The Secret Life of Pets: What to know if you’re buying a Pomeranian like Gidget
In the new comedy The Secret Life of Pets, which is in cinemas now, we meet Gidget, a sassy little Pomeranian. Just like Gidget, most Pomeranians are packed with personality, making them a great choice of pet for a responsible owner who can keep up with them!
Petplan is delighted to be a brand partner for the film and explores this great little dog, helping you to decide whether to get a Gidget of your own!
Name:
Pomeranian
Original use of breed:
The Pomeranian descends from the larger Spitz dog – the German Spitz. They were transported to the Duchy of Pomerania in modern day Germany and Poland, and during the 18th century became popular due to Queen Victoria owning a particularly small Pomeranian which led to smaller varieties of the dog.
Lifespan:
A healthy Pomeranian lives between 12 and 16 years.
Pomeranian temperament:
They are typically intelligent, inquisitive and playful, but can become territorial and aggressive towards other dogs. Therefore early socialisation and training are vital. They have strong personalities and therefore can become dominant, so ensuring your position as pack leader is key!
They’re probably not ideal for families with small children, as their small size can make them vulnerable to injury and toy breeds can be difficult to housetrain as they can quickly sneak under a table or chair without you realising the deed has been done.
It’s worth noting that their temperament when they’re young is usually the one that they’ll keep their whole life – so it’s worth visiting the puppy a couple of times before making the decision to buy from a breeder – to ensure you understand their personality and needs.
How much exercise does a Pomeranian need?
As they are active and inquisitive little dogs, short 20-30 minute walks and playtimes two to three times a day is ideal.
They can make good dogs for those who don’t have a garden, or who live in a flat, but make sure to provide them with toys so they don’t get bored.
Diet:
Pomeranians require feeding twice daily. How big the portions are depends on the brand of food and your pooch’s size, weight and age.
Potential Pomeranian health problems:
All breeds of dogs can develop problems with their health – diabetes and cancer can affect them just as they do humans. However, there are issues that are particularly seen in the Pomeranian as below.
Legg-Perthes Disease is a problem whereby the top of the femur (which connects to the pelvis) begins to break down. This usually begins to become apparent from 4-6 months of age and typically manifests itself as limping and surgery is typically required.
Patellar Luxation is common in toy breeds, and occurs when the kneecap slips out of the knee joint causing pain and swelling. In some cases the kneecap can be manipulated back into joint, but usually surgery is required.
Pomeranians frequently suffer from eye problems, ranging from cataracts, to issues with the tear duct, to dry corneas. Inflamed or scarred eyes, or excessive ‘crying’ are usually noticeable symptoms, so contact your vet asap if you see any of these as the sooner the treatment, the better the outcome.
Is your Pomeranian a bundle of energy like Gidget? What are your experiences with this great little dog?
