If you're looking for a new furry friend that embodies beauty, intelligence, and charm, a well-bred Pomeranian may be the perfect choice for you. Known for their stunning appearance and lively personalities, poms pack a big punch when it comes to dog shows or companionship! Whether you're considering entering the world of dog shows or simply want to own a beautiful, quality dog, this guide will help you understand what makes a well-bred Pomeranian special and why they might be a great addition to your family.
What Makes a Pomeranian “Show-Quality”?
A show-quality Pomeranian isn't just about having a cute face—though that's certainly a perk! These dogs are bred to adhere to a specific breed standard, which dictates the physical traits, structure, and temperament that make them stand out in dog shows. While there are many wonderful Poms out there that are loving companions, show-quality Pomeranians possess characteristics that make them exceptional examples of the breed. These characteristics can be broken down into 2 main parts- Physical traits and Temperament.
Physical Traits: A show-quality Pomeranian needs to have a balance of the following features:
Coat: One of the most striking features of a Pomeranian is its plush double coat. Show-quality Poms have a thick, luxurious undercoat and a voluminous outer coat. They need to have a "ruff" around their neck, and a beautiful plumed tail. This distinctive coat should be well-groomed and should give the dog an almost regal appearance.
Size and Proportion: The ideal Pomeranian is compact and square in body. The AKC breed standard calls for Poms to be between 3 to 7 pounds, with overall quality being favored over size. They should move with soundness and confidence, and hold their silhouette while moving.
Head and Expression: A show-quality Pom has a beautiful face with an alert and intelligent expression. Their eyes are dark and bright, and they should have a short, well-defined muzzle. The ears are small and upright, and should be set high up on the head, contributing to the dog's lively, alert demeanor.
Color Variety: Pomeranians come in a wide array of colors, from the classic orange and red, to black to rarer shades like cream, chocolate, blue, and even merle. Most Pomeranians in the show ring will have no mismarks like white feet, or a white blaze as these are considered “faults”. Though no color is a disqualification and all colors should be judged equally. To see all of the colors Pomeranians come in, check out our blog here.
Temperament: A Pomeranian’s personality is just as important as its physical appearance. Show-quality Poms are not only beautiful but also exhibit confidence and are friendly, intelligent, and full of energy. These dogs should be confident without being overly aggressive or boisterous. They should also be social and adaptable, capable of thriving in both show settings and family environments. Temperament is mostly genetic, but keep in mind that all puppies need proper socialization and training, especially in their first year of life. You could have the most beautiful dog in the world, but if they are aggressive or overly shy, you should take that into account and the dog should not be shown or bred.
So, if I don't show dogs, then why should I choose a show quality Pomeranian?
Well, show-quality Pomeranians are bred with careful attention to standards and traits, so there are many reasons why they make fantastic pets for non-show enthusiasts.
Health and longevity: When buying a dog from an exceptional breeder, you can expect that all of the parent dogs are health tested to the requirements of the breed club.(do not be afraid to ask for these results before buying a puppy!) This is FAR more than just getting regular vet check ups and vaccines. These health tests are done by specialists, and depending on the type of test, these can include specific X-rays, ultrasounds, etc. For pomeranians this includes health tests for Heart, Eyes, and for Patella Luxation. The results for these tests can be posted publicly on the OFA website. Health tested parent dogs mean that your puppy has the best chance of avoiding breed specific health issues- and who doesn't want their dog to live a happy, healthy life?
Looks: Lets face it, part of the reason we love pomeranians is their iconic full coat, and adorable expression! There is nothing wrong with wanting your pet to look and act a certain way. You may often see large, 10-20 pound pomeranians with long muzzles and shorter coats. While these dogs may be purebred, they are poorly bred, and came from breeders who did not prioritize breed standards. These poorly bred dogs can still make great pets- but if they aren't what you want, please make sure you purchase from an experienced, dedicated breeder. They will have an idea of what your puppies' grandparents and parents look like, so that they can match you with a puppy that will look how you want it to.
Temperament: Like looks and health, a dedicated breeder will focus heavily on temperament. Dogs with poor temperaments (aggression, excessively shy, resource guarding) will be spayed/neutered and not be bred. Myself, and many of my dog friends agree that temperament gets passed down to puppies just as much as structure/physical traits do!
Lifetime of breeder support: When you purchase from a reputable, ethical breeder who is dedicated to their dogs, you are getting a lifetime of breeder support! If you have questions or concerns, reach out to your breeder. If anything ever happened during the lifetime of your dog that warranted them needing to be rehomed- an ethical breeder would take them back with no questions asked, or help you rehome them to a great home. Your breeder can answer questions on grooming, training, showing, and more!
Ready to meet your perfect Pom? We have litters of puppies a few times a year, and we have show-quality Pomeranians available as companions, and sometimes to show homes! Your journey to finding the perfect furry friend starts here!
Well bred: A well bred dog is one that has been raised by a responsible breeder who follows ethical breeding practices. They have the best chance at adhering to their breed standard. Well bred dogs are purebred dogs who are bred by a responsible breeder, usually one who participates in dog shows. These breeders dedicate their lives to preserving their breed of choice. Well bred dogs come from fully health tested parents (OFA health testing and genetic testing). They are raised by a breeder that is conscious of the specific needs of the breed in terms of nutrition, socialization, training, grooming, whelping, etc.
Show quality: A dog that has been evaluated as show quality adheres very closely to its breed standard. There is no perfect dog but some dogs adhere to their standard better than others.
Purebred: According to the American Kennel Club, for a dog to be purebred "the sire and dam of a dog are members of a recognized breed and the ancestry of a dog consists of the same breed over many generations." Being purebred does NOT have anything to do with the dogs overall quality, and this is why you see 20lb pomeranians, or pomeranians with short coat, or long muzzles. Just because a dog is purebred does not mean it will look or act like the breed should, according to its breed standard. Purebred does not mean well bred!
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