Where To Buy A Pomeranian

Breeders

One way to get a purebred Pomeranian is to go through a breeder. You can find breeders by looking in the classified ads in your newspaper (the prices are usually pretty steep, ranging from $600 to $3000, depending on the quality of the puppies). Alternatively, you can call the American Kennel Club at 1900-407-PUPS. The breeder reference person will put you in touch with reputable breeders in your area. Then call several breeders and talk with them; they're a valuable source of information about the breed you've chosen.

Breeders are a good route because you'll get someone who knows all about Pomeranians, so if you have any questions, you'll have a new friend to ask. Also, breeders generally take very good care of their dogs. So good, in fact, that they'll usually interview the prospective buyer to make sure that the dog is going to a loving home. The drawback about using a breeder is the price - you might be able to get a mix or even a purebreed at a shelter if you want to wait and take your chances.. But if you're looking for a pretty puppy that you might eventually want to breed or take to dog shows, using a breeder is the way to go.

Animal Shelter

Also known as "the pound," shelters are connected with purebred rescue programs, giving you that purebred chic look combined with the warm, gooey, self-righteous satisfaction of rescuing a homeless dog. The benefit of a shelter is that 1) it's free (or really really cheap), and 2) you're saving a dog's life. The main drawback is that the dog could have some kind of personality or health problem (based on how it was treated before you got to the pound). That's a lot to deal with.

As long as you're at the shelter, consider strolling past the puppies and adopting an adult dog. Friendly, well-trained adult dogs will often wind up in the shelter through no fault of their own. Maybe their owner lost the appeal and got sent up the river for 20 to life . . . you never know. Actually, sometimes you do know. Many adult dogs come with a written history; some even come with the former owner's contact number so you can get a character reference. Adopt an adult dog and you can save yourself the heartbreak of housebreaking . . . and very probably save the dog's life.

Pet stores - Just say no!

Here's a way NOT to get a Pomeranian. When you see those little puppies in mall pet stores, our advice is: run away. Many pet stores sell dogs from puppy mills. If you thought that the plight of veal calves was bad . . . well, you're right, it is. But puppy mills are right there with it when it comes to wholesale animal cruelty. They basically churn out puppies for pet stores, kill the ones that don't look like they'd sell well, and keep the live ones in awful living conditions. And pet store puppies that don't get bought are sent to the pound. You can get pet supplies from them, but NOT the puppies please!