La-Pom (Lhasa Apso & Pomeranian Mix) Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, Care & More!

La Pom Dogs: The Lovable Lhasa Apso Pomeranian Mix

Are you looking for an adorable, fluffy little companion to bring joy and laughter into your life? Look no further than the La Pom! This delightful designer dog combines the best traits of the Lhasa Apso and the Pomeranian into one charming, pint-sized package.

While the La Pom‘s exact origins are unknown, these sweet-natured dogs have exploded in popularity over the past decade as one of the most sought-after mixed breeds. It‘s easy to see why – with their big expressive eyes, soft billowy coats, and affectionate personalities, La Poms have a way of instantly stealing hearts.

If you‘re considering adding a La Pom to your family, here‘s everything you need to know about these little bundles of love, from their physical characteristics and temperament to their daily care needs.

La Pom Characteristics

La Poms are a small dog breed, typically weighing between 7-15 pounds and standing 7-12 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown. They have compact, sturdy bodies with short legs and fluffy tails that curl over their backs.

One of the La Pom‘s most distinctive features is their luxurious double coat. They inherit the long, silky hair of the Lhasa Apso, which grows continuously and requires regular brushing and trimming. La Poms can come in a variety of colors including cream, white, red, black, and brown. Some may have a mix of colors or unique markings.

La Poms also tend to have rounded, baby-doll faces with large, dark eyes, small black noses, and adorable floppy ears. They have an innocent, sweet expression that perfectly matches their loving personality.

While the La Pom‘s tiny size makes them ideal for apartment living, they still require daily exercise and activity. These intelligent dogs love to play and go on adventures with their owners. Don‘t be surprised if your La Pom tries to keep up with much larger dogs at the park! They may be small, but they have big, brave personalities.

La Pom Temperament

La Poms are known for being outgoing, friendly, and eager to please their owners. They bond very closely with their humans and love nothing more than being by your side, whether that means curling up on the couch for a Netflix binge or tagging along on errands.

These social butterflies enjoy being the center of attention and will happily perform tricks or show off their toys to entertain you and your guests. La Poms are also highly adaptable and do well in a variety of living situations, from small city apartments to spacious suburban homes.

Despite their small stature, La Poms make excellent watchdogs. They are naturally protective of their loved ones and will bark to alert you of approaching strangers or anything unusual. Early training and socialization can help prevent excessive barking.

With their gentle demeanor and patient personality, La Poms generally do well with respectful children. They are better suited for homes with older kids who understand how to properly interact with a small dog. Always supervise playtime between your La Pom and young children.

When it comes to other pets, La Poms can get along with cats and dogs of all sizes if introduced slowly and positively. These brave little pups often don‘t realize how small they are compared to their canine pals! Just make sure to keep an eye on the body language of a La Pom playing with a much larger dog.

La Pom Daily Needs

Before bringing home a La Pom puppy, make sure you can commit to their daily needs. These dogs require a high-quality small breed dog food and typically eat ½ to 1 cup per day, split into two meals. Check with your vet to determine the appropriate amount for your individual dog based on their age, size and activity level. Always have fresh water available.

La Poms have moderate exercise needs and will be satisfied with a couple 20-30 minute walks per day, along with some active playtime and brain games. Teaching your La Pom new tricks and commands is a great way to provide mental stimulation. Puzzle toys filled with treats can also keep their clever mind busy.

Grooming is an important part of La Pom ownership. Their long, luxurious coats require brushing at least 2-3 times per week (ideally daily) to prevent matting and tangles. Many owners opt to have their La Pom‘s coat trimmed into a "puppy cut" by a groomer every few months for easier maintenance. Brush your La Pom‘s teeth regularly and check/clean their ears weekly.

Start training your La Pom as soon as you bring them home. These quick learners respond well to positive reinforcement methods like praise and small treats. Focus on basic obedience commands, house training, and proper socialization with people and other pets from an early age. La Poms can have an independent streak, so be patient and consistent with training.

La Pom Health and Lifespan

La Poms have a life expectancy of 12-16 years. Like all breeds, they can be prone to certain genetic health issues. Responsible La Pom breeders will health screen their dogs for common concerns like patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, heart problems, eye issues, and hip dysplasia.

Adopting from a reputable La Pom rescue is another great option. Volunteers often foster La Poms in their homes, so they can tell you detailed information about a dog‘s health, temperament and behavior in a home setting.

Keep your La Pom healthy with regular vet check-ups, staying up to date on vaccines and preventatives, feeding a quality diet, and maintaining a healthy weight. Dental care is also key for preventing tooth and gum disease. Brush your dog‘s teeth daily or give dental chews and toys.

Fun La Pom Facts

Still not convinced that La Poms are one of the cutest, most delightful dog breeds around? These fun facts may change your mind:

-La Poms are a popular choice among celebrities. Some famous La Pom owners include Ashley Tisdale, Hilary Duff, and Usher.

-These photogenic pups have a huge following on social media. Some of the most popular La Pom Instagram accounts have hundreds of thousands of followers who can‘t get enough of their adorable antics.

-La Pom owners love to dress up their dogs and many compete in costume contests. Their small size and patient nature makes them the perfect models.

-Though tiny, La Poms don‘t seem to realize their small stature. They confidently approach much larger dogs and have strong protective instincts.

-The La Pom‘s expressive eyes and permanent puppy face make them look like cute stuffed animals come to life.

-La Poms make the perfect portable companion and love riding along in a dog purse or backpack on all your adventures.

Choosing a La Pom

When searching for a La Pom puppy, look for a reputable breeder who focuses on health and temperament. Avoid pet stores and online ads that may be from puppy mills. A good La Pom breeder will welcome questions, keep puppies with their mother until at least 8 weeks old, provide health records, and allow you to meet the puppy‘s parents.

Adopting an older La Pom from a rescue is also a wonderful way to add one of these special dogs to your life. You can often find La Poms in breed-specific Pom or Lhasa rescues, as well as mixed breed rescues. Adopting an adult La Pom lets you skip some of the challenging puppy stages.

No matter which path you choose, a La Pom will bring endless joy and laughter into your world. These charming dogs may be small in size, but they have huge hearts and larger-than-life personalities. With their fluffy coats, soulful eyes, and gentle, loving nature, La Poms are impossible to resist.