So you want to buy a Pom pup!
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My first question would be WHY? Are you looking for a show pup or a pet pup? Letting your prospective breeder know up front is very helpful! Have you ever had a toy dog before? They have special needs. Not all veterinarians are good with toy dogs. Do you have children? Toy dogs and small children don't mix well. If your children are raised in a home with small dogs and are taught from birth how to sit to play and how to be careful then it could work. Toy dogs' legs break very easily! |  |
| Their heads often have open fontanels and a head bump could be fatal! Toy dogs often suffer with hypoglycemia. This is low blood sugar caused from stress or too long between meals or lack of water.This is easily treated if caught right away. If left unattended or not recognized the pup can die in a short time span. The symptoms would be a wobbly gait, disorientation, collapsing and finally going into a comatose state, then death will follow. A mixture of sugar water administered when symptoms first present them- | ||
| selves can bring the pup around. Or your vet can administer glucose IV to bring the pup around. A good prevention is frequent feedings throughout the day. Fresh water available 24/7. And don't overly stress the pup. Also a product called Nutrical can be given at stress times and once or twice daily as a preventative. It is a high calorie supplement in a gel form and tastes very good to the pups! |  |
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Have you considered
other toy breeds? Some are much hardier. Such as the Pug, Poodle, Shih Tzu,
Havanese, King Charles Spaniel,and others. They might be a better choise for those
with small children. If you're still sure you want a Pom, have you considered the
grooming required of the breed? Poms go through many coat stages. Between
three and five months they go thru "the uglies". So named because they
shed almost bald. Then they repeat this at one year.! The females go thru a
milder version of this every 6 mos. along with their seasons. Males do a mild shed
once a year. Mats are a big problem at these times! Professional groomings
would be definitely recommended. Poms require weekly brushing at the minimum!
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| Pom pups often retain their puppy teeth requiring removal by a veterinarian which means being put under anesthesia. This can be dangerous! Poms due to their size can have reactions to vaccinations, your vet would need to be familiar with this and know what to do. I'm certainly not trying to get you to not buy a Pom. But you need to know the special problems associated with the breed! It is said, once you have a Pom you'll always have a Pom. They get under your skin! They are a fabulous breed. But they aren't for everyone! |  |
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Finding a reputable breeder is of primary importance. Being honest with that breeder is also very important! Let them know what you want with the pup. Most of us will not sell a show dog to someone looking for a pet. It is of vital importance that our show pups get the opportunity to become Champions. We put an enormous amount of effort into breeding quality dogs. A pet pup doesn't mean it is a sickly, or a badly bred pup. We often . | |
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have pups who are a little undersize or oversize. Sometimes their bites are slightly off. These are reasons they would be pet quality instead of show quality. In our kennel all pets are sold on a spay/neuter contract with a limited registration. Show pups are often sold on co-ownerships until they become champions. |  |
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Once their Championship is complete I will sign off the papers. There are many other requirements that go along with show pups. AKC is now requiring DNA analysis of certain dogs. Microchipping is required by AKC under certain circumstances. Any Pom pup is a large commitment both financially and for your lifestyle. But show pups are even more so! So I recommend you do your homework and find a good breeder who will continue with you as a mentor. Poms are beautiful, | |
| intelligent, and wonderful dogs! They are very loving and active for a toy dog. They can be a wonderful addition to a family that is prepared and educated on the breed. Some pet people think breeders are too picky about selling their pups. But the time, love, money, blood,sweat and tears required to raise a Pom pup makes us this way! We want your experience of buying and owning a Pom to be a positive one. So we will interview you and ask personal questions! |  |
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Good luck in your search for a lovely Pom! I hope I've given you some food for thought! Audrey Roberts Shyacres Pomeranians |
