Size,
Proportion,
Substance
The
average
weight
of
the
Pomeranian
is
from
3 to
7
pounds,
with
the
ideal
weight
for
the
show
specimen
being
4 to
6
pounds.
Any
dog
over
or
under
the
limits
is
objectionable.
However,
overall
quality
is
to
be
favored
over
size.
The
distance
from
the
point
of
shoulder
to
the
point
of
buttocks
is
slightly
shorter
than
from
the
highest
point
of
the
withers
to
the
ground.
the
distance
from
the
brisket
to
the
ground
is
half
the
height
at
the
withers.
He
is
medium-boned,
and
the
length
of
his
legs
is
in
proportion
to a
well-balanced
frame.
When
examined,
he
feels
sturdy.
Head
The
head
is
in
balance
with
the
body.
The
muzzle
is
rather
short,
straight,
fine,
free
of
lippiness
and
never
snipey.
His
expression
is
alert
and
may
be
referred
to
as
fox-like.
The
skull
is
closed.
The
top
of
the
skull
is
slightly
rounded,
but
not
domed.
When
viewed
from
the
front
and
side,
one
sees
small
ears
which
are
mounted
high
and
carried
erect.
To
form
a
wedge,
visualize
a
line
from
the
tip
of
the
nose
ascending
through
the
center
of
the
eyes
and
the
tip
of
the
ears.
The
eyes
are
dark,
bright,
medium
in
size
and
almond-shaped.
They
are
set
well
into
the
skull
on
either
side
of a
well-pronounced
stop.
The
pigmentation
is
black
on
the
nose
and
eye
rims
except
self-colored
in
brown,
beaver,
and
blue
dogs.
The
teeth
meet
in a
scissors
bite.
One
tooth
out
of
alignment
is
acceptable.
Major
Faults:
Round,
domed
skull;
under-shot
mouth;
overshot
mouth.
Neck,
Topline,
Body
The
neck
is
short
with
its
base
set
well
into
the
shoulders
to
allow
the
head
to
be
carried
high.
The
back
is
short
with
a
level
topline.
The
body
is
compact
and
well-ribbed
with
brisket
reaching
the
elbow.
The
plumed
tail
is
one
of
the
characteristics
of
the
breed,
and
lies
flat
and
straight
on
the
back.
Forequarters
The
Pomeranian
has
sufficient
layback
of
shoulders
to
carry
the
neck
and
head
proud
and
high.
The
shoulders
and
legs
are
moderately
muscled.
The
length
of
the
shoulder
blade
and
upper
arm
are
equal.
The
forelegs
are
straight
and
parallel
to
each
other.
Height
from
elbows
to
withers
approximately
equals
height
from
ground
to
elbow.
The
pasterns
are
straight
and
strong.
The
feet
are
well-arched,
compact,
and
turn
neither
in
nor
out.
He
stands
well
up
on
his
toes.
Dewclaws
may
be
removed.
Major
Faults:
Down
in
pasterns.
Hindquarters
The
angulation
of
the
hindquarters
balances
that
of
the
forequarters.
The
buttocks
are
well
behind
the
set
of
the
tail.
The
thighs
are
moderately
muscled
with
stifles
that
are
moderately
bent
and
clearly
defined.
The
hocks
are
perpendicular
to
the
ground
and
the
legs
are
straight
and
parallel
to
each
other.
The
feet
are
well-arched,
compact,
and
turn
neither
in
nor
out.
He
stands
well
up
on
his
toes.
Dewclaws,
if
any
on
the
hind
legs
may
be
removed.
Major
Faults:
Cowhocks
or
lack
of
soundness
in
hind
legs
or
stifles.
Gait
The
Pomeranian's
gait
is
smooth,
free,
balanced
and
vigorous.
He
has
good
reach
in
his
forequarters
and
strong
drive
with
his
hindquarters.
Each
rear
leg
moves
in
line
with
the
foreleg
on
the
same
side.
To
achieve
balance,
his
legs
converge
slightly
inward
toward
a
center
line
beneath
his
body.
The
rear
and
front
legs
are
thrown
neither
in
nor
out.
The
topline
remains
level,
and
his
overall
balance
and
outline
are
maintained.
Coat
A
Pomeranian
is
noted
for
its
double
coat.
The
undercoat
is
soft
and
dense.
The
outer-coat
is
long,
straight,
glistening
and
harsh
in
texture.
A
thick
undercoat
will
hold
up
and
permit
the
guard
hair
to
stand
off
from
the
Pomeranian's
body.
The
coat
is
abundant
from
the
neck
and
fore
part
of
shoulders
and
chest,
forming
a
frill
which
extends
over
the
shoulders
and
chest.
The
head
and
leg
coat
is
tightly
packed
and
shorter
in
length
than
that
of
the
body.
The
forequarters
are
well-feathered
to
the
hock.
The
tail
is
profusely
covered
with
long,
harsh,
spreading
straight
hair.
Trimming
for
neatness
and
a
clean
outline
is
permissible.
Major
Faults:
Soft,
flat
or
open
coat.
Color
All
colors,
patterns,
and
variations
there-of
are
allowed
and
must
be
judged
on
an
equal
basis.
Patterns:
Black
and
Tan
-
tan
or
rust
sharply
defined,
appearing
above
each
eye
and
on
muzzle,
throat,
and
forechest,
on
all
legs
and
feet
and
below
the
tail.
The
richer
the
tan
the
more
desirable;
Brindle
-
the
base
color
is
gold,
red,
or
orange-brindled
with
strong
black
cross
stripes;
Parti-color
- is
white
with
any
other
color
distributed
in
patches
with
a
white
blaze
preferred
on
the
head.
Classifications:
The
Open
Classes
at
specialty
shows
may
be
divided
by
color
as
follows:
Open
Red,
Orange,
Cream,
and
Sable;
Open
Black,
Brown,
and
Blue;
Open
Any
Other
Color,
Pattern,
or
Variation.
Temperament
The
Pomeranian
is
an
extrovert,
exhibiting
great
intelligence
and
a
vivacious
spirit,
making
him
a
great
companion
dog
as
well
as a
competitive
show
dog.
EVEN
THOUGH
A
TOY
DOG,
THE
POMERANIAN
MUST
BE
SUBJECT
TO
THE
SAME
REQUIREMENTS
OF
SOUNDNESS
AND
STRUCTURE
PRESCRIBED
FOR
ALL
BREEDS,
AND
ANY
DEVIATION
FROM
THE
IDEAL
DESCRIBED
IN
THE
STANDARD
SHOULD
BE
PENALIZED
TO
THE
EXTENT
OF
THE
DEVIATION.
Approved
December
9,
1996
Effective
January
31,
1997