To understand today’s Pomeranians, it’s necessary to run a deep dive into the Pomeranian origin and history.
Whether they’re working dogs in the Arctic, real British Royalty, or even survivors of the voyage of the ill-fated Titanic, the Pomeranian dog breed has appeared virtually everywhere in the world, and they’re renowned for their strong character and gracious beauty.
If you have ever been an owner or you’ve simply enjoyed time around them, you’ll appreciate the fact that Pomeranians are among the most energetic, lovable, and charismatic dogs on the planet.
It’s uncommon for breeds to have such a rich, deep history while, simultaneously, fitting the bill as one of history’s most iconic breeds. Pomeranian dogs ideally suit the bill, which they display in all they do and in each day.
Perhaps you have wondered why your adorable Pomeranian behaves and looks like he does. Like every animal and person, their overall characteristics have been created over a very long time.
Pomeranian Dog History
Now, you want to know where do Pomeranians come from? Many eons ago, in a land that bordered Poland, Germany and the Baltic Sea, there was a place called Pomerania.
While it’s still sometimes referenced today as a region located in Poland, it’s technically a historical region.
Pomerania was mainly covered by lakes, farms, small towns, and forests. However, once World War I and II, the Pomerania region had to be split and this caused major shifts in the population.
The Pomeranian was once a larger-sized dog and now is the smallest of the Spitz dog breeds. Dogs of Spitz type have been displayed on various artefacts dating as far back as 400 B.C.
Where do Pomeranian Dogs Originate From?
The Pomeranian breed has descended from an exceptionally long line of Arctic work dogs that could be often discovered in regions that today are called the Pomeranian regions of Poland and Northern Germany.
Laugh if you will but it’s absolutely true; today’s Poms possess a powerful link to the big burly, strong working dogs of the Arctic when you consider they looked very much like wolves.
People have relied heavily on these dogs for many reasons including guarding homes, pulling sleds, and protecting livestock. The smaller dogs were frequently cared for as pets and companions.
The Pomeranian name wasn't accepted by Germans until 1974, who used the generic name of German Spitz for them and claimed this “German Spitz” is a German national breed.
This German Spitz was a healthy, sturdy, and strong dog. He was a big working dog, often found in the Arctic areas of Northern Europe. His original name was Wolfspitz, a term that referred to his small pricked ears.
Pomeranian Origin and Name
The Spitz breeds are a dog family that lived in parts of Europe and Asia. Dogs of the Spitz family have prick ears, tails that curl up their backs, and a thick double coat.
The name “Spitz” wasn’t used as a name for these breeds prior to the 15th century. However, the name “Chien-loup” was used and it’s believed the French phase "lou-lou" was derived from this name. Historians can’t find any records about the spitz dogs before George 111 sat on the throne in England.
In Germany, various older regional names for these Spitz dogs are translated into English and become the Wolf Spitz, Lion Spitz, Bear Spitz, and the Great (aka Gross) Spitz.
The smaller dogs included the Fox Spitz and a little later on, the Mannheimer Zwerg-Spitze. 1886, the Pomeranian breed was known as German Toy Pomeranians or Mannheimer Zwergspitze.
Where do Pomeranians Originate From?
The Pomeranian's country of origin is a little blurred. The breed evolved throughout a number of areas of Europe and was called various names, with several types having no relationship with Pomerania.
In France, Lulu, Chien de Pomeranie or the Lou Lou. The Wolfshond was in Holland but, during the 1780s, this name was altered to Keeshond. Italy had numerous names for this dog, including the: Italian Spitz, Florentine Spitz, Cane de Quirinale, Lupino, and Volpino. The Italian variety was usually bright orange or yellow in color.
Swedish naturalist, Carl Linnaeus (1707-1778) spent a great deal of time classifying dogs of his era. He mentions the Canis Pomeranus and offered plenty of evidence to support his theory that these dogs were well known in Central and Northern Europe.
