Useful & Helpful Articles

7 foundations of a Sucessful Dog Breeder

2009-06-06T17:42:00.000-07:00

This is taken from PWCCA website, original link : http://www.pembrokecorgi.org/art_7foundtns.html

Seven Foundations of a Successful Dog Breeder

article by Jonathan Jeffrey Kimes

Listed in this article are some axioms that I have created as a learning tool. These axioms are reflections of the temptations we face on a daily basis as dog breeders. If one were to make a similar list for any human endeavor, I doubt it would differ much from what I have listed. I think this list is one that we should all review from time to time, for it requires maturity and self-confidence to master-something we all should continue to hone throughout our lives. The ultimate payoff is the ability to succeed in and to enjoy our dog breeding careers.

I - ENJOY YOUR DOGS

The primary reason anyone becomes involved with dog breeding and showing is a fundamental love of dogs. We treasure the companionship, the never failing loyalty, the delight they exude. We love to have them on our beds. Their eagerness to face the new day, even when we wake them up at dreadful hours, provides us a wonderment that brings back the exuberance of childhood. They forgive us when we lose our temper, when we are impatient, when we are far less than they are. They bring out the best of ourselves, they nurture the "big" us. Unfortunately, dog breeding and exhibiting can tempt our "little" selves. It can feed a fragile ego until it becomes a raging ego. Often, this need to feel we are better than our fellow man is expressed in our possessions. We need to have the biggest winner, the producer of the most champions, the most champion puppies. We buy, we co-own, we collect. Soon we have no time for dog pleasures, no time to play or rub a grateful belly, no time to stroke a patient brow. Soon we have no room for more dogs; we stack them and crate them and store them as though they were baubles that have no meaning but to make us feel important. We lose our ability to love. Dog showing and breeding is a great vocation. It is creative and challenging and very rewarding. But we must never expect our hobby to take the place of a psychologist's work. We must never expect an unhealthy mental state to be cured by self-indulgence. Far too many people take to showing and breeding for the wrong reasons. Their houses go to ruin, their bank accounts evaporate, their credit hits the skids, their spouses and children are left to survive on their own as the breeder pursues their own manifestation of what they perceive to prove their self-worth. Being a dog breeder is a huge commitment. It means we should assign ourselves the role of lifetime student. It means we will be humbled in countless ways and in countless circumstances. It means our lessons will be of the hard knock variety if we are to truly learn them. It means frustration, long hours, late nights and early mornings. It means never getting to sleep-in again. It means finding friendships - some of which will last for a lifetime and some of which will founder, being built on social advantage. It means being quoted and misquoted and having words put in your mouth. It means being given ample opportunity to be as "small" as a human being can be. But, hopefully, it can provide an opportunity to learn to be "big," to be generous, inquisitive, and adventurous. We should never ask ourselves if we are envied or important or successful. Those questions are meaningless. At the end of the day, we should ask ourselves, "Am I proud of the person I've become? What we must always be are dog lovers. We must be their advocates. We must ensure the life of every dog we breed and every dog we own is fulfilled and an illustration of humanity at its nest hour. Our vanity must not be stroked by having our pictures in a magazine or seeing our name on some ranking system. Our self-worth must come from knowing we provide our dogs a life of love, of pleasure, and of happiness.

II - BREED FOR IMPROVEMENT NOT WINNERS

It is easy to become lost in the purpose of breeding quality dogs. For some, the attraction of the bright lights, the glamour and the glitz cause them to stray from the path. Developing a bloodline that is well considered and that is a positive influence for the breed takes considerable discipline. Too often, the seemingly slow and carefully orchestrated effort to improve a breed is crossed up with the immediate desire to breed that one big winner and become famous.

The breeder's pledge must be to harbor and safeguard the breed. No breed is in perfect shape when the breeder happens upon it and none shall be perfect when they leave. But to leave a breed in better shape than it was when you came upon it is the greatest compliment. To improve type, movement, temperament and health must be the bottom line for every committed breeder.

