Pomeranian E-Book

• Herausgeber: CompanionHouse Books
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Smart Owner's Guide
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2011

Seitenzahl: 208

Beschreibung

Dedicated to the affectionate and resourceful Pomeranian, this Smart Owner's Guide, created by the editors at Dog Fancy magazine, offers the most up-to-date and accurate information every dog owner needs to become a well-informed caregiver for his dog. Illustrated with color photographs of adorable puppies and handsome adults, this easy-to-read primer is designed in a modern, lively manner that readers will find user-friendly and entertaining.Each Smart Owner's Guide offers a description of the breed's character and physical conformation, historical overview, and its attributes as a companion dog. The reader will find informative chapters on everything he or she needs to know about acquiring, raising, and training this remarkable purebred dog, including: finding a breeder and selecting a healthy, sound puppy; preparing for the puppy's homecoming, shopping for supplies, and puppy-proofing the home; house-training; veterinary and home health maintenance; feeding and nutrition; and grooming. Obedience training for basic cues (sit, stay, heel, come, etc.) and solving potential problem behaviors (barking, chewing, aggression, jumping up, etc.) are addressed in separate chapters, as are activities to enjoy with the dog, including showing, agility, therapy work, and more.Entertaining tidbits and smart advice fill up colorful sidebars in every chapter, which the editors call "It's a Fact," "Smart Tip," "Notable & Quotable," and "Did You Know?" Real-life heroes and rescue stories are retold in full-page features called "Pop Pups" and "True Tails." Recipes, training, and care tips are highlighted in the "Try This" feature pages.The Smart Owner's Guide series is the only series that offers readers an online component in which dog owners can join a breed-specific online club hosted by dogchannel.com. At Club Pom, owners of the breed can find forums, blogs, and profiles to connect with other breed owners, as well as charts and checklists that can be downloaded. More than just 20,000 pages of solid information, there's a host of fun to be had at the club in the form of downloadable breed-specific e-cards, screensavers, games, and quizzes.The Resources section of the book includes contact information for breed-related organizations and rescues, as well as practical guidance on traveling with dogs, identification, and locating qualified professionals to assist the dog owner, such as pet sitters, trainers, and boarding facilities. This information-packed Smart Owner's Guide is fully indexed.

Leseprobe

Table of Contents

Title Page

Foreword

CHAPTER 1 - THE PLEASURE OF A POM

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

PERSONALITY POINTERS

HAIR, THERE, EVERYWHERE?

OUTDOOR SAFETY

INDOOR SAFETY

DOG’S BEST FRIENDS?

