A quick study of Pomeranian history is both interesting and educational at the
same time. Every Pom owner should know a little background of the Pomeranian’s
origins and ancestry to better appreciate the breed.

Early Pomeranian
History

The Pomeranian, as we know it today, actually descended originally from the
Spitz family of dogs in the frozen Arctic region of Iceland. These Spitz dogs
were much larger than the modern Pom as evidenced by their primary purpose of
pulling sleds, hunting and guarding. At some point in time, the Spitz was
transported into Europe, most commonly along the southern coast of the Baltic
Sea. This particular Baltic region was called Pomerania (includes parts of
present day Poland and Germany) and is where the breed takes its name from.
Canine historians also believe that this is the location that the breed was
first downsized even though this first downsize probably only brought the breed
down to about 30-40 lbs.

18th, 19th and 20th Century
Pomeranian History

By the mid 1700’s, the Pomeranian breed was still tipping the scales at over
20 lbs. It was during this time frame that the dogs were first brought to
England by the Royal Family. In 1888, Queen Victoria, an infamous dog
enthusiast, obtained a 12 pound sable red Pomeranian by the name of “Marco” from
Florence, Italy. Because of the queen’s popularity, the Pomeranian became very
well known throughout England and soon dog fanciers began breeding the size down
even more.

In 1892, Pomeranians were shown in the United States for the first time under
the Miscellaneous Class. In 1900, the breed was given regular classification and
in 1911, the American Pomeranian Club held its first specialty show.