In Search of Your Soul Mate

In This Chapter

• Shopping for pink or blue: Gender issues
• Checking out the age differences
• Looking good on paper: Pedigrees
• Recognizing a good Pom source
• Rescuing a Pom

So, you’ve decided a Pomeranian is for you. Just as important, you think this is the right time and you have the right place for a Pom. You’re ready to zip out and pick up the first cute one you see. Whoa — hold on there! Even though you’re tempted to grab the classifieds, run down to the pet shop, or log onto an online pet site, you have other questions to consider.

In particular, you need to decide exactly what you want in a Pom. So in this chapter I lay out the preliminary options you need to consider, such as gender, age, quality, and quantity. I also offer pros and cons, recommendations, and even guidance on the cost of your new Pom friend.

I promise it’s almost time for you to go out and get the Pom of your dreams. But sit tight — you get to that part in Chapter The Final Selection: Picking Your Perfect Partner.

Before you begin your hunt, you also need to know what source will be best. Not all Pom sources are equal, so I provide a little caution to help you find that perfect Pom. In this chapter I give you a close-up look at the best places for Pom shopping as well as the places to avoid. I also show you how to carefully size up breeders and other sources, and I give tips on adopting abandoned Poms.

Boy or Girl? Choosing the Right Gender for You

How do you know whether to buy all your new puppy items in pink or blue until you decide boy or girl? How do you know whether to call your new puppy toys baby dolls or action figures? Of course, the Pom or Poms you choose don’t really care about such human distinctions — they just want you to love and take care of them. However, to ensure that you’ll provide the right care, you do want to understand the different gender needs and challenges.

Remember

Whether you choose male or female is primarily a matter of preference. Gender doesn’t indicate personality even though some people consider males to be more loving and females to be a little smarter. But these are broad generalizations; you can easily end up with a cuddle-loving female or a smart-as-a-whip male. And although females tend to be a little smaller, the difference is somewhere between tiny and teensy. Unless competing for the world’s smallest dog is your goal, size isn’t a big consideration when choosing your Pom’s gender. A bigger concern is a Pom in heat.

The main points to consider? Females come into season for about three weeks twice a year; males tend to lift their legs and mark in the house. But if you plan to have your dog neutered, you won’t have to worry about these problems. Spaying involves removal of the uterus and ovaries. Although humans who undergo such surgeries take a long time to recuperate, dogs, especially young ones, recover within a couple of days. Castration, on the other hand, involves removal of the testicles.

In addition to the bloody discharge and wanderlust that are commonly associated with a female dog in heat, a female dog that hasn’t been spayed will shed her coat a month or two after her season. Your once-beautiful puffball becomes a scrawny little rat for a bit because, like all unspayed females, she has hormones raging through her body. Note: A female Pom will lose her coat whether she whelps (gives birth) or is just in heat.

There’s nothing you can do but pull out the vacuum (for the rug, not the dog!) and know that her hair will look as pretty as ever in a couple of months. But if you are trying to keep her looking pretty for a special event in just a week or two and she hasn’t started shedding too much, the best advice is to not wash her. Washing, especially in warm water, loosens the hair follicles. By the time you dry and brush her, you may find half her hair in your brush!

Age Matters: Choosing Your Match

As long as your Pom is past the age of consent (at least 8 weeks of age), does it really matter how old he is when you bring him home to meet the family? Maybe not as much as you think. I touch on some pros and cons of older versus younger Poms in this section, but don’t let age alone deter you.

The benefits and drawbacks of maturity

Most people think puppy when they think about getting a new dog, but adult Poms offer many advantages over puppies. If you work outside the home, have children, or live in an otherwise hectic household, consider an adult dog. For additional info and even more reasons to adopt a senior, check Senior Dogs For Dummies by Susan McCullough (Wiley).

Many breeders have adult dogs available that may be retired breeding dogs or show dogs that never quite turned into championship material. Be forewarned: They’re still oh-so-capable of winning your heart!

Remember

Rescue groups also have adults available. In fact, always consider a rescue when considering a new adult dog. (See the end of this chapter and Chapter The Final Selection: Picking Your Perfect Partner for more information on rescued Poms.)

If you’re choosing an adult Pom, what you see is what you get — no need trying to predict what his adult personality’s going to be. Of course he may be a little shy at first (more so than a puppy), but as long as he’s not hiding and growling, that reaction is normal.

He also has more sense than puppies and knows enough to wonder why this stranger (you!) is so interested in him. Will he take a treat from you? That’s a sign that he’s not really upset. If he’s still uneasy, ask the breeder whether you all can go to some neutral territory. Some dogs are more apprehensive when a stranger invades their home.

Consider these other benefits and concerns of caring for an adult Pom:

- Affection: Some people are concerned that an adult dog won’t form the attachment to you that a puppy would. Fear not — Pomeranians form bonds very quickly. Within a short period, your adult Pomeranian will feel like she’s owned you all her life.

Warning!

If the dog’s really shy or aggressive, though, she needs a more experienced owner. You don’t do yourself or the dog any favors by taking on a challenge that you don’t know how to manage.

- Behavior: Mature Poms are often already housetrained, but whether they catch on depends on how they’ve been living. If they’ve been in a kennel, they’re usually easier to housetrain than if they’ve been running loose in the house untrained. Regardless, they’re generally past their destructive chewing stage, although a few errant chews may still happen. Senior Poms don’t need to be fed every few hours or walked every few minutes, and they even know a cool trick or two.

- Habits: Of course, older dogs may still have bad habits like using the bathroom where they want, barking at shadows, or ignoring your calls. They may have come from bad situations such as puppy mills or abusive homes, where they received bad training (or none at all). For these reasons, find out as much as you can about an older dog’s background before you bring her home. Taking on more than you can handle isn’t fair to either of you.

- Health: How is his health? The older the dog, the more likely health problems are to show up. As your last step, have a veterinarian examine him. If the dog has health problems, the veterinarian may be able to advise you as to whether the problems will worsen.

And remember, nobody’s perfect! He’s probably wondering about your temperament, too.

The joys and trials of youth

Ah, glorious youth! The age where the eyes sparkle, the teeth gnaw, and the rear end leaks like a sieve. Wait a minute — tell me again why everyone wants a puppy? One reason is obvious — Pom puppies are just so darn cute. Period.

Puppies have a couple of benefits, though, that pack a serious punch:

- They learn to do things your way. Simply put, it’s a lot easier convincing your new dog that your way is the right way without her pointing out, “That’s not how they did it where I used to live!” 

- You can train your dog to do special tasks or live in special circumstances. You may have a special job planned for your Pom (like being a therapy dog) or simply special requirements (like living with cats or other pets). Exposing her to any special circumstances early in life helps her take them in stride later on.

Deciding Whether Two Poms Are Better Than One

Poms are social animals, which makes them such great companions. Without another dog in the house, your Pom looks to you to be her buddy. But when you’re not home, who does she have for company?

Give some strong thought to two Poms if you live alone and work out of the house (or travel a lot) and you have no other pets.

You don’t need to worry about competing with your Poms for their affection because they have plenty of love to go around. They can thoroughly enjoy each other when you’re gone and be happy to fully enjoy you when you’re home. You have twice the fun, twice the cuddling, and twice the floorshow. Watching two Poms at play is better than any television show ever made. Best of all, two puppies can comfort or entertain each other when you’re trying to get some sleep at night!

Although two dogs may become especially attached to one another (making you feel a tad neglected), you can easily remedy the situation by separating them and focusing your attention on each, one at a time. Make this time special by training, or playing a game, or taking them for a car ride, one playmate at a time.

