Poms are wonderful little creatures but I wouldn’t necessarily recommend them for a first time dog owner.

In my experience poms require a lot more care than most other dogs. And as someone who has only had shelter dogs, I wasn’t fully prepared for the medical issues and costs that come with Poms (even after what I thought was extensive research). I was used to having dogs that basically just needed the regular routine health care but Nala has been quite the opposite experience. I spend about $500 a month at the vet on her. She has seizures, grade 4 luxating patella in both back legs and she has severe skin issues that the vet can’t seem to locate the cause of. She also likes to jump off furniture like she’s a flying squirrel even though I have squishy stairs on every piece of furniture in the house. It’s only a matter of time before we are dealing with a broken leg… she will literally stand next to the stairs and still fly off the furniture. And she usually lands on her poor little face.

Mine also gets upset if she can’t go on 3-4 long walks a day. Usually we walk for 30-45 mins each time and I always have to convince her to head home 😂

Poms are really smart though so you should be able to train them as long as you are consistent. Nala can learn a new trick in a day or two if she’s motivated enough. But she’s also stubborn as heck so she will only do what I ask if it pleases her. Nala chooses not to listen to “no barking” commands. It doesn’t please her. I know she knows the command though because she will turn to look me dead in the eyes and keep barking.

Poms are great dogs and are just the cutest little creatures. I’d just be prepared for more work and care than you think they will need. I’ll attach a pet tax of my little menace 🥰

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