Pomerania was once the name of an area south of the Baltic Sea that now encompasses part of Germany and Poland. The Pomeranian breed originated in this cold region. Descended from larger sled dogs, Pomeranians have been bred down to a smaller size to make them better suited as household pets. Today, Pomeranians are classified in the toy group. Toy dogs are smaller than average breeds of dog. Pomeranian puppies weigh only ounces. Adult Pomeranians weigh three to seven pounds and stand eight to eleven inches tall. Physically, Pomeranian puppies and adults are adorable toy dogs. Pomeranians generally resemble small foxes. This breed is known for characteristics such as: doll-like face, dark, almond shaped eyes, small feet, double coat of thick, full fur, pointed ears, and a thick, furry tail. Pomeranian coats may be a variety of colors: solid, sable or parti-colored. Pomeranians are considered toys due to the fact that they grow to an average miniature size of eight to eleven inches in height and three to seven pounds in weight.

Pomeranian breeders are experts on the breed standard desired in Pomeranian puppies. Breeders also know what health problems are specific to the breed. Pomeranians are prone to such defects as dislocated knees, heart conditions and dental problems. The American Kennel Club even allows Pomeranians to be missing a tooth and still compete! Anyone buying a purebred Pomeranian puppy should also research the breed and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder.

The personality of the Pomeranian is as big as the dog is small. Pomeranians are excitable, vivacious, demanding, and even high maintenance. They are not appropriate for households with infants or small children. Pomeranians tend to snap at children who pull their tails or annoy them. Overall, Pomeranians are good family dogs and do well with older children, other pets and adults.

Pomeranian breeders and buyers should also be well versed in the personality traits of the Pomeranian. These tiny dogs are highly suspicious of strangers and need to be taught the appropriate time to bark at an early age. Pomeranian puppies and adults are intelligent, energetic, curious and affectionate. They become irritated by small children and may snap at them.

So how does a buyer figure out how to choose the right Pomeranian? All Pomeranian puppies have the cuteness factor, but aside from physical appearance, there are a number of other ways to decide on a Pomeranian. First, research the breed. A buyer must make sure this breed fits his or her lifestyle before buying. Second, research the breeder.

Breeders should have an actual kennel. They should have certification in breeding and/or training dogs. They should be able to provide the Pomeranian's pedigree and medical records and they should be affiliated with or run a rescue for abandoned or neglected Pomeranians. Buyers should never, ever buy a Pomeranian puppy from a pet store. These puppies are shipped and handled like any other merchandise and their parents are bred incessantly in what are called puppy mills which churn out puppies for money.

The Pomeranian puppy may actually choose the buyer. Good breeders will want to introduce buyers to their puppies and interview them to make sure they are deemed a good match. This way buyer, breeder and puppy all benefit from a good choice.