One little known tidbit about the Pomeranian, a small but mighty breed, is it is descended from the large sled-pulling dogs that thrived in the Arctic! Yes, you read it right. Today’s plush, pint-sized fluff ball is the product of years of selective breeding to bring down the size from their furry, frost-defying ancestors. But don’t be fooled by their size, they are every bit as hardy and spirited as their ancestors were.
Pomeranians, nicknamed ‘Poms’, are a captivating breed. With their fox-like faces, buoyant energy and abundant fur, they make quite a stunning sight. And their size makes them perfect for those who live in apartments or smaller homes. But what about their temperament? Are they friendly dogs?
The simplest answer is yes, they are. But there’s a little more to it.
Their personality is much like their background – larger than their size. Pomeranians are lively and outgoing. They’re known for their sprightly spirit and incessant curiosity. And while they will joyfully immerse themselves in playtime, they can also be perfectly content snuggling up on your lap.
However, their friendliness isn’t universal – it usually extends only to their loving family and the people they trust. Poms are fiercely loyal, sometimes to a single person. This loyalty often translates to them being somewhat reserved, even aloof, towards strangers.
Now, don’t get me wrong, this doesn’t mean every Pom will dislike people they don’t know. However, they might be a little skeptical until they grow comfortable around the new individuals. If well-socialized, they can make friends a lot easier with people and other dogs.
As for friendliness towards kids, it’s a bit of a mixed bag. Poms are perfectly capable of being wonderful family pets. They form strong bonds and can be incredibly loving. But because of their small size and active spirit, they may not be the best fit for families with very young children. Young children might not fully grasp the idea of handling such a small creature gently, and this could lead to accidental injury for the Pom.
So, if you’re thinking about getting a Pom and you have young children, consider waiting until your child is old enough to understand how to respect and care for a smaller dog. Similarly, it’s recommended to supervise any interactions between larger dogs and your Pom to ensure they don’t get accidentally hurt during playtime.
Now, Poms don’t necessarily need a pack to feel secure. Though they can get along with other dogs (especially if they are raised together), they may show signs of aggression or jealousy towards other pets if they feel their special relationship with their favorite family member is being threatened.
Pomeranian owners who bring another pet into the picture must ensure that everyone gets equal attention. They must also ensure the Pom doesn’t feel ignored or replaced. One effective way to accomplish this is by lavishing your Pom with love and attention, and slowly integrating the new pet into your Pom’s gameplay and routine.
Remember, while Pomeranians are overall friendly dogs, each dog has its own personality. How friendly your Pom will be depends heavily on their temperament, and how they are raised and socialized.
Poms are eager pupils and can pick up new commands quite quickly. Training them early will help them get along with not just other people but other pets as well. Try positive reinforcement approaches to praise their good behavior, and they’ll pick up fast what is expected of them.
Don’t be discouraged if your Pom seems a little standoffish or shy at first, especially with strangers. Most small dogs are like that. Invest time in socializing your Pomeranian and building their confidence. Your reward would be a happy, friendly Pomeranian that makes a wonderful companion, turning heads and melting hearts wherever it goes!
In conclusion, while Pomeranians, like any breed, have their peculiarities, they are generally friendly dogs. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a small yet spunky fur baby to add to your family.
Just bear in mind, owning a Pomeranian also comes with certain responsibilities. Their long, luxurious coats require regular grooming, they require a good balance of exercise and play to keep them happy, and they need plenty of socialization to ensure they grow up to be friendly and well-adjusted.
Embrace these responsibilities, though, and you’ll find that the rewards of sharing your home with these small, lively creatures are immeasurable. A well-looked-after Pomeranian will give back tenfold in loyalty, love, entertainment and companionship.
