Parti Pomeranians: A Unique Twist on a Popular Breed
They may be small, but Pomeranians pack a lot of personality into their tiny frames. With their distinctive orange, black, or white coats and spunky attitudes, these furry little pups make great companions for families and individuals alike. But what about the Parti Pomeranian? Are these colorful canines just a passing trend or a unique twist on an already popular breed? Let’s take a closer look.
What is a Parti Pomeranian?
Unlike their solid-colored counterparts, Parti Pomeranians have a mostly white or cream coat with patches of any other standard color, such as black, orange, or lavender. However, to be considered a true Parti Pomeranian, their base color must be at least 50% white. This particular color pattern isn’t as common as solid black or orange, but it’s not considered rare either.
The Earliest Records of the Parti Pomeranian in History
To understand the Parti Pomeranian, we must first delve into the breed’s history. Originally, Pomeranians were much larger than today’s modern-day pups, with a thick coat of fur and a personality to match. They can trace their lineage back to the Viking era and the Spitz dog of Iceland. These dogs were used as sled dogs and had large, wolf-like ears and a fluffy coat to keep them warm in the frigid climate.
As the breed was moved across Europe, their size gradually decreased, with smaller, lap-sized versions becoming more popular. Queen Victoria played a role in scaling back the breed as well, and by the time the AKC recognized Pomeranians in 1888, their primary function was as a pet rather than a working dog.
How the Parti Pomeranian Gained Popularity
The Parti Pomeranian isn’t a new breed, but they’ve been gaining more attention in recent years thanks to their unique coloring. Interestingly, the Pomeranian wasn’t recognized as a distinct breed in Germany until 1974, despite the fact that they had already been registered in the United States with the AKC. Although the Parti coat is part of the Pomeranian breed standard, it’s not a desirable trait for show dogs in some countries.
Top 5 Unique Facts About the Pomeranian
1. Pomeranian means “on the sea.” Pomerania is a historic part of Europe that’s lost its unique identity over time, but the Pomeranian still bears this name in its memory.
2. In Germany, the Pomeranian wasn’t acknowledged as a distinct breed until 1974. Although the Pomeranian is a descendant of the German Spitz, generations of breeding had shrunk the standard so much that they deserve their own official designation.
3. Lavender/blue is the rarest color. While blue is an acceptable color, it’s actually closer to what we would consider gray.
4. Brindle Pomeranians aren’t accepted as part of the breed standard. Brindle includes Pomeranians of any color with a tiger stripe pattern.
5. Parti Pomeranians are expected to have a symmetrical white mark on their foreheads. The white pattern divides the fur on either side of their head.
Do Parti Pomeranians Make Good Pets?
Whether you’re looking for a lap dog or a watchdog, the Pomeranian can fit the bill. They’re full of energy and life, with an average life expectancy between 12 and 16 years. They make great family pets as long as children know how to properly treat them. Pomeranians are likely to be protective of their family and bark at potential intruders. Although they love to play, they also enjoy spending time in your lap, too. Parti Poms may be a little bigger than the breed standard, but they have the same grooming requirements as all Pomeranians – weekly brushing with a slicker brush and a pin brush to catch loose fur and monthly bathing with a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a solid-colored Pomeranian or a Parti Pomeranian with a unique coat, you’re sure to find a furry companion full of love and life. Pomeranians have been around for centuries and continue to capture the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Parti or no parti, these tiny dogs have big personalities and a ton of love to give.
