420 British Dogs. 



CHAPTER V. THE POMERANIAN. 



BY CORSINCON. 



THIS variety of the dog is now an established favourite in this country, 

 although it has never attained the great popularity of some other breeds 

 of house and companion dogs. He has been written of as the wolf dog, 

 the fox dog, the spitz, the loup loup, &c. 



There is a pretty large tribe of dogs peculiar to northern latitudes, 

 varying in minor points from each other, but agreeing in general form 

 and outline, that are often roughly called wolf dogs from an approach to 

 the wolf form of body and head, and I have little doubt to one or other, 

 or a commixture of several of these, the Pomeranian of to-day owes his 

 origin. My reasons for thinking so are that in big and coarse specimens 

 of what we now call well-bred Pomeranians there is a decided approach 

 to the lank gaunt form seen in all the varieties of northern dogs shown 

 as Esquimaux, Greenland, Siberian sleigh dogs, &c., and there is in all 

 much correspondence in shape of head, with the invariable prick ears and 

 pointed muzzle, dense furry under coat, and short curled tail. In their 

 native home Pomeranians are said to be used as sheep dogs, but such 

 specimens as are seen in this country are quite unfitted physically for 

 shepherding on our hills, even if they possessed the requisite patience 

 and intelligence, which I am not disposed to grant them as a class. The 

 Pomeranian is a bright, active dog, indeed, almost too active, and many 

 specimens would be better described as restless and fidgety ; they are 

 also apt to be too noisy, and their yelping becomes annoying ; that, 

 however, is a fault good training can cure or modify. These traits in 

 his character enhance his value as a house watch, for, ever on the alert, 

 he is quick to give tongue, and wise enough in his own interest to keep 

 a safe distance from the intruder whilst he gives the alarm. 



Although not ill-tempered dogs, they are rather impatient and not 

 very tractable, yet I have known several that were very tricky. They 

 are capital jumpers, and are easily taught steeplechasing, jumping through 

 hoops, &c., and the handsomest black specimen I ever saw was also the 

 cleverest performer, walking and dancing on his hind legs, feigning death, 

 and other clever tricks at the word of command. As ornamental dogs 



