Pomeranian. Juliette Cunliffe

Pomeranian must be subject to the same requirements of soundness and structure prescribed for all breeds, and any deviation from the ideal described in the standard should be penalized to the extent of the deviation.

       EXPENSE OF BREEDING

      The decision to breed your dog is one that must be considered carefully and researched thoroughly before moving into action. Some people believe that breeding will make their bitch happier or that it is an easy way to make money. Unfortunately, indiscriminate breeding only worsens the rampant problem of pet overpopulation, as well as putting a considerable dent in your pocketbook. As for the bitch, the entire process from mating through whelping is not an easy one and puts your pet under considerable stress. Last, but not least, consider whether or not you have the means to care for an entire litter of pups. Without a reputation in the field, your attempts to sell the pups may be unsuccessful.

A NOTE ON THE STANDARD

      Although a great deal can be learned from the breed standard, only by seeing good-quality, typical specimens can you really learn to appreciate the breed’s merits. Therefore, readers interested in showing their Pomeranians should watch other dogs being exhibited, and learn as much as possible from established breeders and exhibitors.

       This color is called black even though it has a red sheen.

       This color is called by different names in different countries, including, but not limited to, red and orange.

       BREEDER’S BLUEPRINT

      If you are considering breeding your bitch, it is very important that you are familiar with the breed standard. Reputable breeders breed with the intention of producing dogs that are as close as possible to the standard and that contribute to the advancement of the breed. Study the standard for both physical appearance and temperament, and make certain your bitch and your chosen stud dog measure up.

      It is sensible to attend judges’ and breed seminars, often hosted by breed clubs. Here the finer points of the breed can be explained fully and discussed. There is usually a dog, or perhaps several, available for demonstration purposes, and there may even be an opportunity for participants to feel beneath the coat for the structure of the animal. Just a few elaborations on the breed standard are, however, worthy of brief comment here.

      The late Harry Glover, a highly respected UK judge, described the breed as “a frontemphasis dog.” By this, he meant that this was a dog with small hindquarters and a large, luxurious ruff around the neck, making it possible for a Pom to be held in the curve of an elbow. Though not specifically relating to the standard, this is an apt description and indeed the Pomeranian does lend itself to being carried over the arm in a highly individual way!

      The straight, harsh-textured coat is wonderfully abundant around the neck, on the chest and on the forepart of the shoulders, with the frill extending over the shoulders, making a very pretty picture. It is not difficult to see why so many are attracted by the breed, even though they may not own a Pom.

      But there is very much more to a Pomeranian than his coat. Beneath that coat should be a tiny dog that is soundly constructed in every department. A Pomeranian has to breathe, move and perform all his bodily functions like any other dog, so it is absolutely essential that the structure is sound throughout. The Pomeranian has been bred down in size over the years but, in doing so, soundness of overall construction should not have been lost, for that would indeed have been to the detriment of the breed.

      The Pomeranian is a thoroughly attractive and active little breed, full of personality and vivacity. Thankfully, dedicated breeders have allowed the breed to develop into the wonderful little dog he is today, and it behooves all breeders to help him stay that way.

       YOUR PUPPY