Are you Prepared?
One must be fully prepared before breeding. Ask yourself:
Do you have have the money for this? Breeding involves many veterinarian bills. The pregnancy may have complications. A cesarean section may need to be performed. You will need extra food, possibly milk supplement and more.
Do you have the time? Those newborn puppies need to have a careful eye on them around the clock. Hypoglycemia is just one of the many health issues that can suddenly strike a newborn puppy.
Do you have the emotional strength? Even the best breeders in the world experience loss. Even with years of experience, there may be a puppy or puppies that do not make it. If all goes well, how will you feel when the puppies go to their new homes?
Guidelines & Requirements
Weight:
With toy breed dogs, it is always best if the female is larger than the male; with both still falling within the acceptable standard weight. A good example would be a 7 lb. female paired with a 4 lb. male.
Please note:
Taking two very small "runt" Pomeranians and breeding them together to produce unnaturally tiny puppies - to be marketed as Teacups - is extremely unethical and will only produce very unhealthy puppies. Any puppies born from that type of breeding will have huge risks of major health problems.
Age:
How old should your Pomeranian be when you breed him or her? The AKC states that a dam must not be younger than 8 months and the sire not less than 7 months.
Personally, we feel that this is much too young. We recommend a breeding age of 2 to 3 years old for the dam; she will be physically mature yet still have enough youthful flexibility.
A male’s sperm will be viable at about 4 months old, however we suggest waiting until the 1 year mark to ensure sperm is strong.
Additionally, dogs must be placed in ‘retirement’ at the correct age; it is particularly dangerous to have an older female carrying and delivering litters. In general, a female should be retired from breeding at 7.
However, this will vary greatly depending on her health, how quickly she recovers, if a cesarean section was needed, the size of her litters and so much more.