| A Pomeranian is the perfect companion dog. The | | | | Pomeranians can develop intense attachments to their |
| breed is a loyal friend, full of fun and eager to be the | | | | owners, becoming extremely protective when they |
| center of attention. Like most toy dogs, they enjoy | | | | think their master is being threatened. This |
| human companionship more than just about anything | | | | protectiveness leads them to be suspicious of new |
| else. | | | | people and strangers. A Pomeranian's friendship must |
| Dog breeds are generally categorized: into different | | | | be earned. Some Pomeranian dogs yap incessantly |
| groups. The working group usually does some kind of | | | | when they encounter a stranger, especially visitors to |
| work, like carrying brandy to the snowbound or | | | | their home territory. It's as if the Pomeranian is trying to |
| guarding property. Examples of this group are the | | | | drive the stranger away by barking at it. The |
| Newfoundland and the St. Bernard. The sporting group | | | | Pomeranian's cocky behavior must not be allowed to |
| hunts by pointing, retrieving or setting. Irish Setters, | | | | get out of control, as Pomeranians have been known |
| German Shorthaired Pointers and Spaniels all belong to | | | | to act out by snapping, biting, meanness, and general |
| the sporting group. The herding group controls the | | | | unpleasantness. Many Pomeranians get along well with |
| movement of other animals, like sheep. Collies and | | | | other dogs that are household companions, but they |
| Border Collies are members of the herding group. | | | | are territorial and will try to chase strange dogs, even |
| Then there is the toy group. Although there are small | | | | dogs that are substantially bigger than they are. With |
| dogs in every group, the toy group specifically includes | | | | appropriate training, the Pomeranian dog can be an |
| such dogs as the Maltese, the Chihuahua and the | | | | excellent pet. Socialize the Pomeranian early on to |
| Pomeranian. Dogs in the toy group are bred for one | | | | avoid his developing bad habits like sharp or shrill |
| thing and one thing only, to provide human | | | | barking. Start housebreaking at an early age to get the |
| companionship. Your Pomeranian wants to be at your | | | | best results. |
| side at all times, except of course, when it's in your lap. | | | | The majority of Pomeranians, puppies and adult dogs |
| Pomeranian dogs are quite confident and have even | | | | alike, can be trained and socialized to be loyal, |
| been described as cocky. They are secure in their | | | | manageable companions. To be sure, your |
| position as top dog in the household. In fact, it takes a | | | | Pomeranian will provide you with endless entertainment |
| confident owner who is not afraid to show the dog | | | | and more than enough companionship to ward off |
| who is boss to take charge of a Pomeranian. Your | | | | loneliness. |
| Pomeranian will demand a fair amount of your | | | | If you decide to get a puppy, ask your breeder to |
| attention, so be ready to deal with interruptions and | | | | suggest an obedience trainer. If you are getting an |
| disturbances while you try to read the paper or watch | | | | older dog or a rescue Pomeranian, spend some time |
| TV. These are little dogs with huge personalities. | | | | with the dog to see what its temperament is like, and |
| Pomeranians are inquisitive and intelligent, animated and | | | | seek professional training help if you run into obedience |
| alert. | | | | issues. |