Pomeranian

Pomeranian (pŏm'ərā`nēən), breed of small, sturdy toy dog descended from the sledge dogs of Iceland and Lapland. It stands about 6 in. (15.3 cm) high at the shoulder and weighs from 3 to 7 lb (1.4–3.2 kg). Its double coat consists of a short, fluffy underlayer and an abundant, long, straight topcoat that forms a ruff of stand-off hair on the neck and a fringe of feathery hair on the hindquarters. Many colors are acceptable, e.g., red, cream, black, brown, sable, blue, white, and parti-color. The immediate ancestor of the Pomeranian was a heavier dog, sometimes weighing as much as 30 lb (13.6 kg). It was used in Europe as a sheepherder and became popular in England when a small specimen was brought from Italy by Queen Victoria in the late 19th cent. Today it is raised as a pet and watchdog. See dog.

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Pomeranian

Pomeranian.

(credit: Sally Anne Thompson-EB Inc.)

Breed of toy dog developed from the same sled-dog ancestors as the Keeshond, Samoyed, and Norwegian elkhound. It is said to have been bred down in size from a 30-lb (14-kg) dog in the duchy of Pomerania in the early 19th century. Spirited but docile, it has a foxlike head and small, erect ears. Its long coat, especially full on the neck and chest, is white, black, brown, or reddish brown. It stands about 6–7 in. (14–18 cm) and weighs about 3–7 lbs (1.5–3 kg).