Black Pomeranian: A Comprehensive Guide to This Regal Toy Breed
When it comes to adorable toy dog breeds, the Pomeranian certainly stands out with its fluffy coat, fox-like face, and vivacious personality. And while Pomeranians come in a rainbow of colors, there‘s something especially striking and eye-catching about an all-black Pom. Solid black is one of the rarer coat colors in the breed, which only adds to the appeal and mystique of these midnight-colored balls of fluff.
Whether you‘re already the proud owner of a black Pomeranian or considering adding one to your family, there‘s a lot to learn about these charming little dogs. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll delve into the origin and history of black Poms, examine their physical characteristics and temperament, discuss their care requirements and health issues, and help you decide if a black Pomeranian is the right pet for you.
The Regal History of Black Pomeranians
The Pomeranian breed descended from large working sled dogs in the Pomerania region of northeastern Europe (now part of Germany and Poland). These Spitz-type ancestors weighed up to 30 pounds. Over time, they were bred down in size to be companion dogs. Pomeranians as we know them today were first bred and gained popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Solid black was one of the original colors of the breed along with white and brown. In fact, black was a fairly common Pomeranian color in the breed‘s early days. Queen Victoria of England famously owned a small red Pomeranian in the late 1800s, sparking a surge in the breed‘s popularity. As the Pom‘s fame spread, other coat colors like orange, cream and sable overshadowed the blacks.
By the early 20th century, black Pomeranians had become quite rare as breeders focused on developing the more fashionable coat colors. Even today, black remains one of the least common Pom colors. According to experts, the only way to guarantee a true black Pomeranian puppy is to breed two black Poms together, and even then not all of the offspring will necessarily inherit a solid black coat.
The Jet Black Beauty of Black Poms
The ideal black Pomeranian has a solid, glossy all-black coat with no shadings of brown, red or other colors. This include a black nose, eye rims, paw pads and lips – giving them an undeniably striking and dramatic appearance! Their luxurious double coat is thick and fluffy, standing out from the body to create that characteristic puffball look.
Like all Pomeranians, black Poms are compact dogs standing 6 to 7 inches tall at the shoulder and weighing just 3 to 7 pounds. They have a wedge-shaped head with erect ears, dark almond-shaped eyes and a plumed tail arching over the back. Their foxy face, combined with that plush black fur, gives black Poms an air of elegance, intelligence and alertness.
It‘s important to note that Pomeranians are prone to fading and lightening of their coat color as they get older, especially if exposed to a lot of direct sunlight. This means even a deep black puppy may develop some brownish or reddish tints as an adult. Careful and limited sun exposure can help maintain the intensity of a black Pom‘s inky coat.
Bold Personality in a Tiny Black Package
Pomeranians may be small in stature but they have outsize personalities. This holds true for black Poms as well – their temperament and traits are in line with the breed as a whole. As companion dogs, Poms are known for being lively, affectionate, and loyal to their families. Despite their toy size, they tend to be bold, curious and fearless.
Black Pomeranians are typically intelligent, eager to please and quick learners. They can have an independent streak and even a touch of stubbornness at times. Like many small breeds, they can also be prone to excessive barking. But with firm, positive training and plenty of socialization starting from puppyhood, black Poms can be well-mannered and adaptable little dogs.
While generally good-natured, some Pomeranians can be wary of strangers and may even exhibit guarding tendencies. They also have a chasing instinct and won‘t back down from challenging bigger dogs. It‘s crucial to teach black Pom puppies to be comfortable around new people and other dogs from a young age. These smart, observant dogs also need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom behaviors.
Grooming and Care for Coal Black Coats
That picture-perfect puffy black coat doesn‘t happen by accident – Pomeranians have fairly intensive grooming needs. Expect to brush your black Pom at least 2-3 times a week to prevent matting and tangles, and more often when they blow their undercoat a couple times a year. Regular brushing also helps remove loose black fur before it ends up all over your clothes and furniture.
In addition to frequent brushing, black Poms need occasional baths, regular nail trims, and dental care. Their long, double coat doesn‘t require clipping, although some owners chose to have the fur trimmed shorter in a "pet clip" for easier maintenance. Be extra gentle when brushing behind the ears and under the arms and legs where knots are prone to form in their fine black fur.