Such accomplishment takes a long-range plan that is carefully thought through. It requires dedication and purpose. All too often, we are sidetracked by our desire to breed to the latest big winner, and then to the next and the next. Before long the pedigree is a long list of "who's who" that have no relationship to each other, other than they found success in the ring. What is key to learn (and to believe) is success in the ring is not an automatic indication of the dog's true quality. We all wish one indicated the other but that is too easy. It would require the removal of human fallacy to be accomplished!

Dogs do not excel for all the same reasons. Consequently, you can't simply breed one big winner to another and produce more big winners. Every feature and their nature of inheritance must be studied and understood before you can "manage" the inheritance variables. Once you gain this skill, you are on the road to producing a great line of winners.

III - TO THINE OWN SELF BE TRUE

The breeding of fine purebred dogs should be considered the pursuit of perfection - it is not the maintenance of it. All dogs have faults, all dogs are less than ideal in some ways and areas. If not, the "ideal" has not been well enough conceived. It is very easy to fall into the trap of being defensive about one's own dogs. This usually happens because what we assume to be correct is challenged by another as being less so.

This disharmony causes confusion in our mind and ultimately unhappiness. To right ourselves, we often become defensive and try to rid ourselves of that which is causing us the discomfort - namely the opin-ion that does not complement our own.

We must realize that "truth" is the ultimate standard by which our decisions should be made. In most cases, a roached back is a roached back, whether we choose to recognize it as such or not. Consequently, the best way for us to not be put into a position of being unhappily surprised is to pursue knowledge relentlessly to ensure our opinion is as accurate and close to the "truth" as possible.

This knowledge is gained in many ways, one of which is learning from fellow breeders. We must fight the urge to make up our minds about something and refuse to consider another viewpoint. Indeed, we do not make decisions based on facts when we are first learning, we are depending upon what we perceive to be the expertise of others to provide that for us. If that so-called expertise is, in fact, faulty, our whole knowledge base is called into question. And that causes us great anxiety.

The best place to sit is in the seat of the knowledge seeker. Whenever provided with an opinion that is different than the one You currently hold, always seek to under-stand the viewpoint of the other. Why does the person perceive something differently than you? Understanding another's point of view can be the road to greater knowledge. If you shut that door and do not entertain the prospect of learning something different than what you think is truth you will never actually recognize the truth and you will not succeed in your goal.

Quite honestly, you should be more critical of your dogs than anyone else could possibly be. That is not to say you should attribute faults to your dogs they do not possess, but your evaluation must be as detailed as possible and you must strive to see clearly their true faults and virtues. From this comes the map to success.

IV - DEAL WITH OTHERS AS YOU WOULD HAVE THEM DEAL WITH YOU

Sounds a bit like the golden rule that we learn in childhood. Yet it is amazing how many people forget this very important axiom. In dealing with others, regardless of the matter, think always of the other person's position. I have heard repeatedly, people state how they were burned in a co-ownership agreement. All too often the agreement is geared toward benefiting one party (often the seller) over another. Written agreements somehow are tainted as being only needed in a contentious situation. This is the first misconception. Not having a written agreement should be the very rare exception, not the reverse. Too often, should a worthwhile puppy be produced from one of these undefined arrangements, the fight is on for possession. Before contemplating selling a dog on a co-ownership or leasing it or offering stud service for a puppy back, you should think through what exactly you expect and desire from such an arrangement. Too often, these business dealings occur in the spur of the moment during a telephone conversation, and the deal is struck before either party has really had an opportunity to think it through. For some reason, rather than rethinking the situation, we tend to try to follow through on such an ill conceived arrangement only to end up bitter enemies in the end. If people would stop and think about the likely end result, they would realize the best possible thing to protect the friendship is to have a written understanding.

It is very rare a litter is going to have more than one star if any at all. Consequently, it is important to under-stand who is going to own that super puppy, should it appear. People are too willing to tear apart relationships should one person seem to benefit a bit more than another. This is too sad and is reflective of the self-benefit motivation that all too many find as the driving force for their actions. When pressed, it is far better to give than to receive.

It is far better to let the other seemingly benefit than to destroy a relationship and acquire the reputation of being disreputable and self centered, if for no other reason than it makes you grow as a human being, which is probably a fair trade off in the long run.