Tip

If you decide to get two pups, you’ll find that opposite sexes tend to get along the best. Note: That suggestion is assuming you plan to have them spayed and neutered. Otherwise, opposites become too attractive and it’s a mistake. Besides, most good breeders don’t sell what may appear to be a breeding pair of pet-quality puppies (see the following section for more about this term) unless you agree to early spaying and neutering. Responsible breeders don’t want you rushing off to breed puppies, whether irresponsibly or naively.

What about more than two dogs? My answer to that question is to consider how many hands you have and succumb to my advice that two is pushing it at the start. One day, you may be able to handle three Poms. But take it from somebody (me) who has had every number of dogs, from 1 to 13, at a time: After three, it only gets harder!

Considering Your Goals: What Pom Type Would You Like?

The term quality isn’t necessarily about how good a dog is; it’s more about his type. Poms have three qualities: pet (also called companion), show, and breeding. Although pet is the lowest quality and breeding is the highest, the Pom that’s best for you will always be top quality in your eyes!

Dogs from hobby breeders are generally graded as either show or pet quality. The third type, breeding quality, can’t be determined until the dog is an adult.

The higher quality you demand, the longer your search will take. A couple of months is a reasonable time in which to find a pet-quality Pom, but plan to wait a year or so for show quality. Finding a true breeding-quality Pom may take a few years.

Pet (or companion) quality

A pet-quality dog has a trait that prevents him from winning in the conformation show ring. The trait can be major (like being way too big or having very little coat), or it can be minor (like having toes that point out or the wrong-shaped ears). A common problem in male Poms is the failure of one or both testicles to completely descend into the scrotum.

Remember

A pet-quality dog is still in good health and has a good temperament. Being a pet or companion is the most important role any Pom can assume, so it’s the very best quality for most people.

Technical Stuff

Good breeders usually sell pet-quality puppies with the requirement that that they be spayed or neutered or that they be registered with AKC limited registration (see Chapter The Final Selection: Picking Your Perfect Partner). If your dog does turn out to be higher quality than initially guessed, only the breeder can change the limited registration to full registration. Of course, no one can un-spay or un-neuter the dog! Regardless, spayed, neutered, or limited-registered dogs can compete in every other venue of competition except conformation showing.

Show quality

Show-quality dogs, like pet-quality dogs, must be in good health and have good temperaments. In addition, to have a reasonable expectation of becoming champions, they must portray the qualities of the breed standard.

Expect to pay considerably more for a show-quality dog than a petquality dog. Note: A breeder who doesn’t show his own dogs is unlikely to produce show-quality Pomeranians. At least one parent should bear an American Kennel Club (AKC) Champion (CH) title in front of its name, and the remainder of the pedigree should be peppered with champions.

If you want a show-quality dog, your wait will be significantly longer than if you want a companion-quality dog. And the more you demand in terms of quality and specifics, the longer you can expect to wait for that perfect puppy. At the very least, expect to wait a couple of months. The reason for this wait is twofold:

- So many factors can change with age. If you really have your heart set on a show-quality puppy, you may need to buy an older puppy (at a higher price) that has greater assurance of turning out as planned.

- Poms have small litters (two to four puppies) and only a small percentage of those litters may be show quality.

If you decide to get a show-quality dog, keep these points in mind:

- Flaws may emerge at a later age. Maybe a puppy keeps on growing and growing or the coat falls out. Hey, nobody’s perfect. Dog shows are fun, but they make up only a miniscule part of the time you share with a dog. Don’t let it bother you, and try competing in one of the many other areas open to you and your Pom.

Remember

- Be fair to the breeder. If you buy a show-quality dog, plan to show it. Hobby breeders work hard to produce these showquality puppies. Their payback isn’t the purchase price but the thrill of seeing their protégés win in the show ring, especially for a novice owner. Promising to show their future star and then hiding him from the world is not good form.

- You need to earn the breeder’s trust. If you’ve never shown a dog before, most breeders will be hesitant about entrusting you with a top show-quality puppy. A good way to earn their trust and respect is to earn an obedience title with another dog, perhaps by first buying a companion-quality puppy. 

Breeding quality

Breeding-quality dogs come from impeccable backgrounds and are usually exemplary show dogs. A few may have a fault that prevents them from shining in the ring (such as a crooked ear or a size that’s out of the standard), but they possess other merits that more than make up for it. Above all, these dogs are free of serious genetic disease. Don’t expect a good breeder to sell you a breeding-quality dog as your first Pom. You’ll need to prove yourself by competing with your current Pom and by not rushing out to breed any dog you happen to own.

Warning!

If a breeder tries to tell you a tiny puppy is breeding quality, the breeder probably has little idea of what breeding quality really means (except the ability to produce puppies). A show-quality dog is difficult to identify as a puppy; a breeding-quality dog is impossible.

Perusing Pedigrees

A registered dog comes with a pedigree, a story of who begat who that can be traced back to the first Poms in this country. Most pedigrees only show you who’s who for the last three to four generations. On the registration paper, your puppy’s litter is on the left-hand side. From there the pedigree works back, generation by generation, moving left to right, with the sire (the male) always above the name of his progeny, and the dam (the female) always below.

Early spay-neuter Many adoption groups and some breeders sterilize puppies before they’re adopted, even if that means as early as 8 weeks of age. They take special precautions (minimizing surgical time, keeping the puppy warm, withholding food for as short a time as possible, and being extremely careful with their comparatively delicate tissues) to avoid hypothermia, hypoglycemia, and excessive bleeding in the pup. Given these precautions, puppies sterilized at early ages have shorter recovery times and fewer complications than pups sterilized later. Some limited information suggests that females spayed at a young age have a higher incidence of urinary incontinence, but that tends to be more of a problem in large breeds.

If you want a top-quality dog, look for titles in the pedigree. For example, the letters CH stand for champion and designate a dog that has won based on the breed standard. The letters CD, CDX, and UD (Companion Dog, Companion Dog Excellent, and Utility Dog) or RN, RA, and RX (Rally Novice, Advanced, and Excellent) after a dog’s name are various obedience titles. They signify dogs that have demonstrated minding skills in obedience trials.

If you don’t plan to compete with your dog (and most people don’t), these titles still demonstrate a breeder’s sincerity in using the best dogs and her intent to do more with her dogs than just breed them. Of greater importance are health clearances. Note: Titles and clearances on dogs farther back than the grandparents aren’t significant.

Warning!

Look especially for whether the litter is inbred (the litter has the same dog appearing behind both the sire and the dam). Fewer generations between that dog and the litter generally mean a more-inbred litter. See Figure 3-1 for a sample pedigree of an inbred dog — this is what you don’t want to see.

Although inbreeding is a tool used by many breeders, the average pet owner gains nothing by having an inbred dog. Inbreeding increases the chance of two recessive genes appearing in a puppy, increasing the chance of certain recessively inherited health problems such as progressive retinal atrophy or a generally weaker immune system.

Figure 3-1: An inbred pedigree has the same dog behind both father and mother.

Evaluating Pom Sources

Finding a Pomeranian isn’t hard. Your challenge is to find one that will live a long and healthy life. So you want to find a breeder who’s careful about the dogs she breeds, the way she raises them, and the homes she sends them to. The problem is that such breeders don’t always make themselves easy to find because they have a long waiting list of good homes.

How do you know when someone’s a good breeder? Two steps: First, understand the various sources for dogs, and second, know how to evaluate the quality of each source. The primary sources for Poms are

- Pet stores (supplied by commercial breeders)

- Backyard breeders (found usually through newspaper ads)

- Serious breeders (also known as hobby breeders)

- Rescue groups and shelters

Pet stores and commercial breeders

Pomeranians, with their stuffed-teddy-bear looks, are popular petstore puppies. They appeal to impulse buyers who take one look and whip out their credit card. In contrast to pet stores that tend to rely on impulse buyers, good breeders most likely turn away impulse shoppers because they want to ensure a good fit between owner and dog.

