Pomeranian - Royalty's Best Friend

It's hard to believe it, but the tiny Pomeranian descended from the Spitz sled dogs in Lapland and Greenland. Before the cannine was bred down to a smaller size, the larger dogs worked as shepherds. Indeed, it is not difficult to imagine today's pom yapping around the edges of a herd of sheep.

Pomeranians got their name because they were imported into Europe through Pomerania, a land on the southern Baltic coast where present day Germany and Poland now sit. In Pomerania, the dogs were bred down closer to their modern-day size. It took many generations of dog to reduce the twenty-pound dog of the 19th century to the four to six-pound standard of the breed today. The Kennel Club in England recognized the breed in 1870, calling it the "spitz dog." Traces of the Pomeranian's lineage can be seen in its coat and color, which are reminiscent of the wolf spitz breed.

Perhaps the most famous Pomeranian owner was Queen Victoria of England, who was introduced to the breed by her mother, Queen Charlotte. Certainly the most famous Pomeranian of the 19th century was Queen Victoria's dog Marco. Her Majesty was one of the breed's biggest fans. At one time she is said to have had thirty-five of them in the royal kennels. Her work with the breed paid off, and she is credited with having reduced the size of the animal even further. In 1891, Queen Victoria showed six of her dogs: Fluffy, Nino, Mino, Beppo, Gilda and Lulu, and at least two of the dogs won championships.

As one of the most beloved monarchs in British history, Queen Victoria's style had an enormous influence on popular culture, and the Pomeranian quickly became one of the most popular breeds in Great Britain. Her Majesty remained fond of the breed until her death. Indeed, her beloved Pomeranian Turi was at her side when she died.

Besides royalty, other famous Pomeranian owners run the gamut from Michelangelo, who brought his dog to work when he painted the Sistine Chapel, to the actress Kate Hudson, who named her dog Clara Bo. Legend has it that Sir Isaac Newton's pet, Diamond, drove him to madness when she knocked over a candle that burned some important papers, causing a nervous breakdown.

Mozart and Chopin composed music for Pomeranians, and the great church leader Martin Luther mentions his pet named Belferlein in his written works. Actress Cindy Williams, also known as Shirley on "Laverne and Shirley," appeared in commercials for a weight loss program with her Pomeranian. And who can forget Chester, actress Fran Drescher's dog, whom she made her co-star in the hit TV show "The Nanny."

The Pomeranian is not just for royalty and celebrities. This delightful breed also loves to belong to everyday people like you and me.