The future of the Pomeranian breed is
dependent on the breeders to make serious considerations and sacrifices
when making the decision to breed a litter. Becoming a breeder involves
so much more than putting two dogs together and producing puppies. A
breeder will spend hours studying pedigrees and researching health
conditions to learn as much as possible about the dogs in the pedigree
before making a decision to breed two dogs together.
From the very beginning, I have felt that the
health history of my breeding prospect is the true backbone of my
breeding program. I feel like I have some advantage in this area because
I was able to have hands on knowledge of three plus generations of
lineage behind my foundation dogs. I studied those dogs. I took numerous
notes and then went a step further and made notes in regard to the
offspring they produced. I visited my mentor for several days every
month and in trade for the knowledge I obtained, I helped to groom her
Poms. I would not trade those hours of hands on learning for anything in
the world.
For years, I have waited until my females were
nearly 3 years old before breeding to them. I felt it was important to
learn as much from the offspring the parents produced before planning
matings for the next generation. We only get a couple litters from each female and the more we know before planning those breedings, the better
our chances are of producing Healthy and Happy puppies.
I made the decision in 2008 to begin using
stud dogs that are much more mature than the norm. I now primarily use
stud dogs that are over four years of age with the majority being six
plus years of age. I expect these dogs to be healthy and sound, having
correct coats consisting of both undercoat and guard hair. They must go
through all the appropriate coat sheds for the breed and maintain
healthy coats.
I focus on health here
because without health, it does not matter how beautiful your Pomeranian
is. You can imagine that this is no easy task. Once I plan the breeding
based on the health issues, I then need to focus on the individual
traits that could make the offspring one of the next great show Poms.
Show Pom or Companion, the goal is to produce a little bundle of fur
that will keep us smiling day after day, year after year.
I am hopeful that by maintaining this
guideline, I will have the information necessary to breed healthy
Pomeranians that are beautiful inside and out.
You can make a difference by donating for Pomeranian health research.
American Pomeranian Club
Donations for Health Research
Healthy Pomeranians