Last Updated on 02/10/2023 by Dochlaggie. Post first published on August 24, 2021.
Pomeranian dogs were bred to be a toy breed, but their role has been reversed in recent years. They have become more of a companion than a pet solely for show purposes. These days, families mainly love them because they’re small and can live in an apartment with them.
What Were Pomeranians Bred For?
But what were they originally bred for? The Pomeranian is a breed of dog bred for centuries to be an all-around working canine.
Pomeranians were famous as watchdogs and family companions, but they originally hail from Europe, where their primary duty was pulling sleds through rough terrain or protecting property against intruders.
This article will explore the history of these little fluff balls and what Pomeranians were bred for.
Where are Pomeranians From?
Pomeranians were bred to be working dogs. Their original purpose was to pull sleds and herd livestock like sheep or goats, but they could also guard property if necessary.
Pomeranians are appreciated worldwide for their particular cuteness and compact size. They also make great family pets and usually get on well with other dogs, which is why they’re so popular as pet dogs.
Different names in different countries knew them. In Italy, they were known as Lupino or Italian Spitz; in France, they were known as Lulu.
The Pomeranian is a beautiful dog and a member of the Spitz breed. Some countries still refer to this dog breed as the German Spitz.
They have big fluffy fur coats, cute faces with dark eyes, and tiny pricked ears, which give them such endearing looks. The Pomeranians of today are not the same as they were way back in history.
They were much larger dogs than what you can see now, and it’s because their original ancestors had such incredible capabilities for running fast, hunting prey with keen senses to detect movement from far away distances like 50 feet or more. According to some reports, the average Pomeranian weighed around 30lbs then.
The Pomeranian is a small breed of dog that can’t do the same work as bigger dog breeds. The Pomeranian’s ancestors were ideally suited for pulling carts, guarding homes, and more.
Some owners refer to the bigger Pomeranians as “throwback Poms.” It’s not uncommon for the bigger Poms to be in litter today, usually due to poor genetics or in a color breeding program.
Pomeranians as Guard Dogs
When Pomeranians were much larger, they served as excellent guard dogs. These dogs were better than others at protecting their owner. But what makes them a good guard dog? There’s more to it than just the size or strength of an animal.
Pomeranians were excellent guard dogs because they met specific criteria like high intelligence level and ability to detect and bark at the slightest sound.
Back then, the Pomeranians were very alert and larger species. They had the size to fight with intruders if it came down to an actual fight, but now these tiny dogs can alert owners to intruders with their loud barking. However, they still make good watchdogs.
Pomeranians are intelligent, watchful, and confident dogs who like to monitor their surroundings. The Pomeranian dog breed has a sharp bark that warns the owner of any potential intruder.
The Pom weighs only three to seven pounds. Pomeranians are a fantastic dog breed, able to detect changes in their environment and alert you as soon as possible. They will bark at anything that alarms them.
Pomeranians as Sled Dogs
The Pomeranian is a hardy breed that has been around for centuries. Though it may not have the speed or endurance of other breeds like Huskies, it does not make them any less impressive. The ancestors of Pomeranians were known to be tough, brave dogs. They once pulled carts and sleds for their owners in the wintertime when roads were too icy or snowy to travel on foot.
It’s hard to imagine, but Pomeranians still have the qualities of good sled dogs. They retain similar wolf-like characteristics and functions, such as intelligence, agility, and a thick, fluffy coat.
People may not know it, but Pomeranians are a bit more intelligent than their ancestors. They’ve been shown in animal laboratories and university studies on canine behavior that they can learn tasks much faster than many other breeds of dogs.
The Pomeranian is a furry little animal that sometimes faces harsh weather conditions. However, thanks to their soft and fluffy coats, they will always be protected from any elements of nature which may cause them harm.
Pomeranians are known for being a happy breed. They have been seen romping around, playing in the snow.
However, you still may find it hard to imagine these Pomeranians pulling someone on a sleigh but consider their size compared with today. In ancient times, the Pomeranian dog breed weighed around 30 pounds, almost like a small Australian shepherd. That’s the reason they could pull the sled.
However, these toy dogs no longer participate in sled dog competitions because they are now toy-size dogs through generations of selective breeding for appearance only rather than working ability. The American Kennel Club hosts many events yearly for show-quality Pomeranian dogs.
Pomeranians as Farm Dogs
Pomeranians were often bred to work on farms. They had the most exciting and surprising jobs, including one used as a watchdog for farmers thousands of years ago. The Pomeranian’s ancestors were loyal and protective dogs bred to herd and guard livestock.
