What is the typical Pomeranian temperament? The Pomeranian is a lively little dog. It is, intelligent, eager to learn, & very loyal to its handler and family. They can be willful, bold and sometimes temperamental. If it is properly introduced they usually get along with other dogs and household animals without any problems, but some of them seem to think they are much larger than they actually are and do not hesitate to challenge much bigger dogs. It is an excellent watchdog with a resounding bark. They are alert, curious and busy, one of the most independent of the Toy breeds. Poms have a delightful nature and do not cling to their handlers. The Pom is a wonderful companion dog and show ring contender. The breeds docile temper and affectionate nature endear it to many. Its vivacity and spirit make it well-liked by persons who do not usually care for toy dogs.
What is the typical Yorkie temperament? The Yorkie is without doubt one of the most appealing of all the toy breeds. It is charming and intelligent, and despite its size, is full of courage, loyalty and affection. Although this breed is small, the Yorkie still retains the true Terrier temperament. Yorkies are small enough to carry and are ideal for anyone with a small home or apartment. The Yorkie is happy to go on quite long walks, but is equally happy to run around a small garden or home, providing it has enough toys and distractions to occupy its lively mind. These are little dogs who think they are much bigger. They will defend their territory decisively. They have an acute sense of hearing and will alert their owners to the slightest sign of intruders.
What is the size of a Pomeranian and /or Yorkie? Sizes can range from approximately 3 pounds to about 12 pounds, with the ideal show quality size being 4 - 7 lbs.
What do I estimate the adult size of my dogs to be? I can NEVER guarantee the size that any of my pups will mature at. I can however give you my best educated guess based on the past puppies I have had. In my experience I have found the parents size is not a really good gage to use for my estimates. I have seen very large dogs produce much smaller then themselves, and in reverse very small dogs produce larger offspring. My educated guess is based on the parents past litters and what those puppies matured at. I have had a couple rare tiny ones mature at 2 1/2 lbs but that is very, very rare. Most puppies average 5-7 lbs as adults. In my opinion if a breeder is claiming to sell you a “teacup” and tells you that the dog will definitely mature at 2 lbs, then they may only be out to make money. Pomeranian pups who are not 1 lb at 6 weeks are not likely to reach adulthood. Those who do, are more prone to health problems like heart problems, digestive problems, hypoglycemia, and seizures. There are very few HEALTHY dogs that are under 3lbs.
What are the “ puppy uglies”? Pomeranians & sometimes Yorkies, go through a stage I call "the uglies". At about the age of 3 to 5 months, they "blow" their coats (lose part of their hair). At about 7 months they start getting their hair back, slowly but surely. So the puppies you see in here that say "uglies" are going through this stage. They will look awesome again when their adult coats come in completely at about 1 year old.
What vaccines/worming do puppies need, how often do they need them, and what vaccines/worming do they come with? 8 WEEKS: The first series of shots and de-worming are done by me. The rest, depending on how old your puppy is when you receive it, are up to you. They will come current with all puppy shots and deworming. First set of shots for SMALL breeds are: Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo virus, commonly know as a 5 way puppy shot. NEVER give a small dog LEPTO or CORONA virus vaccines. Small dogs are to often allergic and the shot could be fatal. Not only that, LEPTO is very rare, and there has never been a recorded case of CORONA virus. There is also a vaccine for Giardia, which does absolutely no good. It doesn't work! If your vet is suggesting any of these three vaccines, you might consider trying to find a more honest vet!! Worming - I worm the first time at 4 weeks with Strongid, and the second time at 8 weeks with Ivomec. Ivomec is the active ingredient in Heartguard, and is also used as part of the treatment a vet gives to an infected dog to remove the microfilaria (heartworm babies). In fact it has been found that if Heartguard (Ivermectin) is given to an infected animal for 12 to 18 months, it will actually cure the infection. Most vets will insist that dogs have to be tested annually for heartworms before administering a preventative. This is one of the most ludicrous money stealers in the veterinary industry! If the preventative is also the cure, then pre-testing is totally unnecessary and a complete rip off!!!! Again, if you're vet insists on this test, find a more honest vet! 11-12 WEEKS: Second series of the small dog vaccines posted above and third de-worming Kennel Cough Vaccination (if advised by your vet) 15-16 WEEKS: Third series of the small dog vaccines posted above and fourth de-worming. Second Kennel Cough Vaccination (if advised by your vet) 4-6 MONTHS: Rabies Vaccine - De-worming - Spay or Neuter
What comes with your puppy? I give out a care package with each puppy. I always include a small amount of their food, their dish, toys, chewies, treats, vitamins, their personal health record, a written health guarantee & bill of sale, and all instructions for care. I also want you to know I stand behind my dogs. I am here to answer your questions any time and give you my full support. I LOVE my puppies. It is hard to let them go sometimes. That is why I try to be here for them and for you if ever you should need help or advice.
