years in which different colors within the breed have won high accolades are also interesting to note. It was in the early 1970s that Ch. Silva Lade’s Gentle Ben was the first black Pomeranian to receive a Best in Show award, this at Penobscot Valley Kennel Club, but not until June 1981 was the first blue to be awarded the title of champion. This was Ch. Silva Lade’s The Enforcer, bred, owned and handled by Dianne Johnson of Baltimore. Just four years later, her Ch. Silva Lade’s Almond Joy was the first chocolate and tan to take its championship title. However, the breed had to wait until 1996 for the very first brindle Pomeranian to be awarded the title of champion. This was Ch. Jan Le’s Rumm Tumm Tigger, sired by Ch. Jan Le’s Willie Makit and out of Jan Le’s Quartrcup of Troubl, bred and owned by Judy Mahciz and Jane Lehtinen.
Webbun Fun and Webbun Frolic made their debut at the Crufts Dog Show in 1934 in the Litter Class for Poms. Both were awarded first prizes.
In recent decades, Pomeranians have gained both conformation championship titles as well as top awards at obedience trials. The first to gain dual titles was Ch. Nino of Thelcolynn UD, owned by Mrs. P. E. Lambert of Arlington. The title UD indicates that the dog has qualified at the highest level of obedience, Utility Dog.
In February 1988, a Pomeranian was awarded Best in Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Show in New York City’s Madison Square Garden—another first for another Prince Charming! This was Olga Baker and Skip Piazza’s Ch. Great Elms Prince Charming II ROMX, HOF, sired by Ch. Cedarwood’s Image of Diamond and out of Great Elms Sweet Candy, ROMX. The judge on this great occasion was Michele Billings.
Pomeranians have also displayed their prowess in the field of good citizenship. The first Pom to achieve the Canine Good Citizen award was Margaret McKee’s Ch Idlewyld Lavalier CDX, CGC, HOF, who was also the first dual-titled Pomeranian bred from dual-titled parents. In the agility world, 1995 was the year in which the first Pomeranian won a Novice Agility title, this being Kassel’s Dandelion Down UD, NA (later OA), HOF, ROM. The following year, Ollie Blue Buster CDX, TD, OA, CGC, TT, GC was the clever Pomeranian that was the first to earn three performance titles.
“MAD DOG SCARE”
During a “mad dog scare” in New York, it was officially believed that Pomeranian-type dogs were responsible for the disease. In consequence, any dog vaguely resembling the breed was slaughtered. It is believed that the sharp-pointed muzzle may have been the reason behind this official decision regarding responsibility.
As years have gone by, Pomeranian registrations with the AKC have increased remarkably but, in the last few years, numbers have dropped slightly, though the breed is still in the top 10 or 15 in this country, registering between 25,000 to 30,000 or more!
While it is true that the early Pomeranians imported to the US from England were of the larger variety, today an average weight for a Pomeranian in America ranges between 3 and 8 lb. In the show ring, they tend to be between 4 and 6 lb. Some are even smaller, and are referred to as “Tiny” or “Teacup” size, though most breeders will not purposely breed to achieve such a particularly small specimen of the breed. This is because extreme smallness brings with it severe veterinary problems, added to which the lifespan is usually shorter. Conversely, several poorly bred Pomeranians can far exceed the weight limit set down in the breed standard and can be as much as 10 or even 15 lb.
Surrounded by glory, Eng. Ch. Montacute Little Love, who miraculously became a champion while still a puppy, is shown among the trophies won in 1933.
The famous Eng. Ch. Montacute Little Love, the puppy champion, was bred and shown by Mrs. Holroyd. The dog was a great winner in 1931, 1932 and 1933.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE POMERANIAN
The Pomeranian is undoubtedly a breed with great appeal for those who want a small, compact, dainty dog with a happy, lively disposition, a big personality and a huge amount of energy. The breed’s intelligence and incredible energy compensate for its diminutive size and, of course, the Pomeranian’s dense double coat, found in a veritable array of colors, is the breed’s crowning glory.
It is said that the Pomeranian is a dog that is made to be spoiled, and that both dog and owner are happiest when this is so. Having said that, you should always be sensible about the way in which you spoil your Pom!
At seven months of age, this Pom is developing his full adult plumage. Like all Poms, he appears alert and friendly.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
Today’s Pomeranian is a tiny dog and, contrary to most larger breeds of dog, males are generally smaller than females, but even then the maximum weight called for in the breed standard is 7 lb. The Pomeranian is a soundly made, compact little dog that moves briskly, with something of a proud, strutting charm that gives the impression that he has a great big heart inside his tiny frame.
The Pomeranian’s cute “foxy” head and charming expression are set off by tiny pricked ears. The profusely coated tail is carried well over the back, reaching to the head and helping to create the illusion of a circle.
COLOR AND COAT
The colors of the Pomeranian are many and varied, and the choice is enormous, with colors ranging from white through orange to black. Colors of nose pigment also alter according to coat color.
The Pom’s profuse outer coat is harsh-textured and protects the body. Owners must be prepared to devote time to the upkeep of this beautiful coat.
The profuse coat is a double one, with a soft, fluffy undercoat and straight, harsh-textured outer coat standing off from the body. Around the neck, on the chest and on the front of the shoulders, the coat is abundant and forms a frill. There is good feathering on the fore and hind legs, and the tail is covered with a profusion of long, harsh, spreading hair. This means that the coat does need attention, although grooming can undoubtedly be a pleasure for both dog and owner.
PERSONALITY
A dog with an incredible amount of energy, the Pomeranian is extroverted, lively and intelligent, and makes a delightful family member. It must never be forgotten that the Pomeranian is a member of the spitz family and can therefore be very loyal and protective of its owners. However, the Pomeranian can be rather reserved with strangers and does have a tendency to bark at them.
DOGS, DOGS, GOOD FOR YOUR HEART!
People usually purchase dogs for companionship, but studies show that dogs can help to improve their