The Pomeranian (often known as a Pom) is a breed of dog of the Spitz type that is named for the Pomerania region in north-west Poland and north-east Germany in Central Europe. The breed has been made popular by a number of royal owners since the 18th century. These dogs are commonly known as the Wolfspitz or Spitz type, which is German for 'sharp point' which was the term originally used by Count Eberhard zu Sayn in the 16th century as a reference to the features of the dog's nose and muzzle. The Pomeranian is considered to be descended from the German Spitz.