If you have ever had the pleasure of spending time with the super cute Pomeranian, affectionately called the Pom, you know that this small breed is famous for their larger-than-life personality. Weighing from just three to seven pounds, these spunky dogs are the tiniest member of the Spitz family, which is why they are also known as the Dwarf Spitz. Their relatives include the noticeable larger Samoyed, Alaskan Malamute, and Norwegian Elkhound.

The adorable breed takes its name from the Central European province of Pomerania (today northern Poland and eastern Germany). Queen Victoria, who loved and owned Pomeranians, contributed to their popularity, having shown the first Pom ever in a conformation show. It’s interesting to note that the Pomeranian’s size was decreased by half in Queen Victoria’s age, reaching the size of the modern-day Pom.

However, it seems that they are unaware of their small size, falsely believing that they can attack much bigger dogs and end up triumphant. If nothing else, they are one of the most daring breeds in existence. They are also quite independent, which can sometimes translate to stubbornness. The good thing is that they are very intelligent, meaning that you can easily train them to be obedient. Though they will probably ignore your requests and commands from time to time, you won’t be able to stay mad at them for long, as they are incredibly charming and lovable pups.

As for relationships with other animals, the general rule is that you should introduce two different species when they are young. If you had a cat or other pet before you adopted a Pomeranian, the two will get along just great. It’s also not impossible to teach them to share a roof with another pet, as long as you are familiar with canine socialization. If you aren’t, you should learn how to properly socialize your Pom before you bring them home.

Another thing that worries most dog lovers is that Pomeranians require a lot of grooming whereas the truth is that their coat is not that difficult to maintain. One of the Pom’s main characteristics is their luxurious hair, but you can rest assured that it doesn’t need anything more than regular brushing.

Like many other small breeds, Pomeranians are exquisite watchdogs. They are attentive, suspicious of strangers and extremely bold, which is why they will alert you if you are in any kind of danger. What’s more, they have a loud bark so it’s impossible not to hear them. On the other hand, they sometimes don’t know when to stop barking, so you should probably do your best to teach them to stop barking on command.

Pomeranians make amazing family dogs, as well as pets for the elderly. They are also an excellent choice for people who are active and busy, as they are perfectly fine on their own. Since they are independent, they don’t mind staying home alone and entertaining themselves. Additionally, they are one of the best breeds for apartment dwellers or homes without a yard or garden. Still, they love spending time in nature, so make sure to take them for daily walks and give them enough opportunities to explore their surroundings and interact with other people and dogs.

The only thing you should pay attention to is that they are not the most suitable breed for small kids and that they don’t tolerate rough play. As far as training is concerned, they are fast learners. You can teach them all sorts of tricks and they’ll enjoy showing off their skills and being the center of attention. The only thing you need to remember is that they are independent dogs and need a firm, consistent owner. If you don’t establish yourself as the ‘pack leader’ in the household, you won’t be able to train your Pomeranian.

As a matter of fact, you won’t be able to control them, which can result in various unwanted behaviors, including excessive barking, snapping and biting. On the other hand, if you know what you’re doing, you can train them obedience, agility, tracking, and flyball. Moreover, Poms are outstanding therapy dogs, comforting and cheering up both the elderly and the sick.

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