Westminster: Pomeranian
Cutest Dogs. Ever.
Photographs by Natalie Siebers
The Toy Group at Westminster is definitely a crowd pleaser. Every toy dog has its charms, but, for me, they don’t come any cuter than Pomeranians. These shrunken-down sled dogs are the perfect pooch puffballs! (Sorry for all that alliteration!)
The AKC says: “The Pomeranian is a compact, short-backed, active toy dog of Nordic descent. The double coat consists of a short dense undercoat with a profuse harsh-textured longer outer coat. The heavily plumed tail is one of the characteristics of the breed.”
It’s hard to believe these little guys are closely related to Malamutes and Siberian Huskies. The Pom club says: “It was bred down to its current 3 to 7 pound toy size from larger ancestors which were used for herding and for pulling sleds. Their popularity was greatly enhanced by Queen Victoria of England, who owned the first Pomeranians to be shown.”
The AKC also says: “He is alert in character, exhibits intelligence in expression, is buoyant in deportment, and is inquisitive by nature. The Pomeranian is cocky, commanding, and animated as he gaits. He is sound in composition and action.” You can certainly see that in how they strut around the competition ring.
Best of Breed went to a Pom whose competition name is GCH CH Moxiepom’s Max Schmeling, Max for short. The only time a Pom has won Best in Show was in 1988.
To learn more about Poms, visit the Pomeranian club’s website.