Do you ship? Yes I do ship. For the times it is necessary, I use the services of a shipping company. I have found one that is very reasonable, ($300 to anywhere in the U.S.), and can be reached at the following link. VAGABOND HOUND
Do you offer a guarantee? Yes I do. I give you 5 working days to go and have your puppy examined by your vet. The guarantee is for hereditary problems and is good for 1 year. I will NOT sell a dog if I think there is anything wrong with it. However problems may not present themselves in a puppy until the puppy is VERY STRESSED, example: going to a new home. So, if your vet finds something wrong that is covered by the guarantee, you can contact me and I will replace your puppy. You may have to wait though for the next litter to arrive, if I don’t currently have something. You will be given pick of the ones I will be selling in that litter, that are within the price range of the puppy you paid for.
How do I know if I have chosen a good vet? ALL VETS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL !! Remember, the dog is yours and the Vet is supposed to be working for you. You ALWAYS should have the right to say "NO" if you think anything they suggest doing is unreasonable. Some of them are more interested in how high they can run that bill instead of what is the best thing for your animal. Find out what shots your puppy has been given before you picked it up and what shots will be due to come later. If the Vet you chose says your puppy will have to be started on it's shots all over again even after the breeder has told you they were already given,---run, don't walk, as fast as possible for the door. There are many other Vets out there that will put the welfare of your animal, before the lining of their pockets with your money. If in doubt, ask around until you find someone that you feel comfortable with taking on your new baby. Also please remember that since you are required to have the puppy checked out by a Vet within a certain length of time (5 days), use some common sense. Keep your puppy in a crate or in your lap when visiting the Vet's office. Do not let it romp on the floor or furniture and most certainly do not allow it to socialize with other animals that also may be in the office at the same time. Where do all people take sick dogs? To the Vet!!! So naturally that is the best place to pick up germs or contract disease.
What is Hypoglycemia? HYPOGLYCEMIA is the scientific name for a condition where the sugar level suddenly drops in a small animals system. The first signs of this problem is usually staggering and falling over as though they are drunk. Or they can be observed lying on their side paddling with their front feet as though they are swimming. If these symptoms are observed, you must act very quickly in order to save your puppy's life. YOU HAVE TO GET THE SUGAR LEVEL UP TO BRING THE PUPPY OUT OF THIS SITUATION. AND IT MUST BE DONE VERY QUICKLY. Usually you do not have time to get them to a Vet before they suffer irreparable damage. Karo syrup is the best remedy for this situation. If you don't have any of this on hand, then run about an inch of water in a coffee cup and stir in 2 or 3 teaspoons of sugar and stir quickly until it dissolves. Then you must get some of this mixture into the puppy. At this point, you will find the puppy clinch's it mouth shut and will not lap it up on it's own. By inserting a finger in the corner of the puppy's mouth you can pry it open far enough to get a fingertip covered with syrup into it's mouth. Or in the case of the sugar water, an eyedropper, straw, or even dropping it through the opening in the mouth one-drop at a time from a spoon. Once the puppy gets a good taste of the sweet substance, it will usually start licking it's tongue out and will start to recover in a very short time. Please note that if it was necessary to use Karo syrup, this mixture is also a natural laxative. Do not be surprised if diarrhea should follow when relieving it's self. If your puppy is experience episodes of hypoglycemia, it is usually a sign that it is not taking in enough food or it has an underlying problem that may need medical attention. Sometimes, this problem can be corrected by just stirring in a teaspoon of sugar to the puppy's water supply, or putting karo syrup on it’s wet food daily until the episodes subside.
What is Coccidia? COCCIDIA is an "opportunist protozoan" that lives in the bowels of all dogs. Did you understand that? ALL DOGS carry coccidia. But something has got to weaken the immune system of an animal for the protozoa to have an opportunity to take hold and start multiplying. That "something" is usually stress of one kind or another. A loose, stinky stool that can even have streaks of bloody mucus in it usually accompanies coccidia. Some Vets will explain coccidia to their clients by saying the animal is loaded with parasites. This is sometimes interpreted by that client that the animal has worms. Coccidia is not exactly a parasite but can be just as hard to get rid of . A daily supply of yogurt prevents coccidia from getting a foothold as it keeps a good balance of bacteria in the G. I. tract. So long as good bacteria exist in an ample supply in the gut, coccidia can not grow. Coccidia is shed in the stool like a virus. If the animal is not shedding it when a stool sample is taken, the animal can be misdiagnosed as being free of the protozoa. If your puppy is put on antibiotics of any sort, feed yogurt to replenish the good bacteria that is killed off by the antibiotic. It will in no way affect the antibiotic from completing it's job but may save your animal from secondary infections caused by an imbalance of good bacteria. When coccidia does exist in the G. I. tract of your puppy, it can easily spread up through the system and into the lungs and if unchecked, it can cause pneumonia and eventually death. The first signs of coccidia are usually a lack of eating properly accompanied by a loose stinky stool and sometimes escalating into bouts of hypoglycemia. Coccidia can be transmitted to humans if hands are not washed and contaminated utensils are handled improperly. Coccidia should never be allowed to progress to a point that the puppy's life is threatened. If your puppy shows signs of this disease, immediately seek professional advice and treatment.