SHOW POMERANIANS
Q. How do I find a breeder of quality pomeranians?
A. In the UK contact the Kennel Club who for a small fee will issue you with a list of KC reg breeders. Also contact all breed clubs in the uk and speak to the secretary, who should be up to date on who has litters and who is breeding at the moment, and he/she will supply you with relevant information to enable you to contact the breeder direct.
Q. How do I know if my pomeranian puppy ive just bought is show quality.?
A. You wont unless the pup is at least 6 months old, and has its adult teeth and has been looked at by someone in the breed who will give you an unbiased opinion.When buying an older puppy take someone along who knows the breed, and their faults and let them go over the dog as if they were judging it, also ask the breeder if the dog is lead trained, and if so watch the movement, you cannot see a dogs movement when they are in a pen, no matter how big the pen is. Remember our breed does have problems in that department.
All pups look cute and fluffy at 6- 12 weeks but many problems dont arise until much later, if buying a pup for show, avoid buying a baby.Show quality cannot be guaranteed, it may have show potential because of its background (pedigree and breeders show history) but no breeder will sell you a pup saying show quality at the baby stage.
Q. I have bought my show pup, what do I do now.?
A Find the nearest Ringcraft class ( dog show training classes ) to your home register and attend , the more you train the more you gain. Look under Dog training in you local phone book, ring breed clubs, go to dog shows and ask other exhibitors where the classes are. If there is no classes in your area ask an exhibitor if they can show you the correct way to show your dog, Buy books, videos, dvds ect, go to dog shows, sit watch and learn.
Q What paperwork do I need to enable me to show my pom
A Kennel Club registration paper in your name the breeder will give you a transfer of ownership paper on completition of sale also a pedigree.
Q. What types of shows are there?
A. There are many types of shows, exemption , open, championship,limited, only you can decide what show to enter your new puppy in for its first show, I myself always enter an exemption show first if I can find one with a Toy Judge, then I go to a Championship Show under an established Pomeranian Judge, continue to go under established judges for about 3 shows this way you have an idea if your pomeranian is of chamionship show quality or open show. You can ofcourse show at both.To find out the types of shows see the Kennel Club Web site.
Q How do I find out where the Shows are and How to I get an entry form?
A. At each dog show each dog society with a show coming up soon will have a shedule(entry form there), Ringcraft Classes usually have a good selection, a list of forthcoming Championship Shows can be obtained from the kennel club shows department,All dog shows are advertised in the dog newspapers ( dog world, our dogs ), to find out when the breed shows are simply call the breed clubs and ask for a schedule to be sent for the next show. Get yourself a copy of the kennel club year book, it has the names of all dog clubs in every area and telephone them and ask for a schedule.
Q. How do I fill in a Schedule?
A. The schedules are self explanitory, you write your name, address, telephone number, and sign the declaration and date it.( you are signing that your dog hasnt broke any of the F rules) F rules explained in all schedules. Write the name of your dog, the sire (your dogs father), the dam (your dogs mother ), your dogs date of birth, the dogs sex, and write what classes you want your dog to be entered into, each class has a number next to it,Please check on the schedule the defination of classes to make sure your dog is of the correct age and also is not over qualified for the show.Ensure that a cheque or postal order for the correct amount is sent with your entry,Also get proof of posting should any problems arise.Any problems ask a fellow exhibitor to help, if you have applied for the transfer of the dog and the paperwork hasnt arrived write TAF on the schedule( transfer applied for), if you have applied for the name write NAF ( name applied for ).
Q Its my first show, and im nervious is this normal, what if I make mistakes.
A. We all make mistakes, but if you have been to ring craft and sat and watched shows, you will know what to do.My advise is walk into the ring as if you own it, keep thinking that your dog is the best dog there, believe in yourself and believe in your dog, if you have confidence in yourself and in your little dog thats all you need. I f you pick up a prize its a bonus, if not theres always next time.Dont let not winning put you off, If you have a good quality dog your day will come.
Q What do I say to the Judge?
A. Usually the only conversation between exhibitor and the judge is when your dog is on the table and he/she asks the dogs age. Do not try to engage in a conversation with the judge, speak only when spoken to, even if you know the judge as a friend, that day he /she is the judge and you must respect them as such, no matter how nervious you are feeling listen to what command the judge is giving you, ie walk a triangle, walk straight up and down, ect and do as he/ she asks.
