Perhaps you are visiting your local animal shelter, looking to adopt a small dog. You stop by one cage because the dog in there couldn’t get much smaller, and it is very cute. The dog has pointed ears, a foxy face, wide dark eyes and a profuse coat. The bark sounds more like a yap and can get high-pitched. Could this be a purebred dog? This very well could be a purebred toy Pomeranian.

Photo: toypomeranian.com

Pomeranians are incredibly popular, but this popularity comes at a price. They are often purchased on impulse and then abandoned when reality sets in. You need to know basic Pomeranian information before taking on one of these dogs. They have certain demands that need to be met, but when they are they become a loyal and chipper companion that will be unforgettable. You need to get used to their yappy bark, their shedding and their delicate skeleton.

Toy Pomeranians look like sturdy little sled dogs with a proud head, high curling tail, profuse coat to keep out the bad weather and a blockish body. However, they are far more fragile than their looks suggest. Cats and even Chihuahuas are far more robust than toy Pomeranians. Reliable Pomeranian information books and websites are filled with instances of Pomeranians dying from falling off of a couch or being rolled on by a sleeping owner.

They look utterly charming and tend to stare directly at you, tilting their heads this way and that to show off the full effects of their bright, dark eyes. It takes time, patience and dedication to live with these dogs. In order to keep their fluffy coat clean and tangle-free, it needs to be groomed every day. Their teeth need to be examined and brushed on a daily basis, as their teeth are about the most delicate in the canine kingdom.

Because of the tiny size of the toy Pomeranian, they are difficult to housebreak completely. Males will always lift their legs to mark territory unless you get them neutered. Many toy Pomeranians have been successfully litter trained, more so females than males. Pomeranians know very well to go outside, but their tiny bladders often cannot hold onto the urine long enough for you to let them out. Pomeranians are very intelligent and very trainable.

The amateur dog breeder should never breed Pomeranians, because of their tiny size. They almost always require lap breeding, Caesarian sections and have many other complications due to pregnancy and birth. Males that are not neutered can become aggressive. Since most Pomeranians have health problems with their eyes, skin, heart and skeletons, only the healthiest should ever breed no matter how cute they look. They are better off with quiet adults rather than a family with young children.

Rosie Allan is an expert on British royal dogs and lives in the countryside of London with two Pomeranians. The Pomeranian, a favorite of royalty, is a descendant of the Spitz sled dogs. Queen Victoria of England, who once had 35 Pomeranians, made the dog popular in England in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Helpful Pomeranian information such as that found here is also available at libraries and through the American Kennel Club.

Is there anything cuter than keeping a little dog at home? Small dogs that can be carried around in your arms, can be sat on your lap, and are kept mainly for the purpose of companionship, are unsurprisingly called lapdogs. But not all breeds of small dogs were bred for pure human companionship. Terriers for example have a lot of energy because they were bred for hunting and tracking down game deep underground. In fact a lot of them retain a lot of the instincts that made them effective for centuries at what they do. So if you don’t have the energy to match them, perhaps other more laid back breeds are better suited for you!

Photo: imageshack.us

Owning a small dog breed has many advantages. For one they’re some of the cutest and most adorable dogs around! Who can resist those cute puppy dog eyes especially if they come from something that’s so tiny and vulnerable? Most of these dogs like the Shih Tzu and the Maltese have faces that are absolutely lovable. Plus the size of these dogs makes them amazing with children, even some of the youngest. With smaller dog breeds you don’t have much of a problem when it comes to the fear of their knocking little children over or accidentally hurting or suffocating them because of their bulk. With smaller dogs, the fun just goes on and on!

Another advantage is that they don’t take up a lot of space in your house. A lot of small dogs also don’t have the same exercise requirements as their larger, sportier counterparts. So even people in the most cramped apartments can own loyal and loving pets if the building’s owners allow it. Plus though small dogs shed, it’s hardly as troublesome as the shedding of most larger breeds, so they’re much easier to maintain in that way. And a lot of them actually like the idea of being dressed up as pretty as possible. More fun for you!

If you’d like more information and ideas on how to care for a small dog breed just visit: http://cuteandcuddlysmalldog.com/Small+Dogs+Make+Ideal+Pets.12933.htm - Bring home a bundle of joy today!
    

For some dog owners, bathing their pet can be very challenging, especially if they have to hunt the dog down when it is bath time. A regular bath is an important way to help prevent skin problems and keep the dog smelling and looking great. Comb and brush your dog’s hair prior to bathing to remove any loose hair, tangles, dirt and other sediments.

Photo: salukiclub.org

Before bathing your dog, gather up all the necessary bath supplies so they are within reach. If you place your dog in a bathtub full of running water and then have to go look for bath items you have forgotten such as shampoo or towels, the dog could escape and shake water around the house. It is far easier and safer to fill the tub ahead of time, gather up everything you need, have these within arms reach and then find your dog.

Some of the supplies necessary to bathe your dog include shampoo; brush or comb; bath mat or rubber mat for the dog to stand on in the sink or tub; hair conditioner; dry fluffy towels; sponge; large plastic cup or hand held sprayer; and a soft bristled brush. You may need to have a nylon leash and collar on the dog if it is difficult to keep in the tub or tries to bolt. Be sure to wear old clothes, a rubber apron for protection or even a bathing suite because chances are you will end up almost as wet as the dog. Keep all the required supplies are within arms reach.

At some point, many dog owners end up having to deal with a dog that rolled in something terribly smelly and unpleasant or a skunk sprayed their pet. If you live in an area where there are skunks or you like to be prepared in case of an emergency, there are several de-skunking preparations available at pet supply stores or often at your local veterinarians. An old remedy that many people swear by is pouring tomato juice over the dog’s fur if sprayed by a skunk. Leave this on the dogs coat for a few minutes, rinse and continue doing this as required. Dogs with white fur sometimes end up with temporary pink or orangey tinged coats. A little dog shampoo, one-quarter cup of baking soda and a quart of hydrogen peroxide also works well but may require several shampoos.

To avoid vet bills and to keep your dog as healthy as possible, clean your pet’s teeth, ears, eyes and watch for any signs of injury or infection. Some of the products or tools required for monthly grooming include:

• Moisturizing or canine eye drops
• Cotton balls
• Tear stain remover if necessary
• Dog toothpaste and toothbrush
• Mineral oil, ear wash or ear powder
• Small scissors and/or tweezers
• Heavy gauze or rags if anal glands require emptying

Along with these supplies, always keep a dog first aid kit handy in case of emergency.

For more information recommended by Kelly Marshall, see these recent articles Chihuahua Dog Breed and Dental Care for Your Dog or Cat.