Small dogs are all the rage. Of course, Pomeranians are pretty small already, but what if you only want the best of the best, the smallest of the small? You will want a miniature Pomeranian!
1. Technically, there is no such thing as a “miniature Pomeranian”, a “teacup Pomeranian”, a “toy Pomeranian” or any other small kind of Pom. The AKC does not recognize any of these terms, so they all have their own “definition” of what a Miniature Pomeranian really is. In reality, any dog that weighs more than 5 pounds when fully grown cannot be called ethically.
2. Beware of backyard breeders advertising miniature Pomeranians. Since there is technically no definition of mini, they can legally say it’s a mini no matter how big it eventually becomes. However, it is worth mentioning that there are some specialized breeders who only breed cups of tea. Just make sure they have a very good reputation before you trust them.
3. To make sure you are not ripped off when looking at a miniature Pomeranian puppy, ask to meet the puppy’s parents. Puppies generally grow to be about the same size as their mom and dad, so this will at least give you something to work with.
4. Females tend to be slightly larger than males. If you want the smallest dog possible, you will probably want a male.
5. If a female is incredibly small (3 pounds fully grown or less), she should be spayed as soon as possible and under no circumstances should she be bred. At that size, giving birth is very likely to be fatal. Always ask your veterinarian for advice before breeding any Miniature Pomeranian.
6. Some health problems may be more common in small dogs. Ask lots of questions about bloodlines and any common health problems (knee problems, collapsed trachea, etc.). As sensitive as a topic is, asking about the average lifespan of these dogs is a good idea. It is important to ensure that your Pom has strong genes and a long-lasting family history.
7. Since smaller dogs have less fat storage, low blood sugar can be a big problem. Pomeranians are already very prone to it, and a miniature Pomeranian will be even more prone to it. Learn to recognize the signs and treat them right away. It doesn’t sound like a big deal, but low blood sugar can be fatal to a dog.
8. If you have a yard where you plan to let your dog run, do a very close inspection of your fence before bringing the puppy home. Many fences have holes at the bottom or in the area where the fence meets the house. No one wants their Pom to get away just because a quick fence inspection wasn’t done. Fix problem areas before bringing the dog home.
9. Assess the situation in your home. Larger dogs and even older children can seriously injure or even kill a Miniature Pomeranian by accident. The smaller the dog, the more delicate it is. These dogs should be treated with the greatest possible care.
10. Have fun! There are many possibilities that open up with having a mini dog. They do not take up much space, they do not eat as much and they are easy to transport. Take your dog on a road trip, get yourself a fashionable dog carrier and take him with you when you leave the house – even dress him up in skimpy clothes if that’s your cup of tea!
With these tips, you’re off to a great start, but there’s still a lot more to learn about Pomeranians, so do enough research before making any decisions!