In a recent post called, “Wedge Head,” we touched upon “head breeds” (in that case, the Sheltie), and described the “wedge head.” Another breed with a “wedge head” is the Pomeranian, and while the Sheltie’s head, when viewed from above, is clearly a blunt shaped wedge, it’s more difficult to ascertain in the Pom because of all that coat. The standard is clear:  “…when viewed from above, broad at the back tapering to the nose to form a wedge.”

It’s helpful to remember that the Pomeranian is a spitz breed, and like other spitz breeds, including the Samoyed, Siberian Husky, and Finnish Spitz, the Pom has the typical high set, pointed ears and characteristic wedge shaped muzzle. Looking head on at the dog’s face, half the ears stand above the head, the other half is buried in coat, but the muzzle should still “knit” smoothly into the dog’s skull like a wedge. While the Pom isn’t considered a “head breed,” a correct head is important to breed type.  Pomeranians are dandy little dogs, and quite popular, and as such, we think anyone interested in the breed, whether they step in a show ring or not, will want to recognize a good head when they see it, and know why it’s a good head. There’s far more to a good head, of course, than just a wedge shape: How the ears are carried, a muzzle that’s too long, round, or heavy, a definite stop – these are attributes that take time to learn, but the shape of the head – that wedge – is a good place to start.

Image: “Hardley A Hadley” by Kimberly Santini
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