Pomeranians are adorable, fluffy little dogs known for their confident personalities and luxurious coats. However, some Pomeranian owners may wonder why their furry friend is larger than expected. This article will explore the factors contributing to a Pomeranian’s size and explain why some may be bigger.
Genetic Factors
Like all dog breeds, Pomeranians are subject to genetics’ influence. The size of a Pomeranian can be traced back to its ancestry, particularly the presence of what is known as “throwback” genes. A throwback Pomeranian is a dog closely resembling the larger Spitz-type sledge dogs from which the breed originated.
While most Pomeranians weigh between 3 and 7 pounds, throwback Pomeranians can weigh upwards of 14 to 20 pounds or even more. These larger Pomeranians retain more genetic traits from their Spitz ancestors, resulting in a significant size difference compared to the standard Pomeranian. It’s important to note that throwback Pomeranians are still purebred and have their unique charm.
Breeding Techniques
Breeders play a crucial role in shaping the characteristics of a dog breed, including their size. Over the years, some breeders have focused on selectively breeding smaller Pomeranians, resulting in the diminutive size that is commonly associated with the breed. However, not all breeders prioritize breeding for smaller sizes and occasionally produce larger-than-average Pomeranians.
Throwback Pomeranians are often the result of breeders who intentionally or unintentionally introduce larger-sized Pomeranians into their breeding programs. By doing so, they allow the genetic throwback traits to manifest and produce larger Pomeranians. Thus, breeders prioritizing preserving the larger size of throwback Pomeranians continue contributing to the diversity within the Pomeranian breed.
Health and Nutrition
Another factor influencing a Pomeranian’s size is their overall health and nutrition. Proper nutrition during their developmental stages is crucial in determining their growth potential. Pomeranians who receive adequate nutrition, including a well-balanced diet and appropriate portion sizes, are more likely to grow to their full genetic potential.
Conversely, nutritional deficiencies or overfeeding can lead to stunted growth or excessive weight gain. Pomeranian owners must consult with veterinarians or canine nutritionists to ensure they provide their furry friend with a diet tailored to their unique needs.
Additionally, certain health conditions may affect a Pomeranian’s growth. Hormonal imbalances, such as an underactive thyroid, can lead to weight gain and impact their size. If you have concerns about your Pomeranian’s size, it is best to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health issues.
Socialization and Training
The socialization and training experiences of a Pomeranian during their early stages of life can also influence their size. Pomeranians who receive proper socialization, which includes exposure to different people, animals, and environments, tend to develop into well-adjusted adults. Conversely, dogs that lack sufficient socialization may exhibit behavioural issues, including anxiety or aggression, which can impact their overall well-being and growth.
Training is equally important in shaping a Pomeranian’s behaviour and size. Regular exercise and mental stimulation contribute to a healthy lifestyle, preventing excessive weight gain and promoting optimal growth.
Environmental Factors
In addition to genetics and breeding techniques, environmental factors can impact a Pomeranian’s size. The environment in which a dog grows up can play a role in their overall growth and development.
For instance, space availability for exercise and play can affect a Pomeranian’s muscle development and weight. Pomeranians who have access to larger spaces and engage in regular physical activity are more likely to have well-developed muscles and a healthier weight.
On the other hand, Pomeranians who have limited space or lack opportunities for exercise may be more prone to weight gain or a sedentary lifestyle, leading to a larger size than expected. Providing ample space for your Pomeranian to move around and engage in play can contribute to their overall health and maintain an appropriate size.
Age and Growth Phases
Like all dogs, Pomeranians go through different growth phases throughout their lives. Understanding these growth phases can explain why a Pomeranian may appear larger than expected.
During the initial months of a Pomeranian’s life, they experience rapid growth. As they transition from puppyhood to adulthood, their growth rate slows down. It is common for Pomeranians to experience growth spurts during their first year, which can make them seem larger temporarily.
It is important to remember that each Pomeranian is unique, and their growth patterns may vary. Some may reach their full size earlier, while others may continue to grow until they are closer to two years old. Monitoring your Pomeranian’s growth and consulting with a veterinarian can help assess whether their size is within a healthy range for their age.
Mixed Breeds and Crossbreeding
Occasionally, Pomeranians may exhibit different characteristics and sizes associated with the breed due to crossbreeding or mixed ancestry. When two different breeds are intentionally or unintentionally bred, it can result in size, appearance, and temperament variations.
If a Pomeranian is mixed with a larger breed, such as a Husky or a German Shepherd, it can significantly impact their final size. The traits inherited from the larger breed can influence the size of the Pomeranian mix, causing them to be bigger than a purebred Pomeranian.
If you suspect your Pomeranian may have mixed ancestry, a DNA test can provide valuable insights into their genetic makeup and help explain their larger size.
Exercise and Physical Activity
A Pomeranian needs regular exercise and physical activity to stay healthy, active, and at the right size. Pomeranians are active dogs that need daily exercise to keep their muscles toned and prevent weight gain.
