Are Pomeranians Ethical? (What To Look For)

Small Pomeranians are adorable and are in high demand but, is breeding dogs so they will be small forever ethical?

Pomeranians can be ethical or nonethical depending on the breeding practices being used, living conditions, and care provided for the dogs. Where your puppy comes from can influence your dog’s health and wellbeing.

Why Would Pomeranians Not Be Ethical

Designer dogs or “purse” dogs have become the rage and continue to grow in popularity and demand.

You can’t turn on the tv or see celebrity photos without seeing their little dogs in hand.

This visibility of adorable little dogs has created a large demand for tiny dogs.

What Is Wrong With Wanting Tiny Dogs

There is nothing wrong with being attracted to tiny little dogs and wanting to have one in your family.

The problem and ethical concerns come into play with the wide variety of breeding practices that can be used with many questionable practices used to achieve small teacup dogs.

Why Do People Breed Tiny Pomeranians

Very small dogs happen to sell for a lot more money compared to standard-sized Pomeranians in many situations.

The breeders pray on unaware buyers just looking for a cute puppy.

Usually, the buyers are not aware of the breeding practices being used and the risk involved in getting a teacup-sized dog.

What Are Ethical Breeding Practices

Ethical dog breeders strive towards humane conditions where the dogs are treated with respect and kindness.

Ethical breeders carefully plan their breeding programs and place their dogs into loving and caring homes.

Some of the practices you may notice in ethical breeding programs are.

Breeding dogs as pets only
Keeping all of the dogs clean and well groomed
Providing all of the dogs with quality food and water
Providing top notch vet care
Providing shelter
Providing exercise and play
Giving love and attention to the dogs
Developing breeding plans for each dog according to its age and health
Socializing all dogs
Placing dogs into caring homes
Providing a home for any dog that can not be placed
Providing a home for any dog that needs to be returned
Not subjecting dogs to physical altercations just for cosmetic purposes
Fully and correctly weaning puppies
Caring for and providing mothers with all of their needs
Prioritizing health over appearance within the breeding program
Adjusting the program to avoid and elimate any genetic health issues
Screening for genetic health issues
Providing a transparent history to new owners

How To Find An Ethical Dog Breeder

The search for an ethical dog breeder can be stressful but, it doesn’t have to with these tips.

Ask your veterinarian, family, and friends for referrals.

Visit where the dogs are being born and raised.

Observe the breeder. Are the premises clean? Do the dogs look cared for?

Ask to see the dog’s parents and speak to the breeder’s vet.

Ask for the dog’s full medical history.

Listen to your gut. Sometimes it can be obvious when something doesn’t feel right.

What Are Non Ethical Breeding Practices

Commercial breeders, pet stores, brokers, and auction houses have often been found to use questionable breeding practices.

Many Teacup Pomeranians are born in puppy mills or backyard breeders that are just trying to make as much money as possible.

Some breeders will choose to breed the runts of litters together in order to get small dogs.

Another unethical strategy is breeding small dogs that are often only small due to health conditions.

Is It Cruel To Breed Teacup Dogs

It’s only cruel to breed teacup dogs if you are using unethical breeding strategies.

The majority of breeders are ethical breeders and have many years of experience and love for the breed.

What Are Teacup Pomeranians?

What’s The Difference Between An Ethical Breeder And A Non Ethical Breeder

The difference between ethical and non-ethical breeders is the breeding practices, living conditions, and care that the dogs receive.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy A Teacup Pomeranian

Teacup Pomeranians are at a higher risk for many different health problems.

Depending on your dog’s genetic background it may be vulnerable to the following health conditions.

Birth defects
Heart conditions
Respiratory conditions
Joint issues
Digestive issues
Breathing conditions
Organ malfunctions
Liver shunts

A Teacup Pomeranian is more likely to bring heartache and high vet bills.

Are Teacup Dogs Genetically Modified

Teacup dogs can be considered genetically modified depending on your definition of the term.

I personally would not call teacup dogs “genetically modified” because all dogs could fall under this umbrella term.

Breeders have been selecting dogs for their breeding programs for years based on their genetics and the desired outcome of the puppies.

Sometimes we have even selected two different breeds to form a new mixed “designer” breed.

It’s all a matter of how you view genetic modification.

Why Do We Like Teacup Dogs

There are a couple of reasons why humans are drawn to small dogs.

Our instincts are to protect and care for our young and anybody that is smaller than us and needs our care to survive.

Psychologists have studied the human mind and have discovered that we are attracted to smaller aesthetics, the smaller a being is the more attracted and fond of it we naturally are.

We can’t help seeing a little baby or tiny fluffy dog as being cuter than one that is fully grown.

Final Thoughts

Unfortunately, breeding Pomeranians is not always an ethical and humane process.

The increase in popularity and high demand for small dogs has also increased the price point and desire for some people to try to make as much money as they can at the cost of the dogs and the families that get them.

Getting a Pomeranian puppy from an ethical and loving breeder is still ethical and encouraged if a Pomeranian is a right dog for you.