Warning!

Some pet stores rely on uninformed buyers who don’t know:

- Puppies are hauled across country to the stores by the truckload.

- These pups come from large, commercial-breeding operations that often keep hundreds of dogs in cramped cages, sometimes in squalid conditions.

- This breeding stock is bought and sold at auctions, with low price usually being the deciding factor.

- Poor temperaments, poor resemblance to the breed, poor structure, and poor health don’t matter; it’s all about profit.

Pet-store puppies are often raised in a wire-floored cage, sometimes stacked on top of one another. In the worst situations, urine and feces from pups on top fall down on puppies below, who then grow up without the normal canine disgust for stepping in their own waste. This scenario can make housetraining a potential nightmare because the pups never experience doing their business outside on the grass. Also, socialization, which is so vital for puppies, is absent or minimal. Sadly, a pet-store Pom, though surely cute, is probably no bargain, especially with the large retail-price markups (more on pricing in Chapter The Final Selection: Picking Your Perfect Partner).

Remember

Not every commercial breeder has such bad conditions. Some of these breeders realize that the best way to raise salable puppies is to produce puppies under healthy circumstances. The problem is that you can’t tell which puppies come from which type of commercial breeder after the pups are in the pet store.

Newspaper ads and backyard breeders

Another place to find a Pomeranian puppy is in the newspaper’s classified section. These ads are often placed by people referred to as backyard breeders.

A backyard breeder may be operating a small-scale puppy mill. In other words:

- He may keep dogs of different breeds, selling the puppies to make extra money.

- He puts up roadside signs advertising puppies and even sells puppies at flea markets.

- He keeps the dogs in poor conditions, seldom has their health tested, and provides minimal socialization for the dogs.

Tip

Ferreting out a bad-news backyard breeder is easy: Ask whether he’ll have other litters coming any time soon. If he replies, “Sure, what breed would you like?” tell him “None.”

Sometimes a backyard breeder is a family that decides to breed a litter from their pet Pomeranian. And they may have a variety of reasons: They want their children to experience the miracle of birth; they want to add a new Pom that looks like the one they have; or they want to see whether they can make a few dollars. Although they’re possibly a bit naïve about the whole breeding process, their intentions are good. As Pom owners, they care about the pups and will care about you. The puppies may be well socialized, but their parents may not have been health tested.

Beware the claims of rare If a breeder claims a dog is rare because of color, size, or an unusual trait, this statement should raise a caution flag. Some colors are more common than others, but no Pom color is rare, and certain colors don’t make a dog more valuable. The same is true of size. The Pomeranian standard specifies the average weight to be 3 to 7 pounds (4 to 6 pounds for show dogs). Within this range, one size is as good as another. Smaller sizes can be more difficult to keep healthy, so aim for the top of the standard.

A family backyard breeder may not be the ideal place to buy a puppy, but they are better than pet stores or small-scale puppy mills. This is definitely a situation where you as the buyer must beware and ask lots of questions.

Hobby breeders who are really serious

For some Pom lovers, breeding healthy, high-quality Pomeranians is an obsession. They compete in conformation shows or performance events and virtually center their lives on their dogs. These serious breeders are usually referred to as hobby breeders — although their dedication surpasses that of most hobbies. Many people are under the false impression that breeders breed to make money. But hobby and serious breeders don’t. It’s not a business; it’s a love affair. And almost invariably, they spend much more money on their dogs than they can ever hope to recoup

If you want a high-quality Pomeranian, serious hobby breeders are your best source. However, they’re also more difficult to find, so a little sleuthing may be needed. Here are good sources for information:

- National Clubs: The best place to start is the American Pomeranian Club national breeder referral list (go to www.americanpomeranianclub.organd click on APC Info and then Member Roster). You can find contact information for local members who may be breeders or who can direct you to breeders.

You can also contact the club’s national breeder referral person by clicking on APC Info and then Breeder Referral Info. The breeder referral person often knows who has litters in your area or who has litters of various colors if you have a preference. Most, but not all, hobby breeders are members of the national breed club.

Joining the club means agreeing to a code of ethics that covers integrity in breeding. Of course, signing the code doesn’t guarantee people will follow it any more than joining the club makes them magically good breeders. But it’s a start.

- Regional Clubs: In addition to the national club, many regional Pomeranian clubs exist. (The national site can refer you to a regional club in your area; click on APC Info and then Regional Clubs.) Getting to know local Pomeranian breeders is one of the best ways to meet their dogs in person and to let the breeders know what a good home you have for one of their puppies.

- Dog Shows: Another way to meet breeders is by attending a local dog show. You can find upcoming shows at the American Kennel Club’s Web page for upcoming events at www.akc.org/events/search/ or check out www.infodog.com. The latter site also includes the specific times Pomeranians are shown at particular shows.

Remember

Although Pomeranian exhibitors are usually happy to talk to you, the one time they’d rather not chat is right before they go in the ring. Make arrangements to talk to them after judging is over.

- Dog-Specific Magazines: Several sources are available.

• A Pomeranian magazine like The Pom Reader or a magazine aimed at toy breeds like Top Notch Toys are excellent places to find top breeders. Go to www.dmcg.comfor more information.
• All-breed dog magazines like Dog World (www.animalchannel.com) also contain advertisements from hobby breeders.

- Veterinarians: Local veterinarians can often be a good source. After all, they know breeders, so they know which breeders take good care of their dogs!

- Internet: You can join one of the many Pomeranian discussion lists on the Internet. Start your search at www.yahoogrops.com and look for breeders there, but you must evaluate these breeders carefully.

The next section equips you to separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to serious Pom breeders.

Finding Good Breeders

Okay, so it’s time to grill the breeder! Not really, of course. You want to listen carefully as he shares his enthusiasm for his dogs. In fact, you’re establishing a relationship, not just buying a dog. Besides being your best source for a puppy with good health, good temperament, and good looks, a good breeder also becomes your mentor and friend. For example:

- You can always ask questions, share anecdotes, and find help at a moment’s notice.

- You find that you’re part of an extended family of puppy owners, and you can keep up with littermates throughout their lives.

- If circumstances arise that force you to surrender your dog, a good breeder is there to make sure your dog’s taken care of.

The following series of questions (and the right answers) can help you determine the good breeders from the bad ones:

- Can I visit in person? Good breeders may actually require that you visit in person so they can meet you and see how you interact with the dogs. The breeder has no valid reason for not allowing you to visit except if you have a sick dog at home. If they say “No” to a visit, say “Good-bye,” hang up, and dial the next number on your list.

- Do you specialize in Pomeranians? Dealing with one breed is so challenging that serious breeders stick with the breed they’re passionate about. Unless she’s building an ark, a breeder who has two of everything (multiple breeds) is more likely a small-scale puppy mill. (Check back to “Newspaper ads and backyard breeders” for more on this breed of breeder.)

- Do you always have puppies available? Breeders who always have puppies may not be able to give each litter the attention it needs. You want your puppy to experience the breeder’s home, not just his kennel or garage. However, if the breeder has years of experience, a great deal of success, the proper facilities, and good help to make sure the dogs are properly cared for and socialized, then the constant breeding may not be an issue.

- Are the dogs registered with the AKC or United Kennel Club (UKC)? A good breeder registers her dogs. Although other registries exist, only the AKC and the UKC are considered reputable.

- What sort of health concerns do you screen for? If they claim Pomeranians have no such concerns, you know you’re dealing with the wrong people. If they say Poms need no health screening, walk away. If they say they’ve had a couple of problems, keep listening. No line is completely free of health problems, and you may have just met an honest breeder.

But at the same time, be careful. You may have just met a really stupid breeder who doesn’t know any better. See Chapter The Final Selection: Picking Your Perfect Partner for a list of tests to look for.

