Purchase a Pom?

Question
My husband and I are considering purchasing a Pom.  I am concerned about the shedding.  I've heard from some that they don't really shed, and others that say they really do.  We both work 9 hours a day, so is it wrong to leave him home alone all day?  Potty training - can they be taught to use a litter box?  Or can they hold it all day?  We have no children and plenty of space for him to play.  I just want to make sure a Pom is right for us before we go any further.  Thanks so much for your help.

Answer
Hi Denise,

All of the books I've read on pomeranians say they shed lots.  Most owners I've talked with say the same thing, but my pom sheds very little. Owners tell me that the poms with a flat, silky coat shed a lot and get mats easily too. The breed standard calls for a soft, dense undercoat with a profuse harsh-textured outer coat.  My pom has this coat.  I'm not sure if all poms with the correct coat hardly shed.  Also, diet and coat care are important too.

Poms love and need to be with you so if you are gone much longer than nine hours a day it would probably be best to find a less needy breed.  Most breeds though want to be with you as much as possible.  You could always get two.:)  Not at the same time though!  Are you home a lot when not working?

Poms cannot hold it all day, especially puppies.  Yes, they can be litter box trained--mine is.  If you check my previously asked questions there is some info on house training.

It's important to do a little research on any breeds you may be interested in if you want to get a dog that is healthy, typey, and has a sound temperment.  Whatever type of breed you decide on, it's extremely important that you find a reputable show breeder.  You can find a good
breeder by attending local dog shows, dog magazines, or the internet.  Knowing what a dog is suppose to look and act like will help you recognize the good breeders, the not so good breeders, and the downright horrible
breeders.  Never by a puppy from a pet store.  Also, the newpaper is filled with backyard breeders and puppy mills.  Once in a while will you find a good breeder in the paper.

Check out this website for dog breed info:
http://www.yourpurebreedpuppy.com/dogbreeds

Let me know if you have any other questions.
Best Regards,
Carrie