As a toy breed, black Pomeranians don‘t need a lot of outdoor exercise – a couple short walks and some indoor playtime each day will suffice. They can thrive in apartments but are also prone to weight gain, so be mindful of their diet and calorie intake. Poms can be picky eaters, so you may need to experiment with food and treats to find options they like that support their coat and overall health.
Health Issues to Watch For in Black Pomeranians
Like all purebred dogs, Pomeranians have some genetic health issues that conscientious breeders screen for. Responsible breeding can also produce black Pom puppies that are healthy and robust. Some of the health problems seen in the breed include:
- Luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps)
- Tracheal collapse
- Dental issues
- Hypothyroidism
- Bladder stones
- Eye disorders like cataracts and dry eye
- Heart conditions
- Black skin disease (a cosmetic condition causing hair loss)
The typical lifespan for a Pomeranian is 12 to 16 years. Finding a reputable breeder who tests their breeding dogs can help ensure you get a black Pom puppy with a healthy pedigree. Keeping your black Pom at a healthy weight, providing regular vet checkups and prioritizing their dental health can help this tiny tot live a long, happy life.
Is a Black Pomeranian the Right Pet For You?
If you‘re drawn to the idea of a pint-sized black companion dog with a fun-loving, take-charge attitude, a black Pomeranian may be your ideal match. These cute, clever dogs can fit well into many different types of households and lifestyles. They make affectionate, cuddly and entertaining pets for singles, seniors, and families with gentle older children.
As adaptable as they are, black Poms are best suited for owners who can be there for them most of the time and are willing to put in the time for grooming, training and engaging their active minds. First-time or busy dog owners may find a black Pom‘s grooming and training needs a bit overwhelming. These spirited, attentive dogs will also sound the alarm whenever someone comes to the door, so they may not be ideal for apartment dwellers.
With their toy size and people-pleasing nature, black Pomeranians can also make great therapy dogs for individuals who would benefit from a pint-sized emotional support animal. No matter what role they fill in the home, these tiny black charmers delight their owners with their perky, playful, larger-than-life presence and steadfast devotion.
The Rarity and Cost of Coal Colored Poms
If you have your heart set on a jet black Pomeranian, you may need some patience in your puppy search. Because black is one of the rarer coat colors in Poms, you can expect to pay more for a quality black puppy from a reputable breeder – often $1,200 to over $2,000, compared to around $1,000 for the more common orange and red Poms.
You‘ll want to find a responsible breeder who health tests their sires and dams. Avoid any breeders making claims of "rare black" or "true black" Pomeranians as a sales gimmick. A good breeder will focus on the puppy‘s health, temperament and conformation to the breed standard over pushing coat color alone. Expect to be put on a waiting list or to travel to find the right black Pomeranian from a quality breeder.
Alternatively, you can try to adopt a black Pom from a breed-specific rescue group, but it might take months or even years of waiting to find one. You may have better luck finding a young adult or senior black Pom through rescue than a puppy. Adopting an older black Pomeranian can be a wonderful way to give a forever home to one of these special dogs in need.
5 Fun Facts About Black Pomeranians
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Black is one of the rarest Pom coat colors – only about 3% of the breed is solid black.
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One theory for the origin of the breed name is that Poms‘ black faces and pointy muzzle resemble the Pomeranian fox.
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Solid black Pomeranians have black points, while black and tan Poms have lighter markings around the eyes, muzzle, chest and legs.
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A true black Pom has black fur and no shadings of brown or red. Even a small patch of white makes it a mis-mark.
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Marie Antoinette, Emile Zola, and Mozart are among the many famous historical figures who adored Pomeranians.
Wrap Up: Picking Your Perfect Black Pom
As you can see, there‘s a lot to love about black Pomeranians beyond just their onyx-colored good looks. These bold, bright toy dogs can bring joy, companionship and a big dose of personality to your home for many years to come. If you think a black Pom is your ideal canine match, be prepared to do your research to find a responsible breeder, and to shower your small black shadow with plenty of affection, attention and care.
