancy of a pet largely depends on care, maintenance, feeding and the number of routine examinations by a veterinarian. Compared to large breeds, Pomeranians can be called long-lived. The average life expectancy is 12-15 years. There have been cases when dogs lived longer - 18-20 years.
There are specially bred extreme types of Spitz - super-mini. Such dogs should not be able to survive, because “extreme” in the breed is not the best criterion to follow when breeding. Excessively small sizes negatively affect the functioning of organ systems. The body cannot work at full capacity with such a small size.
Choosing a puppy
Choose a dog only from trusted breeders. In order not to make a mistake with the color, it is better to buy a puppy at the beginning of the first molt, namely after 4 months. Then the final colors of black, black fawn, grey, red and brown puppies will be visible. When contacting a nursery, you can be sure that a white Pomeranian dwarf (mini) Spitz will not grow into a puppy of an unknown breed.
Take a look at the dogs on offer and focus your selection on active, playful kids.
Price range
The cost of a puppy depends on the color, length of the pedigree and the availability of documents. Puppies of unofficial colors are cheaper than their relatives of official colors. Pomeranian Spitz babies without documents are sold for approximately 10-15 thousand rubles. With documents, a puppy costs much more - from 30 to 80 thousand rubles. Sometimes the price reaches 100 thousand. When purchasing, contact only responsible breeders who guarantee the purchase of a healthy orange and the authenticity of the papers provided.
What is the price
A puppy for home (with documents) is estimated at 20 to 40 thousand rubles. If you need a future exhibition champion, with a pedigree and good anatomical data, count on an amount from 20 to 150 thousand rubles.
The Pomeranian is a capricious but very sweet dog who is devoted to his owner. Those who have a free schedule can get such a puppy: games, walks, and the dog’s lifestyle forces them to constantly be nearby. It’s impossible not to love him, but it’s worth remembering that this is not a cute toy, but an animal that requires proper care .
Criterias of choice
Before making one of the most important purchases in life, think carefully about why you need a dog. Do you want a ring star or just a pet? Be sure to collect information and reviews about nurseries and breeders not only on the Internet, but also among your friends. Purebred dogs are divided into several types, which determine the price.
Show class
Show class is the most expensive type of dog. They are designed to conquer the show rings. If you dream of being the owner of a champion, then these are the lines you need to pay attention to. A future champion can only be purchased from a professional breeder. Puppies are often adopted later than usual - around 5-6 months. After the first moult and change of teeth. At this age, it is already possible to identify breed defects in a dog. When buying an expensive animal, you should not expect that you have acquired a ready-made champion. A lot of effort will have to be made to raise and get a ring winner.
Breeding class
These are dogs intended for breeding. If you want to sell puppies without winning exhibitions, then choose large females with a wide pelvis. This will affect the course of pregnancy and the outcome of childbirth. Often small dogs require obstetrics - a caesarean section, which brings with it certain difficulties.
Pet class
Pet class dogs have all the breed characteristics, but their appearance is far from the breed standard. Therefore, they are used as sofa pets; dogs are not suitable for exhibition and breeding.