Playtime walks and interactive toys can help them eliminate extra energy and keep their minds active. Exercise deficiency can result in weight gain, atrophy of the muscles, and possibly increased size because of slowed muscle growth.
What is a Throwback Pomeranian Dog?
Regarding genetics, the Pomeranian is a larger version of the Pomeranian, more like his ancestors (the Spitz-type sledge dogs) in size and behaviour than the Pomeranians in the streets today.
A dog can inherit genes from up to five generations in addition to the traits typically inherited from its parents, the dam and sire.
This term (or dog breed) does not exist, technically speaking. This term has become popular among owners and non-preservation breeders to characterize their large Pomeranian dogs.
Something that some call a throwback: A Pomeranian is just a Pom that is bigger than the average size of the breed. A dog’s natural body structure is sometimes four times larger than anticipated.
Your large Pomeranian might be a throwback if you own one. For a Pomeranian to be considered a throwback, it must be an adult Pomeranian who weighs more than 10 to 14 pounds and is not overweight.Â
Being larger than the typical Pomeranian breed, a large Pomeranian or throwback Pomeranian dog is still regarded as a purebred. There is only one Pomeranian breed recognized officially.
“throwback Pomeranian” is a modern term to characterize dogs resembling Pom’s larger progenitors who pulled sledges. These dogs were of the Spitz breed and weighed about thirty pounds. They have a kinship with the American Eskimo and Siberian Husky dog breeds.
There is a wide range of sizes, colours, cuteness, personalities, and styles among Pomeranians. This adorable little dog is adored because he can usually observe the world from the comfort of his father’s pocket or mother’s handbag.
Throwback Pomeranian dogs have found their way into purebred Poms because not all Poms are small dogs and adorable balls of fluffy fur. Throwbacks are rare, but they occasionally appear in litter, particularly in the case of coloured bloodlines.
These large Pomeranian breed dogs are sometimes misrepresented as “throwback Pomeranian puppies.” The Victorian Pomeranian is another name for these larger Pom canines.
The corny labels “teacup Pomeranian” and “throwback Pomeranian” are applied to my cherished breed, which I don’t like.
Why Is My Pomeranian So Big?
To truly understand why some Pomeranians are bigger than anticipated, we must examine various factors contributing to their size development. Several elements are at play, from genetics and nutrition to exercise levels and birth order. By exploring these influences, we can understand why your Pomeranian may be larger than you initially anticipated.
How Big Does a Pomeranian Get?
The Pomeranian breed of dogs is categorized as a toy dog, which denotes that they are tiny compared to many other breeds. Officially, the Pomeranian should weigh between three and seven pounds.
Among the smallest breeds of dogs are Pomeranians. Nonetheless, some Pomeranian dog lots are larger than typical, and some are smaller.
For every purebred dog, there are formal breed standards. There is a huge range of sizes available for small Pomeranians. The American Kennel Club (AKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), The Kennel Club (KC), and English Kennel Club are among the clubs that have an impact on the canine community.
Conclusion
While most Pomeranians fall within the standard size range, several factors can contribute to a Pomeranian being bigger than expected. Genetic factors, breeding techniques, health and nutrition, socialization and training, environmental factors, age and growth phases, mixed breeds, and crossbreeding all play a part in determining a Pomeranian’s size.
FAQ
Why is My Pomeranian Puppy So Big?
Due to genetics, a Pomeranian puppy is typically large. Your Pom dog’s size can be influenced by several things, including its genetic background, food habits, and level of daily exercise. He is chubby. It’s a common issue with Pomeranians; larger-boned Poms are even more likely to have it. He may be a mixed-breed dog.
How Much Do Pomeranians Weigh?
Officially, the Pomeranian should weigh between three and seven pounds. Among the smallest breeds of dogs are Pomeranians. Nonetheless, some Pomeranian dog lots are larger than typical, and some are smaller. For every purebred dog, there are formal breed standards. There is a huge range of sizes available for small Pomeranians.
Do Pomeranians Grow Back?
Pomeranians often experience a reduction in body size as they get older, starting at age 8. They won’t grow back into puppies, but they will lose a bit of height compared to their prime adult years. Pomeranian puppies‘ growth is primarily determined by their genetic makeup, which they inherit from their ancestors.
Can I Use a Pomeranian Growth Chart?
Although the results might need to be more precise, you can still use the Pomeranian growth chart based on their weight and age group. Keep in mind that every puppy snarls at their own pace. Don’t worry if your Pom is behind or ahead of the above estimates, don’t worry. The health of your Pomeranian puppy is the most important thing.
How Tall is a Pomeranian?
Pomeranians between three and seven pounds are required by the Akc breed standards. The dog’s height isn’t stated, but most are 20 cm or 8 to 11 inches tall. This measurement starts at the top of his shoulder blades and descends to the floor (his withers).