Article:Finding the Right Pomeranian for you.

The Pomeranian is a wonderful breed. It is adored by a lot of people may it be friends, strangers or family members.It is small, cute & fluffy That is what attracts many to go search for one of their own but as we all know finding the perfect dog is not easy.I gathered my own experiences and made a few suggestions for those who are looking for their forever companion

1.) RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH (do as much as you can)-
"Yes, this is the dog for me, its so cute!" sounds familiar? Poms are indeed cute but that is not enough in wanting a dog. Consider the health issues of the breed which may arise and the temperament of the dog. Does a pomeranian fit your lifestyle? Can you afford the best vet service when needed? Does it suit my family? Poms are very small dogs and are sensitive to small children if you have small children better look for another breed because they are high strung and tend to get snappish. Never forget to read/research about dog viruses like parvo, distemper, kennel cought and etc. (its really important to know about this because you will know the symptoms firsthand)

2.) PRIORITY-
What do you want? A dog(adult) or a puppy? Do you want to show? Do you want to breed? or just simply want a pet?

Better consider first your priorities and consider your budget. A dog for show may cost 10x (or more) than just a pet dog. Showing is also expensive , are you willing to shell out money to finish your show dog for a title? A dog for show and a dog for pet's only difference is that the pet may have a major fault disqualifying it to be shown it doesnt necessarily mean it is unhealthy. An adult dog (if you plan to show) is a less risk to aquire, you would already know its shortcomings and is more health stable ,While a puppy is a riskier buy for potential show owners (and breeders) because the puppy may still develop a major disqualifying fault and are more prone to catch disease that is why puppies less than 6 months is a really big risk .

May it be for show or for pet better read and understand the breed standard so you know your money's worth.

3.)PREPARING YOUR PUPPY/DOG'S ARRIVAL.
Now that you have researched and learned about the breed, considered that this breed suits your lifestye you can afford vet bills and considered your priorities (may it be pet,breeding or show) and have decided it will become a permanent family member you will need a few things to get ready for your dog's arrival.
Essential things you will need:

A)A good vet and a back up vet (if possible 2 back up vets)- Have a good vet and back up vets. ask around for recommendations on who are the excellent vets in town. Look for a clinic/clinics open up to 24 hours and even on holidays and sundays. A good vet is essential especially in emergencies.

B) Crate

C) Food, Water bowl and Food dish

D) Vitamins

E) Grooming tools (Brush, Shampoo & conditioner, blow dryer w/ cool setting, clean towels)

F) Helpful Books in dog care


4.) FINDING THE RIGHT BREEDER-
Now this next step is the hardest: finding the right breeder.
Don't go for breeders who have clever gimmicks such as "TEACUP" "POCKETSIZE" or even some "SHOW QUALITY"(they don't even show! how will they know?). These are just clever marketing strategies to appeal to the buyers. the term teacup really means the runt in the litter which have will have health problems in the future and when they say "standard size" or "teacup/pocket size" there is no such thing as there is only one breed standard. Those who say that their dogs are show quality less than 6 months are not credible ask those breeders claiming their puppies to be show quality if they even show.

When looking for a breeder :

A) Have insightful questions in hand, better ask many questions and the breeder is willing to answer all of them and not hiding anything. a few essential questions:

i. Any genetic diseases that may be passed on? ask for a brief health history
ii. Could I see the dam or if available the sire? (the dam is essential, you must see the dam)
iii. Is the puppy or dog guaranteed healthy? Show me the medical records ask for the vet's name and contact number and confirm
iv. Any shortcomings I must know (minor or major disqualifying faults) *very essential question for potential show owners* breeder must be open to share so you would know if you are getting your money's worth.
vi. Ask about their diet. What is he feeding? how often does his feed?
vii Most importantly ask their goal in breeding. (e.g. why did you breed this litter?)

B) Breeder must be open, willing to share information about the puppies/dog

C) Check the environment, is it clean? is it an appropriate place for the puppies/dogs to grow up in.

D) Ask if the breeder agrees to replace a dog if there is a genetic disease (genetic diseases may be catch on later in life unlike viruses e.g parvo). Ask for an agreement beforehand. (Example: If puppy catches parvo in span of 2 weeks after aquiring would he be willing to replace)

*E) (For potential show homes) Ask if the breeder agrees to replace a dog if a major disqualfying fault arrise.

F) HAVE FULL TRUST IN YOUR BREEDER. If you smell something fishy, don't buy a puppy/dog from that breeder. make sure you are comfortable with your breeder.

5.) NOW THAT YOU HAVE YOUR PUPPY/ DOG(LINK PLEASE CLICK)
Congratulations on your new puppy/dog! I hope you will cherish and love your pet companion Always remember that there is something new to learn everyday

LEARN MORE ABOUT POMERANIANS (Please Click the Link to be redirected)
Useful & Essential Links for Research about Pomeranians

Pomeranian AKC Breed standard:(Philippines follows AKC)~http://www.akc.org/breeds/pomeranian/index.cfm


Pomeranian AKC Breed standard with illustration http://www.achillespoms.com/

Informative Pomeranian site (Covers Almost everything you need to know)
~ http://www.thepomeraniansite.com/

Frequently Asked Questions (HealthProblems) ~ http://www.bi-mar.com/pomeranianfaqs.asp

Coat Health ~ http://www.damascusroad.ca/skin-coat-bathing.htm

How to Groom(Instructions)~ http://www.pomkins.com/groom.htm

How to Groom(Video)~ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRGh3nCvsck

BSD/Alopecia X(Must Read!)~ http://www.pcoc.net/black-skin-disease.htm

Information on how to care for your new puppy~ http://www.finchspoms.com/index.htm

Pom puppy pictured growing up ~ http://www.damascusroad.ca/growing-up-puppies.htm

Thinking of breeding? (Please read this)~ http://hometown.aol.com/gelet1447/Breeding.htm

How to express the anal gland(video)~http://www.expertvillage.com/videos/dog-grooming-basics-glands.htm