Pomeranians

[applesmom]

But, I have a question...pardon my ignorance, but has the breed standard changed? By that I mean, I remember Poms being much bigger dogs. It has only been in the last say 15 years that they seem to have become pocket puppies. Did the standard call for a larger, sturdier dog at one time? I honestly don't know if it did or didn't, I am just asking.

Since 1935 the weight requirement of the breed has remained the same; from 3 to 7 pounds.

[theterrierman]

The original Poms were a 30 lb. herding dog, similar to the German Spitz or Keeshond. My guess would be that most dogs you see come from backyard breeders or puppy mills, and represent dogs who have been refined less from the original stock, therefore you may have throwbacks to the original type. Also in mills, there is a possibility of an accidental mix, because different males could be housed in a cage with one female, or you could have a multiple-sire litter.

[applesmom]

The original 1916 parent club standard did not mention weight. That standard was revised in 1935 and still didn't mention weight.

The other revisions were in 1960, 1980 and 1991. The 1960 and 1980 revisions state; "Size - The weight of a Pomeranian for exhibition is 3 pounds to 7 pounds. The ideal size for show specimens is from 4 to 5 pounds."

The 1991 revision is the same: Size, Proportion, Substance - Size - The weight of the Pomeranian for exhibition is from three to seven pounds. The ideal size for show specimens is four to five pounds.

I found it interesting that the standard particularly states, "for show specimens"; which seems to indicate a that a fairly large disparity in breed size is pretty common--but they just can't be shown.

They also list major faults but no disqualifications.

These points lead one to believe that they must be a difficult breed to breed true!

[borzoimom]

The original 1916 parent club standard did not mention weight. That standard was revised in 1935 and still didn't mention weight.

The other revisions were in 1960, 1980 and 1991. The 1960 and 1980 revisions state; "Size - The weight of a Pomeranian for exhibition is 3 pounds to 7 pounds. The ideal size for show specimens is from 4 to 5 pounds."

The 1991 revision is the same: Size, Proportion, Substance - Size - The weight of the Pomeranian for exhibition is from three to seven pounds. The ideal size for show specimens is four to five pounds.

I found it interesting that the standard particularly states, "for show specimens"; which seems to indicate a that a fairly large disparity in breed size is pretty common--but they just can't be shown.

They also list major faults but no disqualifications.

These points lead one to believe that they must be a difficult breed to breed true!

Thank you applesmom- I knew there was a change in the standard in my lifetime, and could not find it to save my life!!! Thank you!

[Ginger's Mom]

Thanks, Borzoimom. I was just reading the link to AKC and I notice that the breed standard listed there was approved in December 1996 and put into effect January 31, 1997, but I have no idea what change that may have allowed for (it could have added another color coat or something). However, I also read the history and according to that even in the early 1900's most of the show dogs weighed under 6 pounds, so I guess it is just that I saw more backyard breeder dogs than actual show dogs.

ETA: Oops, thanks applesmom, I must have missed your post (while reading the other screen I guess) That does answer alot. Thank you.

[applesmom]

Here's what they added regarding size in 1997. "Any dog over or under the limits is objectionable. However, overall quality is to be favored over size."

Many of the breed clubs are finding themselves facing a similar dilemma regarding increasing heights.

Just like humans, dogs are becoming taller too!

[borzoimom]

Here's what they added regarding size in 1997. "Any dog over or under the limits is objectionable. However, overall quality is to be favored over size."

Many of the breed clubs are finding themselves facing a similar dilemma regarding increasing heights.

Just like humans, dogs are becoming taller too!

Borzois have for sure!! A small bitch is now below 32 inch- but read the standard.. Below 32 is considered very small, and males- its norm for over 33 inches- easily- but not health defects which I love. Alot of times when they want bigger, the heart or joints get sacrificed- not in the Borzoi..