Before you purchase a pom...

1.  Pet, breeding, or show...  Know what your looking for.  Many breeders will offer pricing based on needs.  Example... if you are just wanting a pet the breeder may reduce the price for no papers or limited papers.  In order to breed and have AKC you need full breeding rights.  This sometimes will cost more.

2.  Use a breeder that focus on the particular breed you are looking for.  If they offer many diffrent breeds of dogs they are often a puppy mill or  breeding for money only.  You want to buy from a breeder who loves the breed and specializes in that breed. 

3.  Know the breed standard.  A pom should not be over 8 lbs according to breed standard.    Also know the number of pups in the litter. If a pom has 6 puppies in her litter chances are she is a bigger pom.  I always ask parent weight and how many pups in litter. Also, there is no such thing as a teacup or micro pom.  The breed standard is 3-8 lbs.  Anything outside this range should be less expensive... not more.  Beware of the risks in buying out of the breed standard.  A pom under 3 lbs will most likely have greater needs and cost you more in vet bills.  Also, ask the weight of the pom at 8 weeks and compare that weight to a puppy weight chart.  I always weigh the puppy for the client in front of them so they know it is the true weight.  Believe it or not people will lie to you about the size of a pup.

4.  If size, color, and sex matter to you be prepared to pay for it.  Most breeders charge more for the smaller pups due to the demand (3-5 lbs adult size.)  Color may also cost.  I typically charge more for parti-poms than solid colored poms.  Females also usually cost more.  I will tell you that my male is the best of my poms.  He has the better disposition and loves to be with the family... so don't rule those boys out. 

5.  When possible by locally.  It is always best if you can see the environment the pups are coming from.  It does matter how they live and socialize.  I also like to have parents on site.  What the parents look like is a good gage for how your puppy will look as an adult. 

6.  If you can't see the parents in person  ask for pictures.  Any respectable breeder will be willing to send you pictures of parents and siblings if available.

7.  A good breeder will recommend that pups not leave home until 8 weeks.  BEWARE OF PUPS SOLD TO EARLY.  They learn from mom and litter mates and are not ready to leave before 8weeks.  In special circumstances sometimes this is not possible but when possible I highly suggest you leave pups with breeder until 8 weeks of age.

8.  Ask questions.... Don't be afraid to ask questions.  There is no such thing as a stupid question.

CAUTION:  I have four poms and four children.  Poms can make great family pets but they are a small dog.  I do not recommend poms for all children.  My first pom was injured by my one of my children, I learned my lesson the hard way.  I do not let children at any age pick up my dogs.  If they want to play or pet them,  they must sit on the floor.  Just a little caution note.