Pomeranians Developed as a Breed by English Fanciers
The Pom dog was developed as a breed and became known as the Pomeranian in England. It wasn’t until the 18th century that the Pomeranian (known then as the Wolf dog), became firmly established in England, as the breed captured the interest of members of the English monarchy.
In 1761 marrying King George 111, Queen Charlotte brought her pet dogs to England. Queen Charlotte’s dogs were what was then called “wolf dog” in type and mainly white in color.
We know the Pomeranian is named after the territory in Germany, from which Queen Charlotte imported her Pomeranians; Pomerania. Queen Charlotte at the time referred to the breed as the Pommeranian.
English Pomeranians were usually kept as pets and a lot of the information about these dogs is derived from various paintings.
Written by William Taplin and published in London in 1803, “The Sportsman’s Cabinet” discusses the breed in detail:
“POMERANIAN; or, WOLF-DOG.
The dog so called in this country is but little more than eighteen or twenty inches in height, and is distinguished by his long, thick, and rather upright coat, forming a most tremendous ruff about the neck, but short and smooth on the head and ears; they are mostly of a pale yellow, or cream-colour, and lightest on the lower parts.Some are white, some few black, and others but very rarely spotted; the head broad towards the neck, and narrowing to the muzzle; ears short, pointed, and erect; nose and eyes mostly black; the tail large and bushy invariably curled in a ring upon the back. Instances of smooth, or short- coated ones are very rarely seen; in England he is much more familiarly known by the name of fox-dog, and this may originally have proceeded from his bearing much affinity to that animal about the head; but, by those who in their writings describe him as a native of Pomerania, he passes under the appellation of the Pomeranian-dog.“
William Taplin “The Sportsman’s Cabinet”.
Training Method for These Working Dogs From The Sportsman’s Cabinet:
"The manner in which these animals are trained to their singular employment has so powerful an influence on the individual properties of the whole species, that the description of it will not prove un- interesting even to the philosophic reader. For proper draught-dogs, the choice is principally made of such as have high legs, long ears, a sharp muzzle, a broad crupper, a thick head, and who discover great vivacity.
As soon as the puppies are able to see, they are thrown into a dark pit, where they remain shut up till they are thought able to undergo a trial. They are then harnessed with other seasoned dogs to a sledge, with which they scamper away with all their might, being frightened by the light, and by so many strange objects.
After this short trial, they are again confined to their gloomy dungeon, and this practice is repeated 'till they are inured to the business of drawing, and are obedient to their driver."
William Taplin “The Sportsman’s Cabinet”.
Pomeranians Made a Impact in England After 1870
In 1859, Newcastle was home to the very first English dog show and, in 1861, another one was held in the Belle Vue Zoo, Manchester.
Mr. Bennett owned a Pomeranian Fox Dog that won in his class as a non-sporting foreign dog. In the same year, Mr. J.H. Seed exhibited his dog (Jack) in Birmingham, after which the owner made the dog available for purchase at the price of 10 guineas.
December 1862 saw three Pomeranians as exhibits also in Birmingham, as part of the Third Annual showing for Sporting and other dogs. They were classified in an extra class that accounted for small foreign dogs not used for field sports.
Pomeranians Entered at This Show Were:
• “Alba,” owned by Robert Thornley.
• “Charlie,” owned by Mr. C. Bradley.
• “Pop,” owned by Mr. J.A. Browning.
All three owners resided in Birmingham.
There were 12 dogs in that class, including a Volpino Roman (aka Pomeranian), Maltese, Prussian Terrier, a Russian dog, and “Willie,” bred in France.
For the first time, in 1863, Pomeranians had classes of their own in London’s Great International Dog Show.
The top three Pomeranians at the International show were:
1st – “Snap,” owned by Mr. Laskie.
2nd – “Guess,” owned by Mr. St. Quintin.
