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..
The beginning of a creative career
Perseverance and hard work from childhood were the hallmarks of the character of the young actress of the provincial theater. Having moved to the capital, Ekaterina was able to get a job at Yuri Chernavsky’s production center as a choreographer and English tutor, made the necessary contacts, and within six months she played her first film role.
Every meeting is fateful, every event in life is a push into the future. The main thing is to be hearing, seeing, feeling, in general, to be open to fate and true to yourself!
Ekaterina’s debut film work was the young and inexperienced provincial Eva in the Russian remake of the famous 1934 Austrian musical film “Peter”. Russian filmmakers called the remake of the mischievous Austrian story “Adam and the Transformation of Eve,” and Anton Makarsky became the partner of the aspiring film actress.
Ekaterina Spitz’s first film role (“Adam and the Transformations of Eve”)
The director of the film was Georgy Yungvald-Khilkevich - his daughter worked in Chernavsky’s studio and introduced Katerina to him. That's how she got the role. The film also starred Fyodor Dobronravov, Sergei Burunov and Vladimir Tishko. The film, which revealed to Russians the name of a young actress with perky dimples, was highly praised by film critics and warmly received by audiences of different ages and a wide range of genre preferences. The composer of the film was Vladimir Nazarov. After finishing work on the film, he invited Spitz to join him at the State Musical Theater of National Art.
The initial period of Ekaterina’s career includes work in episodes of the comedy series “Travelers,” in which she collaborated with Nina Ruslanova, Vladimir Dolinsky and Lyubov Rudenko, and the multi-part comedy melodrama “Matchmaker,” where Anna Bolshova shone in the title role.
Charming Ekaterina Shpitsa
Ekaterina also appeared in an episode of the crime-detective project “Sled”, beloved by Russians, and in the Russian adaptation of the 2007 Venezuelan telenovela “Circus Princess” she played one of the main roles. The image of the beloved clown Chpok, embodied by Ekaterina, played by the young actor Artyom Mazunov, brought her popularity and confirmed the rise of a new bright star on the Olympus of Russian cinema. Ekaterina's company on the set of the television series was made up of Anna Kamenkova, Tatyana Lyutaeva and Vladimir Andreev, and Valeria Lanskaya appeared before the audience in the role of the circus performer Asya, in whose veins the royal blood flows.
Still from the film “Circus Princess”
Between 2008 and 2013, the young actress’s filmography was replenished with roles in thirty films. Catherine’s most significant work is considered to be the role of Katya, a sixteen-year-old nurse in a hospital, in the series of the same name. The action in the series "Katya" takes place in a small town captured by fascist soldiers. Also in this emotional and very honest, reliable project, Nikolai Kislichenko, Elena Yakovleva and Dmitry Nagiyev participated, and the role of the mother of the heroine Ekaterina was played by Alena Babenko.
Still from the series “Katya”
In 2011, Ekaterina starred in the continuation of the military television series “Katya,” beloved by Russians, in which her heroine tries to find relatives who disappeared during the war. Before her time, the matured Katya had to experience the difficulties of independent life in the post-war period of the USSR, and Ekaterina’s company on the set was made up of Alena Babenko, Nikolai Kislichenko and Elena Yakovleva, who participated in the first season.
Ekaterina Shpitsa in the series “Katya. Continuation"
Another striking work of the actress in the early period of her career is her role in the dramatic film “Brothel Lights” by Alexander Gordon, which he shot based on the work of his father. Playing the role of the ward of the heroine Oksana Fandera, nicknamed Zinka-Hitler, Ekaterina was able to convey all the nuances of the girl’s character and hint at some of the circumstances of her life. The audience liked the drama due to the tact that both the director and the actors showed when talking about the difficult life of Lyuba’s mother and her girls. The role of the second girl, nicknamed “Zygote,” was played by the young actress Anna Slyu; Evgeny Tsyganov and Ada Rogovtseva also starred in the film.
Katerina Shpitsa in the film “Brothel Lights”
In the 2012 dramatic mini-series “Angel in the Heart,” Ekaterina’s partners were Dmitry Pevtsov and Olga Drozdova, their son Daniil Pevtsov also starred in the film, and viewers saw Tatyana Dogileva as the grandmother of Ekaterina’s heroine.
Katya Shpitsa in the series “Angel in the Heart”
In the spectacular and tragic 2012 film “Metro,” based on the work of the same name by Dmitry Safronov, Ekaterina played the role of Alice, forced to fight for life in a collapsed tunnel. In this project, the actress collaborated with Sergei Puskepalis, who played the role of doctor Garin, as well as with Svetlana Khodchenkova, Anatoly Bely and Ivan Makarevich.
