Looking at the sturdy Spitz dogs that pull sleds though the deep winter snow of Lapland and Greenland, it’s hard to believe that these dogs were the forefathers of the diminutive Pomeranian. It’s true, though. The tiny Pomeranian was much a considerably larger dog, large enough to work herding sheep. It’s not hard to imagine.

Pomeranians get their name from a region on the southern Baltic coast known as Pomerania, where the dogs were imported into Europe and bred down to size. It must have taken many generations of breeding to reduce the thirty pound Spitz to a much-reduced size much closer to the size of today’s Pomeranian. In 1870, the Kennel Club in England recognized the Pomeranian breed, calling it the “spitz dog.”

Queen Victoria, who ruled England from 1819 to 1901, dramatically influenced the future of the breed. As a young girl, Victoria adored a Pomeranian kept by her mother, Queen Charlotte. In 1888, Queen Victoria acquired an Italian Pomeranian named Marco, who enchanted her. She became a dedicated breeder, at one time having 35 Pomeranians in the royal kennel. She showed at least six of her Pomeranians, earning at least two championships. When she died at Buckingham Palace in 1901, her Pomeranian Turi was at her side.

Perhaps the most famous Pomeranian owner was Queen Victoria of England, who was introduced to the breed by her mother, Queen Charlotte. Certainly the most famous Pomeranian of the 19th century was Queen Victoria’s dog Marco. Her Majesty was one of the breed’s biggest fans. At one time she is said to have had thirty-five Pomeranians in the royal kennels. Her work with the breed paid off, and she is credited with having reduced the size of the Pomeranian even further. In 1891, Queen Victoria showed six of her dogs: Fluffy, Nino, Mino, Beppo, Gilda and Lulu, and at least two of the dogs won championships.

Besides appealing to royalty, through the decades the Pomeranian has also been a favorite of a variety of artists and celebrities. Perhaps the most famous artist in history, Michelangelo, painted the Sistine Chapel with his Pomeranian at his side.

According to Sir Isaac Newton’s biographers, a Pomeranian can drive a person mad. Newton’s Pomeranian, Diamond, once knocked over a candle that burned some of his work papers, and the ensuing stress caused Newton to have a nervous breakdown. Pomeranians are inspirational. Mozart dedicated an aria to his Pomeranian, and Chopin composed music for a Pomeranian belonging to his girlfriend. The name of historical church leader Martin Luther’s Pomeranian Belferlein pops up here and there in his writings.

Mozart and Chopin composed music for Pomeranians, and the great church leader Martin Luther mentions his Pomeranian named Belferlein in his written works. Actress Cindy Williams, also known as Shirley on “Laverne and Shirley,” appeared in commercials for a weight loss program with her Pomeranian.

And who can forget Chester, actress Fran Drescher’s Pomeranian, whom she made her co-star in the hit TV show “The Nanny.” The Pomeranian is not just for royalty and celebrities. This delightful breed also loves to belong to everyday people like you and me.