3rd – “Fox,” owned by Mr. Eaton.
During 1863 a number of Pomeranians were being exhibited in different parts of England.
English Kennel Club Registered the Breed as Pomeranian
The Pomeranian Club was established by nine members in 1891. This very first Pomeranian club was launched on February 11th, 1891 at the Agricultural Hall, Crufts Dog Show.
There was a growing interest, by breeders, in reducing the size of the dogs they were breeding, but also in producing new colors.
No longer did the whites and blacks rank top position in breeding programs and the show ring. Now there were other colors such as orange, sable, blue, and chocolate as well.
After reading numerous rare and old dog books, we have learned that the glorious colors now available weren’t even a spot on the horizon during the early development of the Pomeranian breed.
During this period, shows provided classes for small, medium and big dogs and it took the English Pomeranian Club much longer to settle on a suitable weight range for these amazing dogs.
The initial Pomeranian breed standard is dated 1898. 1909 saw a revised and much-improved breed standard drawn up. A meeting took place at the Pet Dog Show with representatives from all the Pomeranian Club's contributing.
Reports from this meeting indicate the 1909 Pomeranian standard embodied the views of all the Pom Clubs harmoniously.
These Clubs included the Pomeranian Club, North of England Pomeranian Club, East Lancashire Pomeranian Club, and Midland Pomeranian Club.
The standard of points allotted:
- Appearance 10 points
- Head and Nose 10 points
- Ears 5 points
- Eyes 5 points
- Neck and Body 15 points
- Legs 10 points
- Tail 5 points
- Coat 25 points
- Color 15 points
This breed standard then went on to note "Where classification is not by colors, the following is recommended for adoption by show committees:-
- Not exceeding 7lbs ( Pomeranian Miniatures )
- Exceeding 7lbs ( Pomeranians)
- Pomeranians and Pomeranian Miniatures mixed"
Finally, it was agreed that Pomeranian Miniatures weighed under 7lb. All the other Pomeranians were “oversize” with 20lb being the heaviest weight allowed.
First Pomeranian Champion
The first Champion of the Pomeranian dog breed was a white Pomeranian named "Rob of Rozele ".
The Pomeranian Dog in U.S.A.
American Pomeranians originated from imported Poms, mostly from England. During the late 1880s, Pomeranians started appearing in various shows in the United States of America where, in 1900, the country’s Kennel Club officially recognized this breed.
Before this official sanction, the breed had to participate in the miscellaneous class. Which had no winners class, this meant championship titles were unavailable during this period for the breed. The first Pomeranian known to be shown in America was Sheffield Lad, in New York during 1892.
In 1896, Pomeranians Prince Bismarck was placed 2nd and Wolfgang 3rd in the Miscellaneous Class. Kansas City in 1898, saw the Pomeranian, Clayton Chieftain win the Miscellaneous Class.
During 1899, interest in the breed increased and a large number of quality Pomeranians arrived from England.
White, blue, and brown were the most popular colors. About 1900 the American Kennel Club recognized the breed and approved admission to the studbook.
The New York Show, 1900 was the first to hold a winners class for Pomeranians. A brown dog, Nubian Rebel owned by Mrs. Frank Smyth won this first award. Nubian Rebel later became a Champion.
In 1901, the New York Show was judged by Mr. R.F. Mayhew, and Hatcham Nip was placed first. Hatcham Nip later became the breed's first International Champion. During this period, Mrs. R. F. Mayhew and Mrs. George Thomas were the leading Pomeranian exhibitors.
The American Pomeranian Club was founded in 1900 by Mrs. Hartley Williamson and Mrs. Frank Smyth. In 1909 becoming a member club of the American Kennel Club and thus became the Pomeranian parent club.
1911, saw the very first Pomeranian breed show in the U.S.A. With 138 Pomeranians entered under English Judge Mrs. L.C. Dyer. Best of Breed was awarded to a black dog, Champion Banner Prince Charming, owned by Mrs. Frank Smyth, of Swiss Mountain Kennels.