DOGDOM DILEMMAS

POMS VS. KIDS

CHAPTER 2 - A SPITZ IN TIME

DOWNSIZING DOGS

V FOR VICTORIA

AMERICAN ARRIVAL

CHAPTER 3 - THE POM BREEDER

ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

VISITING BREEDERS

BREEDER EXPECTATIONS

PUPPY EVALUATION

TEMPERAMENT EVALUATION

CHAPTER 4 - HOME ESSENTIALS

COLLARS AND LEADS

CRATE

BEDDING

TOYS AND CHEWS

CLEANING SUPPLIES

POM-PROOFING

CHAPTER 5 - SUCCESSFUL HOUSETRAINING

CRATETRAINING

THE POTTY BELL

CHAPTER 6 - EVERYDAY CARE

PUPPY PROTOCOL

INTESTINAL PARASITES

EXTERNAL PARASITES

FIRST AID

911 EMERGENCIES

CHAPTER 7 - BREED HEALTH ISSUES

HYPOGLYCEMIA

BLACK SKIN DISEASE

ALLERGIES

COLLAPSED TRACHEA

LUXATED PATELLA

PUPPY VACCINATIONS

CHAPTER 8 - HOW TO FEED A TOY

DRY KIBBLE DIETS

CANNED FOODS

STAGES OF LIFE

REVISING HIS DIET

FEEDING ROUTINE

PORTION CONTROL

PICKY EATERS

SLIMMING DOWN

TREATS AND SNACKS

CHAPTER 9 - SPRITZING A SPITZ

ROUTINE GROOMING

BATHING AND DRYING

EARS

TRIMMING THE COAT

NAILS

DENTAL CARE

CHAPTER 10 - TECHNIQUES IN TRAINING

SETTING BOUNDARIES

PSYCHOLOGY OF TRAINING

LEASH TRAINING

TEACHING BASIC CUES

REINFORCING RESPONSIBLE BEHAVIOR

REWARDS

CLICKER TRAINING

BASIC CUES

CHAPTER 11 - PROBLEM CHILD

SOCIALIZATION

WHINING

CHEWING

NIPPING

BARKING

SEPARATION ANXIETY

CHAPTER 12 - POMS ON THE RUN

BASIC EXERCISE

CONFORMATION SHOWS

OBEDIENCE

RALLY OBEDIENCE

AGILITY

FLYBALL

TRACKING

CHAPTER 13 - RESOURCES

DOG PARKS

DOGGIE DAY CARE

TRAVELING TIPS

THERAPY WORK

Copyright Page

FOREWORD

K9 EXPERT EDUCATION

If you have taken a Pomeranian into your home from a responsible breeder or a rescue group — or are planning to do so — congratulations! You have fallen in love with one of the most appealing characters in all of dogdom.

The Pom is absolutely full of himself. If he’s supposed to act like a small dog and view the world in a tentative, reserved way, then he didn’t get the memo. He’s got big-dog attitude in a pint-size package, and a fiery temperament to match.

The Pom is a member of the spitz family and descended from the sled dogs of Lapland and Iceland. The breed name can be traced to the German province of Pomerania, which isn’t necessarily where he began but perhaps where he was bred down in size. Originally, the Pom was a talented sheep herder. Back in the middle of the 19th century, when the breed first caught the eye of the British, some weighed as much as 30 pounds. They were typically white and less lavishly coated than today’s modern Pomeranians.

The Kennel Club (of England) first recognized this spitz in 1870. Queen Victoria (1819-1901) was a huge lover of dogs and is credited with popularizing many breeds that took her fancy. While on a visit to Florence, Italy, in 1888, she lost her heart to a Pom named Marco and returned with him to England. She then began exhibiting Poms at British dog shows. As with celebrities today, Queen Victoria’s tastes were copied by the masses and so the Pom’s popularity snowballed, particularly for the smaller specimens which she favored. Turi, a much-loved Pom, was brought to her bedside when she died.

Pomeranians are truly a royal breed; one of their biggest fans was England’s Queen Victoria.

British breeders consistently aimed for a smaller size and a more profuse coat, eventually producing show specimens weighing 4 to 5 pounds. Poms arrived in North America at the turn of the century and quickly gained popularity on this continent as well.

Poms have become cherished companions all over the world. Despite their diminutive size, they have retained the feisty spitz personality. They are alert, active and curious, making wonderful watch dogs and successful obedience competitors. While orange and red have always been the most popular shades, Pom colors run the gamut quite literally from black to white and everything in between: blue-gray, chocolate brown, blond and cream. There are multi-colored Poms as well: black-and-tans, parti-colors (white with patches of black, orange, chocolate or blue), striped brindles and unusual splotched merles (solid base with patches of another color).

The Pom’s coat is his crowning glory. It is a double coat, with a soft, dense undercoat and an outercoat that is long, straight, glistening and harsh in texture. Brushing and combing several times a week will keep the coat free of mats and reduce shedding.

Tiny and quick moving, Poms are generally not suitable for families with toddlers and young, rough children. Older children, adults and seniors will all enjoy the Pom’s playful ways and glamorous appearance. Intelligent, long-lived and content in the tiniest apartment, the Pomeranian makes a delightful companion.

With this Smart Owner’s Guide®, you are well on your way to getting your toy dog diploma. But your Pomeranian education doesn’t end here.

You’re invited to join in Club Pom™ (DogChannel.com/Club-Pom), a FREE online site with lots of fun and instructive features such as:

• forums, blogs and profiles where you can connect with other Pom owners

• downloadable charts and checklists to help you be a smart and loving toy dog owner

• access to Pom e-cards and wallpapers

• interactive games

• canine quizzes

The Smart Owner’s Guide series and Club Pom are backed by the experts at DOG FANCY® magazine and DogChannel.com — who have been providing trusted and up-to-date information about dogs and dog people for more than 40 years. Log on and join the club today!

Allan ReznikEditor-at-Large, DOG FANCY

CHAPTER 1

THE PLEASURE OF A POM

The Pomeranian’s identification as a toy breed is not a universally accepted designation. He stands alone as the only toy breed that traces his roots back to working-dog origins. In many countries, he is classified as a spitz breed, reflecting his ancestry and temperament.

