The Queen Victoria Pomeranian dog is a toy breed that originated in the 19th century. They were bred as companions for Queen Victoria, who was particularly fond of them.
Queen Victoria Pomeranians are known for their small size, typically weighing between 3-7 pounds. They have a compact, sturdy body and a short, dense coat that requires regular grooming.
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Care and Upkeep
The Queen Victoria Pomeranian is a low-maintenance breed that can thrive in small spaces, such as apartments or homes with tiny yards.
They require moderate exercise, which can be met with daily leash walks or playtime in a yard. However, they may not return balls or toys, so be prepared for a fun game of fetch.
Their thick coat needs regular brushing, ideally twice a week, to prevent matting and shedding. Be gentle, as excessive brushing can lead to alopecia X, a painless disorder causing hair loss and black skin.
You'll also want to monitor their joints, as Poms are prone to patellar luxation, a dislocation of the kneecap that can cause hopping or limping. Severe cases may require surgery.
To keep your Pomeranian's coat healthy, bathe them every couple of months, and brush their teeth regularly to prevent dental health issues.
Living Needs
Pomeranians are surprisingly hearty and active little dogs that don't need much space, making them perfect for apartment life or homes with small yards.
They love to get out for walks and meet new people and furry friends, but do keep an eye on them because they're escape artists and can slip through cracks or climb small fences.
Poms are also susceptible to predatory birds due to their petite size, so they need supervision when outside.
They thrive on play and mental stimulation, so make sure to have plenty of toys around and rotate them out to keep things fresh.
Pomeranians are smart and alert, making them great for agility training and as therapy dogs.
In homes with older kids, Poms can be a great addition, but with younger kids, it's essential to supervise interactions and teach them how to properly handle small dogs.
Poms can co-exist with cats and other dogs, but they'll need supervision around bigger dogs.
To keep your Pomeranian safe and happy, socialize your puppy early to help them feel comfortable around new people, dogs, and situations.
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Care
Pomeranians have a thick double coat that requires regular brushing to reduce shedding. Brushing should be done at least twice a week, with more frequent brushing during shedding season.
Their coat can be prone to a painless disorder called alopecia X, or black skin disease, which causes hair loss and exposed skin to turn black. Affected dogs may need to wear shirts or sunscreen to prevent sunburn.
Regular dental care is essential for Pomeranians, as they are prone to dental health issues. Brushing their teeth regularly can help prevent problems.
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Pomeranians don't require a lot of exercise, but they do need daily leash walks to stay happy and healthy. They can also get enough exercise playing games indoors.
Their joints can be fragile, so it's essential to prevent them from jumping on and off furniture. You can invest in doggy stairs or a ramp to help them climb up onto your couch for snuggles.
Early socialization is crucial for Pomeranians, as they can be yappy dogs if not trained properly. Introduce them to lots of different people, places, and experiences when they're young to help them develop good social skills.
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Made Them Smaller
Queen Victoria was instrumental in making Pomeranians smaller, allegedly reducing their size by 50% since the 19th century.
Pomeranians were once large enough to be used as sheep herders, but the Queen preferred the petite variety.
An adult Pomeranian now weighs in at most six pounds.
To keep your Pomeranian at the right weight, you'll need to pay close attention to their diet.
Temperament
The Pomeranian is known for its ever-cheerful personality, making it a fun and lively companion for people of all ages.
They have a great deal of energy and enjoy all sorts of games and adventures, so be prepared for a playful and active partner.
Poms are intelligent and confident to the point of brashness, but they can be a bit stubborn at times, requiring patient and consistent training.
Their playful nature means they're not always inclined to be a sedate lapdog, but they do love to give kisses and snuggle up on your lap.
One thing to note is that Pomeranians can be a bit wary of strangers, so socialization is key to helping them feel comfortable around new people.
Despite their small size, Poms can be quite entertaining companions and make for enthusiastic watchdogs, although they may bark excessively at times.
They Think They're Larger
Pomeranians have a funny way of thinking they're larger than they actually are. They're not cowards, but they do have a bold personality that can sometimes get them into trouble.
Their small size can be a bonus when interacting with kids, as it makes them less intimidating and easier for children to pick up. However, this also means they're fragile and need to be handled with care.
