The fashion for the smallest dogs has not spared Pomeranians.
Photos of adorable furry babies appear on the Internet and in the press, and it is not surprising that such dogs are in great demand.
However, some experts believe that breeding mini Pomeranians is not advisable and that they are more sickly than standard representatives of the breed.
Is this really so and is it really more difficult to keep such a pet than an ordinary Pomeranian?
Origin story and what it looks like in the photo
The ancient European Spitz could not be called small, since the weight of the smallest of them was 14 kg or more . These dogs guarded the house and accompanied their owners during trips.
Adapted to cold climates, hardy and strong, they have long been considered a peasant breed that has no place in the salons of the nobility.
Everything changed in the second half of the 18th century, when Queen Charlotte, becoming the wife of the English King George III, brought two German Spitz dogs to Britain.
Successful attempts to reduce the size of dogs of this breed were made in the 19th century, when Queen Victoria ascended the throne.
Being a great lover of decorative dogs, she founded a court kennel, and her dog named Marco, who weighed very little at that time - just a little more than five kilograms - became the ancestor of the smallest Spitz dogs.
By the beginning of the 20th century, their size had almost halved, however, it would still be impossible to call them “mini”.
True Miniature Pomeranians were developed in the second half of the 20th century and were first shown at international dog shows in the 1980s..
Finnish Spitz, up to 50 cm
In Russia, representatives of this breed are also called Karelian-Finnish Laika . This is a hunting dog that can hunt small fur-bearing animals, wild boar and some birds. Animals weigh from 7 to 13 kg, males are slightly larger - from 42 to 50 cm, and females from 38 to 46 cm.
The breed was bred for hunting, like most hunting dogs, they are very energetic, require long walks, have a desire to remain leaders, and are distinguished by courage and recklessness.
The Finnish Spitz is very noisy and loves to raise its voice for any reason. Many people love this breed because... its representatives are compact, do not take up much space, and are easy to transport.
The dog is medium in size, covered with fluffy fur of a beautiful “honey” shade. This is a cheerful and positive creature that does not tolerate rudeness. You can tell that an animal is irritated by its tail, which straightens at that moment.
Separate breed or genetic marriage? How is it different from other types?
Mini Pomeranians are not a separate breed . They are distinguished from other types of Pomeranian Spitz by their particularly small stature and fluffy, slightly cottony-looking coat.
Breeders distinguish three types of mini-varieties of oranges - fox, bear and the so-called toy.
This division has not received official recognition, however, most breeders practice this classification because it is convenient for them.
Description of the breed
Apart from its size, the Mini Pomeranian is not much different from the standard Pomeranian. He has exactly the same square body and similar head structure.
Depending on the type, mini Pomeranians may have different structures of the head, muzzle and ears..
"Bearish" type
“Bear cubs” are distinguished by a rounded, wide head and a shortened, flattened and slightly upturned muzzle.
The eyes of mini Pomeranians of this type are located close to each other, and the nose appears slightly snub-nosed.
Fluffy and thick hair growing on the cheekbones creates an optical illusion, which makes it seem as if the “bear cub” has rounded cheeks.
Many dogs of this type are cut short enough to enhance their resemblance to teddy bears, so that their coat actually looks plush and stuffed.
"Fox"
Fox-type dogs comply with the breed standard more than all other varieties of mini Pomeranians . They have elongated muzzles, a square body and elongated legs and tail.
Currently, the fox type of mini oranges is noticeably inferior in popularity to “bear cubs” and “toys”.
"Toy"
It is intermediate between “fox cubs” and “bear cubs”.
These mini Pomeranians have a muzzle that is longer than that of bear-type dogs, but more flattened than that of fox-type Spitz dogs..
The eyes of “toy” dogs are located slightly higher and have a wider set, which creates a characteristic expression that gives them a “doll” appearance.
Other external physiological features
One can hardly deny the cuteness of the Pomeranian Spitz. The dimensions of an adult do not exceed 230 mm, which, in turn, allows such pets to be kept in “apartments” with limited space.
Muscular and square in shape, the strong body is equipped with fairly strong, well-developed limbs. There are pointed ears on the head. And in the oval eyes you can recognize an outgoing curiosity, which makes it impossible not to smile.
The color of the nose depends on the color of the animal. The small tail is rounded at the base. The thick, luxurious-looking fur, as well as the pronounced undercoat, were inherited from the distant ancestors of the Arctic.
Character traits
Mini Pomeranians are characterized by such character traits as courage, loyalty and playfulness. But at the same time, they also have such negative qualities as stubbornness, cockiness, cunning and selfishness.
Mini Pomeranians most often become attached to only one person in the family, and are not going to share their beloved owner with anyone else.
Therefore, they are less suitable for keeping in a home where other pets already live. Also, mini Pomeranians are slightly more emotional than standard dogs of this breed.
Mini Pomeranians do not like to be teased or caused discomfort and, on occasion, can bite their offender.
This is why this variety of Pomeranian is not very suitable as a pet for families with children.