V - BY GIVING YOU HAVE NOTHING TO LOSE

Another pitfall breeders often experience is the inability to celebrate others' Successes. While certainly we feel the route we are taking is the best way to approach that utopian plateau of breed perfection, there are actually many routes to that same goal. It takes nothing at all away from our own accomplishments to recognize the accomplished efforts of other breeders.

This inability and unwillingness to appreciate other's efforts usually comes from having made a decision not to breed to certain bloodlines or deal with certain persons. When such a kennel then produces a success, it is difficult for us to acknowledge such an achievement for we tend to find that inconsistent with our opinion of that particular person or family of dogs. It takes quite an honest and secure person to recognize and celebrate the accomplishments of others.

While it is probably good advice to hold our criticisms closer to our chest, recognizing another's achievement only brings good things. By being someone who can see the virtues in breeding lines other than your own, you gain a reputation of fair-ness and objectivity that is a very rare pearl in dogdom. You may find, over time, your point of view and your philosophies are taken with much greater weight when others do not perceive them to have originated in a mind consumed with self aggrandizement. Thus, by doing so you lose nothing and yet you gain so very much.

VI - MAKE USE OF OTHERS' ACHIEVEMENTS

One of the worst situations a breeder can find her/ himself in is to partition themselves off from another kennel or bloodline. It is highly unlikely that all improvements toward the perfection of a breed are going to come from one single kennel or bloodline. Like flowers in the field, they will spring up in various places. The clever breeder is the one who knows how to pick from allthe field those who will make the ultimate, sublime bouquet. And to do this, you must be able to use the strengths of other kennels and bloodlines. Breeders will tend to have certain biases; and quite honestly, there are certain strengths and weaknesses in most bloodlines. While you may feel you have achieved the highest ground in certain areas, there will doubtless be other areas in which your dogs and bloodlines are less strong than others. Not to recognize this fact is to ensure you will plateau quite early in your breeding career. And by that I mean you will stabilize and go no further. You must always keep a watchful eye for that very special bloom that will enhance your bouquet.

It is this sophisticated combining of families without losing the good points of your own bloodline that strengthen a kennel and move it forward in breed importance. It takes careful consideration, orchestration and pruning to come to fruition.

VII - YOU ARE ONLY AS GOOD AS YOUR MORALS

My last axiom addresses the whole issue of morality. It has many facets and many ways of expressing itself. Spreading rumors, the accuracy of which might be doubtful, is one very good example. Selling dogs on co-owner-ships as a means to control other breeders is certainly another. Accusing other lines of genetic problems while being less than entirely honest about your own is yet another. In all, it goes to the very core of who we are. Do we know right from wrong? Do we practice right in all circumstances? Dog breeding is not about that one great win or that one great winner. It is about breed improvement over time, it is about protecting a breed. Too many people are in search of some kind of sign of their self worth and they think they will obtain some special level of respect and honor if they have a big winner. Dog breeding is a lifetime's work. It is a continuum of which, no matter how quickly you want to "put yourself on the map," will ultimately be a reflection of your true character. To wit, you can't fool all of the people all of the time.

There is no honor in "adjusting" reality to give you the appearance of achieving something you have not. Politicking for wins will not make your dogs any better than they are. Faking your dogs will not make them any better than they are. You may think you can fool the world, but you will ultimately pay the price. No one wants to be a pretender. And yet, some of the worst pre-tenders are people who seem to be infatuated with spreading rumors about other people and dogs. These people live in glass houses and invariably they know it. The breeding of dogs is not about how you impress the neighbors, your peers or anyone else.

It is the expression of your love of dogs and your personal pursuit in creating an art. You cannot lie about the art you create; you cannot lie to yourself.

While this list, I am quite sure, sounds like a sermon from the mount, it encompasses the many pitfalls that we dog breeders face every day. Some of us are equipped to navigate these disturbances better than others, but all of us CAN navigate them. We are all tested from time to time, even the most educated, psychologically balanced, intelligent and honest amongst us. There are times when it feels much better to zing someone who has been hurtful, to control those whom we feel do not have the proper motivation, to become the ones who attract the adulation. Only through careful thought and well-considered action can we hope to become better people and therefore better dog breeders.

