The Pomeranian is one of many toy breeds registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The history of the Pomeranian begins just south of the Baltic Sea. Named for Pomerania, which is now a part of Germany and Poland, Pomeranians are descended from large sled dogs from this region. Descendents of these northern sled dogs, large and small, are classified in the Spitz group. In the late 1800s, British royals desired to breed a smaller version of the Spitz to act as a household pet. Pomeranians were bred down to toy size from their direct ancestors, the German Spitz.

Physically, Pomeranian puppies and adults are adorable toy dogs. Pomeranians generally resemble small foxes. This breed is known for characteristics such as: doll-like face, dark, almond shaped eyes, small feet, double coat of thick, full fur, pointed ears, and a thick, furry tail. Pomeranian coats may be a variety of colors: solid, sable or parti-colored. Pomeranians are considered toys due to the fact that they grow to an average miniature size of eight to eleven inches in height and three to seven pounds in weight.

Pomeranian breeders are experts on the breed standard desired in Pomeranian puppies. Breeders also know what health problems are specific to the breed. Pomeranians are prone to such defects as dislocated knees, heart conditions and dental problems. The American Kennel Club even allows Pomeranians to be missing a tooth and still compete! Anyone buying a purebred Pomeranian puppy should also research the breed and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder.

Care of Pomeranian puppies requires discipline from an early age due to the fact that this breed is willful and demanding by nature. Pomeranians need to have their coats brushed at least twice weekly and their teeth brushed a minimum of once a week and optimally every day. Pomeranians rarely need bathing and bathing too much can wash away the natural oils needed for their fur to remain healthy.

Pomeranian breeders and buyers should also be well versed in the personality traits of the Pomeranian. These tiny dogs are highly suspicious of strangers and need to be taught the appropriate time to bark at an early age. Pomeranian puppies and adults are intelligent, energetic, curious and affectionate. They become irritated by small children and may snap at them.

So how does a buyer figure out how to choose the right Pomeranian? All Pomeranian puppies have the cuteness factor, but aside from physical appearance, there are a number of other ways to decide on a Pomeranian.

First, research the breed. A buyer must make sure this breed fits his or her lifestyle before buying. Second, research the breeder. There are many illicit breeders who sell Pomeranian puppies out of what are called puppy mills. These breeders ceaselessly breed the parents without providing socialization or any semblance of a happy life. The puppies of these maltreated parents end up in pet stores or being sold on the Internet through brokers. The parents end up being destroyed. The only places to buy Pomeranian puppies are from certified, ethical breeders or rescue centers which house purebred dogs of specific breeds.

Third, know how to care for the Pomeranian. Good potential owners buy everything they need in advance to help the new member of the family feel comfortable. Fourth and finally, choosing the right Pomeranian may not be entirely up to the buyer. Reputable breeders interview and reject buyers they deem are not a good match for the Pomeranian they have chosen.