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
“Mini Pomeranians are a currently fashionable dog breed. Some owners consider their pets to be something of a fashion accessory, forgetting that even the smallest dog is a living creature. Without training, mini Pomeranians become stubborn, disobedient, capricious and even aggressive. If such a Spitz is raised correctly, then a funny, teddy bear-like baby will grow into a loyal and friendly pet. However, due to the selfishness inherent in mini Pomeranians, they cannot be recommended as a gift for children, since these dogs do not tolerate rough treatment and can bite the offender.”
American Eskimo dog
Types of shepherd dogs: what are they, names of breeds
The breed was bred from the German Spitz in America. Over time, it was renamed American; after 10 years, the pets began to differ from their relatives. There is an opinion that Samoyed huskies were used during breeding work. These animals, as a separate breed, were recognized only by the US Kennel Club - called Eskimo.
Characteristic features include:
- snow-white color of long and fluffy wool;
- dense undercoat;
- typical Spitz body type;
- standard head volume with large ears;
- average dimensions.
Additionally, the breed is divided into:
- on Toya - from 22 to 30 cm;
- mini - from 30 to 38 cm;
- standard - up to 48 cm at the withers.
Due to the novelty of the species, individuals with deviations or unusual behavior are rarely encountered. The animals are not picky and can live both in city apartments and in country houses with an enclosure. Used for security, search, exhibitions or sports.
American Eskimo Spitz
Pets are good with children, affectionate and kind. The phase of activity and playfulness may give way to laziness. The Eskimo dog loves to manipulate and, if treated unfairly, gets offended.
Important! The average cost is from 15 to 30 thousand rubles.
Advantages and disadvantages
pros:
- Beautiful and cute appearance.
- Suitable for keeping in a city apartment.
- Cheerful, energetic and lively.
- Loyal and affectionate towards their owners.
- Most mini Pomeranians are in good health.
- You can choose a pet of any of three types: “fox”, “bear” or “toy”.
- If you wish, you can trim your pet to your liking.
Minuses:
- Can be cocky towards other dogs.
- Their fur needs to be properly cared for.
- Dogs with short muzzles may suffer from respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
- If raised incorrectly, they become stubborn, aggressive and capricious.
- Not suitable as a gift for children.
- They require careful and careful handling, as they are particularly small in size and at the same time very mobile.
- They shed heavily.
- Bitches often have difficult births.
Mini Pomeranians are more demanding when it comes to feeding than standard dogs of this breed..
Eurasier (Oirazier)
A large Spitz that appeared in the 60-70s of the last century. It is a mixture of Chow Chow and Wolfspitz blood with black and red coat colors. In further selection work, Samoyed huskies were used to obtain a pet with good working qualities, calmly relating to strangers.
Medium-sized pets grow up to 60 cm and can be kept in an apartment.
Standard signs include:
- square, muscular body;
- moderately long limbs;
- straight, slightly narrowed muzzle towards the nose;
- smooth, long and hard coat.
Eurasiers come in black, red, red, gray colors, tans are allowed. Pets are intended to be companions due to their increased friendliness.
Good physical characteristics allow them to participate in dog sports. There is no aggressiveness in their character; the animals are loyal, calm and affectionate. They get along well with children and other pets.
Important! Buying an Oyrasier will cost 50-70 thousand rubles.
Oirazier
Basic colors
- Black. It should be pure black, without interspersed with hairs of a different color. No white markings, even the smallest ones, are allowed in this color.
- Black and Tan . On the main black background there are reddish or fawn markings. Spitz have tan on the inside of the ears, above the eyes, on the muzzle, chin and neck, as well as on the chest, on the paws and under the tail.
- White. With this color, the coat color should be dazzling white, without signs of yellowness.
- Soboliny . The guard hair is zoned gray, and the undercoat can be gray, cream or red.
- Brown . Single color and, if possible, the most uniform color in various shades of brown or chocolate.
- Ginger . This color can be described as bright, golden fawn or peach. It can vary in saturation and brightness of shades, and sometimes there is a lightening of the fur on the “collar”, “pants” and “tail”.
- Blue . In fact, it would be more correct to call this color gray. It comes in different intensities and lightness: from silver-steel to lead or graphite.
- Cream . It can be very light - almost white, or pale reddish or golden.
- Zonal gray . Mini Pomeranian Spitz of this color looks like a wolf cub. He has blackened fur on his ears, around his eyes, on his eyebrows, and on the tip of his tail. But the undercoat and fringes on the lower part of the tail and on the collar, on the contrary, lighten to a light gray shade.
- Two-color . On the main white background there are small spots of red, brown or black colors.
The currently popular merle color is not recognized as a standard and is regarded as a breeding defect.
Life expectancy and health
The average life expectancy of these dogs is 12-15 years, but due to the fact that mini Pomeranians of the “bear” type with a shortened muzzle are currently especially popular, they can suffer from heart and respiratory diseases, which is why their lifespan may be less than average.