Grooming & Coat Health of the Pomeranian

2009-05-26T09:46:00.000-07:00

What I am to write about is the importance in maintaining the coat and the skin (not grooming techniques as we are not experts on that :) ). First of is, the pomeranian's coat the quality of it & the volume is mostly based on genetics poorly bred poms will not have a luscious coat like a well-bred one. but nevertheless what genetic make up your pomeranian has it is important to keep the skin healthy. A healthy skin will reflect on a beautiful coat.

Most shampoos on the market have too many chemicals in them, and will do more harm on the long run, I found this article about Coat health and the importance of a good quality shampoo & what kind of chemicals to avoid: LINK (click for article)

As we have mentioned before, Our kennel have switched to using natural products this including the shampoo, GIGA Pet Organics is a sweet find. This Shampoo bar is made from all-natural ingredients meaning that it is has no harmful detergents and an addition to that it is hand-made.
This shampoo bar, is pocket friendly (because it does not cost a lot) is just one of the factors why the Mr. Chico dogs love it.

Pet Shampoo Bar and Flea Spray

PET ORGANICS Dog Shampoo Bar Product Description:
This soap is made made from oils of coconut and olive. Coconut milk is added for moisturizing, oats to improve skin texture and relieve itching and rosemary extract to condition the coat. It also contains the following essential oils; tea tree oil to scrub away skin irritants and fight bacterial infection, citronella to deodorize and repel insects and orange to soften and soothe the skin.

Can be ordered at: www.ecomarket.multiply.com

Of course, to make that coat looking great never underestimate regular brushing (even on shed!)
Regular brushing prevents matting (which most poms get when they aren't brushed resulting to a cut down) While Brushing use a quality pin brush like that of #1 All Systems. Brush your pomeranian at twice a day (or at least once) as to promote coat growth, contrary to belief that when a dog is shedding it should'nt be brushed often because it lessens the coat. Brushing actually stimulates coat growth that's why when your dog is shedding you need to brush it more.

Pomeranians shed at puppyhood (around 3 months above..depending on your dog)
The males shed yearly
The females shed when nearing season/after birth

You can order your #1 all systems brushes here: www.rainwaterkennel.com

Questions about Coat Health?
E-mail us: chicopoms@yahoo.com
We'll try our best to help!

Why going "GREEN" helps your pets.

2009-05-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

While recently browsing a magazine I chance upon an ad, where they were selling products more eco-friendly. As we have always wanted what was best for our dogs I knew that it was time to switch the regular disinfectants and cleaning products we use in the house. A lot of household cleaning agents like bleach, disinfectants, detergents, dish washing soap, grooming products have a lot of harmful chemicals in them and are slowly poisoning our pets and family. Our pets take in more chemicals than we do that's why its twice more harmful for them. Here are more reasons to stop using these toxic chemical products: LINK

That's why Here at Mr. Chico we have decided to use products that are natural.

What we use?

Household cleaners are from: (disinfectants/laundry soaps/ dishwashing soap etc)
Messy Bessy products

Plantex products

Victoria products

Grooming:

Pet Shampoo Bar and Flea Spray

PET ORGANICS Dog Shampoo Bar:
This soap is made made from oils of coconut and olive. Coconut milk is added for moisturizing, oats to improve skin texture and relieve itching and rosemary extract to condition the coat. It also contains the following essential oils; tea tree oil to scrub away skin irritants and fight bacterial infection, citronella to deodorize and repel insects and orange to soften and soothe the skin.

These all can be found in one convenient store and are proudly pinoy made:
www.ecomarket.multiply.com
Ground Level Main Entrance Market! Market! Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
right across Mercury Drug.

Pictures are from EcoMarket

Keeping your pomeranian puppy healthy.

2009-03-27T19:47:00.000-07:00

Pomeranians are very delicate dogs, so it is important to practice preventive measures to keep your poms in tip top shape. It is so sad to lose a dog at such a young age, believe us as we have experienced some very sad losses ourselves and each loss taught us to become more health conscious with our dogs.

First of all- Have a good veterinarian you can trust. TRUST, as in you can trust your dog's life in his/her hands and that the vet you choose have genuine love for animals. Make sure that your vet can attend to you in emergencies and holidays. You also need to have a good back up vet/s in case of absence.

