by: Rita Rail

Shedding, shedding enough to make a scarf. I have two poms and the first line is very true. When I only had one, I asked my groomer if my pom would shed very much as this is all she seemed to do at a young age. She advised that I had a breed that in her estimation shed the most that she has ever seen. My shitzu did not shed like that. Granted, after I got over the pride of grooming him myself giving him the show grooming, like his prize-winning great grandmother, I soon gave in and he had puppy cuts after that. He continued to shed but as he got older, his undercoat was growing less and less because he was an in-door dog who was put in his little pen outside to do his business and right back in especially in winter, He was out with me in the garden in the summer. I could cope with him but my poms are worse than three Persian cats and one shitzu to-gether, which they were. I love my poms but I have to dust every day and pass the dry mop on all of the downstairs area every day. There is also a lot of brushing in between the times I do the actual grooming. My small Emily grew so much hair this year that she has a mane like a lion and hair nearly to the floor all over. I trim her legs up past the bend but it seemed over-night that she grew these long withers. Her hair is wiry. Crystal has soft hair but needs a lot of brushing and she grows slippers on all four feet so thick that I have to keep cutting them off and also the long hair in between her toes in her pads. Her hair is in abundance. I viewed the parents of both my dogs and the females were soft coated while the males had the wiry, full coats which is actually sought in a pom according to my knowledge. They are both beautiful but with a mix like this, there is no guarantee. It would behoove you to investigate the breeders thoroughly in order to get the look that you want or purchase another type of dog that appeals to you but with a lot less hair. Perhaps for myself. I think I would have only one pom at a time. Take care. RR.

by: Anonymous

2 poms=20 Persians. No kidding, it’s unbelievable. Worth every hair too.

by: Rota Rail

I am responding again to the above inquiry. I have groomed Cyrstal yesterday and it took me 3 and 1/2 hours. I removed all of her winter undercoat, shaped her ears, removed excess hair from her legs and under her belly, also cut off her slippers on the top of her feet. Cut nails, trimmed under pads. I had already spent an hour removing the winter undercoat the day before. I did not have the energy until this morning to clean the area of grooming. I will do Emily to-morrow I hope). Removal of the under coat took the longest and I will from now on do this at least once a month in the future. Emily, this year seems to not have much of an undercoat as they are both indoor dogs, this coat stops growing altogether as dogs are not outside dogs. I find that this is a very long process but as with our children, we love them no matter what and accept them with love. If you can put aside the maintenance for this beautiful breed of dogs and enjoy the wonder of the intelligence and the love they show, then go for it. I would not change mine for anything. Out of all the animals I have had, I find they are the most loving and continue to develop their different characters always. Jealousy is also seen. Love is actually demonstrated by a cheek put on yours and waiting for kisses on their cheek patches, they show love,

they need love and attention and sometimes it is like raising children again because they understand so very much and will tax your patience . I would do it over but do light grooming more often. I often think that one dog would be sufficient at a time but since I have two, three years apart, the rewards outweigh the problems. Like children, they are a challenge and you best be smarter than them. Take care RR

by: Anonymous

Thanks for the feedback about shedding and grooming poms. I’m still not discouraged from wanting a pom, even though I despise dusting in my home. The characteristics mentioned by Rita Rail about how loving poms are still convinces me this is the next dog I should get. I’d like a little

more information about the undercoat. Do you strip it? If so, is this painful for the dog? I would plan to keep mine in a cut similar to Boo, the cute pom with his own web page.

by: Rita Rail

When you do purchase your pom, you will discover an extremely affectionate little dog. I have never had any this affectionate. This is like having two children in the household with different characters. Emily is a spitz fire, Crystal laid back. I have to wear a muzzle on Emily when grooming as she is always in charge of her life. Crystal is fine. I use a regular doggie comb to take out the undercoat with long pointed clips to keep the long hair that I have done out of the way. I start at the top of the body and work my way down. This does not hurt them especially if you undo any knots with your fingers. I also use scissors to cut upwards into the knot and brush out the hair. Any knots that are in sensitive places, I will cut off through the knot or remove completely with scissors. Do not let this discourage you, it is worth the time and effort. The magic word is “Monthly”. Be firm in your training. You have to show that you have the upper hand and give a lot of love and talk, talk, talk. That way your dog will understand the sound of your voice and you will know her barks as I know exactly what Emily wants. She has different barks which I understand and her positions on my knees when she wants a body massage. If I don’t, she turns around and paws at my hand towards her body to make me understand. Treat your dog like a new child and you will marvel at the results. I do hope you are fortunate enough to find one like her, Crystal is very loving and laid back. You should be able to tell the difference in character at eight or more weeks old. I hope this has helped you and keep in touch with results. Take care RR

by: Anonymous

Thanks for your additional feedback on poms. You certainly have convinced me that a pom is going to be my next dog. From your description, it sounds like poms are perfect for my personality and for this time in my life. I will let you know when the time comes for me to welcome a new puppy into my my home. At this point, both of my Shih Tzu are in good health but my oldest will celebrate his 15th birthday on March 8, and he is definitely showing his age. I count each day with him as a blessing, and look forward to warmer days so going outside isn’t such a struggle for all of us.

by: Rita Rail

Thank you so very much for replying. I am happy that you will purchase a Pom. I thought that my Shitzu Lucky was intelligent and caring but Emily has surpassed him so very, very much. Lucky was 15 and 1/2 when he passed away.

I lasted six months without one and purchased Emily who fit in the palm of my hand at three weeks old. I had no inkling what I was letting myself in for then and have not regretted this at all. I do not regret Crystal with her loving and quiet ways. She loves to be rocked and surveys the living room from her bed. I am now retired and with an empty house of seven children, I needed activity and hilarity again but in a more subdued way (so I thought). You have made a good choice your key word to live by will be “patience” if you have an Emily nature. Please keep in ouch and let us know all about your new “Baby”.. Take care. RR