Pomeranian

Size: Breed standard is 3-7 pounds. Average we see in the Rescue Dogs: 7-15 lbs 8-16 inches tall

Color: In Rescue: Mostly Orange, Orange Sable, Tan. Occassionally: Cream, Black, Parti

Energy Level: High for the Toy Group--medium for dogs in general

Life expectancy: 14-16 yrs.

Children: Dogs over 10 pounds are occassionally good with children ages 7 and up. Dog under 10 pounds are rarely if ever good with children. Poms are fragile and easily injured by well-meaning children. Poms will snap first and ask questions later, thus, we will not place rescue Poms in homes with young children.

Other animals: Normally love other small dogs, fearful of larger ones. Most are fine with cats.

Abilities: Championship Lap-sitters, clowns

Shedding/Grooming: Shed seasonally. Not good for people with allergies. Grooming can be extensive. Deep brushing once per week is essential.

Health: Collapsing Trachea (causes severe coughing), Luxating patellas (slipping kneecaps)

Best with: Best in quiet households where someone is home a lot. Can be yappy in apartments when left alone. Retirees make the best homes. If left alone, they will need another tiny dog for company.

Not for: Children; busy people who aren't home alot, especially in apartments (will yap)

Pros: Affectionate, attentive, loving, great companion

Cons: Can be vocal and stubborn. Are somewhat fragile and can be easily injured. Require your attention. Needs weekly brushing.

General info: Many people contact us for Poms for their young children. They always say that they met a Pom that loved their kids. If raised with children who are appropriate with the dogs, Poms can learn to live with kids. Unfortunately, most of our rescue Poms have either had bad experiences with children and were turned in it, or have never been around children. We won't place a Pom in a situation where it is likely to fail.

Poms are very pack oriented and enjoy the company of other small dogs. They are easily injured by larger breeds. If someone is home most of the time, an "only" dog will adjust. If you are not, they really need companionship.

Consider the cost of owning this breed. To properly care for your Pom, you will need to invest in a few grooming tools and seriously consider seeing a professional groomer every spring and fall. Toy dogs need a dental at least every year. Annual vet costs for a healthy Pom, including shots and at least one dental will average $200 and up. Poms are fairly fragile. A broken leg can cost $1000 and up. Prevention is key.

Toy dogs can be difficult to housebreak. Please consider the amount of time you have to spend on housebreaking before considering a toy breed.

Although there are many fine breeders of Pomeranians in the Puget Sound area, there are many, many more inexperienced, unethical backyard breeders and Puppy Mills. Unfortunately, this is where most of the rescue dogs come from. Please do not even think of purchasing a puppy from a pet store. You will pay a horribly high price for an inferior dog that was probably bred in misery and may have genetic problems. There are many wonderful rescue Poms available right here in Western Washington.