Pomeranian Goose - Varieties

Varieties

In their native Germany, Pomeranian Geese are a "utilitarian goose breed" represented white, gray, saddleback buff, and saddleback gray varieties.

The American Saddleback Pomeranian which is almost the sole representative of this breed in the United States is recognized by the American Poultry Association. Its head, back, and flanks are light gray or beige. The bird has an all-white body with the colored feathers on its tail edged in near-white. It is uncommon enough that the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy regards its status as "critical".

Pomeranian varieties and related breeds are also raised in the United Kingdom. Categorizing geese can be a complex matter as indicated by this 2004 letter in the bulletin of the Society for the Preservation of Poultry Antiquities Bulletin:

Toulouse x Embden cross is what gave us the English Greybacks and Buff Backs and the American Saddlebacks. All three of these breeds have Pomerainan blood and their standard represents that. The historical Pomeranian has been a major working goose in America, which is also the root of the confusion. Greyback, buff back, pied, spotted or saddleback refers to the pattern of plumage. These do not identify the breed of goose. Some breeds that have these markings are the British Buff Back, British Greyback, American Saddleback and the Historical Pomeranian. A saddleback goose is not necessary a Pomeranian. To avoid confusion, specific language is required to identify the separate breeds.