Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a tiny, fluffy and lively dog, usually 2 to 3.5 kg. Poms are bold, alert and intelligent, and they bond closely with their owners. They also bark, so training them to settle matters, especially in a building with close neighbours. They are a good size for apartments and need short walks and daily play.

The thick double coat needs brushing several times a week, and more during the shed. In UAE summers walk early or late, keep the dog in air conditioning during the day and never leave it in a car. Ask a professional groomer before shaving the coat, because a neat trim is often kinder than a close clip. Their small size makes them fragile around boisterous children, and teeth and kneecaps can give trouble in small breeds, so for those, ask your vet.

See the puppy in person (and its mother, if you buy from a breeder), and ask to see the vaccination card. Plan for a microchip, rabies and core vaccinations and registration with your municipality or emirate. Pomeranian ads have been posted fairly regularly in recent years. On AnimalMarket24, asking prices have mostly been between AED 7,000 and AED 9,000. Adoption is another route worth checking, and adoption fees should be modest.