Pomeranians

[borzoimom]

Well grooming is a little bit- but really the proper coat is equal length top and undercoat to make the coat stand up. You cant make a coat stand up that isnt there to start with.. Show poms have a tight undercoat.

[TFTpwnsYou]

This is what I meant. Look at this Pom compared to lutes. Big difference.

[borzoimom]

I love lutes little dog..
Now looking at the two photos- you will see the show pom has a very short back and stiffles. The coat is equal in length under and top coat. Stiffles, neck and back is much shorter.
And with lutes picture- that dog is probably healthier- less likely to have slipped patellas, etc.. And if bred- which of the two would be less likely to probably need a C section???? HANDS DOWN- ITS Lutes picture for sure!

[applesmom]

The question is:

Why is it that Poms you see in dog shows and Poms that are not literally look different?

The answer is: Pet poms like many other breeds are being mass produced by irresponsible "breeders" and purchased by uninformed pet owners who care nothing about the standard; just supply and demand.

[mike001]

I second that, plus everything Borzoid explained. Doesn't mean the show dogs are better. I think Lute's picture is adorable.

[finn's mom]

Most of the dogs you see in shows are perfect examples of the breed standard for show dogs. But, when you're talking about working dogs or pet dogs, it's usually a lot different. Even looking at labs or border collies, the difference is vast. They all have their pros and cons and they're all beautiful in different ways. It's not necessarily bad breeding that produces pet quality dogs, though. Some good, reputable breeders don't necessarily just breed dogs that will be in shows.

[TFTpwnsYou]

I second that, plus everything Borzoid explained. Doesn't mean the show dogs are better. I think Lute's picture is adorable.

I think it's adorable too. I think the pet Poms look better than the show Poms. They don't look like a cotton ball....lol. And as Borzoimom said they're probably better off as well.

[applesmom]

I second that, plus everything Borzoid explained. Doesn't mean the show dogs are better. I think Lute's picture is adorable.

Of course show dogs aren't any better than the pets-unless they're going to be shown or bred to perpetuate the breed standard. However the breed standards are being completely ignored for the sake of greed and the public's desire for purebreds.

Why even have a breed standard if the majority of the pet owning public doesn't know or care about it?

[Ginger's Mom]

But, I have a question...pardon my ignorance, but has the breed standard changed? By that I mean, I remember Poms being much bigger dogs. It has only been in the last say 15 years that they seem to have become pocket puppies. Did the standard call for a larger, sturdier dog at one time? I honestly don't know if it did or didn't, I am just asking.