In general, mini Pomeranians can be susceptible to the following ailments::
- Hypothyroidism
- Tracheal collapse
- Turn of the century
- Heart diseases
- Cataract
- Atlantoaccipital subluxation
- Limb dislocations
- Cryptorchidism
- Diseases of the teeth and oral cavity
- Obesity
Mini Pomeranians can develop syringomyelia, a disease that most severely affects the central nervous system..
Dimensions and weight for boy and girl
The Mini Pomeranian Spitz is outside the breed standard, therefore, height and weight for males and females are not regulated in any way.
Based on the size of foreign dogs, the height of mini-Pomeranians should be, regardless of gender, from 13 to 18 cm.
The height at the withers for boys is approximately 15-18 cm, and for girls - 13-16.
Mini Pomeranians should weigh between 1.8 and 2.3 kg.
Japanese Spitz, up to 38 cm
A small fluffy dog with snow-white fur, which weighs from 5 to 8 kg and grows no more than 28-36 cm. Their advantage is that Japanese Spitz rarely bark, and if they are taught, they can completely abandon this habit. They love all members of their family, but avoid strangers and are dependent on human attention.
They cannot stand loneliness; if left alone, they will play pranks. Representatives of this breed have snow-white fur, which they hardly get dirty during walks, because... very neat.
These are positive, reserved dogs that make ideal companions. They get along easily with other dogs and pets, and children. Japanese Spitz are wonderful actors.
Care and maintenance
The coat of such a pet should be combed twice a week using a wide-toothed comb and a massage brush..
During the shedding period, you need to comb your dog daily, and it is best to remove dead undercoat using a soft slicker brush.
IMPORTANT!
You need to bathe your dog as needed, usually 2-3 times a year, and after bathing it is recommended to dry the coat thoroughly with a hairdryer.
Also, every day you need to examine your dog's eyes, ears and teeth. They are cleaned only if they become dirty, and it is recommended to clean the ears and eyes using special compounds purchased at a veterinary pharmacy.
You can brush your teeth with a special brush using dog paste..
The claws need to be trimmed periodically; as a rule, this procedure is done 2 times a month.
Explanation of dwarfism
We now know which Spitz breed is the smallest - Pomeranian. However, where did the fashion for miniature sizes come from? During the reign of Queen Victoria, Spitz dogs from Pomerania were brought to England. And after some time, serious work was organized to breed a dwarf breed. But all this was due not only to size - there was a need to correct the appearance of the dogs to give the appearance of more expressive features.
The best representatives of the Spitz breed, which English and American breeders worked on, were very similar to modern Pomeranians. However, the First World War made certain adjustments to the ranks of these poor animals - most of them were simply destroyed. To restore the population, German breeders and breeders had to import dogs from European countries.
As a result of selective selection, the weight of the animal, including its size, decreased significantly (3 times). And now the dogs weigh no more than 5 kg. Currently, these representatives have already become the main stars of social networks no worse than Hollywood celebrities! And today, almost every Internet user knows which Spitz is the smallest.
Feeding your pet
For the first time after purchasing a puppy, it needs to be fed with the same food and with the same frequency as it was fed in the breeder’s house..
It is not advisable to change the brand of food, and, in any case, before doing this, you should consult a veterinarian.
If a dog eats natural food, it should only be fresh and of high quality. The daily intake must be divided into equal portions so as not to overfeed your pet.
At the same time, the menu of a mini Pomeranian must include lean meat, fermented milk products (cottage cheese, kefir, natural yogurt), as well as raw or boiled vegetables.
Small puppies are fed up to five times a day, but by the age of one year the number of feedings is gradually reduced to two.
If the pet eats ready-made food, then it is desirable that the food is intended for this breed and is no lower than premium class or, better yet, holistic.
Tips for choosing a puppy
For advice on choosing a puppy, contact a professional. You will find them at dog shows. Consultation with a specialist will determine the price.
Choose a goal - show-class puppies are suitable for exhibitions, breed-class for breeding, pet-class for home use. It is possible that the show champion will emerge from the last category.
Pomeranian puppies are curious and playful. Extend your hand - the puppy should not be afraid of it. Decide whether to adopt a dog with a defect, regardless of the attractive price.
To understand what color an adult dog will be, look behind the ear. If a different shade is visible behind the ears, then your dog will definitely not be white. A dark puppy can grow into a light Spitz and vice versa. At two months it is impossible to determine the color of an adult dog.
Choose trusted breeders, and watch videos and pictures of puppies before your trip. Learn about screening dogs for eye diseases and diseases.
How to choose?
Considering that some dogs of this breed suffer from any diseases, when choosing a puppy you need to pay special attention to issues of its health.
It would be best to agree with the breeder to have the baby examined at a veterinary clinic before purchasing.
A good puppy looks proportional and his movements are free and easy . He should not be hyperactive, but a lethargic, sedentary baby is not the best choice.
NOTE!
Despite the fact that mini Pomeranians have a height below that specified in the standard and do not participate in exhibitions, you need to purchase such a puppy only in a nursery or from a breeder.
The main thing is that the baby must have a birth certificate, a brand and a veterinary passport..
