La Pom

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The La Pom is descended from the Pomeranian and Lhasa Apso breeds. An old region between Germany and Poland gave rise to the Pomeranian, which has actually been determined as to be descended from Spitzes. However, its diminished size has contributed to its popularity as a toy dog. Its top coat can be long and coarse, with a softer undercoat, and knots and mats can be be a problem when shedding. Pomeranian are affectionate and can become very attached to their owners, which sometimes becomes a problem in case of separation. Due to the Pomeranian's small size, bone or joint problems due to weight are uncommon, although a skin disease which causes hair loss and skin hyper pigmentation or darkening has been often observed, especially in males of the breed. Recently bred Merle-patterned Pomeranian may suffer from auditory weaknesses associated with that breeding strain, but overall, they are a bluffly healthy breed.

The Lhasa Apso is descended from Tibetan mountain wolves, and was bred to be indoor sentinels of monks. It is an intelligent dog that bonds with owners, and can be very protective and barky with strangers around. It has a long and heavy coat, for protection in cold weather. It can at times be obstinate, and potty training can prove difficult of the owner is inconsistent and not firm enough.

The La Pom is generally considered ideal for households with limited space and children old enough to understand the breed's nature. While active and affectionate, the La Pom can be intolerant of very young children. Smart enough to learn tricks and active enough to appreciate and anticipate daily exercise, the La Pom can also be a good guard dog, as it alerts its owners to strangers in what it considers its territory. Care should consist of brushing once every week. There is shedding at least twice a year, but snarls and mats should be taken care of regularly. Noted health problems in the parent breeds are hearing disorders associated with the Merle gene, and a luxating patella in the Pomeranian.

Color

The La Pom comes in a variety of colors, from solids to three-color coats. Usual colors are solid white and off-whites, cream, red, gold, and tan, while blue/black can be seen on white, with shades of gold or brown mixed in.

Coat

The top coat is longer, a bit coarse, and wispy towards the ends, while the undercoat is softer and shorter. The top coat, being longer, appears wavy at the tips if grown overly long, while the undercoat remains straight and fluffy. Shedding is normal twice or thrice a year.

Personality

The La Pom can get very attached to owners, and can become quite a bit dependent, especially during periods of separation. This otherwise cheerful breed is a very lively companion, and enjoys indoor fun and games as well as outside exercise. They are very alert to their immediate surroundings, and can be territorial if there are strangers around. Unfortunately, this is expressed by barking, which can become an irritating habit if an owner does not curb it firmly enough. They are very loyal and protective, but this can sometimes translate to "neediness" if their owner has not taken care to get them used to separation.

Care

Brushing regularly is recommended, even as shedding might be more than some breeds, as both parent breeds have coats that tend to mat and snarl if left untended. Regular trimming is necessary to help maintain a well-groomed appearance.

Training

Positive training results can be achieved with verbal praise and treats, and each session need not be overly long. A consistent and firm hand is needed early on, to establish dominance, as there is a tendency to be stubborn and assert independence at times.

Activity

La Poms do not need a very big space, but they do thrive on regular exercise. Once a day around the block is usually enough, especially if they get to meet and socialize with other dogs. Well-trained La Poms will eagerly exchange sniffs, while those with little or no exposure might react negatively to socialization and people they don't know.