La Pom

Affectionate and calm, the La Pom is the ideal companion dog. Small in size, but with a big heart, this lovable hybrid is sure to charm you from the get-go. One of the recent designer dog breeds, this dog was developed by crossing the devoted Pomeranian and the loving Lhasa Apso. Both of these breeds have a long track record as popular family pets, and their offspring is no less appealing to prospective dog owners.

While there are no guarantees when it comes to crossbreeding dogs, there are some traits you can count on in a designer dog. After all, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree- and the same holds true for mixed breed dogs, as well. For the La Pom, this means you can expect that they’ll be small in size even when fully grown, smart, and extremely loyal to their family. Bred to be companions, these charming pooches will win you over in a heartbeat!

One of the recent designer dog breeds, this dog was developed by crossing the devoted Pomeranian and the loving Lhasa Apso.

Same as it is the case with all designer dog breeds, the origin and history of the La Pom are unknown. Of course, there have been accidental Pom and Lhasa Apso mixes throughout history, but it’s only now that the crossbreeding is intentional. Most sources agree that these dogs were first created in the United States, sometime in the last decade. However, the same can’t be said for the parental breeds of the La Pom.

Pomeranian, as we know it today, had it start on 18th-century courts, where it was pampered as a lap dog of aristocrats. The regal Lhasa Apso can be traced 4,000 years in the past and is one of the most ancient dog breeds we have today. Both of these dog breeds are known as excellent companion dogs, with a tendency to be watchful over their families- even though their size wouldn’t indicate it.

Due to the fact that La Pom is not officially recognized by American Kennel Club, it won’t have a pedigree. Of course, the fact that puppies won’t have an AKC pedigree to offer doesn’t mean that their parents won’t. Both the Lhasa Apso and the Pomeranian are recognized purebreds that will have a pedigree. If you are getting La Pom puppies from a reputable breeder, getting a family history of your new pet’s parents shouldn’t be in an issue. In fact, it should be a given! Additionally, you should know that if your puppies come from a line of show-quality dogs, you can expect them to cost much more than regular La Pom puppies.

As a small breed dog with moderate activity level, La Pom won’t need much food to meet their nutritive needs. However, even though they might not need much kibble, you will need to choose high-quality dry food. This will ensure that your pet is getting all the nutrients they need. In addition to kibble, you can treat your pooch to an occasional homecooked dog meal or tasty treat. Just make sure not to go overboard with indulging your pet! Due to their petite size, La Pom can quickly gain weight, and it can lead to obesity issues. If you’re unsure what’s the recommended amount of food you should be feeding to your La Pom, consult with your vet or check the feeding guide- these are usually printed on the back of the kibble bag.

Due to their petite size, La Pom can quickly gain weight, and it can lead to obesity issues

Both the Pomeranian and Lhasa Apso are known as smart breeds, so is it really a surprise that their mix resulted in an exceptionally intelligent dog? To boot, in most cases, La Pom takes up after the people-pleasing Lhasa Apso, making this designer dog really easy to train. These four-legged smarties tend to be treat-motivated, as well, so positive reinforcement training is a great idea. In fact, with a little patience and effort, La Pom can also be trained to compete in agility or perform fun tricks and commands.

Of course, this is not to say that La Pom puppy will automatically pick up all you teach them. While the goal for designer dogs is to inherit the parent’s desirable traits, it’s not always the case. Sometimes, mixed breed puppies inherit some of the less appealing qualities from their mom or dad, and in La Pom’s case, it can be the Pomeranian’s stubborn streak. The strong-willed attitude might make them slightly more difficult to train than you’d initially think, but it’s nothing that a little patience won’t help with!

When it comes to the appearance and traits of designer dogs, a lot will depend on the puppy’s parents. La Pom puppies will grow up to be small dogs, weighing between 7 and 15 pounds when fully grown.