Pomeranians will often seize themselves up in front of larger dogs, which can be a sign that they're trying to prove themselves. This behavior should be discouraged, and owners should take their Poms away from confrontations.
Their desire to be a good guard dog can also extend to interactions with humans, which is why it's essential to socialize them properly and teach them to stay calm in situations that might trigger their protective instincts.
Challenging to Train
Pomeranians can be a bit tricky to train due to their headstrong nature, which is a result of their confident and intelligent personalities.
These dogs know their own mind and can be stubborn at times, making training a bit more challenging than with other breeds.
With patience and consistency, it's extremely possible to train a Pomeranian, especially if you use a firm voice and make the experience fun.
Adult Pomeranians have the intelligence of a toddler, so they do have the capacity to learn behaviors.
However, it's essential to remember that every Pomeranian is an individual, and their personalities and idiosyncrasies can vary greatly.
Don't give up on training your Pomeranian, and with time and effort, you can develop a strong bond with your furry friend.
Overview
The Queen Victoria Pomeranian is a beloved breed that's steeped in history and charm. They're a toy breed, weighing in at a tiny 3-7 pounds.
Their official name is Pomeranian, and they're known for their friendly, outgoing, and playful personalities. They're also highly intelligent, which makes them whip-smart and eager to learn tricks.
Here are some key characteristics of the Queen Victoria Pomeranian breed:
They're surprisingly easy to groom, with a thick, beautiful coat that comes in nearly two dozen colors and patterns. Their coats can be long, medium, or wiry, and they shed frequently.
Appearance
The Pomeranian's smiley face is a sight to behold, with a wedge-shaped head and erect ears giving them a fox-like appearance. Their sweet, almond-shaped eyes are dark, and their noses are either dark or the same color as their coat.
Pomeranians come in a stunning array of colors, with orange and red being the most common, but they can also be black, black and tan, blue, blue and tan, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, cream sable, brindle, and white. Some Poms are even parti-colored, with white patches of any other color.
Their signature frill around the neck and chest is a distinctive feature, and they have a thick double coat that's surprisingly easy to care for. Their fancy, plumed tail also develops with age and feathers out in the back.
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They Have Two Coats of Fur
A Pomeranian's coat is quite impressive, and it's made up of two separate layers of fur. The inner layer, also known as the undercoat, is soft, compact, and short.
This undercoat is what keeps Poms warm in the winter and cool in the summer. It's also what they shed when they need to regulate their body temperature.
The outer layer of a Pomeranian's coat is made up of long guard hairs that are coarser than the undercoat. These guard hairs can stand out and give a Pom's coat a lot of texture.
As Poms grow from puppies to adults, their coats go through a transformation. Their soft puppy coat will fall out, leaving patchy and uneven fur in its place.
Most Colorful
The Pomeranian is a breed that truly stands out in terms of its appearance. They come in more colors than any other dog, with a staggering 25 different hues to choose from.
Their coats can range from classic colors like black and tan, white, and brown, to more unique shades like blue, red, and even lavender. Pomeranians may start life as one color, but some may change colors as they mature.
The breed's incredible color range is a result of their genetic makeup, which allows for a wide variety of coat colors and patterns. This makes each Pomeranian truly one-of-a-kind.
Their coats can also come in various patterns, including parti, brindle, and merle, adding to their already impressive color palette. This means that no two Pomeranians are alike, even within the same litter.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many Pomeranians did the Queen have?
The Queen had up to 35 Pomeranians under her care. This large collection of toy dogs was a testament to her enduring affection for the breed.
What is the rarest Pomeranian dog?
The rarest Pomeranian variation is the Lavender Pom, known for its unique pinkish-grey coat with hints of purple. This striking coat color makes the Lavender Pom a highly sought-after and rare breed.
Sources
- Pomeranian Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- PetMD - Pomeranian (petmd.com)
- American Pomeranian Club (ampomclub.org)
- Pomeranian specialty show was held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in 1911 (nytimes.com)
- 13 Cool Facts About Pomeranians (wagwalking.com)
- Queen Victoria’s Journals (queenvictoriasjournals.org)
- Royal Pets: Beloved animals through the years (rct.uk)
- Queen Victoria’s Animals (avictorian.com)
- Queen Victoria’s Pets and Animals (historyextra.com)
- Queen Victoria’s Memorials to her Dogs (royalcentral.co.uk)
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