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Pomeranians

 

Pomeranians

It is recommended that only reputable breeders should be approached when seeking breed information or if you wish to purchase a puppy.

 

See the advertisements in either this month's issue, our classifieds section, or our back issues featuring your breed of choice. Alternatively contact one of the clubs listed below for breeders in your area.

 

Gauteng

 

Toy Dog Breeders Association

Chairman:  Mr. TL Dowson
(016) 366-0342 / 082 483 8169
Email:edkc@global.co.za

 

Jubilee Toy Dog Club of SA

Chairman: Owen Eberhardt
Phone: 0848704217
Secretary: Tracie Eberhardt
Phone: 0848516198
Treasurer: Anita Rademeyer
dreamridgesa@gmail.com

Pretoria Toy Dog Breeders Club

Chairman:  Dr. H. Rolfes
(012) 991-3546 / 082 452 7364
Email:hrolfes@lantic.net

Egoli Nordic Spitz & Primitive Breeds Club of Gauteng

Secretary: Mrs Tracie Eberhardt
Phone: 084 851 6198
traciemm@gmail.com

www.spitzclub.za.org

Kwazulu Natal

 

Natal Toy Dog Club

Chairman:  Mr. AD Watts
(031) 701-0827 / 083 228 2969
Email:nataltoydogclub@hotmail.com

Western Cape & Boland

 

Victory Toy Dog Club

Chairman:  Mr. C. Aucamp
(021) 976-8632 / 083 628 9673
Email:caucamp@adept.co.za

 

 

 

Fact File - Pomeranians

 

KUSA Group   Toy Group
FCI Group Group 5 (Spitz and Primitive types)

Original Function

Descended from the Wolf-Spitz, which were used for drawing sledges and for guarding and rounding up reindeer.
Modern Function Companion

Appearance

Ball of fluff, a small compact dog. Puppies go through an ‘ugly’ stage from 4 to 7 months, when they start growing their new coat. They lose their coat at least once a year, females twice a year if not spayed.

Weight

1.8kg to 2.5kg

Height

20cm +/-2cm therefore 18 to 22cm at withers.

Coat Colour Orange, red, cream, shaded-sables, black, white, wolf-sable, chocolate, brown, parti-colour, black & tan, blue. 
Coat Texture Double coat - the harsh outer coat which is long, and the woolly undercoat which keeps the outer coat up.

Grooming

At least twice a week, when changing coats every day.
Personality/Temperament Very loyal to his/her owner, outgoing temperament, very intelligent.

Compatibility with other dogs

Tends to be cheeky towards other dogs, no fear, sometimes a danger to themselves because they think they are just as big as the Rottweiler.
Compatibility with cats and other animals Playful, accept most animals.

Compatibility with people/children

A lovely companion to single people, elderly people, families. Not really suitable for small children, too fragile.

Living Space – Indoors/Outdoors

Indoors preferred.

Space and Exercise

Does not need much space because of size. Enjoys running around, a small garden is sufficient.

Trainability

Intelligent, easy to train.
Suitability as Watchdog
Very alert.

Noise Factor

Some Poms are yappers, but they are trainable and need to be trained from a young age.
Average Lifespan
Can reach 15 years.
Feeding Feed high-quality dog food - follow manufacturers recommendations for age and weight.  As puppies, Pomeranians tend to be fussy and need to eat high quality puppy food at least two to three times per day. Refrain from spoiling your Pom with table food, it is always very tempting but it is difficult to get them back on to dog food once he/she is spoilt.

Health

Varies. They can be healthy and live to an old age of 15/16. Most common problem is probably patella luxation. It is important to do some research about the breeder’s lines before you purchase a puppy.
Availability Enquire via Clubs for reputable breeders and healthy puppies. Due to popularity of the breed, a lot of indiscriminate breeding is taking place.  Be prepared to wait for well-bred puppies! 
Some questions to ask Breeders Ask if possible to see both parents. Are the puppies registered with KUSA; are they de-wormed and vaccinated? Even better if the puppies has had two vaccinations. (Pomeranian puppies can be sensitive, and should not leave the breeder before 10 to 13 weeks of age, depending on each puppy. They adapt to a new home even at that age, are much stronger by then and it makes life much easier for the new owner). Do they show their dogs? If breeders show their dogs, they have to improve to be able to compete in the ring. To be able to show, the dog needs to be sound and meet the breed standard. This also contributes to healthy and sound dogs, including temperaments.