Interested n a Pom?

IMPORTANT NOTICE

CA AB 1634 is under consideration by the California state senate at this time. This bill would require mandatory sterilization by age 6 months. A Pomeranian puppy is tiny. Due to their small size, they are at high risk of complications (including death) from surgery and anesthesia. I refuse to endanger the lives of my puppies by subjecting them to unnecessary surgery at this tender age. Contact your state Senator and ask them to vote NO ON CA AB 1634.

"TEACUP POMERANIANS" OR "TOY MUNCHKINS"

So-called "teacup" dogs have been intentionally bred to be ultra tiny. Their small size means they will have a high risk of health problems, such as hypoglycemia, seizures, liver shunts and heart anomalies. Tiny dogs are more likely to die during their early weeks of life. Tiny females are usually unable to give birth, or may die trying. Tinies are more susceptible to injury than a larger, sturdier dog. They should never be in a home with children or larger pets, who can easily injure them, perhaps fatally.

Standards have been established for all breeds of dogs which set desirable size ranges. For Pomeranians, the standard calls for a weight of between 3 to 7 pounds. A WEIGHT BELOW THREE POUNDS IS UNDESIRABLE. No reputable breeder would intentionally try to produce tiny dogs. Beware those who breed for and advertise "teacup" dogs. They are only breeding for profit, and they don't care about the welfare of the dogs.

Also, beware of breeders who claim to have "exotic" or "rare" colors....and want big money for these dogs. All colors are allowed in this breed and are obtainable, including red, white, parti colors, wolf sable, blue, chocolate, blue merle, orange sable, cream, black and orange. A breeder's emphasis should be on health and proper structure, not odd colors and sizes. Even champion dogs can be affected by, or produce in their offspring, a variety of health problems. Be sure to discuss health risks with anyone from whom you are considering buying a dog.

Please don't buy a puppy from a pet shop or internet broker. Breeders who care about the welfare of their dogs don't sell them through a third party. Buy from a reputable hobby breeder. Check the American Pomeranian Club website for a listing of conscientious breeders in your area.

Gizmo's story: click here

"I would like a female puppy, I might like to breed her some day."

The decision to breed and/or show should not be taken lightly. It is financially draining, and very time-consuming.
Pomeranians are a very costly breed to raise. There is a fairly high c-section rate, small litters (no litters), high mortality rate for newborns, and more than once a dam has been lost to complications. If this happens, you will have to hand feed puppies every few hours for several weeks. Can you afford to take time off of work to care for a litter? Can you endure the great emotional and physical stress involved?
Here is a link to a great page on some of the costs involved in breeding:

http://www.heartdreams.com/Pap_Prices.htm

I'd like to have a Pomeranian, for a pet!

So, you have fallen in love with the Pomeranian breed, and want to have a puppy of your very own? They have much to offer. They are intelligent and playful, as well as beautiful. The tiny Pom doesn't realize how small he is, he thinks he is as big as an Irish Wolfhound! He has the attitude of a big dog, but in a small package. Your Pom will return your love with unlimited kisses and affection, and ask for little in return. Everyone should have one....or should they??

A Pomeranian is not the appropriate pet for everyone. They are small and easily injured. They can break a leg if allowed to jump off the furniture or out of your arms. Small children can unintentionally harm them. It is not safe to leave them out in a yard all day, especially not on a chain. Larger dogs with strong prey drive may consider your Pom a target, and he can be killed in the blink of an eye. Too much caution cannot be exercised in this area.

Poms are great noisy watchdogs, and if ignored will bark incessantly. This can really annoy your neighbors, so do everyone a favor and keep them indoors. Poms must definitely be kept indoors at night. Their small body mass leaves them susceptible to chilling.

Pomeranians are bred to be companions and want to be near their master or mistress. If you are rarely home, reconsider your choice of a dog, perhaps another pet would better for your situation.

It is difficult to make vacation plans when you have a dog. If you like to travel, you will need to find someone willing to care for your pet while you are away.

If you are fussy about hair on your clothing and furniture, Poms are not for you. They are heavy shedders. Pomeranians require regular grooming to prevent matting. You must commit to doing this yourself, or to taking your dog to a professional groomer. If you recoil in horror at the sight of urine, stool, or vomit on your flooring, do not get a dog. No matter how well trained, accidents will happen.

Cost can also be an issue. Due to the high costs involved with whelping a litter, you can expect to pay at least $1000 for a pet Pomeranian. Litter sizes are small, genetic and health testing is expensive, dog show expenses are very high, and there is the occasional need for a caesarean section. All of these factors combined mean that costs will definitely outweigh profits in toy breeds.

Most breeders will have the occasional young adult or older dog which they need to place in a good home. You may enjoy a reduced price on an older dog. Another advantage is that you can be sure about the personality of this older dog, and he will likely already be well-trained.

Males will be more readily obtainable than females. Males have great outgoing personalities. As a general rule, they have denser, more beautiful coats than do females. Males do not shed as often or as much as females. Housebreaking a male is easier if neutered at an early age.

Your dog will depend on you to provide for his medical checks, vaccinations and the occasional emergency visit. Can you afford to take proper care of him? There are pet health insurance policies available which can pay for themselves with the cost of one emergency visit.

The responsible breeder will ask you many questions about your home situation, but please don't be offended. He cares deeply about the dog that he has worked so hard to produce, and will want him to be placed in a loving home. If you can provide such a home, the Pomeranian may be the perfect dog for you!

NOTE: I breed rarely and seldom have dogs available. To contact me, click on the e-mail link below.

GenevaCoats@aol.com