- Do you participate with your dogs in conformation shows, agility trials, obedience trials, or therapy work? Have the dogs earned any titles? Participation indicates an above-average commitment to the breed. Titles indicate an above-average dedication to the breed plus better-than-average quality of the dogs (Refer back to “Considering Your Goals: What Pom Type Would You Like?” for definitions of quality.)

Remember

- Can I see the pedigree? The pedigree should always be available for inspection. If it’s not, this is not a reputable breeder.

- What sort of paperwork comes with the puppy? Several kinds of paper should be available:

• You can expect a medical history, a pedigree, and a registration slip.
• A good breeder also includes written care instructions, a contract, and a warranty.

No breeder can guarantee everything, but he should warrantee the puppy’s health for the first week and perhaps offer a partial refund in the event of certain hereditary diseases.

A contract should cover a plan for the puppy if you can’t keep her. For example, a good breeder stipulates that you must return the puppy to the breeder to prevent the puppy ending up in a shelter or being passed from person to person. Note: In most cases the breeder does not give a refund for a returned puppy that’s grown up because placing an adult dog is usually difficult.

Warning!

- Do you have any breeding requirements? Some breeders require you to breed your dog and then share the litter with them or to provide free stud service. This is never a good idea. You may wish to spay or neuter your dog, and you don’t want to be obligated to breed. 

- Do you require that the puppy be spayed or neutered? This is not an issue about competition. Good breeders often require you to spay or neuter your dog because they’re concerned about the future of the puppy and the breed. The dog they sold you is probably companion quality, which means she’s a wonderful dog but not show or breeding quality; as such, she shouldn’t be bred.

Good breeders are also concerned about your taking the plunge into breeding. Breeding responsibly and knowledgably isn’t something you can just jump right into, and you may end up being sorry you ever had such a foolish idea.

An alternative to required spay-neuter is AKC limited registration, which means that if you breed your dog, her offspring can’t be AKC Registered.

- When can I take a new Pom puppy home? The answer to this question is an opportunity to evaluate the breeder. Breeders out for a buck are eager to get a puppy off their feed bill as soon as possible. Backyard breeders who don’t know any better may also let you take home your puppy whenever you want. No puppy of any breed should leave its breeder before 8 weeks of age. For more info on when the pup can leave the breeder, see Chapter The Final Selection: Picking Your Perfect Partner.

- How much do puppies cost? Good breeders charge neither bargain-basement prices nor exorbitantly high prices in comparison to other breeders. Although prices vary by region of the country, a good companion-quality Pomeranian from a reputable breeder should cost $300 to $900. See Chapter The Final Selection: Picking Your Perfect Partner for more details on price.

- Do you have any previous puppy buyers I can talk to? Good breeders keep in touch with their puppy buyers. If they claim not to have any contact information, that’s a bad sign. Good breeders are also proud of their puppies and know their puppies’ owners are proud, too. For privacy reasons, they may ask that the former buyers contact you rather than vice versa. But if they flat out say “No,” walk away.

Remember

As you check out serious breeders, you may quickly discover that they’re also evaluating you! In fact, if you don’t feel they’re curious about you as a potential pet owner, it can be a red flag. For example, when a breeder only seems concerned about your check clearing, you may want to move on to another breeder.

Good breeders make sure their puppies go where they’ll be loved for a lifetime. For that reason, the breeder usually checks out the following:

- They ask about your experience with dogs and pets in general and toy dogs in particular.

- They ask about your home and family and where you plan to keep the dog.

- They’re very upfront with you about expenses, exercise, training, grooming, health care, and safety issues.

Tip

- They often require that you neuter or spay your dog, and may ask you to wait for several months for a litter. During this cooling off period, they’re making sure you’re not just impulse buying.

Rescuing Abandoned Poms

It’s hard to believe, but many Poms are out there needing a secure home and a family to love them. Reasons for abandonment abound, but most often it’s just the wrong home for the right dog. Maybe an owner simply got tired of the Pom, couldn’t deal with the barking, or had life changes that left him unable to care for a dog. Poms get abandoned just like other dogs.

Whether they had a loving owner or not, rescued Poms are often apprehensive, confused, and even frightened. They may cling to their foster owners or new families, afraid that they’ll lose these recent saviors. But with time, love, training, and stability, these Poms gradually adapt to their new circumstances and become exceptional family companions.

Remember

You may fear that adopting a rescued Pom means taking on somebody else’s problems or that rescued dogs come with emotional baggage. These occurrences are rare. In fact, the top obedience Pomeranian of all time was rescued at 8 years of age from an animal shelter.

Tip

A rescued Pomeranian is the deal of a lifetime but certainly not free. Because rescue groups realize that people tend to value pets that they’ve invested in and because these groups need to recoup their expenses to continue the services, they charge a reasonable fee. Expect to pay about $200 or so for a Pom from a rescue group.

To the rescue! Even if you can’t take on the long-term responsibility of a dog, you can do your part for rescue. Rescue groups always need supplies, money, and volunteers. Volunteers can help rescue, bathe, groom, socialize, train, and transport Pomeranians. Most of all, volunteers can help foster by providing a temporary home while a Pom awaits a forever home.

Here are ways you can find Poms in need of homes through rescue groups or shelters:

- The American Pomeranian Club: The club maintains a national rescue network that you can access through their Web site at www.americanpomeranianclub.org. Click on APC Info and then Rescue. The Rescue link also lists local rescue contacts around the country.

- Petfinder: This group maintains a national database of dogs of all breeds in shelters. Go to www.petfinder.com and search by Pomeranian.

You can also narrow your search to just local shelters. Dogs from shelters tend to cost a little less than dogs from breed rescue groups, but they often don’t go through as much screening or preparation.

- Pomeranian Club of Canada Rescue (Canada): Access this group through their Web site at www.toyrificpoms.com/pomrescue/index.htm. This group focuses on Poms in Canada.

- Pomeranian and Small Breed Rescue (Canada): You can reach this group at www.psbrescue.com.

by D.Caroline Coile,Ph.D.

What’s in a Pom?

In This Chapter

• Who’s your daddy: Identifying Pom details
• Sizing up the Pomeranian physique
• A meeting of the minds: The Pomeranian personality
• Recognizing Pom pluses and minuses
• Considering the costs: Dollars, time, and effort

Falling in love with Pomeranians and deciding this is the breed for you is easy. But picking a dog based just on looks is as naïve as picking a mate based on looks. Sure, Poms and handsome spouses are fun to be seen with in public, but you may find you have irreconcilable differences at home. And although you can divorce your spouse and go your merry ways, divorcing your Pom can mean sealing his fate — sending him to a shelter, where he won’t necessarily find a new home. So find out what’s in a Pom before you decide to put a Pom in your life.

Eyeing the Standard: The Pomeranian Blueprint

What makes a Pomeranian a Pomeranian? The short answer is, DNA. But because you can’t whip out your handy DNA test kit, you need to rely on what you see.

That’s where the standard comes in. Every American Kennel Club (AKC) breed has its own standard of perfection that describes not only the essence of the breed but also the little details that make up the perfect specimen. The standard is the result of vigorous efforts on the part of breeders to describe the ideal Pom (both in physique and personality) when each breed was accepted for AKC recognition.

Technical Stuff

Periodically, the standard may change slightly to clarify certain points or even to make certain traits — like new colors that may have cropped up or extremes in sizes — more or less desirable. However, such changes are never made lightly. The American Pomeranian Club (APC) is responsible for safeguarding the Pom standard. The first APC standard was adopted in 1916; subsequent standards were adopted in 1935, 1960, 1980, 1991, and 1997 (the current version).