Champion Banner Prince Charming was described by one Judge as "a charming black, good type, but too coarse in the skull".
The second Pomeranian Show hosted by American Pomeranian Club in 1912, was held in New York. The entry of 185 Poms was judged by Charles G. Hopton. Best of Breed, at this show, was the English import, Champion Offley Kew Marco.
Pomeranians at Westminster
American Champion Glen Rose Flashaway owned by Joseph Greenwood was the very first Pomeranian to win Best Exhibit in Group at Westminster Dog Show. Many other Pomeranians have followed Rose Flashaway's paw steps.
Pomeranian Group Winners at Westminster Kennel Club Show
- 1926 Champion Glen Rose Flashaway owned by Joseph Greenwood
- 1927 Champion Little Rajah owned by Mrs. V. Matta
- 1928 Champion Bogota Firebug owned by Miss E. G. Hydon
- 1931 Sealand Career owned by Radiant Kennels
- 1935 Wonder Son owned by Miss E. G. Hydon
- 1936 Champion Salisbury Sensation owned by Mrs. Andres W. Rose
- 1942 Champion Moneybox Currency owned by Mrs. V. Matta
- 1947 Champion Little Tim Stepper owned by Mrs. V. Matta
- 1948 Pomwin Doreen owned by Mrs. Blossom M. Sandy
- 1962 Champion Pixietown Seranade of Hadleigh owned by Ruth Belleck & Lady Florence Conyers
- 1967 Champion Leader’s Little Buck-a-Roo owned by Ina F. Kniffin
- 1971 Champion Duke’s Lil Red Baron O’Kala owned by Mrs. Joyce Graves
- 1979 Champion Lennis’s Tar Lacy Foxfire owned by Edward B. Jenner
- 1988 Champion Great Elms Prince Charming II owned by Skip Piazza & Olga Baker
Mrs. V. Matta was the proud owner of 3 Westminster Group winning Pomeranians, however never achieved Best in Show at Westminster Kennel Club Show.
It was not until 1988, a Pomeranian called Ch. Great Elms Prince Charming II was awarded Best In Show at Westminster.
Royal Interest in The Pomeranian Dog Assured His Popularity
This adorable dog was now known and loved throughout England. A great deal of the credit for this adulation goes to Queen Charlotte’s granddaughter, Queen Victoria whose enthusiasm for Poms thrust the breed directly into the public eye.
Queen Victoria made the Pomeranians extremely popular, more so than during her grandmother’s reign. Her royal Pomeranians often traveled with her.
The royal train contained a separate special compartment for her Poms, and they even had their own security detail to guarantee their security and safety and to help ease her mind. When laying on her deathbed, Queen Victoria asked for her favorite Pom to keep her company.
For a couple of years, Queen Victoria was listed as one of the leading breeders, along with Mrs. Thomas, Mrs. Gordon Lynn, and Miss Hamilton. The Queen’s “Marco” won the Club’s gold medal.
Mrs. Thomas brought dogs from Germany to improve the quality of her stock. Miss Hamilton owned dogs of different colors but concentrated on breeding whites.
Pomeranians were exchanged for large sums of money. There was a strong craze for breeding dogs that were smaller than ever, often through very close inbreeding, and results included: apple heads, popeyes, unsoundness, and weediness.
The mortality rate during whelping was incredibly high. By 1916, the bigger Pomeranians no longer appeared in the shows, with only the “Toy” size remaining.
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References and Further Reading:
[1] Denise Leo "The Pomeranian Handbook".
[2] Milo G. Denlinger "The Complete Pomeranian".
[3] Kimbering Pomeranians "1891-1991".
[4] William Taplin "The Sportsman’s Cabinet".
[5] E. Parker "The Popular Pomeranian".
[6] Lilla Ives "Show Pomeranians".
