Have you ever heard of a “throwback Pomeranian”? If you're a Pomeranian enthusiast or the proud owner of one, you might be familiar with this term. In this article, we'll dive into the intriguing world of throwback Pomeranians and explore their unique characteristics that set them apart from other dogs within the breed. So, if you're curious about these adorable and larger-than-average Pomeranians, keep reading!
A Brief Look At Pomeranian's Ancestors
Before we delve into what throwback Pomeranians are, let's take a moment to understand the fascinating history of the Pomeranian breed. Pomeranians belong to a group of dog breeds called “spitz.” These breeds share common traits such as a double coat, erect pointed ears, and a curled tail. Some other spitz breeds include the Keeshond, Husky, Akita, Samoyed, and Swedish Vallhund.
Pomeranians share their ancestry with many of these dogs. In the past, Pomeranians were much larger in size. It was only during the reign of Queen Victoria that they started being bred to be smaller. Before that, they resembled other spitz breeds and their shared ancestors.
The ancestors of Pomeranians were medium to large-sized dogs, weighing up to 40 pounds. They were used as sled dogs in Iceland and as hunter and herding dogs in the northern regions. In an area known as Pomerania in Germany, the Pomeranian breed was established, resembling breeds like the Samoyed and Keeshond.
What is a Throwback Pomeranian?
Although there is no official classification for throwback Pomeranians by kennel clubs, the term is commonly used among pet parents and sometimes breeders to describe Pomeranians that are larger than the breed standard. A throwback Pomeranian can be defined as a purebred Pomeranian that genetically and physically resembles their sled dog ancestors more than today's standard Pomeranians.
In terms of size, throwback Pomeranians are larger than the Pomeranians we typically know. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC) criteria, a standard purebred Pomeranian should weigh between 3-7 pounds. However, throwback Pomeranians can weigh at least 14 pounds and sometimes even reach up to 30 pounds while still being 100% Pomeranian.
In addition to their size, throwback Pomeranians may also display behaviors that are more reminiscent of their working ancestors. They may have a higher prey drive, enjoy outdoor activities, and be more vocal compared to the calm and affectionate companion dogs that today's Pomeranians are bred to be.
Are Throwback Pomeranians Purebred?
Yes, throwback Pomeranians are still 100% Pomeranian. They are born alongside other standard Pomeranian puppies and usually have standard Pomeranian parents. The term “throwback” simply refers to their larger size compared to the breed standard. So, they are as purebred as any other Pomeranian.
It's important to note that throwback Pomeranians are different from poorly-bred Pomeranians. Poorly-bred Pomeranians are selectively bred individuals that do not conform to the breed standards. This breeding practice can result in puppies that also do not conform to the breed standards. Throwback Pomeranians, on the other hand, are a natural outcome of a breed-standard pair.
If you're unsure whether your slightly larger Pomeranian is indeed a purebred, there are DNA tests available that can provide clarity. Companies like Embark offer breed and health DNA tests that can determine if your Pomeranian is 100% purebred.
Are Throwback Pomeranians Rare?
The most exciting aspect of throwback Pomeranians is that they cannot be produced at will. The appearance of throwback traits is a result of random genetic variation. It is impossible to predict when throwback Pomeranians will be born.
Unlike slightly larger Pomeranians that may be produced over generations by breeding nonconforming dogs, throwback Pomeranians are specifically larger due to a recessive trait appearing in a breed-standard litter. This randomness makes them a rare type of dog.
If you're looking to get a genuine throwback Pomeranian, finding one is a matter of luck. Reputable Pomeranian breeders typically breed for the breed standard and health. It's highly unlikely to find a reputable breeder intentionally breeding for larger than the breed's standard of 7 pounds.
How Do I Know If I Have a Throwback Pomeranian?
While it can be challenging to identify whether a young Pomeranian is a throwback or standard, adult dogs can be easily recognized. A throwback Pomeranian is generally larger and weighs at least 14 pounds, compared to other littermates. They have longer snouts, ears, legs, and backs than standard toy Poms, and their coats are flatter rather than fluffy.
If your adult Pomeranian weighs 14 pounds or more and you know their parents are smaller, then you likely have a throwback Pomeranian. However, if your adult Pomeranian is larger and their parents are also larger, you may simply have a “flawed” Pomeranian that doesn't conform to the breed standard.
If you're still unsure about your Pomeranian's heritage, DNA tests like those offered by Embark can provide additional insights. Their family tree feature can help you find littermates and other relatives of your dog.
In conclusion, throwback Pomeranians are not a distinct breed but rather a variation within the Pomeranian breed. They are larger than the standard Pomeranians and give us a glimpse of what their amazing ancestors looked like. These unique dogs make equally wonderful pets, even if they can't compete in shows.
Key Points:
- Throwback Pomeranians are larger Pomeranians that resemble their sled dog ancestors.
- They are 100% purebred Pomeranians and not a distinct breed.
- Throwback Pomeranians can weigh at least 14 pounds, compared to the breed standard of 3-7 pounds.
- They may display behaviors more akin to their working ancestors.
- Finding a throwback Pomeranian is a matter of luck, as they are a result of random genetic variation.
- They are less expensive than standard Pomeranians and can be equally wonderful pets.
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