CHAPTER LIX 



THE POMERANIAN 



INDISPUTABLY first in popularity of the Toy division, 

 the Pomeranian classes at big shows rival in number 

 of entries the Bulldog and Fox Terrier. Whether 

 they will have ultimately to yield pride of place to 

 the Pekingese is a question which time alone can 

 answer. At the moment they stand unchallenged. 

 Naturally, competition is very keen, good dogs being 

 many. The numbers to be seen in the West End 

 or at any fashionable watering-place is a satisfac- 

 tory proof that this handsome fellow is not wholly 

 in the hands of the exhibitor. Wherever we go he 

 is in evidence. 



Youatt describes the Italian or Pomeranian Wolf- 

 dog, of which a pair were in the Zoological Gardens 

 as long ago as 1833. He said they possessed a 

 considerable degree of strength, but seemed to be 

 too gentle to contend with the wolf. We must 

 remember that even to-day the Spitz in Pomerania 

 is a largish dog, weighing sometimes as much as 

 40 Ib. From their foxy head and profuse coat it 

 is reasonable to infer tfiat they are of northern 

 descent, the resemblance to some of the Arctic dogs 

 being very marked. Selection and careful breeding 

 have resulted in the size being reduced, as well as 



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