| Small dogs are all the rage. Of course, Pomeranians | | | | and any common health issues (knee problems, |
| are already quite small - but what if you want only the | | | | trachea collapse, and so on). As touchy of a subject |
| best-of-the-best, the smallest-of-the-small? You'll want | | | | as it is, asking about the average lifespan of these |
| a miniature Pomeranian! | | | | dogs is a good idea. It's important to make sure your |
| 1. There is technically no such thing as a "miniature | | | | Pom has strong genes and a family history of long-life. |
| Pomeranian", a "teacup Pomeranian", a "toy | | | | 7. Since smaller dogs have less fat storage, low blood |
| Pomeranian" or any other small-size class of the Pom. | | | | sugar can be a huge problem. Pomeranians are |
| The AKC does not recognize any of these terms, so | | | | already very prone to it, and a miniature Pomeranian |
| everyone has their own "definition" of what a miniature | | | | will be even more likely to suffer from it. Learn to |
| Pomeranian really is. Any dog above 5 pounds | | | | recognize the signs and treat it immediately. It sounds |
| fully-grown really cannot be ethically called a miniature. | | | | like no big deal, but low blood sugar can be fatal to a |
| 2. Beware of backyard breeders advertising miniature | | | | dog. |
| Pomeranians. Since there is technically no definition of | | | | 8. If you have a yard you plan on letting your dog run |
| a mini, they can legally say it's a mini no matter how | | | | in, make a very close inspection of your fence before |
| large it will eventually grow up to be. It's worth | | | | taking the puppy home. Many fences have gaps along |
| mentioning, however, that there are some specialty | | | | the bottom or the area where the fence meets the |
| breeders that only breed teacups. Just make sure | | | | house. Nobody wants their Pom to run away just |
| they have a very good reputation before trusting them. | | | | because a quick fence inspection wasn't performed. |
| 3. To make sure you're not getting ripped off when | | | | Fix any problem areas before taking the dog home. |
| looking at a miniature Pomeranian puppy, ask to meet | | | | 9. Evaluate your household situation. Larger dogs and |
| the pup's parents. Puppies usually grow up to be about | | | | even older children can seriously injure or even kill a |
| the same size as their mom and dad, so this will at | | | | miniature Pomeranian by complete accident. The |
| least give you something to work with. | | | | smaller the dog is, the more delicate it is. These dogs |
| 4. Females usually grow to be slightly larger than | | | | should be treated with the utmost possible care. |
| males. If you want the tiniest dog possible, you'll | | | | 10. Have fun! There are a lot of possibilities that open |
| probably want a male. | | | | up with you own a mini dog. They don't take up much |
| 5. If a female is incredibly small (3 pounds full grown or | | | | space, don't eat that much, and are easy to carry |
| less), she should be spayed as soon as possible and | | | | around. Take your dog on road-trips, get a fashionable |
| under no circumstances should she be bred. At that | | | | dog carrier and take him with you when you leave the |
| size, giving birth will very likely be fatal. Always ask | | | | house - even dress him up in tiny clothes if that's your |
| your vet for his or her advice before breeding any | | | | cup of tea! |
| miniature Pomeranian. | | | | With these tips, you'll be off to a great start - but |
| 6. Some health issues may be more common in | | | | there's still much more to learn about Pomeranians, so |
| smaller dogs. Ask many questions about the bloodlines | | | | do adequate research before making any decision! |