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La Pom |
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He is not recognized by the F.C.I. |
Origin |
Tibet <> Germany -> U.S.A. | |
Translation |
Francis Vandersteen |
A brief presentation of the La Pom |
| The La Pom is a cross between the Lhassa Apso and the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian. Hybrid dogs are small, reaching between 3 and 7 kilos. The La Pom is small in size but big in spirit. Hybrid dogs are intelligent and make good watchdogs. What's more, the breed is strong at performing tricks as well as participating in agility activities. The La Pom will do well in an apartment or house. With early socialization, the La Pom will get on well with other animals and people in the home. |
History of the La Pom |
| The hybrid known as the La Pom is a new breed of dog with no detailed history, although the two breeds that combine to create the breed have a long history. |
A little of the Lhassa Apso |
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| Buddhist monks living in the Tibetan mountains developed the Lhassa Apso as sentinels for temples and monasteries. Some believe the dogs are descended from Tibetan Terriers, while others think the breed may have been influenced by dogs from the North. After studying the breed's DNA, it seems that one of the Lhassa Apso's ancestors could be a type of mountain wolf. The breed was developed to withstand cold temperatures, and their judgment helped them determine whether someone approaching was friend or foe. Dogs of the breed were never sold, although the Dalai Lamas occasionally gave a pair to imperial families and visiting dignitaries. In 1933, the breed arrived in the United States when the 13th Dalai Lama presented a group of small dogs to Mr. and Mrs. Suydam Cutting. The beginning of the breed in the USA came from these dogs, and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935. | ||
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| Standard of the Lhassa Apso | ||
A little of the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian |
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| The German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian originated in Pomerania, Germany, hence its name. Descended from the ancient Spitz breeds of the far north, the breed is related to the Norwegian Elkhound, German Spitz, Samoyed, American Eskimo Dog and Schipperke. The first German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian were much larger than those seen today, weighing up to 13.5 kilos and used as sheepdogs. The breed was introduced to England when Queen Charlotte moved there to marry King George III in 1761 and brought her two German Toy Spitz / Pomeranians with her, becoming popular with the public when her daughter Queen Victoria bred many dogs, including the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian. The breed quickly gained popularity in the USA around 1900, with the American Pomeranian Club founded in 1909. The size of the breed steadily decreased between 1900 and 1930. | ||
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| Standard of the German Toy Spitz / Pomeranian |
Appearance of the La Pom |
| The La Pom is a small dog weighing between 3 and 7 kilos. Hybrid dogs will have a double coat, the undercoat being composed of short, soft hairs while the outer coat has coarse, long hairs. The La Pom will generally have a round head with a short muzzle, floppy ears and almond-shaped eyes. The breed is usually seen in the following colors: cream, red, white, golden, black, brown and tan. |
Temperament of the La Pom |
| The La Pom generally thinks he's bigger than he really is, so it's a good idea to keep an eye on him when he's playing with bigger dogs. Hybrid dogs are quiet, but love to play and will be intelligent and affectionate. The La Pom prefers to be close to its human; being separated for long periods is not ideal for this breed. Dogs of this breed love company and like to be the center of attention. Despite its small size, the La Pom will be alert and protective of its humans. Early socialization is recommended for the La Pom so it can get along well with children and other animals. Dogs of this breed can be independent by nature, so you need to establish immediately that you are the pack leader. |
Needs and activities of the La Pom |
| The La Pom will be somewhat active, but doesn't need much exercise to stay happy and healthy. Hybrid dogs will benefit from a medium-length walk every day, as well as some time to play. The La Pom will do well in an apartment as long as it is walked once or twice a day and is able to play indoors. Hybrid dogs will also enjoy spending time at the dog park. If you have a garden that your La Pom can enjoy, don't leave him unsupervised, as he may attempt an adventure beyond the fence, due to his inquisitive nature. |
Maintenance of the La Pom |
| The La Pom doesn't shed much, although a few times a year you can expect a little more shedding than usual. Because of the low shedding rate, grooming and maintenance are relatively simple. We recommend brushing your La Pom daily to prevent matting. Dogs of this breed should only be bathed when necessary, although their ears should be checked for infection and wiped once a week. As with all dogs, the La Pom's teeth should be brushed several times a week to ensure long-term dental health, and its nails trimmed as needed. La Pom's nails can be sharp and can curl towards the foot if left unattended. |
English (United Kingdom)