Ekaterina Shpitsa in the film "Metro"
Work on the biographical film “Poddubny” was completed at the end of 2013. In the film adaptation of the biography of the great Russian strongman, Ekaterina played the beloved of Ivan Poddubny, whose image was embodied on the screen by Mikhail Porechenkov. The hero's father was played by Alexander Mikhailov, and Roman Madyanov starred as the circus director.
On the set of the film "Poddubny"
“The picture was created with love for Russia,” was the verdict of film critics, and the audience was amazed by the skill of Catherine, who managed to show the fragility of the heroine hidden behind the facade of a strong woman. Some critics, however, were dissatisfied with some of the schematism of the narrative and facts that do not have historical confirmation. In another high-profile historical television project “Kuprin”, created based on the works of the Russian writer, Ekaterina again met with Mikhail Porechenkov; Irina Leonova, Ekaterina Strizhenova and Anton Shagin also participated in the filming of the film.
Still from the TV series “Kuprin”
In 2013, Ekaterina tried herself as a TV presenter - she hosted the sports show “Tower”, according to the plan of which Russian celebrities were supposed to overcome their fear of heights and jump into the water from a tower live. Interview with Ekaterina Shpitsa And in the famous project “Ice Age”, the actress amazed fans with her abilities, endurance and natural grace; she became the partner of the famous figure skater Maxim Stavisky, but their couple failed to win. Ice Age: Katerina Shpitsa and Maxim Stavisky In the musical show project “Exactly”, Ekaterina amazed TV viewers not only with her vocal abilities, but also with the images of the rebel Miley Cyrus, the French star Zaz and the charming rocker Avril Lavigne. Exactly: Ekaterina Shpitsa as Miley Cyrus
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.
Application
The ancestors of the Pomeranians, like the Schipperke , were good at working as watchmen and shepherds.
However, selection completely eliminated the practical side of using the breed.
Today, these Spitz dogs, along with Boston Terriers and Miniature Pinschers, can be good company for active people and cheerful friends for teenage children.
Long-haired Spitz and his brother with a fashionable haircut
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.
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.”
Ekaterina Shpitsa now
Ekaterina Shpitsa continues to develop her acting career and successfully combines work with raising a child.
In 2022, she played one of the central characters in the mystical series “Topi” - the male-hungry coquette Katya, who, together with five young Muscovites, went to the village of Topi, where, according to legend, there is a miraculous monastery.
Katerina Shpitsa in the TV series “Swamps”
In the same year, she got the main role in the comedy “City Day”. This is an absurd story about how the provincial town of Lyubyakino is preparing for the arrival of the president, but how unfortunately on the eve of his visit a string of unpleasant events occurs.
Still from the film “City Day”
One of the reasons for the black streak was the heroine Shpitsa - the hysterical and persistent journalist Sveta, who came here straight from Moscow. According to Katerina, she has long dreamed of returning to the comedy roles with which her career began. Katerina Shpitsa about the film “City Day”
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..
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..
Personal life
In 2010, Katerina married actor and stuntman Konstantin Adaev, whom she met on the set of the series “Everyone Has Their Own War.” Two years later, the couple had a son, Herman, and then the young people separated.
At the end of 2022, the actress became engaged to her theater colleague Ruslan Panov, and the couple spent the New Year holidays together in Vietnam. They have not yet announced a specific wedding date.
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.
Biography of Ekaterina Shpitsa
Ekaterina (Katerina) Shpitsa is one of the brightest actresses of the era of new Russian cinema, remembered for her roles in the television series “Actress”, the disaster film “Crew” and the comedy drama “Friday”. The name of Ekaterina Shpitsa can make any picture popular, because this young actress has a unique gift of transformation and skill that can enliven any role.
In the photo: Ekaterina Shpitsa
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.
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.
Flaws
A Spitz is not suitable for families with small children - a dog that demands attention with its ringing bark can scare the child. In active games, a child can harm a mini dog. If a Spitz experiences pain, it may become aggressive towards children.
Very busy people will not be able to devote time to walking and caring for their dog. Howling and barking will not please the neighbors of a lonely Spitz. And a nervous dog can begin to spoil the things of a busy owner, which will cause an attack of indignation and conflict.
Spitz can't stand being alone for long periods of time
The cocky character of the dwarf Spitz does not allow him to run without a leash. Boys will provoke other dogs into fighting. Girls snap at strange dogs when they want to get to know each other.
The high cost of a dog and the large amount of time spent on care and training are also a deterrent to buying a puppy.
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..
Price of puppies
The price of a Pomeranian depends on the parents and the desire of the owners to participate in exhibitions:
- You will need to pay 15,000 rubles for a baby without documents;
- 30-35 thousand will have to be paid for a baby with a good pedigree;
- A child from elite parents will cost 50-100 thousand.
A little fluffy miracle will be an opportunity to fall in love with life again, acquire a true friend and a reliable protector from all kinds of intruders.
