Awesome Throwback Pomeranian Facts You Need to Know

What is a Throwback Pomeranian Dog?

A throwback Pomeranian is a larger Pom dog genetically more similar to his ancestors (Spitz-type sled dogs), not only in size but also in behavior, compared to the Pomeranians running around today.

A dog’s traits are usually inherited from its parents (dam and sire), and they may receive genes from up to five generations.

Technically speaking, this term (or a dog breed by this name) does not exist. Owners and non-preservation breeders seem to have latched onto this term to describe their big Pomeranian dogs.

What some refer to as a throwback Pomeranian is merely a Pom that is larger than the Pomeranian breed standard size. The dog’s natural body structure is sometimes four times bigger than expected.

If you own a big Pomeranian, he may be a throwback. Any Pomeranian who’s defined as a throwback needs to be a fully grown adult who is NOT overweight but is still heavier than 10 to 14 pounds. 

A large Pomeranian or a throwback Pomeranian dog is still considered a purebred; they’re bigger than the breed standard Pomeranians. Officially, there is only one Pomeranian breed.

The term “throwback Pomeranian” is a modern invention that attempts to describe dogs similar to Pom’s bigger ancestors, who used to pull sleds. Those dogs were a Spitz-like variety and would weigh around 30 pounds. They’re related to the Siberian Husky and the American Eskimo dog breeds.

Pomeranians come in various sizes, colors, cuteness, personalities, and styles. This adorably tiny dog is loved because he can usually watch the world go by from the safety of his mother’s handbag or father’s pocket.

However, not all Poms are tiny dogs and cute balls of fluffy fur…and this is how throwback Pomeranian dogs have become a part of purebred Poms. While throwbacks are uncommon, they can pop up as a random litter member, especially the colored bloodlines.

Throwback Pomeranian puppy is often used incorrectly to describe these big Pomeranian breed dogs. Another name for these bigger Pom dogs is the Victorian Pomeranian.

I don’t like the gimmicky terms “throwback Pomeranian” and “teacup Pomeranian” used in association with my beloved breed. 

Throwback Pomeranian Facts

• Throwback Pomeranians are larger than the breed standard size and genetically similar to their ancestors, Spitz-type sled dogs. The term “throwback” is a modern invention and does not officially exist as a dog breed.
• Factors contributing to the size of your Pom include genetics, background/breeding history, diet/exercise routine, and potential mixed breeding with other large Spitz breeds like American Eskimo Dogs or Samoyeds.
• Throwbacks typically weigh 18-20 pounds – more than double the size of normal Poms – but have similar temperaments regarding being independent yet loving companions.
• Throwback Pomeranians are usually less expensive than show-sized Pomeranian puppies due to their availability.
• These pups look cute when young but not as much as adult dogs compared to the show-sized Pom.
• Throwbacks are often sourced from backyard breeders and cost less than preservation breeders.
• Breeding throwback Poms is more straightforward than breeding the smaller ones for shows, and they may be better suited for parents with young children because their bigger size helps protect them from injuries.
• The lifespan of these dogs is typically 12-15 years if given proper care.
• DNA testing can help determine whether your large Pom dog is purebred; they descended from medium to large Spitz dogs found in arctic areas that were used as sled dogs, herding and hunting animals before being bred down by Queen Victoria into the small lapdogs we know today.
• Throwbacks cannot compete successfully in conformation shows since they do not meet size requirements (4 – 6 lbs) nor possess a refined look compared to other show-quality specimens.

Pomeranian Ancestry

Before you can understand why people call certain Pomeranians “throwbacks,” it’s imperative that you look at their ancestors.

Pomeranian ancestors were medium to large Spitz dogs found in the Arctic area. In Iceland, people used them as sled dogs and herding and hunting dogs in the far north areas.

History tells us that they weighed 30 – 40 pounds (14 – 18 kgs) and were mostly a light color. Because of their tough physical work, they had plenty of muscles and were very strong.

They coped in the below-freezing temperatures because of their thick double coats (today’s Spitz breeds still have these same coats). They’re still regarded as outside dogs despite working in a pack and with people.

The big ancestors of the Pomeranians had a similar look and size to the Keeshond. The Keeshond, Samoyed, Pomeranian, and other Spitz breeds all descended from those same dogs.

The classification of the Pomeranian as a German spitz in FCI countries is interesting. As various offshoots began developing, the Pomeranian was bred down to a smaller size in a specific European region that used to go by the name “Pomerania” (this area today is near the Baltic Sea and covers parts of modern-day sections of Germany and Poland).

When various breeds of dogs underwent genetic testing, one discovery was that many Spitz dog breeds directly belonged to a group regarded as being the closest relatives to wolves, and it’s assumed that they’re the oldest type of dogs known. This may be the explanation for the Pomeranian’s feisty demeanor.

Toward the end of the late 1880s, Queen Victoria loved the Spitz dog breed. However, she desired the dog to be a smaller version because of the incredible popularity among members of the Royalty to own very small lap dogs.

She decided to devise a breeding program that would decrease the size of the dogs at that time, and so they eventually turned into the cute little Poms we love and adore today.

The Queen has been given double credit for:

1. Vastly increasing the breed’s popularity.
2. Creating and pushing the popular trend toward owning Pomeranians.

It’s Impossible for Throwback Pomeranians To Be Successful Show Pomeranians

The final Pomeranian throwback fact I’ll share is a specific negative about owning this type of Pomeranian. An oversized Pomeranian can’t be involved in canine shows.

It’s because show Pomeranians should ideally weigh 4-6 pounds, whereas most so-called throwback Poms are two or three times that weight.

As well as being over the breed standard size requirements, throwback Pomeranians usually lack the refined look of a Pomeranian show dog.

Some throwback Pomeranians will have flat coats instead of the fluffy double coats of the dogs bred by preservation breeders.  Throwbacks also often have bigger ears and a nose that’s longer and more like a fox, instead of a short, teddy-bear-style nose.

Throwback Pomeranians usually occur in litters bred by breeders who do not show their dogs.

Hence, a throwback Pomeranian won’t be successful in the conformation show rings.