The Pomeranian Worldwide:
Shows and Sports

A Legacy of Champions

Beyond being a marvellous and devoted family companion, the Zwergspitz (Pomeranian) possesses the soul of a protagonist. It is a true star that shines with intensity within the show ring and surprises many with its unexpected, spirited prowess in canine sports. Understanding this facet of its personality is essential. These activities are far more than simple pastimes; they represent the ultimate celebration of the breed, the rigorous evaluation of Sires & Dams, and a vital means of ensuring the full psycho-physical well-being of such an intelligent and vivacious dog. This is the story of how a small, enchanting ball of fur conquered the world, one trophy at a time.

The Spotlight: The Pomeranian in the World of Dog Shows

Canine beauty (or morphological) shows are official breeding events where expert, specialised judges evaluate the conformity of the subjects presented against the breed standard. For a Pomeranian, with its proud carriage and extroverted temperament, the ring is a natural stage—an arena where its history and beauty are celebrated.

• Beyond Vanity: The Scientific Purpose of Selection It is essential to understand the “why” behind these exhibitions. The primary objective is not merely to win a ribbon, but to contribute to the continuous improvement of the breed. An expert judge rewards subjects that best embody the characteristics of type, health, and temperament described in the standard, certifying their quality as potential Sires & Dams. To participate is to support ethical boutique breeding, which actively combats fleeting trends and “hyper-types” that are detrimental to the dog’s health.

• The Art of Grooming and Presentation Preparing a “show dog” is an art form that merges precision grooming with expert training. The coat is meticulously “sculpted” with shears to create that quintessential “pom-pom” silhouette, while handling teaches the dog to move with an elegant, floating gait and to remain steady in a proud “stack” for the judge’s inspection. It is a journey that requires months of dedication, building a profound bond of trust between the dog and its handler.

• An Illustrious History of Success in the American Ring The Pomeranian’s history in the show ring, particularly in the United States, is a chronicle of success that began shortly after the boom in popularity sparked by Queen Victoria. Historical data from the American Pomeranian Club (APC) illustrates this incredible ascent:

  • 1900: A pivotal year. The breed is officially recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Pomeranian Club (APC) is founded. That same year, the first “Best of Breed” title was awarded to Nubian Rebel, a brown specimen.
  • 1909-1910: The APC becomes the official “Parent Club” for the breed within the AKC and, in 1910, organises its first specialty show with 138 entries—a staggering number for the era. The winner was CH Canner Prince Charming, a black subject.
  • 1926: A Pomeranian writes history at Westminster, the most prestigious American show. Glen Rose Flashaway becomes the first of the breed to win the Toy Group (Group I).
  • The 1970s and 80s: A Celebration of Colours: These decades saw the success of Pomeranians in diverse hues, demonstrating the breed’s genetic richness. In 1973, CH Silva Lade’s Gentle Ben became the first black Pomeranian to win Best In Show. This was followed by victories for rarer colours: the blue CH Silva Lade’s The Enforcer in 1981 and the chocolate & tan CH Silva Lade’s Almond Joy in 1985.
  • 1988: The Ultimate Consecration. This year marked a turning point in history. CH Great Elms Prince Charming II, a magnificent orange-sable, won the most coveted title: Best In Show at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. This televised event propelled the Pomeranian into the global canine elite, enshrining it as a global icon.
  • From 2010: With the introduction of the “Grand Champion” (GCH) title, the Pomeranian continues to amass accolades. The first to achieve this title was GCH CH Castile’s Endless Love in May 2010, followed shortly by the first Blue Merle & Tan Grand Champion, GCh Ch Blue Moon’s Dear Prudence RN.

The Miniature Athlete: The Pomeranian as a Sporting Champion

Defying every stereotype of the fragile “lapdog,” the Pomeranian hides the soul of a tenacious athlete and a brilliant mind eager to work. The history of the breed in sporting disciplines is definitive proof of its versatility, intelligence, and profound desire to collaborate with humans.

• Pioneers of Obedience and Tracking (1940s) As early as the 1940s, Pomeranians were demonstrating their intellectual capacities. In 1940, CH Bantam Bacheler CD was the first to earn an Obedience title (CD - Companion Dog). However, the true star of that era was Georgian’s Betty, UDT. This exceptional little dog not only earned the advanced CDX title in 1941 but became the first Pomeranian UDT (Utility Dog Tracker) in 1943 and the first to earn a Tracking (TD) title in 1948, showcasing extraordinary intelligence and focus.

• The Explosion of Agility and Flyball (1990s and 2000s) With the advent of more dynamic sports, the Pomeranian found new ways to shine.

  • Agility: In 1995, Kassel’s Dandelion Down, UD NA became the first Pom to earn a Novice Agility (NA) title, paving the way for countless successors. Recent history is dominated by champions like AGCH MACH12 PACH4 Belle Ami, who in 2020 became the breed’s first Agility Grand Champion (AGCH)—a title testifying to a level of absolute excellence.
  • Flyball: In 2003, MACH3 Lord Peter of Bristol Court “Keoki” shattered all barriers, becoming not only the first Pomeranian Flyball champion but the first dog of any Toy breed to reach such a milestone. The following year, in 2004, “Keoki” became the first and only Pomeranian to hold a double championship title in both Flyball and Agility.

• Champions of Rally, Scent Work, and New Disciplines The Pomeranian’s versatility shows no signs of waning.

  • Rally: Since the introduction of this discipline in 2005, Poms have collected titles at every level. In 2021, RACH Starkota N Toyyoyo’s Highland Princess became the first to earn the title of Rally Champion (RACH), the highest possible recognition.
  • Scent Work: This discipline, which utilises the dog’s scenting ability, saw an absolute champion in MACH Horizons Do I Dazzle You Of Twilight, affectionately known as “Bella”. Between 2017 and 2019, Bella was the first of her breed to complete all levels (Novice, Advanced, Excellent, and Master), becoming the first Toy dog in the USA to earn the Scent Work Master title.
  • Beyond All Limits: The list of “firsts” is infinite and proves the breed’s adaptability: the first Coursing title (a simulated hunt) in 2012, the first Therapy Dog in 2013, and the first Canine Good Citizenship (CGC) as early as 1988 with CH Idlewyld Lavalier, CDX CGC.

This long lineage of champions is not merely a list of names; it is concrete evidence that the Pomeranian is far more than just a beautiful dog. It is an intelligent, capable life partner, eager for challenges, who can excel in any field if given the opportunity to demonstrate its grand heart and brilliant mind.