For centuries, the Pomeranian and Lhasa Apso have been cherished as pets. Their friendly, sweet nature and intelligent behavior were passed on their offspring, making La Pom one of the most sought-after mixed breed dogs. To no one’s surprise, we might add! Not only that these dogs are loyal and devoted to their owners, but their easy-going, laid-back demeanor also makes them perfect for companionship. Owing to the Lhasa Apso in the mix, these designer breed dogs tend to be much calmer than your average small breed dog. However, that’s not to say that these charming canines won’t think they are much bigger than they actually are! In fact, many La Pom owners report that the petite stature of these dogs hides a very big personality- and an even bigger heart.

In general, mixed breed dogs are believed to be healthier than their purebred fellows. However, while there is a reason for people to think this, it’s not always the case. After all, a lot will depend on your puppy’s own family tree and the care you provide. If their parents and ancestors were healthy, it’s much likelier that they’ll have none of the breed-specific issues. Similarly, puppies that are brought up in good conditions and their needs net throughout their lifetime are certain to grow to be happy and healthy dogs.

For your new La Pom pet, there are not much health concerns that you should worry about. Provided that you got your puppy from a reputable source and not a backyard breeder, there are a few hereditary problems to pay attention to. Hip dysplasia, tracheal collapse, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease are the most significant concerns.

As this is a small breed dog, you should make sure to keep their oral hygiene up to standards. Regular brushing and dental treats will keep plaque at bay and prevent early tooth loss, which this breed is often susceptible to.

As an intentionally breed hybrid, La Pom hasn’t been around long enough for its expected lifespan to be established. Of course, their average life expectancy can be guesstimated pretty accurately if one takes a look at their parent’s longevity. Provided that you offer optimal care and living condition to your pet, you can expect them to live for 12 to 16 years- minimum.

While some small dogs can be tiny furballs of energy, La Pom doesn’t belong to that category. These designer dogs are calm and laid-back and don’t need much exercise to stay happy and healthy. Their activity level is considered to be moderate, and they won’t need more than 45 minutes of exercise a day. You can achieve this by taking them on daily walks, visiting dog park with your pet for a game of fetch or letting their curious side prevail in a sniffing session in a fenced backyard.

Due to their minimal exercise demands, La Pom dogs are an ideal match for apartment dwellers. These dogs won’t be depressed without a big yard or be hard to exercise indoors. Their petite size contributes to suitability to apartment living, as well, as they won’t need much space to strut around comfortably.

Their activity level is considered to be moderate, and they won’t need more than 45 minutes of exercise a day.

American Kennel Club doesn’t recognize La Pom as an official breed- and it is the same for all designer dogs. The reason for this is that mixed breed puppies can’t have a set standard for their appearance and behavior, as they are direct descendants of two purebreds, and not a result of careful intra-generational breeding. However, there are clubs and organizations that recognize La Pom as a breed in its own right. These include the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Dogs Kennel Club, Dog Registry of America, and International Designer Canine Registry.

La Pom’s parents both have a long coat- Pomeranian flaunts fluffy fur and the Lhasa Apso silky hypoallergenic hair. As their offspring, this designer dog can favor one of the parents more, which will influence their appearance. However, in general, these canines tend to have a medium to long hair that’s soft and dense, and often with a shorter undercoat under the straight and plush top coat. La Pom is a moderate shedder and low-maintenance when it comes to grooming.

To keep your pet’s coat looking perfect, brush them daily or at least a few times a week. This will prevent mating and keep their hair shiny and velvety. Every couple of weeks, if needed, treat your La Pom to a bath.

Once you get a La Pom puppy, you will need to make sure to properly socialize and train them. Working with your pet from their puppyhood will ensure they grow into a beautifully behaved dog. In addition, timely training can ensure none of the less desirable breed traits surfaces later in the dog’s life, such as stubbornness or overt attachment to the owners.

La Pom is a popular designer dog breed with good reason. These adorable pooches are cute as a button and have a personality that makes them extremely easy to love. They are friendly, smart, affectionate, and fun- what more can a person want in a furry companion? Due to their small size and moderate exercise requirements, they are a great fit for apartment living and seniors. Of course, a lovely La Pom would do equally well as a pet in a big family or a pampered fur baby of a single pet parent. These designer dogs are easily adaptable and will fit in most conditions!

Photo credit: Bianca Grueneberg/Shutterstock; Vinicius Bacarin/Shutterstock