I describe the basic points of the standard in the following two sections. For the exact wording or to compare the present standard with earlier versions, go to the APC site at www.americanpomeranianclub.org/standard.htm.

The gist of the Pom: General appearance

How do you describe a Pomeranian? For starters, you don’t talk about the shape of his feet or any other of the important, but tiny, details. Instead you begin with his essence — the parts of the standard regarding general appearance. For the Pom, the description is

- A compact, short-backed toy dog

- A profuse outer coat and a plumed tail that lies flat on his back

- An active, alert, cocky, commanding, and inquisitive nature

Of course, there’s more to a Pom than that, so the rest of the standard fills in the details. I cover these in the next section.

From head to toes: Pom specifics

The standard may seem like a lot of detail, but then they say the Pom is in the details . . . or something like that. (See Figure 2-1 for an illustration of this royal dog.) The following are only the main points:

- Size, proportion, and substance: He’s a sturdy, medium-boned dog weighing 3 to 7 pounds (ideally, 4 to 6 pounds), slightly taller than long. 

- Head: His expression is foxlike, with small, high-set, erect ears; he has dark, almond-shaped eyes of medium size and a rather short, fine, but not snippy, muzzle; the top of his skull is slightly rounded but not domed, and it doesn’t have a soft spot; his teeth meet in a scissors bite with the top incisors just barely in front of the bottom ones.

 Figure 2-1: The Pomeranian breed standard.

- Neck and Body: He carries his head proud and high; a short neck leads to a short, level back, which in turn leads to a tail that lies flat and straight on the back; the body is compact, with the ribcage meeting the elbows.

- Forequarters: His forelegs are straight and parallel to each other with strong, straight pasterns leading to well-arched, compact feet that point straight ahead; the length of his legs is such that his elbows are halfway between the ground and the highest point of his shoulder.

- Hindquarters: Viewed from behind, his legs are straight and parallel to each other; from the side, his buttocks are well behind the set of the tail; the knees are moderately bent, and the hocks are perpendicular to the ground; the well-arched, compact feet point straight ahead; as in the front, he stands mostly on his toes, not his heels.

- Gait: When he trots, his front legs reach well out in front and his rear legs push off with a strong drive, the whole impression being smooth, balanced, and vigorous. The faster he goes, the more his legs converge in a straight line toward a center line beneath his body.

- Coat: His coat is made up of two parts: a thick, soft, dense undercoat and a long, straight, glistening, harsh outer coat. The thick undercoat makes the outer hairs stand off from his body, giving him a puffball appearance. The coat is heaviest around the neck and the forepart of the chest and shoulders; it is shortest on the head and legs. The coat on the rear of his legs down to the pastern and hock is feathered; his tail is profusely covered with long, harsh, straight hair.

- Color: All colors and patterns are equal in desirability:

• Black and tan: The tan is rich and clearly defined over the eyes, on the muzzle, throat, and forechest, on all legs and feet, and below the tail.
• Brindle: The base color of gold, red, or orange has strong, black, vertical stripes.
• Parti-color: Colored areas appear on white; a white blaze is preferred.

- Temperament: He is extroverted, intelligent, and vivacious; a great companion and a competitive show dog.

Beneath the Fur: Pom Anatomy 101

A Pom may look like a puffball of fur, but beneath it lies a real dog that has all the same parts as other dogs — and wolves! No one expects you to become a canine anatomist and know the names of every part of your Pom’s body. But knowing the basic parts helps you understand the breed standard, and it comes in handy when you’re trying to describe your dog’s boo-boo to the veterinarian.

Basically, your Pom’s body is like yours. Sort of. But if you could get down on all fours, stand on your fingers and toes, and grow a tail, you’d have a better idea of how your parts matched up. (Just don’t do this when you’re expecting company!)

The following is a list of the more common parts:

- Your dog’s toes are his fingers.

- His hand, or pastern, is actually off the ground.

- His elbow is way up there almost to his chest.

His upper arm is next to his body.

- His shoulder blades reach up to form a high point above his spine; this point is called the withers. 

- His heels (or hocks) are in his hind legs and are well off the ground.

- His knee is called a stifle.

- His lower back is called his croup.

Figure 2-2 illustrates parts of Pomeranian anatomy. It’s helpful to locate them on your own dog for practice and then compare them to your own anatomy for fun!

Figure 2-2: The Pom anatomy.

Small Package, Big Personality

Poms sure look cute — but you know how looks can be deceiving! Luckily, there’s no deception in the Pom’s case. These little spitfires act as cute as they look. This section contains my top eight traits that make Poms so unique.

Great balls of fire!

Poms are full of energy, their little pistonlike legs moving in a blur as they rush from one place to the next. If Poms were big dogs, they’d travel miles every day and drive their people quite insane. Fortunately, they’re small, and even though they travel great distances, they can do it all inside your home by scurrying from room to room.

The Pomeranian genealogy Pomeranians descend from one of the most ancient lines of domesticated dogs, the Spitz family. Spitz-type dogs were associated with hunter-gatherers at least 6,000 years ago. The Spitz have retained many of the traits that helped their ancestors (European wolves) survive in cold climates. They have thick, weather-resistant coats for warmth; small, furry ears that are less susceptible to heat loss and frostbite; a bushy tail to cover the nose when sleeping; and a muzzle of moderate length to warm incoming air. Over time, various subtypes of Spitz breeds developed according to the needs of the geographical regions. For example, some Spitz were used as sledge dogs, some as herders, and, last but not least, some smaller ones as house dogs whose main function was to sound the alarm at danger. Sound familiar? Little is known about the Pomeranian dog of long ago except that it was a Spitz dog weighing about 30 pounds, not the tiny darling we know today. The breed’s home country is Pomerania, in what is now part of northern Poland and Germany. Poms were prized pets not only in Pomerania but also throughout Europe, attracting notables such as Michelangelo, Mozart, and Isaac Newton. The Pomeranian came to Britain in 1767. In 1888, Queen Victoria spotted an especially small Pomeranian while she was on a trip to Florence, Italy. (Marco weighed only 12 pounds when most Pomeranians were weighing closer to 20 pounds.) She brought him home and exhibited him at an English dog show, thus setting the trend for smaller Poms. When specimens started to mature below 8 pounds, they were dubbed Toy Pomeranians. Marco was also a red sable at a time when most Poms were white, black, or white and black. But by the end of the 19th century, most Poms were small and red. Ah, the pull of royalty! By the beginning of the 20th century, Pomeranians were one of the most popular breeds registered or shown in England. The smaller size and greater variety of vivid colors did much to make the breed a dog of fashion that no well-dressed lady could be without. Poms were also catching on in America, although, without the royal example, the trend was a little bit slower. In 1888 the first Pom was entered into the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) stud book, and in 1892 the first one was exhibited at an American dog show. The AKC officially recognized the Pomeranian in 1900, the same year the Pomeranian Club of America was founded. The breed grew in popularity, becoming one of the ten most popular AKC breeds in the 1930s. It again entered the top ten in 1994, where it remained for many years.

Remember

Nonetheless, don’t let their small size fool you into thinking you can ignore them. In a pinch they can exercise on their own, but they need the mental exercise that only you can provide. Without that stimulation, a Pom finds his own entertainment and challenges — and then exercises his mind by getting into trouble!

He needs the chance to stretch his legs and expand his mind every day. This means you need to play with him, make sure he gets a workout, and train him every day. Just like the big dogs, he looks forward to outdoor adventures like a romp in the yard or a walk around the block. Make your outings adventurous by exploring new routes and places every day. Nobody likes to get in a rut — a bored Pom is a bad Pom, but a tired Pom is a good Pom.

Cuddle-up pup

What about being a lap dog? Poms enjoy cuddling in your lap and being spoiled, but only after they’ve had a chance to run around and be dogs.

