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What Is a Teddy Bear Pomeranian? History & Health Issues

Patricia Dickson

By Patricia Dickson

teacup pomeranian on grass

Who wouldn’t love to have a Pomeranian that looks like a teddy bear? While the Teddy Bear Pomeranian isn’t a separate dog breed, it is a nickname that some people use for Pomeranians with thick coats. There isn’t much to say about the Teddy Bear Pomeranians except that they are gorgeous, adorable, and look like Teddy Bears.

However, the Pomeranian breed has an exciting backstory. We’ll talk a bit about the history of this adorable dog, a few facts you might not have known, and some of the health issues your pet may suffer from below, so join us.

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What Is a Teddy Bear Pomeranian?

pomeranian dog on the log
Image Credit: KristinaSh, Shutterstock

The Teddy Bear Pomeranian is not a dog breed; it’s merely a nickname some use for Pomeranians with very dense coats. The dense coat makes the Pomeranian resemble a teddy bear. So, perhaps a better question is, what is a Pomeranian? To answer that, we need to start with the Pomeranian’s history.

History of The Pomeranian

The Pomeranian’s history begins with the breed’s Icelandic ancestors. Centuries ago, Icelanders relied on work dogs from which the modern Pomeranian descends. These arctic dogs worked as herders, guard dogs, and sled dogs. Eventually, the dogs were transported onto mainland Europe, most importantly to the southern coast of the Baltic Sea.

These Icelandic canines resided on the Baltic coast in a region known as Pomerania, where they continued as working dogs. However, Pomerania is where the downsizing first began, and eventually, the Pomeranians were reduced in size by selective breeding to dogs weighing 30 to 40 pounds. The Pomeranian then began to spread through the rest of Europe.

When King George III married the daughter of the Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, a small duchy in modern-day northern Germany, she brought her Pomeranians to England with her. England is where the breed would become known as the Pomeranian.

pomeranians on chair
Image credit: Ohhlanla, Shutterstock

3 Interesting Facts About the Pomeranian

1. A Pomeranian is the Most Followed Dog on Instagram

A Pomeranian named Jiff has 9.6 million followers on Instagram, more than any other dog. He also holds the record for the fastest 10-meter run by a dog.


2. Two Pomeranians Survived the Sinking of the R.M.S Titanic

As one of the worst nautical disasters in human history, the R.M.S Titanic hit an iceberg and sank into the Atlantic; of the over 2,000 passengers, 706 people and three dogs survived. One Pomeranian named Lady survived, and the other survived after her owner Elizabeth Jane Rothschild hid her while climbing aboard lifeboat six.


3. The Pomeranian’s Coat Can be 23 Different Colors.

These colors include Black, White, Cream, Orange, Red, Chocolate, Blue Merle, Chocolate Merle, Blue, Beaver, and Lavender.

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Teddy Bear Pomeranian Health Issues

The Teddy Bear Pomeranian has no more or fewer health issues than other Pomeranians. However, like most pure-bred dogs, the Pomeranian is vulnerable to more than a few medical conditions.

1. Patella Luxation

Patella luxation causes the patella, or kneecap, to become loose and slide out of place. This is a common health issue for all toy dog breeds, and that’s why it’s recommended that you get any toy dog checked for this once a year. If your Pomeranian develops the disease, the only solution is surgery.

The best way to prevent patella luxation is to feed your Pomeranian a well-balanced diet and provide daily exercise.


2. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when your Pomeranian’s typhoid glands fail to produce enough thyroxine, leading to weight gain, dry skin, constipation, hair thinning, depression, and many other symptoms.

pomeranian dog lying on the floor
Image Credit: EugeneEdge, Shutterstock

3. Tracheal Collapse

Tracheal Collapse occurs when the cartilage that makes up the trachea, or windpipe, deteriorates. If this cartilage deteriorates too far, it can collapse, leading to your dog’s trachea falling in on itself and becoming narrower. This makes breathing very difficult and causes coughing. This commonly occurs because of genetic disposition but can be caused by an overly tight collar pushing on the trachea.

In extreme cases, tracheal collapse can require surgery. If the cause is genetic, there’s nothing you can do to prevent it, but if your dog isn’t genetically predisposed, using a harness instead of a collar while walking them is a great way to ensure nothing is pushing on the trachea.


4. Idiopathic Epilepsy

Pomeranians tend to suffer from epilepsy and seizures. The difference is that if it happens once or twice, it’s a seizure; if it happens often, it’s epilepsy. A head injury, water on the brain, and severe low blood sugar can cause idiopathic epilepsy. Pomeranians are sometimes handled like toys and get dropped off a high bed or chair, which can result in a head injury.

The best way to prevent this is to keep them away from high areas and things they can bump their heads on.

vet examining pomeranian puppy
Image Credit: mrmohock, Shutterstock

5. Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s Disease is caused by excessive stress and anxiety and leads to the overproduction of cortisol, eventually leading to a tumor. Some signs of Cushing’s Disease include skin problems, a large appetite, and frequent thirst and urination. Cushing’s Disease can not be prevented, so if you notice any of these signs, get your Pom to a vet immediately.

Other health problems your Pomeranian could develop include heart disease, severe hair loss, cataracts, and idiopathic hypoglycemia. It’s essential to ensure your Pom regularly visits their vet and that you do everything possible to keep them healthy and happy.

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Conclusion

Who doesn’t love a Pomeranian? While the Teddy Bear Pomeranian can be a yappy little creature, its tiny body, adorable face, and teddy bear appearance will likely win you over. If you’re considering adopting one of these tiny dogs, make sure you’re aware of the health conditions the dog is predisposed to develop. If you see any signs of the previous conditions in your Teddy Bear Pomeranian, take your pup to the vet. With routine checkups, a healthy diet, and a loving family, the Teddy Bear Pomeranian can provide several years of love and companionship.

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Featured Image Credit: Varvara Serebrova, Shutterstock

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