Regardless of how he is categorized, a Pomeranian is a lot of dog in a very small package. He may be cuddly and adorable, but he definitely does not consider himself a dainty house pet. He is a dog, in every sense of the word! Although he is known to be a great apartment pet, don’t expect a Pom to spend his days watching TV and eating potato chips. His legacy of working-dog ancestors has given him a type A personality. He is energetic, fearless and insatiably curious. Thanks to this combination of temperament traits, he tends to be fairly active indoors and outdoors.

Historically, the Pomeranian has been acknowledged as an excellent house guardian. Despite his size, he has a well deserved reputation as a watchdog. Quick to investigate anything unusual, he is unflinchingly brave and willing to stand his ground against far larger opponents. These qualities can make him surprisingly protective toward his owner, and failing to keep this behavior within bounds may get him into dangerous situations. Unchecked, he can also evolve into excessive barking and sharpness.

Dogs are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs, as well as people. Many owners find themselves adding more Pomeranians to their homes soon after adopting their first.

Exceedingly intelligent, a Pom is perfectly capable of understanding and following the rules. He is not, however, inclined to take orders; successful training must combine gentleness, firmness and psychology. If you are reluctant to set boundaries or enforce rules, you may end up coping with an extremely spoiled, demanding little dog. A reasonable amount of training can prevent a multitude of problems and dramatically enhance your relationship with your Pom. He may be tiny, but don’t underestimate how important this can be.

Like many toy breeds, Poms are noted for their longevity; most remain active and playful well into old age. Their typical life span is 12 to 16 years, and many live as long as 20 years.

LET’S GET PHYSICAL

The Pomeranian’s defining traits are diminutive size; a luxurious, stand-off double coat; and a unique silhouette. This profile is characterized by compact, cobby proportions; high head carriage; a short muzzle; tin, high-set ears; and a high-set tail covered by a profuse plume carried over the back. Despite his small size, a correctly made Pom is sound and sturdy, not a frail little lap dog.

Although the Pomeranian is descended from much larger dogs, this modern-day toy weighs between 3 to 7 pounds and stands 8 to 10 inches tall (measured to the withers or shoulders). The Pom breed standard, a written description of the appearance and temperament of ideal specimen, contains no size disqualification, and larger and smaller dogs do occur. Unlike some toy breeds, no extremely miniaturized “teacup” version has been created by commercial breeders. Breeding normal-sized Poms is enough of a challenge. However, oversized Poms weighing 8 to 12 pounds or more are fairly common. They may lack the breed’s style and compactness, but this does not diminish their value as fine pets.

The Pom’s magnificent coat is his hallmark trait. It’s made up of a soft, dense undercoat and a profuse harsh outercoat. The abundance of his coat can sometimes give the illusion that he is much larger than he actually is. It can be surprising to discover just what a tiny dog is actually wrapped inside this copious garment. Although his coat requires regular attention, keeping it in top condition is not as complicated as one would imagine.

PERSONALITY POINTERS

The Pom’s spitz ancestry is quite apparent in his temperament. He is fearless, proud, self-possessed and apt to forget how small he is. Often described as cocky, his dynamic personality makes him a joy to live with. Although a Pom is fiercely devoted to his owner, he is far more confident and independent than many breeds his size. His strong protective instincts can make him territorial and possessive about food and toys and disinclined to back down from a fight. A responsible owner will ensure that this curiosity and self-assurance does not lead a Pom into trouble.

HAIR, THERE, EVERYWHERE?

Every dog regularly sheds dead hair from his follicles to make way for new growth. Double-coated breeds like the Pom do most of their shedding during the spring and fall. The shedding process normally takes 3 to 6 weeks, and regular brushing is especially important during these weeks to prevent mats and control shedding. Mats most often form around the neck and chest, as well as over the shoulders where the coat tends to be longer and heavier.

Meet other Pom owners just like you. On our Pomeranian forums, you can chat about your toy dog and ask other owners for advice about training, health issues and anything else about your favorite dog breed. Log onto DogChannel.com/Club-Pom for details!

Dogs that spend a lot of time outdoors normally experience more extensive shedding in response to seasonal changes. In spring, they “blow” (heavily shed) much of their undercoat, and both under- and outercoats grow in more profusely after they undergo their fall shedding. Long hair can be easily vacuumed, but short hair can become a problem by sticking in upholstery and carpet.