Poms are affectionate but not fawning. They tend to be very attached to their family, often choosing one member as their special person.

Perky and playful

Poms just want to have fun! This fun-loving fuzz ball is always eager to play a game. For instance, he loves to play big-game hunter with tiny, stuffed, squeaky toys and may find a thrown ball irresistible.

He won’t back down from a game of tug of war, but be careful not to pull too hard or he may go flying — and he can do all this inside your apartment! (But be sure you get outside too. See the previous section “Great balls of fire!”)

Fit and fancy-free

Pomeranians descend from one of the most ancient lines of domesticated dogs, the Spitz family, which has been associated with hunter-gatherers for at least 6,000 years. (See the sidebar “The Pomeranian genealogy” for more  on their background.) But a Pom doesn’t just look like a miniature Spitz. She also acts like the tough northern dog whose ancestors pulled sleds and sounded the alarm if intruders came calling. That’s no work for sissy dogs.

It’s the Spitz Pomeranians are the smallest of the dogs considered to be in the Spitz family. Spitz breeds tend to have wolflike or foxlike wedge-shaped heads, small ears, thick double coats, bushy tails curled over the back, and a stocky build. They are independent by nature. Other Spitz breeds include the Akita, Siberian Husky, American Eskimo Dog, and a host of others.

Remember

Spitz dogs have always relied on their own thinking to get the job done. In the same tradition, Pomeranians don’t just sit around scratching their ears, waiting for your next command — they’re already acting out their own plan. As a result, Poms are constantly checking out new sights and don’t mind telling your company they’re not welcome. (Yes, they can be a little suspicious of strangers — it’s the Spitz way.) That’s why early socialization and training are vital for Pomeranians. 

The little brainiac

Tip

Pomeranians are incredibly bright (although their independent nature means they often use their intelligence to get into mischief). And they won’t be bullied into compliance — their Spitz ancestry makes them too good at digging in their heels. That’s why positive, reward-based training methods work so well with them. When you convince your Pom that your way pays off for him, he becomes your apt and willing pupil. In fact, many Pomeranians have attained high honors in obedience trials, and they’re adept at picking up new tricks.

Bold and brash

One of the less-bright traits of Poms is forgetting their size. They tend to approach much larger dogs with brash cockiness, almost daring them to cross the line. The bluff often works — the big dogs back away from this mighty mouse — but not always. As a Pom owner, you want to make sure your dog doesn’t overestimate herself.

Watchdog extraordinaire

Smaller Spitz dogs were used as watchdogs, and the Pomeranian certainly doesn’t disappoint in that regard. This perky patroller is always on the alert, sounding the alarm if anything is even slightly amiss.

Sometimes they can get carried away in the barking department, so it’s important to train your dog when to bark and when to obey your command to be quiet. Holding his tongue is a challenge for most Poms, though! After all, he does have very strong opinions, and he expects you to listen to them.

Protection dog — not so much!

Of course, if a burglar decides to ignore the barking, your Pom probably isn’t too much help in ripping him to shreds. Nevertheless, at least one Pom has been proclaimed a hero for attacking an armed intruder and saving his mistress. I was so impressed that I include him as one of the most famous Poms in Chapter Ten Fun Facts about Poms.

All Things Considered: The Pros and Cons of Poms

As cute as Poms are, you’d expect them to be the most popular dog in America. In fact, they’re not far from it. Toy dogs have been steadily gaining in popularity since the turn of the millennium, with an almost alarming increase in their numbers. Pomeranians were among the top-10 most popular AKC breeds in the mid-1990s; since then, they’ve been passed by other toy breeds but they still remain in the top 15.

Even with all their advantages, though, Poms aren’t for everyone. This section can help you see how Pom perks and pitfalls balance out for you.

The not-so-great points

On the down side, no dog, not even a Pom, is perfect for every person and situation. While small size has big advantages, it also has disadvantages worth considering, as do some other Pom characteristics. For example:

- Toy dogs can be seriously injured by jumping off of furniture, being dropped, or being stepped on.

- They can trip you easily.

- They’re too fragile for very young children to play with safely.

- They can’t go jogging with you, can’t get far hiking, can’t do a good job of protecting you, and can’t do some dog sports aimed at larger dogs.

- Housetraining can be more of a challenge in toy dogs compared to large dogs.

- They can be killed by larger dogs, wild predators, or even birds of prey.

- Poms in particular need attention to their coat.

- Poms can also bark a lot.

The great points

One reason for the upsurge in toy dog popularity is that it makes sense to go small! Consider these other reasons:

- Small dogs cost less to board, medicate, and generally care for.

- They can chew on one kibble like it’s a feast.

- Because less goes in, less comes out, and you aren’t faced with elephantine poop piles or puddles.

- You can carry a toy dog in a purse-sized bag and take her with you to places big dogs aren’t allowed.

- Busy schedules, small yards, and maybe a bit of laziness all make small dogs more appealing when you consider the exercising element.

- Small dogs don’t need to go outside in bad weather to get some exercise. On snowy days, you can play fetch, tag, or your own crazy games indoors!

- They don’t push you out of your bed or eat you out of house and home.

- They don’t drag you down the sidewalk, kill the neighbor’s cat, or jump through your windows to attack the mail carrier.

When you’ve decided a toy dog is just the ticket, you have so many breeds — Affenpinschers to Yorkshire Terriers — to choose from. So why a Pomeranian?

Uniqueness

Poms have their own way of standing out among the toy dogs:

- Poms are among the smallest of all the toy breeds.

- They’re among the more energetic and adventurous of toys.

- They enjoy meeting challenges and can succeed at many dog sports.

- Poms love to play, but they also enjoy cuddling.

Color varieties

Poms come in one of the widest varieties of colors of any breed: white, black, brown, red, orange, cream, blue, sable, black and tan, brown and tan, spotted, brindle, and combinations of these colors and patterns.

Technical Stuff

The earliest Poms were white or sometimes black and white or solid black. When the red-sable Marco came on the scene (see the sidebar “The Pomeranian genealogy” for more on this guy), he aroused interest in other colors.

In the early 1900s, an orange English Champion named Mars came to America and created not only a sensation but also a demand for more orange! By the 1930s, Poms were being shown in a wide variety of colors, with blacks enjoying popularity. In the 1960s, black and tans, formerly unacceptable, were deemed acceptable by the Pomeranian standard. Since then, black and tans have become some of the top-winning Poms in the country. In 1996, brindle was finally recognized as an acceptable color.

by D.Caroline Coile,Ph.D.

Catching Pomer-mania

 In This Chapter

• Understanding your commitment to a dog
• Considering Poms in particular
• Weighing the pros and cons
• Looking ahead

Maybe it’s been a long-time dream. Or maybe just a sudden impulse. Perhaps you saw one in a fashion magazine, or carried by a celebrity, or on television, or strutting at a dog show. Maybe your neighbor has one. Whatever the reason, the notion has burrowed into your brain and it just won’t leave. You can’t think of anything else. You have to have your very own Pom.

But before you pencil a Pom onto your shopping list, stop and think. A dog is a living, breathing being that will depend on you for the rest of his life. You’ll be responsible for feeding, walking, grooming, and cleaning up after your littlest family member for the next decade or more. Think hard before entering into that kind of commitment.

The best time to make sure the Pomeranian is really the dog for you is before you bring one home. If you’re thinking of meeting a puppy to help you decide, stop right now! Don’t take a single step toward that puppy or you will be coming home with him. There is absolutely no way you can make an objective decision in sight of a pouncing Pom puppy. So read first, look later — and enjoy for a lifetime!

The Toy-Dog Extravaganza: Pom Popularity

Tiny toy dogs are all the rage these days. Keep in mind, though, that small dogs aren’t for everybody.

