Before you "take the plunge", you should be aware that there are some special concerns when it comes to owning a small breed dog such as a Pomeranian. First, there are safety issues involved.  Because they are so small, Poms can easily be injured.  Be careful that your Pom doesn’t fall or jump off the couch or the bed. Falling or jumping can result in broken bones and injured joints. He should be supervised if allowed to navigate stairs.

  If there are small children in the house, they should be taught to handle a Pom gently, and to be cautious not to step on the Pom or drop it. They should not as a rule be allowed to carry the Pom around the house.

  Larger animals in the household may  injure or kill your small dog. They may not intend to hurt the Pom, but they may accidentally injure him...for instance, by stepping on him or snapping at him.

The Pom is a house pet. He has no defense against wild animals or other dogs who can enter the yard and attack him. Don’t allow your Pom to be outdoors unless he is on a leash and you are there to protect him.

  Your small Pom is sensitive to extremes in weather….so keep him indoors at night and whenever the weather is very hot or cold. And it should go without saying, never leave your dog in a car, he can die of heat stroke in a short period of time.

  Next you need to consider some of the characteristics of the breed. Poms can be very vocal. In most communities there are nuisance laws against barking dogs, so don’t allow your dog to bark and annoy the neighbors. Debarking is an option for incessant barkers. This procedure is not without risk, so consider carefully the decision to debark.

  Regular grooming will be necessary. The Pom is a double-coated breed, which means they have long outer “guard” hairs, as well as a fluffy cottony undercoat. Poms do shed their undercoat periodically, and will require a thorough brushing or combing about once a week, year-round. Consistent brushing will keep the shed hair in the trash, instead of on your clothes and furniture. If you prefer to have your dog professionally groomed, remember to factor that cost into your monthly budget.

  Poms can be difficult to housebreak. Neutering may reduce the urge of the male Pom to “mark his territory” in the house. For difficult males, a belly band may be necessary. This is a velcro strip which can be wrapped around the waist, with the addition of a disposable pad which acts as a sort of diaper.

  Consistency is the key in housebreaking. Frequent trips outdoors are important, with plenty of praise rewarding the desired behavior. Crate training is another option. There are many books and classes for dog training which can provide you with more information on training your Pom.

I’ve decided on a Pom….now what?

The search is on for a puppy…check the American Pomeranian Club for a list of breeders and rescue organizations in your area. Avoid pet shop puppies and internet sales. Pet shop dogs come from high volume commercial breeders, who may not provide the same care, socialization, and selection for health and vigor as would a hobby breeder. Look for a hobby breeder who is active in their local and/or national Pomeranian club, and who competes with their dogs in conformation, agility, obedience, or rally. These activities usually indicate a genuine concern about the welfare of the dogs and the breed in general.

Common Health Problems in Pomeranians

Pomeranians, like all dogs, are subject to a variety of health problems.

When you are searching for your dog, make sure to ask about any possible health concerns. Vaccination and deworming schedules should be reviewed with the breeder.

Listed below are some of the more common health problems in Pomeranians:

• Luxating Patellas, is a problem of the rear legs. The kneecaps (patellas) may slip out of place, causing your dog pain and lameness. This is the most common health problem in Pomeranians. The most severe cases require surgical correction. There may be a hereditary component to this problem, and breeding dogs should be examined and certified to have minimal or no luxation. Ask to see OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) certification on your dog’s parents. A fall or other injury can also cause damage to the knee joint.

• Thyroid disease is very common…not just in Poms, but in all breeds of dogs. Ask if there is a family history of thyroid disease. There is also special certification from OFA for thyroid disease. Unfortunately, thyroid problems usually don’t appear until the dog is mature, so a blood test for thyroid levels should be part of your dog’s physical every year or two. Symptoms to watch for are weight gain, tiredness, brittle, thinning coat and irritability. Treatment is thyroid hormone replacement pills which are given daily for the rest of the dog’s life.

• Alopecia X (sometimes called “black skin disease”) is a certain type of coat loss which is very prevalent in Pomeranians and also occurs in other related plush-coated breeds. The dog loses hair starting on the rump and thighs, until most of the body is hairless except for the head and legs. Neutering may help bring back the coat. Since this condition is believed to have a hereditary component, ask the breeder about the coat status of your pup’s relatives; or, better yet, ask to see them. (Remember though, that it is normal for a bitch to shed most of her coat after whelping a litter, so if she looks a bit raggedy, don’t panic, this does not mean she has Alopecia X! Her coat should return in a few months.) Alopecia X is less common in females, and more often seen in males.

• Collapsing trachea can occur in dogs bred for small size. The cartilage rings of the trachea are weak and collapse. The symptoms are difficulty breathing and honking-type cough. The vet may recommend drugs to relieve symptoms and open the airways, similar to those used for asthma.

• Hip dysplasia can occur in Pomeranians. Although we in Poms do not normally certify hips, ask if there is a family history of Legg-Calve-Perthes or other hip problems. Hip problems can be painful for the dog and expensive for you, as surgery is often needed.

• Periodontal disease is very prevalent in Poms. If left untreated, tooth loss may occur.  Regular attention to oral hygiene is needed, and periodic scaling by a vet may be helpful as well. Feeding a diet with a fair amount of fresh raw foods may help reduce tooth plaque formation.

• Retention of the "baby teeth" is very common. Your Pom may need to have his "baby teeth" removed by a veterinarian.

• Hypoglycemia is a serious condition in which blood sugar becomes dangerously low. Small dogs, and particularly small breed puppies, sometimes do not have the reserves needed to maintain blood sugar at a healthy level. Seizures and coma can result. To prevent this from happening, make sure to feed your small dog several meals per day with snacks in between. It might be a good idea to leave some food available at all times. If you notice your puppy becoming lethargic or trembling, put some Karo syrup or nutrical in his mouth; if this helps, observe him closely for several hours and encourage him to eat. Dairy products such as cheese and cooked cereals such as rice or oats provide complex carbohydrates which can help stabilize blood sugar.

Regular veterinary health exams are essential to your Pom's well-being. Look for a breeder who will be available to answer your questions and help you with any problems for the life of your dog. Ask about the breeder's policy on replacement or refund for a dog who develops a serious hereditary condition. You should receive a written agreement or contract which addresses this issue (spelling out your rights and responsibilities) when you buy your puppy.  

Please do notify the breeder of any health problems which may occur during your dog's lifetime. This information is important for them to have when making future breeding plans.

Your Pom will depend on you to take good care of him for life...and in return, you will enjoy many years filled with grateful love and devotion.