A good vet is an essential, as we have lost few of our dogs due to vet mishandling.
We recommend the senior vets in VETS IN PRACTICE, they are truly the best.

Vets in Practice:
148 San Francisco St., Plainview, Mandaluyong. Tel: 533 7965

Second is Nutrition- Never underestimate proper nutrition especially in small dogs who are likely to experience Hypoglycemia. For puppies we feed them 3x a day and for adults 2x a day.
It is important that they EAT well. (you have to hand feed picky eaters). and that they drink adequate amount of water through out the day( fresh, clean purified water should be available at all times) (If your dog is still being difficult and not drinking water you should try using a syringe to make them drink). A good brand of dog food is important, never use cheap dog food that are packed with fillers. Invest well in your dog's nutrition. We recommend Go! Natural dog food, Solid Gold, Canidae (We alternate these brands but mainly use Go! Natural Can be bought at www.exclusivepet.multiply.com). It is important to give proper supplements and vitamins to your dogs, we recommend Nutri-cal(Tomlyn), & Nature Farmacy products(USA)

Third is Cleanliness- Keep your pet in a very a clean environment and a well ventilated area, free of pests, free of waste. Make sure his sleeping area is always clean. Make sure his food and water bowl are always clean. Make sure also that food storage is clean and free of pests.If you have a kennel, make sure your kennel area is cleaned well everyday. We recommend cleaning products that are natural without the chemicals, Disinfectants like bleach, Lysol etc. can do more harm than good, Here is what we use:LINK

Fourth is Making sure- Don't take young puppies (2 mos-6 mos) out at home. Don't take them to crowded dirty places where they can pick up diseases. Don't take them to places where there are many dogs but if you do make sure that your dog is very healthy (and has a stable immune system). For socialization purposes it's better to set-up a play date with a friend who you know and are sure that their pets are clean and healthy. If you have visitors wanting to touch your puppy make sure their hands are clean and let them use rubbing alcohol before touching your puppy.

Fifth is awareness- Always be aware of your dogs. Know your pet well enought that when you see signs that he isn't feeling well--you know pronto. Know the signs if your pet is weak. Signs to look out for is being lethargic(weak), not wanting to eat/drink, fever, diarrhea, constipation, fever(hot to feel), blood in poop, coughing. Always ask for Vet's advice when you feel your pet isn't feeling well and if it's serious bring your pet to the clinic ASAP.

Questions about Pomeranians?
E-mail us: chicopoms@yahoo.com
We'll try our best to help!

Breed STANDARD

2008-12-11T19:32:00.000-08:00

ILLUSTRATION: (click to enlarge)

General Appearance
The Pomeranian is a compact, short-backed, active toy dog. He has a soft, dense undercoat with a profuse harsh-textured outer coat. His heavily plumed tail is set high and lies flat on his back. He is alert in character, exhibits intelligence in expression, is buoyant in deportment, and is inquisitive by nature. The Pomeranian is cocky, commanding, and animated as he gaits. He is sound in composition and action.

Size, Proportion, Substance
The average size of the Pomeranian is from 3 to 7 pounds, with the ideal weight for the show specimen being 4 to 6 pounds. Any dog over or under the limits is objectionable. However, overall quality is to be favored over size. The distance from the point of shoulder to the point of buttocks is slightly shorter than from the highest point of the withers to the ground. the distance from the brisket to the ground is half the height at the withers. He is medium-boned, and the length of his legs is in proportion to a well-balanced frame. When examined, he feels sturdy.

Head
The head is in balance with the body. The muzzle is rather short, straight, fine, free of lippiness and never snipey. His expression is alert and may be referred to as fox-like. The skull is closed. The top of the skull is slightly rounded, but not domed. When viewed from the front and side, one sees small ears which are mounted high and carried erect. To form a wedge, visualize a line from the tip of the nose ascending through the center of the eyes and the tip of the ears. The eyes are dark, bright, medium in size and almond-shaped. They are set well into the skull on either side of a well-pronounced stop. The pigmentation is black on the nose and eye rims except self-colored in brown, beaver, and blue dogs. The teeth meet in a scissors bite. One tooth out of alignment is acceptable. Major Faults: Round, domed skull; under-shot mouth; overshot mouth.