Toy-dog breeds
The American Kennel Club places the Pomeranian in its Toy group, along with many of the other cutest dogs on earth:
Affenpinscher Brussels Griffon Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Chihuahua Chinese Crested English Toy Spaniel	Havanese Italian Greyhound Japanese Chin Maltese Manchester Terrier (Toy) Miniature Pinscher Papillon	Papillon Pomeranian Poodle (Toy) Pug Shih Tzu Silky Terrier Toy Fox Terrier

Tiny dogs do have a lot of advantages when it comes to convenience, but they also take some extra care and worry. I explain the pros and cons of tiny dogs in Chapter What’s in a Pom?, so please read it and think seriously about the good, the bad, and the ugly — as well as the snugly — before pouncing on the notion of a little dog.

Remember

Dogs aren’t fashion accessories like purses, shoes, or even giant stick pins, no matter how tiny and cute they are. And just because a dog happens to be in at the moment isn’t reason enough to get her as a pet. Dogs come in and out of style, and fads change even before a puppy can grow up. But the worst fashion statement ever is when a person buys a dog as an adornment and then discards her when she’s out of style.

Now, off my soapbox and back to Poms. Of all the tiny dogs to choose from (which I cover in the “Toy-dog breeds” sidebar), Poms are different because they’re the only ones that come from a Spitz heritage. I discuss this and other aspects of Pomeranian history in Chapter What’s in a Pom?. For now, suffice it to say that Spitz dogs are the same family that pulls sleds in the Iditarod, hunts moose, and guards homes. To do these jobs, Spitz dogs need to be independent and strong willed. Poms may be little, but they have big spirits and big ideas.

Like all dogs, Poms have some frustrating behaviors. They bark (actually, a lot). They chase little animals. They’d rather go hunting than sleep in your lap. They roll in disgusting places, they eat disgusting stuff, and then they jump in your lap and kiss you in the face. They dig (but at least the holes are small!). They may have accidents in the house. They may have irrational fears or bizarre ideas. After all, they’re dogs!

Fortunately, the good far outweighs any bad. Poms love to go places with you, whether it’s a trip across the country, across town, or across the room. They’re as ready to play as they are to snuggle. They’re cute — boy, are they cute! Most of all, Pomeranians prove that you really can buy love.

Sizing Up Your Situation: Know What a Pom Requires

Before you contemplate getting a Pom, take a step back and think about whether you’re in a position to get a dog at all. Consider these three issues:

- Having a dog is a full-time, long-term commitment. If you’re not into commitment, be sure you think through this decision. A dog will certainly commit to you, but if you change your mind, a shelter may be his only recourse — and that’s likely to be a one-way trip.

- Dogs require your time on a daily basis. Sharing your life with a dog means you have to be part-time groundskeeper, home-repair expert, animal trainer, nutritionist, nurse, therapist, recreation coach, and of course, full-time best friend.

- Dogs usually aren’t free. The cost of buying the dog is nominal compared to the cost of his upkeep through the years. But this initial cost is a consideration. Pomeranians are neither the most- nor the least-expensive breed around. You generally want to avoid bargain basement Poms and the most expensive retail Poms because neither is a good deal in the long run. Find out why in Chapter In Search of Your Soul Mate.

Can you commit to the friendship?

Dogs have the label of being man’s best friend for a reason. They bask in your attention and soak up your love, returning your affection tenfold. Poms are no exception. Yes, they can survive without human interaction, but that means you’d miss out on the real meaning of having a dog.

If you work all day and then come home too tired to do anything but zone out in front of the television and flop into bed, you probably don’t have time for a dog of any breed. Leaving a dog alone all day with no companionship or entertainment is possible, but it isn’t fair. Some large cities have doggy day care, or you may be able to hire somebody to come and entertain your dog every day. Even another dog to play with can make a big difference. But all this effort just to replace you? Think twice before getting a dog if you can’t be her best friend.

Do you have a home fit for a Pom?

Do you own or rent your home? If you rent, your ability to live exactly where you want is a lot more difficult with a dog. You may be turned away from at least half the rental properties, and you’ll pay a nonrefundable pet fee (with possibly an added charge per month) when you do find a landlord that allows dogs. And what if you move and can’t find a place that allows dogs? If your future is unsettled, this may not be the right time for a dog.

A house with a yard is ideal, but Poms are equally happy in an apartment. Despite their sled-dog heritage, Poms aren’t outdoor dogs because they lose heat more rapidly than they create it. In other words, little dogs get cold fairly easily. And in warm weather, the survival-of-the-fittest law dictates that little animals are easy prey for big animals. So your Pom may enjoy spending time outdoors, but he’s not the kind of dog you can just lock in the backyard for the day — and certainly not for the night.

Remember

You also need to Pom proof your home, both indoors and out, by hiding any poisons, securing anything that may fall on your dog, preventing your dog from falling from high places, and protecting him from predatory people and animals. Chapter Prepare to Be Pomerized! alerts you to these doggy dangers.

Can you afford to feed and care for a dog?

Although the food bill for a Pom isn’t as big a deal as it is for some breeds of dogs (thanks to the Pom’s size), feeding a tiny dog isn’t a slam dunk. They eat so little that you have to be careful not to throw off their balanced diet with too many treats. And hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can be a real threat, especially with puppies. I explain all this, along with some tips on special diets, in Chapter Eating Out of the Pom of Your Hand.

A dog needs a bed and a bevy of other supplies (some are necessities and some are just to pamper your Pom) including food dishes, brushes, a crate, a carrying bag, toys, and all sorts of items you can’t believe they make for dogs. Chapter Prepare to Be Pomerized! gives you some ideas for your shopping list.

In addition to the obvious financial responsibilities of feeding a dog and buying the initial supplies, you need a plan to safeguard your Pom’s health on an ongoing basis. This plan includes the following:

- Finding a good veterinarian before your dog gets sick

- Taking preventive measures such as vaccinations, deworming, and heartworm treatments

- Arranging for checkups

Keep in mind that the tests aren’t just money-grabs from your veterinarian but important indicators of your dog’s health.

- Deciding on spaying and neutering

They can have some real health benefits for a Pom. As the owner, you need to understand their pros and cons.

- Knowing and watching for signs of doggy discomfort or disease

Study Chapter Maintaining Your Pom’s Health and Happiness so you can nip a problem in the bud.

- Knowing what problems to look for in an older dog

Exact yearly veterinarian costs are difficult to project, but some averages may be helpful to you as a new dog owner:

- Yearly checkup: $80 to $130

- Yearly teeth cleaning: $200

- Spaying or neutering: $200

- Unplanned trips to the veterinary clinic several times a year: $40 (false alarm) to $80 (with antibiotics) to enough that you need to be hospitalized when you see the bill.

Tip

To get a better idea on average costs for your area, call some local veterinary offices to ask about their prices for routine office visits and spaying or neutering a toy dog. You can also ask about emergency fees, but expect a charge of at least a few hundred dollars to see a veterinarian in the middle of the night.

Dogs of any breed can get sick. Dogs of tiny breeds can get very sick very fast. And Pomeranians, like all breeds, have breed-specific predispositions to hereditary disorders. You’ll be ahead of the game to know which problems demand a visit to the veterinarian eventually, today, or right this very second. And you’ll want to know which first-aid options, home remedies, and long-term nursing plans can help your Pom get better. Chapter Doctoring Your Dog guides you through some of the more common health problems your Pom may encounter.

Do you have the time or cash to groom a dog?

Part of the enjoyment of cuddling with a Pom is snuggling your face in her fur and running your fingers through her coat. But that’s not going to be much fun if she smells like a dead rat and feels like a solid felt pad. And that doggy breath — whew!

