Pomeranian

/pom'euh ray"nee euhn, -rayn"yeuhn/, adj.

1. of, pertaining to, or characteristic of Pomerania.

n.

2. one of a breed of small dogs having long, straight hair, erect ears, and a tail carried over the back.

3. a native or inhabitant of Pomerania.

[1750-60; POMERANI(A) + -AN]

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Breed of toy dog developed from the same sled-dog ancestors as the Keeshond, Samoyed, and Norwegian elkhound.

It is said to have been bred down in size from a 30-lb (14-kg) dog in the duchy of Pomerania in the early 19th century. Spirited but docile, it has a foxlike head and small, erect ears. Its long coat, especially full on the neck and chest, is white, black, brown, or reddish brown. It stands about 6–7 in. (14–18 cm) and weighs about 3–7 lbs (1.5–3 kg).

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▪ breed of dog

 breed of toy dog that can be traced back, like the related keeshond, Samoyed, and Norwegian elkhound, to early sled-dog ancestors. The breed is named for the duchy of Pomerania, where, in the early 19th century, it is said to have been bred down in size from a 30-pound (13.5-kg) sheepdog. Characteristically spirited but docile, the Pomeranian is a compactly built dog with a foxlike head and small, erect ears. Its long coat, especially full on the neck and chest, may be any of a variety of colours, including white, black, brown, and reddish brown. The Pomeranian stands about 6 to 7 inches (15 to 18 cm) high and weighs about 3 to 7 pounds (1.5 to 3 kg).

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