Pomeranian Breeding Guide

Breeding Pomeranians can be a rewarding experience if done responsibly and with a deep understanding of the breed’s specific needs. This guide will walk you through the key aspects of Pomeranian breeding, from preparing for mating to caring for the puppies.

Understanding the Responsibilities

Breeding Pomeranians, or any breed, involves more than just pairing two dogs. It includes a commitment to ensuring the health, well-being, and proper placement of the puppies. Here are essential points to consider:

Ethical Breeding: Only breed to improve the breed standard, health, and temperament.
Health Screenings: Both the male and female should be screened for genetic health problems common in Pomeranians, such as luxating patella, tracheal collapse, and heart issues.
Financial Commitment: Be prepared for the financial responsibility of veterinary care, pregnancy, delivery complications, vaccinations, and feeding multiple puppies.

Choosing the Right Dogs

Selecting the right dogs for breeding is crucial in ensuring the health and quality of the litter.

Breed Standard: Choose dogs that conform to the breed standard as set by kennel clubs like the AKC.
Temperament: Both dogs should have a good temperament. Shy, aggressive, or overly nervous dogs should not be bred.
Age and Health: Females should be at least 2 years old and have undergone several heat cycles before breeding. Males should also be mature and typically start breeding around 1 to 2 years of age.

Timing the Breeding

Understanding the female’s cycle is crucial for successful breeding.

Heat Cycle: Pomeranians generally go into heat every six months. The optimal time for breeding is during the estrus phase, which is about 9-14 days into the cycle.
Veterinarian Consultation: It’s advisable to work with a veterinarian to pinpoint the best breeding time through vaginal smears and progesterone tests.

The Breeding Process

Once you have determined it is the right time for breeding:

Natural Mating: Ensure that the mating environment is quiet and secure to make both dogs comfortable.
Assisted Reproduction: In cases where natural mating is not successful, consider artificial insemination under veterinary supervision.

Pregnancy Care

Pregnancy in Pomeranians lasts about 63 days and requires special care:

Nutrition: Feed the female high-quality, nutrient-rich food that supports pregnancy.
Exercise: Regular, gentle exercise is important, but avoid strenuous activity as she progresses in her pregnancy.
Veterinary Visits: Regular check-ups are crucial to monitor the health of the female and the development of the puppies.

Preparing for Whelping

As the due date approaches, prepare a comfortable and quiet place for whelping.

Whelping Box: Set up a whelping box in a warm, draft-free area where the female feels safe.
Whelping Supplies: Have supplies on hand such as towels, a thermometer, a heating pad for the puppies, and contact information for your veterinarian.

Post-Birth Care

After the puppies are born, they require careful monitoring and care.

Feeding: Ensure the mother is feeding the puppies; if not, you may need to bottle feed.
Health Monitoring: Check the puppies and mother daily for any signs of illness.
Socialization and Handling: Begin handling the puppies regularly from an early age to get them used to human contact.

Finding Homes

Finding responsible, loving homes for the puppies is one of the most important steps.

Screening Buyers: Screen potential buyers carefully to ensure they understand the responsibilities of owning a Pomeranian.
Contracts and Guarantees: Provide a contract that outlines the responsibilities of the new owner and includes a health guarantee.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

Registration: Register the litter with the appropriate kennel club.
Follow Local Laws: Be aware of local breeding laws and regulations.

Long-Term Breeder Commitment

Breeding Pomeranians, like any dog breeding, requires a long-term commitment that extends far beyond the birth of the puppies. Here are some additional considerations to keep in mind:

Support for Puppy Owners

Lifelong Support: Offer lifelong support to those who purchase your puppies. Be available to answer questions and provide guidance on health, training, and care.
Follow-up: It’s a good practice to follow up with new owners to ensure that the puppies are adjusting well to their new homes and to address any concerns.

Genetic Testing and Health Improvements

Continual Improvement: Aim to continually improve the breed. Use genetic testing to screen for inheritable conditions and select breeding pairs that will enhance the breed’s health and temperament over generations.
Documentation: Keep detailed health records and genetic testing results for all breeding dogs to inform breeding decisions and track health trends within your litters.

Breeding Ethics

Avoid Overbreeding: Never overbreed a Pomeranian. Ensure that the female has ample time to recover between litters and is not bred every heat cycle.
Responsible Breeding Practices: Avoid practices that could harm the physical or emotional health of the breeding dogs or puppies. This includes breeding for extremely exaggerated features that might impede the dog’s health or quality of life.

Education and Awareness

Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest in canine health, breeding techniques, and Pomeranian-specific care. Attend seminars, participate in breeder networks, and stay active in breed clubs.
Educate Others: Use your knowledge to educate puppy buyers, other breeders, and the public about responsible Pomeranian care and breeding practices.

Contingency Plans

Rehoming: Have a plan in place for the return of puppies if their new owners can no longer care for them. Responsible breeders should be prepared to take back dogs to ensure they are always in a safe and loving environment.
Breeding Retirement: Plan for the retirement of your breeding dogs. They should have a comfortable, loving home to live out their retirement years once they are no longer part of the breeding program.

Contributing to the Breed Community

Active Participation: Be an active participant in the Pomeranian breed community. This could include showing dogs, participating in breed-specific rescues, or contributing to breed health studies.
Mentorship: Consider mentoring new breeders. Sharing your knowledge and experience can help ensure the breed’s future and promote ethical breeding practices.

Breeding Pomeranians is not just about producing puppies; it’s about enhancing the breed, educating others, and ensuring the welfare of the dogs throughout their entire lives. By approaching breeding with a commitment to ethics, education, and excellence, you can make a positive impact on the breed and enjoy the profound satisfaction of contributing to the health and happiness of these wonderful dogs.