The 30-pound Pomeranians of the past were more capable of herding sheep than the Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Pomeranians are now known for their small, dainty size, but they are intelligent little dogs who have retained many working dog instincts.
Pomeranians as Royal Dogs
Pomeranians are more than just adorable tiny breeds with their eyes set on you. They’ve also experienced royal treatment and fame too. Corgis are famous because Queen Elizabeth II owns them, but Pom dogs were also considered royal companions.
Back when there weren’t all these fancy modern breeds, they were known as wolf dogs. The Pomeranian breed is one of the oldest breeds, with records revealing its origin back to 1761. Queen Charlotte ensured these adorable pooch’s popularity after bringing her pet dogs with her when she married King George III.
Pomeranians quickly captured the interest and hearts of English royalty when they were first seen. The Poms are beautiful and highly intelligent, making them perfect pets for royal families.
The royal family renamed these wolf-like canines Pomeranian. They had been imported from Pomerania, so Queen Charlotte named them Pomeranian (with double m).
The dogs were initially bred as sled or guard dogs but eventually became favorite pets.
Later, Queen Victoria paid a visit to Florence in 1888. She fell head over heels for an Italian dog breed known as the Volpino Italiano. When Queen Victoria first saw Pomeranians, her heart skipped a beat. The huge fluffy coats sweet little faces with almond-shaped eyes were too much to resist for someone who remembered her Grandmother, Queen Charlotte’s dogs.
Queen Victoria returned four Volpino Italianos to England, where they became favorite pets. Queen Victoria also imported Pomeranians from different countries and started a breeding program.
In this era, Queen Victoria was a beloved monarch, which caused many people also to want Pomeranians.
When the Pomeranian was first introduced to Britain, they were seen as a “fashion statement” and quickly became one of the most popular toy dog breeds. Pomeranian dogs today also enjoy great popularity among pet owners who want great lap dogs and companions.
What Are Pomeranians Bred For Today?
Though the jobs of Pomeranians have changed greatly, you won’t now find them pulling a sled or herding livestock.
Today’s Pomeranians are purely bred to be much-loved companion dogs. Some Pomeranians help their owners by being assistance dogs.
Pomeranians are also bred to be exquisite-looking Kennel Club show dogs and compete each year at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, the Crufts Dog Show, the National Breed Club, and other Pomeranian Club events. Dog breeders in specialist breeding programs use quality Poms.
The Pomeranian is one of the most recognized American Kennel Club breeds worldwide. They are known for being friendly, playful, and affectionate towards their humans. They are often seen as companions for children or seniors who want an easy-going pet that won’t hassle them too much.
They are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, thanks to their adaptive intelligence and ability to learn quickly. Pomeranians are a friendly dog breed. They’re known for being very social and playful, making them great with other pets or dogs in your home.
You know what they say about Pomeranians being the cuddliest puppies in existence. For this reason, it’s no surprise that these little furballs love nothing more than lounging around on your lap while you read or watch TV together. That’s the reason Pomeranians always top the list of lap dog breeds.
Pomeranians are also very sensitive and can read your emotions, even the tiniest change in posture or facial expression. They’re such amazing dogs. You might think it’s just a dog thing, but these little guys also have an excellent sense of smell.
Pomeranians are known for their exuberant personality, and it’s not hard to see why. This lively dog breed requires much attention from owners who want them as best friends or family members. Pomeranians need positive reinforcement training, so your interactions with these very vocal creatures will be rewarding.
Conclusion: What Were Pomeranians Bred For?
Pomeranians are a small, toy breed of dog that was bred for many different things. Originally, they were used as guard and sled dogs in different countries.
Today, these little guys make excellent companions because they’re small enough to live indoors with you but have the protective instincts of their larger ancestors. If you want an adorable, intelligent pet who can do tricks, is a great companion, and can bark and alert you to visitors to your home, check out these pups today.
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References and Further Reading:
[1] Official Standard of the Pomeranian (AKC). American Kennel Club, 2011.
[2] English Kennel Club Pomeranian Breed Standard, 2017.
[3] Denise Leo, The Pomeranian Handbook.
[4] Milo G. Denlinger “The Complete Pomeranian.”
[5] Kimbering Pomeranians “1891-1991”.
[6] William Taplin’s “The Sportsman’s Cabinet.”
[7] E. Parker “The Popular Pomeranian.”
[8] Lilla Ives “Show Pomeranians.”
