Originally a 14 kg German sled and herding dog from the Pomerania region (today's Poland-Germany border), the Pom was miniaturized in the 19th century after Queen Victoria fell in love with the breed during a trip to Italy. Now weighing 2–3 kg, they retain a spitz-like fearlessness — they will bark at anything, including Great Danes. Long-lived (12–16 years), spunky, and apartment-perfect, but not the right pick with toddlers due to fragile bones.
