Country of origin: Germany Bred for: Companionship and possibily herding Group: Toy Color: Any color and pattern Life span: 12 to 14 years Grooming Needs: Brush and comb weekly or more often; bathe every 4 to 6 weeks; brush teeth weekly to avoid plaque buildup Coat: Soft, dense undercoat with long, straight, harsh outer coat Size: 8 - 11 inches, 3 - 7 pounds Training: High for obedience, moderate to low for house training Energy: Moderate Children: Older, gentle children Compatibility with other dogs: Good with other poms but will challenge larger dogs Health Concerns: Luxating patellas (dislocating kneecaps); alopecia (hair loss) of unknown cause, dental plaque requiring yearly professional cleaning, retained baby teeth