Grooming a Pom isn’t really that hard, but it includes more than just washing and combing her coat. It involves keeping the teeth clean, the nails short, and the fleas off. Chapter Primping Your Pom shows you all the moves.

If you keep to schedule, grooming takes about 15 minutes twice a week. But if you let mats form, expect to spend an hour or more dematting.

Your Pomeranian doesn’t need professional grooming, but some people simply hate to groom or they want their Pom clipped. Depending on the salon and the services, expect to pay $20 to $50. If you want a groomer or your veterinarian staff to cut your dog’s nails (at least monthly), it usually runs $5 to $10.

Do you have the time and energy to play with a dog?

Like all dogs, Poms need mental and physical exercise every day. In fact, they’re bundles of energy (compliments of their Spitz heritage). Without enough stimulation, they can become frustrated and destructive, barking, chewing, and running in circles. Fortunately, exercising them doesn’t take much space or energy on your part.

Throwing a ball in an apartment several times a day is an easy start. But you can do a lot more. For example:

- Challenge him with hiding games, teach him tricks, and make him work for his supper.

- Take him outdoors and just let him soak in the smells. A walk around the block can do both of you good.

- Keep him busy and thinking with interactive toys while you’re gone.

- Take a trip together. With a little planning, your Pom can be your ideal travel companion.

Check out Chapter Ten Cool Activities to Do with Your Pom for more ideas on entertaining, exercising, socializing, and even competing with your Pomeranian.

Do you have the patience to train a dog?

Dogs that run free, totally unschooled in manners and basic knowledge, are unpopular with people and a danger to themselves and others. Your dog deserves to be trained so she’s the best that she can be. You don’t need to be a drill sergeant — just smarter than the average Pom.

Remember

Training can save your dog’s life. For example, she needs to come when called, especially if she’s off leash and headed toward traffic. She needs to stop acting like a jerk when she’s challenging the giant dog who isn’t amused. And she needs to know not to bite people.

Training cements the bond between you and your Pom. In the old days, punishment-based training made training sessions no fun for man or beast. But now, reward-based training has your dog begging for the next session. You see how to do this in Chapter Mastering Manners and Basic Commands.

Do you travel much?

Does your job or hobby take you away from home a lot? If so, where will your dog stay? Boarding costs can range from $8 to $30 a day, depending on whether you want him to have a cage at the kennel or a deluxe suite complete with television privileges.

And don’t forget doggy day care! Larger cities often have facilities where you drop your dog off for the day. Better day-care centers offer supervised play and training. Costs may be as high as overnight boarding, but many dogs end up pulling you to the door in their excitement to go see their friends there!

Maybe you plan to take your dog with you on the road. If you go by air, you’ll pay an extra fee for him, about $50 per flight. And many motels charge a dog fee as well, usually an extra $10 per night.

Chapter Traveling with a Pom Pilot (Or Leaving Him in Others’ Care) outlines the best ways of traveling with your furry companion.

Double-Checking Your Motives: Why Do You Want a Pom?

Chances are you’ve thought long and hard about getting a furry, fun-loving friend. But even with the best intentions, you may need to step back and cool off enough to objectively re-evaluate your choices and timing. After all, adding a family member is a big decision!

Recognizing your reasons for wanting a Pom

Some people jump into this commitment for the wrong reasons. Check out the following not-so-great reasons (and some follow-up responses) to see whether they come close to any of yours:

- All the cool celebrities have tiny dogs. Yes, but do they spend much time with their pet when the cameras aren’t clicking? Besides, do they care about expenses?

- Toy dogs are the ultimate fashion accessory. What happens when the toy-dog fad is over? And it will be over — count on it.

- A tiny dog is perfect for luring members of the opposite sex. How long will that person stay before saying, “It’s me or the dog!”? Better question: Which one will you choose?

- A friend has a wonderful Pom. Great! That means you can play with hers without spending money on your own. Besides, what are the chances yours will be just like hers?

- Dogs are good jogging partners. Hello! Poms? Well, that’s one way to make sure you don’t jog far . . . although you can carry her in a back sack and burn a few extra calories that way.

- A dog can snap to it and do the owner’s bidding. Two words: Spitz heritage (read Chapter What’s in a Pom?).

- Previous pets had behavior problems. Chances are the lapses in behavior weren’t their fault. Dogs aren’t perfect, and getting rid of them isn’t a humane plan. Chapters Saving the Carpets: Housetraining, 14, and 15 can put an owner on the right training path.

Hesitating after a loss

You may have found yourself in the sad position of having recently lost a beloved dog. Half your friends advise you not to get another dog (at least not soon), and half advise you to get another one as quickly as possible. This situation is different for everybody.

You know you can never replace your past dog. Even if that dog was a Pom of the same sex, color, and lineage, each dog is an individual. Consider these two lines of thinking:

- If you feel you’ll be constantly comparing your new dog to your old one, that’s not fair. The new one can never be the same.

- If you accept that this new dog isn’t a replacement but an individual that can charm you in his own way, then your new Pom isn’t displacing your old dog from your heart — he’s merely snuggling alongside your memories.

When you have the right frame of mind, a new Pomeranian can provide a much-needed diversion that helps move your mind in better directions. And what better way to honor your earlier dog than to want another?

Knowing when you’re ready to bite the bullet

You’ve checked your situation, your finances, and the Pomeranian personality. You want a dog for a companion — a true friend who shares your lap by night and a jaunt around the block by day. You can’t wait to help her grow into the best Pom she can be, and you’re eager to try a few doggy activities with her.

You admire her combination of spunk and cuteness and don’t expect her to fawn all over you. You plan on training her but aren’t expecting her to be a little soldier and obey all the commands. You plan to care for and love her like any other true family member, and you hope to have her for as long as possible.

You know that to be the best Pomeranian caretaker you can be, you may need to do a little reading. Great! That’s where the rest of this book comes in.

Thinking about Breeding?

As you envision yourself writing out that big check and clutching that American Kennel Club registration, you may say to yourself, “Hey, I could breed Poms.” You may even start calculating how you’d recoup your purchase price with the first litter or the second stud fee. And you may think ahead a few years to the time your home is covered with hoards of puffy moneymakers, each churning out litters while you just lean back and count the cash. Dream on.

Raising puppies is hard work. If you’re considering raising Poms as a business, be aware that caring for a multitude of dogs is a fulltime job. You have to feed, poop scoop, groom, socialize, train, exercise, medicate, and love every dog every day. You have to be present for the whelping, and you may need to devote yourself to hand raising orphaned or sick puppies for several weeks.

Raising puppies is also expensive. To breed the right way, the potential parents need to be cleared for hereditary health problems such as luxating patellas, bad hearts, or eye problems, all of which can cost several hundred dollars.

Remember

Raising puppies is a huge responsibility in the following ways:

- You owe it to your buyers to provide only healthy, well-socialized companions, just like you looked for in your search for a puppy.

- You owe it to your dam (the puppies’ mom) to make sure she survives the endeavor. Dams, especially those of toy breeds, can die in whelping. They often need Caesarean sections to save their lives. After whelping, they are subject to eclampsia, a potentially fatal condition that causes convulsions. It’s your responsibility to make sure she emerges as healthy as when she went into childbirth.

- You owe it to your puppies to make sure they go only to the best homes. Will their family have only passing interest in them? Be impatient or cruel? You have to be ready to say No to families that won’t be good owners.

- You owe it to the breed to maintain the high standards that breeders have maintained for more than a century. Pomeranians who are bad pets, who bite, or who are unhealthy, chip away at the breed’s reputation and well-being.

If you can be the sort of breeder that you’d like to buy a puppy from, you may be breeder material. Chapter In Search of Your Soul Mate highlights the makeup of a good breeder.

by D.Caroline Coile,Ph.D.