There are fewer types of Pomeranians than many people have been led to believe. Suppose you intend to enter your Pomeranian in the Westminster Dog Show. If your puppy meets the AKC Standard for the breed once it matures you may be able to do so. If does not, you cannot. These are what the two basic types of this breed are; standard and non-standard. People sometimes purchase one of these little puppies having been told it is a teacup Pomeranian, or a mini Pomeranian. Neither type exists, at least not according to the AKC Standard. A Pomeranian is a Pomeranian – period.
Not All Pomeranians Are Exactly the Same However
Pomeranian puppies can be heartbreaking cute. When you purchase one of these little fur balls, you might be doing so in the expectation that once it reaches its adult size it will still look the same, only it will be a little bit larger. Depending upon their blood lines, Pomeranians can take on some very different appearances and sizes as they grow older. Your puppy will probably grow up to be a very lovable small dog, but it may not be a particularly attractive one. Instead of becoming a big fur ball, your puppy could grow up to be quite a bit larger than one that meets the breed standard. It could have a longer muzzle and a longer back, and not look nearly like the compact little dog you were expecting. Its coat could be different in color, pattern, or texture as well. By that time you’ll probably have become quite attached to the little dog, so looks may not be all that important. It will still be a beautiful dog in your eyes. It just won’t be a show dog.
It’s Best to Buy From a Professional Breeder
While your puppy may cost a bit more, possibly quite a bit more, it can pay to purchase one from a registered Pomeranian breeder. This give you the best chance of purchasing a puppy that is going to end up looking like you expect it too. It will also most likely be a very healthy little dog. Professional breeders work hard to breed out any health issues they might encounter. When they purchase one or more of these dogs for breeding purposes they usually screen them for any genetic problems.
Dog shows are a good place to get acquainted with dog breeders. Quite often it can be an opportunity to meet the parents of a new litter, or of a litter that is about to be. In doing so, you’ll usually get a pretty good idea of what the pups are going to look like once they mature.
Different Types Means Different Coats
The Pomeranians of today were bred from much larger dogs. A century or so ago they were often the size of a beagle, weighing upwards to 30 pounds. Today most Pomeranians weight between 4 and 7 pounds. If you’re interested in various types of Pomeranians, don’t be looking for different sizes and shapes. Dogs that are not bred to match the Pomeranian standard may not be the healthiest dogs. If you want to consider different types of Pomeranians, your selection will actually be limited to the colors and markings of the coat. Almost any color or pattern is allowed within the AKC Standard if you want to show your dog. There are nearly two dozen different colors that are considered to be more or less standard, plus nine different types of markings, leaving you with a hefty number of possible combinations to choose among. Colors range from pure white to black and tan, blue and tan, cream, orange, chocolate, and tri-colored just to mention a few. As far a markings go, there’s brindle, mask, parti-colored, sable, tan markings, white markings, and a few others.
Where to Find Information About the Breed
Two excellent sources for finding out all you need to know about this breed is are the American Kennel Club web pages on Pomeranians, and the American Pomeranian Club’s website. A third source is the Pomeranian.org website. You can visit websites of various breeders as well. Breeder’s websites are often filled with photos of Pomeranians that are being bred, puppies that are up for sale, and puppies and adult dogs that have been sold. Some breeders simply show a few images and indicate the prices they expect. Others go into a great deal of detail about each of the different animals. Many breeders will list conditions under which they are willing to sell a puppy to you. Many will want to meet you in person before agreeing to sell you one of their puppies. This is by and large a good thing, as those involved in a puppy-mill operation usually don’t care who they sell to. Don’t forget about visiting dog shows if you have a chance. This is the best opportunity to meet the breeders and see the dogs without having to feel obligated to make a purchase. Just remember that the types of Pomeranians are determined largely by their colors and markings.