Neck, Topline, Body
The neck is short with its base set well into the shoulders to allow the head to be carried high. The back is short with a level topline. The body is compact and well-ribbed with brisket reaching the elbow. The plumed tail is one of the characteristics of the breed, and lies flat and straight on the back.

Forequarters
The Pomeranian has sufficient layback of shoulders to carry the neck and head proud and high. The shoulders and legs are moderately muscled. The length of the shoulder blade and upper arm are equal. The forelegs are straight and parallel to each other. Height from elbows to withers approximately equals height from ground to elbow. The pasterns are straight and strong. The feet are well-arched, compact, and turn neither in nor out. He stands well up on his toes. Dewclaws may be removed. Major Faults: Down in pasterns.

Hindquarters
The angulation of the hindquarters balances that of the forequarters. The buttocks are well behind the set of the tail. The thighs are moderately muscled with stifles that are moderately bent and clearly defined. The hocks are perpendicular to the ground and the legs are straight and parallel to each other. The feet are well-arched, compact, and turn neither in nor out. He stands well up on his toes. Dewclaws, if any on the hind legs may be removed. Major Faults: Cowhocks or lack of soundness in hind legs or stifles.

Gait
The Pomeranian's gait is smooth, free, balanced and vigorous. He has good reach in his forequarters and strong drive with his hindquarters. Each rear leg moves in line with the foreleg on the same side. To achieve balance, his legs converge slightly inward toward a center line beneath his body. The rear and front legs are thrown neither in nor out. The topline remains level, and his overall balance and outline are maintained.

Coat
A Pomeranian is noted for its double coat. The undercoat is soft and dense. The outer-coat is long, straight, glistening and harsh in texture. A thick undercoat will hold up and permit the guard hair to stand off from the Pomeranian's body. The coat is abundant from the neck and fore part of shoulders and chest, forming a frill which extends over the shoulders and chest. The head and leg coat is tightly packed and shorter in length than that of the body. The forequarters are well-feathered and thighs and hind legs well feathered to the hock. The tail is profusely covered with long, harsh, spreading straight hair. Trimming for neatness and a clean outline is permissible. Major Faults: Soft, flat or open coat.

Color
All colors, patterns, and variations there-of are allowed and must be judged on an equal basis. Patterns: Black and Tan - tan or rust sharply defined, appearing above each eye and on muzzle, throat, and forechest, on all legs and feet and below the tail. The richer the tan the more desirable; Brindle - the base color is gold, red, or orange-brindled with strong black cross stripes; Parti-color - is white with any other color distributed in patches with a white blaze preferred on the head. Classifications: The Open Classes at specialty shows may be divided by color as follows: Open Red, Orange, Cream, and Sable; Open Black, Brown, and Blue; Open Any Other Color, Pattern, or Variation.

Temperament
The Pomeranian is an extrovert, exhibiting great intelligence and a vivacious spirit, making him a great companion dog as well as a competitive show dog.

Even though a Toy dog, the Pomeranian must be subject to the same requirements of soundness and structure prescribed for all breeds, and any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation.

Approved December 9, 1996
Effective January 31, 1997A

AKC STANDARD(taken from AKC site)

Article:"Alopecia x(Coat Loss) or BSD in pomeranians"

2008-06-15T12:20:00.001-07:00

Alopecia X or "Black skin disease" BSD is not a public statement. It is usually kept secret by the breeders and have always been considered taboo. The pomeranian owners are never informed and they just find out for themselves. First of all what is it? It is a disease wherein the pomeranian loses his coat and his skin turns black. I will put pictures of sample BSD dogs too. This is indeed a very sad disease since the crowning glory of the pomeranian is his coat. But please do not blame your breeder (if your dog gets it) for this disease is carried all throughout the pomeranian lines .Don't believe to those who say they don't have BSD in their lines for they are lying, it is already everywhere and all we can do now is precaution.

Please Click Link for further information reagrding BSD : http://www.pcoc.net/black-skin-disease.htm

Join the Pom BSD discussion e-group for more information

Click to join PomBSD

Example of Alopecia X/BSD Dogs

Article:Finding the Right Pomeranian for you.

2008-06-15T12:14:00.000-07:00

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