Q What do I say to fellow exhibitors?
A Always be polite but avoid chit chat in the ring, you are there, to show your dog and present yourself and your pom to the best of your abilty, this cant be done if your pom is on a loose lead and you are engrossed in conversation with another show person.You must show your dog the whole time you are in that ring( the ring is for you to parade and show your dog and dont forget that the ringside is surrounded by seats and folks watching every step you take).Keep one eye on your dog and one eye on the judge at all times. Always congratulate the winner, even if you disagree with the judges descision, they are the judge not you.
Q If I need to ask a show related question who do I ask.( ie the rules).
A. find the Secretary of the show who has a kennel Club rule book , usually you will find that they know the rules off the top of there head but anything they or you are unsure of you can ask them to check it for you.All shows have the current kc rule book, for reference.Remember there are different rules for different types of shows. I have asked a Secretary in the past for advise,I didnt understand the any variety ruling , I was beaten in the any variety minor puppy and puppy sections by gundogs and hounds and I had a pom class and I wanted to know if I would be judged on the breed standard as a pom or be put to the end as I was a beaten dog, as it was I was put to the end as a beaten dog, so a lesson was learned that day, I wont ever go in any variety again.We learn from our mistakes and im still learning
Remember knowlege is only gained by reading, asking, and studying, dont be afraid to ask for help.I usually ask the top breeders for advise as they havent got where they are today without pitfalls, they know the breed inside and out, most are only too pleased to help, and are glad to welcome a new exhibitor
PET POMERANIANS
Q I dont want to show but would love a pomeranian as a pet, where do I look.
A. My advice is the same as when looking for a show pom, get details from the kennel club of Breeders, and also ask around all the UK pomeranian Clubs.There is always someone with a litter or an older bitch that perhaps has been neutered and is looking for a pet home.We also have a rescue society in the UK, details can be obtained by contacting the uk clubs.
Q What paperwork should I expect with my pet pom
A Paperwork usually is only needed when you want to show your dog or breed from it, but most breeders will supply you with your dogs pedigree .Sometimes you might get kc papers but really they are of no use unless you are breeding or showing.
Q. Are there any books/Videos that I can get that will educate me further before I buy my pom.
A. Yes the best two books Ive came across are The Pomeranian by Hilary Harmer ( I call this my pom bible), out of print now but still available on the net and second hand book shops, and dogs shows, and also Guide to owning a pomeranian edited by Avril Cawthera. A grooming video that I have is called grooming the pomeranian , by Carl Sparrow available on 01379 852670 amp productions or De Zyna Dog.
Q. Are poms good with Children?
A. My answer with this one would be are your children good with poms? Pomeranians like all dogs are all individuals, some Poms are snappy but you shouldnt have bought a snappy pom in the first place if you have kids, But in saying that Most poms are great if brought up with children and your children taught to respect the pomeranian. Poms are fragile little dogs, and if you treat them with care they make great pets. Avoid letting them jump on furniture, the kids beds and avoid children lifting them as it only takes a second to break a leg.As with all dogs its how you train them that makes them the adult that they will eventually turn out.Nasty temperments must be dealt with at once.
pomeranian a quick guide:
Pomeranians are happy dogs. They are incomparable for young and old. Their acute hearing and alertness make them good watch dogs. They are very smart dogs and can be taught very easily .
They love to feel clean and well groomed and will act ashamed and slink away out of sight if they have filth upon themselves which they can not remove. They are dainty eaters, and cleanliness is close to Godliness with a Pom. They take excellent care of their beautiful coats and are also clean in that they are easy to housetrain.
As with many breeds, the Pomeranian is quick to sense the mood of his owner, and when sadness strikes, the sympathy and love a Pom can give will make itself felt. They return all affection lavishly, and they are playful even to a very old age. They love to cuddle close and be petted and talked to.
The adaptability of the Pomeranian make it suitable for almost any environment, whether a country home or compact city apartment. The Poms good manners, if it has been well trained since puppy hood, make it welcome in public places. As well, these tiny dogs make excellent driving companions. Pomeranians love to travel in vehicles and their keen delight in new sights and sounds add to the enjoyment of the family's vacation.
No matter how hard we try to conform to the breed standard, Occasionally few puppies will throwback to the original dog. These larger types are wonderful for acreage living, where they can run with children, play ball, roll in the snow etc.
