10 Things You Didn’t Know about The Dameranian

What do you get when you cross a full-blooded Dachshund with a full-blooded Pomeranian? If you answered a Dameranian, give yourself a pat on the back. Loyal, smart, and fun living, the Dameranian is a designer dog with a difference. Combining the playfulness of the Pomeranian with the sweetness of the Dachshund, the Dameranian is the kind of adorable ball of energy that’s guaranteed to liven up your life with a big dose of cuteness.

Alternatively known as the Doxie Pom, the Pom-Dach, the Pom-A-Weenie, the Pomaweenie, the Pomdach, or even the Pomweenie, the Dameranian is a whole lot of dog wrapped up in a tiny package. If you’re ready to learn more about this cute little pooch, read on for ten things you didn’t know about the Dameranian.

1. They’re a little bit Pomeranian

The Dameranian may be pretty new to the scene, but both of its parents have a history and a heritage that would be the envy of most breeds. One side of the Dameranian’s family tree is taken up by Pomeranians, a fluffy little dog that’s been a firm favorite with dog lovers ever since it came to prominence as the preferred lapdog of the nobility during the 18th century. Compact, short-bodied, and incredibly active, Pomeranians are known for their friendliness, their liveliness, their intelligence, and a dominant streak that runs a mile wide.

2. And a little bit Dachshund

One half of the Dameranian’s family tree may be taken up by Pomeranians, but the other half is packed with Dachshunds. Short-legged, long-bodied, and blessed with a superior nose that once made them in-demand as a scent hound, the Dachshund’s distinctive looks and courageous, loyal natures have made them a huge hit with dog lovers.

3. They’re prone to obesity

If there’s one thing the Dameranian loves above all else, it’s food. As PetGuide notes, the Dameranian’s Dachshund parentage makes it extremely prone to being overweight. If you let them, they’ll indulge in every sweet treat and tasty delicacy they come across. When they’re pups, they can get away with a little bit of overindulgence, but sooner or later, all that snacking will catch up with them. To prevent a slide into obesity, refrain from free feeding and keep treats to a rare indulgence.

4. They adjust well to apartment living

If you’re looking for the kind of pet that doesn’t require 4 bedrooms and a few acres of garden, the Dameranian could be your ideal match. Due to their small size, they cope well with apartment living. Providing they get the required amount of exercise per day, it won’t make any difference to them whether they’re living in a 5 story high studio or in a single-family home with a yard. Although they adjust well to most living situations, avoid keeping them as an outdoor pet – their tiny stature can make them vulnerable to predators.

5. They’ve been recognized by multiple organizations

The Dameranian might have pedigree parents, but they themselves aren’t considered pure breds. As a hybrid, there’s no official standard dictating height, length, facial features, or anything else. As such, it’s unlikely the American Kennel Club will ever afford them recognition, at least in this lifetime. Some kennel clubs have been more welcoming. According to allthedogbreeds.com, the clubs that have so far recognized the Dameranian include the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Breed Registry, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, the Dog Registry of America Inc., and the International Designer Canine Registry.

6. They’re tiny

Although the Dameranian has a tendency to pack on the pounds, it’s still a tiny breed. Although sizes vary, most Dameranian’s weigh between 8 to 20 pounds and measure around 5 to 12 inches tall at the shoulder. Other distinguishing features include short legs, large ears that may either stand erect or droop down, a small head, and either a long, smooth coat or a short, wiry one. Common colors include black, black and tan, blue, brown, gray, and white.

7. They can suffer from separation anxiety

Dameranian’s tend to form hard, fast bonds with their owners. Due to their somewhat clingy nature, they’re prone to separation anxiety. If you work long hours or are away from home for long stretches, you’ll either need to nip the problem in the bud by investing plenty of time and effort into socialization and training or consider another dog altogether. Left untreated, a dog with separation anxiety can become destructive, anxious, and very, very miserable.

8. They don’t need much activity

Although the Dameranian is a playful, relatively active dog, its small size means it can meet most of its activity needs simply by running around the house. Providing they get around 20 to 30 minutes of structured exercise a day, they’ll be happy. When you’re walking your Dameranian, be sure to keep them on a leash. Thanks to their Dachshund parentage, they have a strong prey drive, and will happily chase after every bird and small animal they see given the chance.

9. They’re stubborn

The Dameranian is pretty smart, but thanks to its Pomeranian heritage, it can also be incredibly stubborn. Although it takes to training well, it can easily lose interest and ignore instructions. To keep things on the right track, use techniques that appeal to their humongous appetites. Positive reinforcement combined with plenty of treats and praise will work well at curbing their stubbornness and ensuring training success.

10. They have moderate grooming needs

As Pet Keen notes, Dameranians have moderate grooming needs. Those with long coats will shed frequently and need regular grooming to keep their hair tangle-free and tidy. Ideally, aim to brush them around 4 to 5 times a week. Dameranians with short, wiry hair will need to be brushed around 1-2 times a week to keep their coat healthy and free of debris. Baths are only needed if their natural doggy odor starts to become offensive – over frequent bathing can strip their hair and skin of the natural oils needed to keep them healthy. Nails will need to be clipped once they start to make a clicking sound over tiled surfaces. Ears should be checked and wiped around once per week to prevent wax build up and bacterial infections. Eyes should be gently wiped around once a week.

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