| The Pomeranian is one of many toy breeds | | | | be evaluated before purchase. |
| registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC). The | | | | Pomeranians suffer from dental problems, heart |
| history of the Pomeranian begins just south of the | | | | problems and knee dislocations to name a few |
| Baltic Sea. Named for Pomerania, which is now a part | | | | medical conditions. Any pre-existing medical conditions |
| of Germany and Poland, Pomeranians are descended | | | | must be disclosed to a buyer. The best breeders will |
| from large sled dogs from this region. Descendents | | | | allow buyers to visit the kennels where Pomeranian |
| of these northern sled dogs, large and small, are | | | | puppies are whelped so they can see the conditions |
| classified in the Spitz group. In the late 1800s, British | | | | in which the puppies have been raised. |
| royals desired to breed a smaller version of the Spitz | | | | When choosing a pet from a little of Pomeranian |
| to act as a household pet. Pomeranians were bred | | | | puppies, a buyer should make sure the puppy meets |
| down to toy size from their direct ancestors, the | | | | the breed standard characteristics, especially if he or |
| German Spitz. | | | | she wishes to show the dog in competition. The |
| Physically, Pomeranian puppies and adults are adorable | | | | lineage and pedigree of the puppy is also important. |
| toy dogs. Pomeranians generally resemble small foxes. | | | | The breeder should be able to provide adequate |
| This breed is known for characteristics such as: | | | | documentation of the puppy's ancestry, registration |
| doll-like face, dark, almond shaped eyes, small feet, | | | | papers and medical records. Buyers should visit the |
| double coat of thick, full fur, pointed ears, and a | | | | kennel where the Pomeranian puppies are housed in |
| thick, furry tail. Pomeranian coats may be a variety | | | | advance of purchase. This way, the buyer can |
| of colors: solid, sable or parti-colored. Pomeranians are | | | | discern how well the puppy has been cared for and |
| considered toys due to the fact that they grow to | | | | maintained. |
| an average miniature size of eight to eleven inches in | | | | A good deal of research should also go into the |
| height and three to seven pounds in weight. | | | | breeder. The most important part of choosing the |
| The Pomeranian personality is often described as | | | | right Pomeranian puppy is choosing the right breeder. |
| excitable and high maintenance. It is very important | | | | Unfortunately, there are many unethical backyard |
| that Pomeranian puppies receive discipline and training | | | | breeders who breed dogs for monetary purposes |
| from an early age due to their inherent willfulness and | | | | only with little regard for the well being of the |
| tendency to bark excessively. Pomeranians are also | | | | puppies' parents. Buying from an ethical, reputable |
| known to be affectionate, intelligent, curious and full | | | | breeder who cares about the Pomeranian breed is |
| of energy. They are extroverts and it is important | | | | imperative. |
| for a potential buyer to understand that. | | | | Sometimes the puppy chooses the buyer too. Visiting |
| Pomeranian breeders are an excellent source of | | | | the kennel and being interviewed by the breeder |
| information on this breed. Potential buyers should feel | | | | may help the buyer determine which puppy is the |
| free to ask questions about how to care for their | | | | right choice. When the right Pomeranian puppy is |
| Pomeranians. Buyers should be informed of the | | | | chosen, buyer, breeder and puppy all benefit from |
| positive traits of the Pomeranian and the potential | | | | the process. |
| health risks inherent to this breed. All puppies should | | | | |