When you look at your Pomeranian, it’s hard to imagine this fluffy little ball of energy pulling a sled or herding livestock. Pomeranians are known for their small size, playful nature, and loyal companionship—but their origins tell a different story. These small dogs are actually descendants of larger, hard-working dogs from Arctic climates, bred to perform intense tasks in harsh environments. Over the centuries, however, Pomeranians were bred down in size and transformed into the affectionate lap dogs we know today.
So, what exactly were Pomeranians bred for? Let’s dive into the fascinating history of this breed and uncover how these small dogs evolved from Arctic workhorses to royal companions.
Pomeranian Ancestry: A Connection to Working Dogs
Believe it or not, your tiny Pomeranian is related to some of the toughest working dogs in history. Pomeranians are members of the Spitz family, a group of dogs known for their pointed snouts, erect ears, and thick fur coats designed to protect them from the cold. Spitz dogs include breeds like Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, and Chow Chows, all of which were bred for challenging tasks like pulling sleds, hunting, and herding.
Spitz is a German word meaning “pointed,” referring to the distinct features of this group’s pointed ears and muzzles. These traits are still easily visible in today’s Pomeranians, despite their much smaller size. While modern Pomeranians may have lost the need for sled-pulling, they still share many characteristics with their larger Spitz relatives, including their strong-willed personalities and sturdy build.
The Pomeranian’s Arctic Roots
Originally, the Pomeranian breed was much larger than the tiny dogs we know today. Early Pomeranians could weigh up to 30 pounds and were used as working dogs in cold, harsh environments. These larger Poms played a key role in pulling sleds and herding livestock, taking advantage of their thick fur coats to survive the extreme cold.
The breed’s name comes from Pomerania, a historical region that spans parts of modern-day Germany and Poland. While the dogs we now call Pomeranians were likely bred from larger Spitz-type dogs in this region, they were initially valued for their utility rather than their size. Over time, breeders began focusing on breeding these dogs for companionship, reducing their size and making them more suitable for indoor life.
Pomeranians and British Royalty: A Lap Dog Revolution
The transformation of the Pomeranian from a working dog to a household pet began in the mid-18th century, and it owes much of its popularity to British royalty. In particular, Queen Charlotte, the wife of King George III of England, played a significant role in bringing attention to the breed. Queen Charlotte owned two large Pomeranians, which were frequently included in royal portraits, showcasing their regal presence.
These early Pomeranians were larger than today’s Poms, but they already displayed many of the traits that made them attractive companions—thick coats, pointed ears, and lively personalities. The breed’s presence in royal settings popularized Pomeranians among the public, and soon, breeders across Europe began raising them as lap dogs.
The Queen Victoria Effect: The Birth of the Modern Pomeranian
While Queen Charlotte helped introduce the breed to the English public, it was her granddaughter, Queen Victoria, who truly revolutionized the Pomeranian’s place in society. Queen Victoria became a passionate advocate for Pomeranians, and she owned several throughout her reign. However, unlike her grandmother’s larger Poms, Queen Victoria favored smaller dogs. One of her Pomeranians, named Marco, weighed just 12 pounds—a size closer to today’s Pomeranians.
Queen Victoria’s love for miniature Pomeranians influenced breeders across Europe. She established her own breeding kennel and played an active role in promoting the smaller version of the breed. During her reign, the average size of Pomeranians decreased by half, thanks to selective breeding focused on miniaturizing the dogs. Queen Victoria also expanded the color range of Pomeranians, breeding dogs in various shades, which only added to their appeal.
The popularity of Queen Victoria’s Pomeranians had a ripple effect. The public adored the tiny, regal dogs, and breeders followed her lead, producing smaller and more colorful Pomeranians. By the time of her death in 1901, Pomeranians had firmly established themselves as fashionable lap dogs across Europe and North America.
The Pomeranian Today: From Working Dog to Companion
Today, the Pomeranian is a far cry from its Arctic ancestors, with most weighing between 3 to 7 pounds. People often refer to them as “Zwergspitz,” meaning dwarf Spitz, which perfectly captures their small size while retaining their Spitz lineage. Despite their tiny frames, Pomeranians still carry many of the traits of their working dog ancestors, including their intelligence, strong-willed nature, and surprisingly bold personalities.
While the breed no longer herds livestock or pulls sleds, modern Pomeranians still retain the work ethic and determination of their ancestors. This is one of the reasons why they are such loyal and attentive companions. Pomeranians are quick learners, and their intelligence makes them excellent at learning tricks and commands. They may not be out in the fields working anymore, but their desire to please and engage with their owners remains strong.
Pomeranian Personality: Big Dog in a Small Package
One of the most striking features of the Pomeranian is their big-dog attitude. Pomeranians often seem unaware of their small size, displaying the confidence and assertiveness of much larger dogs. They likely inherited this trait from their Spitz ancestors, who worked in harsh, demanding conditions.. Pomeranians tend to be energetic, alert, and sometimes even a bit bossy, which makes them excellent watchdogs despite their size.
Their bold personality also makes them extremely loyal to their owners. Pomeranians thrive on human interaction and love to be the center of attention. Whether they are curling up in your lap or following you from room to room, Pomeranians form strong bonds with their human families, just as they once did with the Arctic settlers who relied on them for work.
Caring for Your Modern-Day Pomeranian
Although Pomeranians no longer face the rugged challenges of Arctic life, they still require special care to keep them happy and healthy. Their thick, double coats need regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling, and shedding can be a concern for some owners. Weekly brushing is essential to maintaining their coat’s health, especially during seasonal shedding periods.
Additionally, like all dogs, Pomeranians benefit from regular exercise and mental stimulation. Despite their small size, they have a lot of energy and enjoy activities like short walks, games of fetch, and puzzle toys that challenge their intellect. Their sharp minds and lively personalities make them eager to engage in play, and they often surprise their owners with their cleverness.
Finally, Pomeranians need a nutritious diet to support their overall health. Because they are prone to dental issues and weight gain, it’s important to feed them a balanced diet and provide regular dental care.
Conclusion: From Sled Dog to Royal Companion
The history of the Pomeranian is one of remarkable transformation—evolving from a sturdy working dog in the Arctic to a beloved companion of royalty and households worldwide. While Pomeranians may no longer be pulling sleds or herding animals, getting to know your Pomeranian reveals their strong-willed, intelligent, and affectionate nature that has remained unchanged.
The modern Pomeranian, with its fluffy coat and big personality, perfectly demonstrates how selective breeding can shift a dog’s purpose while preserving its essential traits. Whether they are snuggling on your lap or watching over the house with their keen alertness, getting to know your Pomeranian helps you appreciate how they continue to enrich the lives of their owners in countless ways.
Next time you take your little Pom for a walk, picture their ancestors pulling sleds across icy tundras. Who knows—maybe your fluffy companion still carries a bit of that Arctic spirit within them!