Klein Spitz and Pomeranian   Finland's Top Klein Spitz and Pomeranian in 2000 * 1999 * 1998 * 1997 FCI Breed Standard German Spitz Colors  Klein Spitz & Pomeranian Breeders The Pomeranian, as we know it today, originates from the Spitz-type dogs from Pomerania in today's Northeastern Germany. It was developed in England from the "Pommeranian" dogs which were first introduced into England by Queen Charlotte in the 18th century. Her granddaughter, Queen Victoria, played a major role in promoting the breed's popularity. The Pomeranian, reintroduced into Germany from England in the 1970's, and its German cousin, the Klein Spitz, are in many respects similar in type and temperament;  the main difference is the size (under the present FCI standard, the maximum height for  a Pomeranian is 22 cms, while the Klein Spitz ranges from 23 to 29 cms.) As house pets, both breeds are ideal: they are lively and intelligent dogs who are alert and extrovert, as well as affectionate toward people.  Both breeds have a soft and fluffy undercoat and a harsh, straight outer coat requiring regular  grooming - a thorough brushing twice a week may be enough for a pet dog, but show dogs need more frequent grooming and trimming of the coat, especially for the Pomeranian. The Pomeranians come in a variety of colors.  The most common colors are orange, cream, shaded sable and black. Under the FCI, all color varieties of the Pomeranian are shown as one variety. The Klein Spitz, on the other hand, are divided in the German standard into three varieties: black and brown; white; and other colors (neufarben) and compete at shows in these three varieties. Both breeds are shown in the FCI Group 5 or the Spitz Group. The first Pomeranians came to Finland in the 1930's, whereas the Klein Spitz are a more recent arrival from the late 1980's.  In recent years,  the annual registrations of Pomeranians have settled around 150 dogs, while the Klein Spitz has steadily increased its popularity and now more Klein Spitz than Pomeranians are registered annually in this country. The two breeds have a club of their own which is affiliated with the Finnish Toy Dog Association.  For more information, visit the Club's homepage

German Spitz and Pomeranian history in Finland On the left, a dog identified as "European Spitz", and, on the right, an early Pom in Finland. Both photographs are from the club's 50th anniversary publication in 1972.