The Pomeranian Handbook Book

Pomeranian History: Proud, Prestigious, and Popular!     1
The Very Beginning-Prehistoric Ancestors     1
Origin of the Breed-Nordic Roots     2
Royal Regard     4
Shows, Clubs, and Standards     7
Welcome to America!     8
Pomeranian Perfection     9
The Pomeranian Breed Standard     9
Small in Size, Big on Balance     9
Interpreting the Standard     10
Quality and Character Above All     11
Correct Head and Skull Type     13
Body Conformation     13
Coat Quality     16
Coats of Many Colors     17
The Pomeranian's Place in the Dog World     19
Considerations Before You Buy     20
The Perfect Pom-Is It the Perfect Dog for You?     20
Tender Companion, Tough Competitor     20
Toy Sized and Energized     21
Socialization and Training     22
Home Sweet Home     23
Exercise     23
A Profuse Coat     24
The Commitment     24
The Best Time to Acquire a Pomeranian     24
Household Pets and Your Pom     27
Good Reasons to Neuter Your Pomeranian     29
Selecting Your Pomeranian     32
Where to Find a Pomeranian     32
Puppy, Adolescent, or Adult?     33
Picking a Pom Puppy     35
Male or Female?     40
Thinking About Breeding?     41
Show Dog or Pretty Pet?     42
Pedigree and Registrations     44
At Home with Your Pomeranian     46
Pom Preparations     46
Travel Crate     46
Travel Safety     47
Welcome Home!     49
Handle with Care!     50
Naming Your Pomeranian     50
Housing Considerations     51
Pom-Proofing Your Home     52
Identification     56
Housetraining Your Pomeranian     59
Exercise and Games     64
Toys     66
Children and Pomeranians     67
On the Go! Traveling with Your Pomeranian     69
Travel Tips     69
On the Road Again! Traveling by Car     70
Take to the Skies! Flying with Your Pom     71
Picture Perfect: Grooming Your Pomeranian     73
Coat Quality     73
Skin     74
Hair Growth      75
Shedding and Photoperiod     76
Grooming Is Fun!     76
Table Training Your Pom     78
Grooming Tools and Supplies     81
Grooming to Perfection     81
Bathing Your Pomeranian     84
Dental Care     88
Feeding Your Pomeranian     91
Life Stages and Dietary Changes     92
Starting Off Right     93
Deciphering Dog Food Labels     94
How Much to Feed     99
When to Feed     100
Obesity     100
Water     101
Food Myths     102
Food Allergies     102
Good Eating Habits     102
Keeping Your Pomeranian Healthy     103
Preventive Health Care     103
Selecting a Veterinarian     104
The Home Health Check     106
Vaccinations     110
Parasite Control     114
Illness     116
First Aid for Your Pomeranian     117
The Senior Pom     130
Pomeranian Predispositions: Special Health Concerns     132
The Performance Pomeranian: Training Your Pom     136
The Basics      136
Come     137
Stay     137
Leash Training     139
Heel     139
Top of the Class     140
Poms with a Purpose: Competition, Conformation, Companionship     141
Tracking     141
Agility: License to Thrill!     141
Obedience Trials     142
Fun Matches     143
Conformation Show Ring     143
Specialty Shows     143
All-Breed Shows     144