Other factors that can influence the rate of shedding include age, sex, grooming routines, hormones, allergies, nutrition and neutering. Changing a dog’s normal hormone balance through neutering will minimize periodic shedding of the undercoat. Keeping a dog indoors all the time also disrupts seasonal shedding cycles. Artificial lighting and moderated temperature will cause the dog to shed continuously rather than seasonally.

OUTDOOR SAFETY

Don’t assume that a fenced yard is completely safe or escape-proof for a Pomeranian. Among other things, his bravado and curiosity might lead him to try climbing over or squeezing under fencing. If your fencing has spaces that would permit him to get a leg or jaw caught, you will need to cover it with lattice or mesh to prevent accidents. Many Poms are climbers and toppling a couple of feet off the top of a fence can result in a broken leg.

Behavior is another factor to consider when leaving a Pom in a fenced yard. This breed can be prone to dominant guarding behavior, and some Poms can become very territorial under these circumstances. Many Poms will chase cats and other small animals, and they won’t back down from confrontations with larger dogs. This trait makes a Pom a good watchdog, but he can get into the habit of excessive barking if left outdoors to amuse himself for long periods of time. Predatory wildlife and stray animals coming into your yard can also pose a serious threat to a small dog. Another worrisome hazard is the possibility of dog theft.

Toy dogs are notorious for finding small cracks and crevices to escape from backyards.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Poms are gregarious, curious, alert and inquisitive. They also don’t know their own size, which can be both a positive and a negative. I tell people that you have to pay attention and make sure that their Poms don’t start something they can’t finish.

— breeder Marge Kranzfelder from San Juan Bautista, Calif.

Also, keep in mind that this is a heavily coated breed and therefore very sensitive to overheating. A Pom should never be left outdoors unattended during warm weather.

INDOOR SAFETY

The naturally fearless Pom does not possess the caution his size should merit. You will need a combination of common sense, supervision and barriers to keep him safe outside and inside.

Rooms that are not dog-proofed should be off-limits. Confine your Pom to safe areas using baby gates or put him in an exercise pen (aka an X-pen) or playpen when you cannot supervise. In addition to the usual dogproofing measures — removing electric cords and poisonous plants — you must evaluate each room from his perspective. It’s easy to overlook possible hazards at floor level. (Read more about proofing the home in Chapter 4.)

By the late 1800s, the original Pom color spectrum of black,white and cream had already been expanded extensively. Today, colors can range from black, black-and-tan, brindle, red, orange, cream, sable, particolor, blue, chocolate, white and merle.

Responsible breeders rarely release Pom puppies until they are at least 3 months old, given the breed’s petite size.

Also, don’t underestimate your Pom’s creativity when it comes to exploring his environment. He will always be looking for things to do, such as investigating the contents of the kitchen cabinets or scaling the back of the sofa. He is capable of wriggling into tiny spaces and climbing to dangerous heights in his quest for adventure. Falling down a flight of stairs or off of a high piece of furniture can result in fatal injury. Never leave a Pom unattended on a sofa, table or bed.

DOG’S BEST FRIENDS?

If you have other pets, think carefully before introducing a Pom into your home menagerie. In most cases, Poms get along well with other animals, but introductions must be supervised. Some small animals are instinctively fearful of dogs, regardless of their size. Large reptiles and birds can do quite a bit of damage to a tiny dog if they feel threatened. Dogs that have not been raised with other species may perceive them as prey. In some cases, keeping pets separated may be the safest option.

The average weight of the Pomeranian breed is between 3 to 7 pounds, with 4 to 6 pounds considered to be ideal. This is qualified with phrasing to make certain that breed quality is favored over breed size. A Pomeranian should appear sturdy and have the appearance of a miniaturized Nordic working dog.

Poms and cats are normally compatible, as long as they are properly introduced and have agreeable personalities. Many cats are larger than the average Pom; either pet could seriously injure the other in a fight. Supervise their interactions until you’re certain they can live together peacefully unattended.

The likelihood of a friendship also depends on whether your Pom has previously been socialized to cats. It also takes time for dogs and cats to interpret and appropriately respond to one another’s body language. They may misinterpret each other’s signals, resulting in unintentional provocation. Even if they seem friendly toward each other, carefully observe their expressions and body language for signs of fear or aggression. Always make sure the cat has a handy escape route if things don’t go as planned. Supervised visits may be needed for a week, a month or even longer. Make sure that each pet has separate food and sleeping areas to prevent disputes over territory.

DOGDOM DILEMMAS

Caution is definitely warranted when introducing your Pom to other dogs. Some breeders don’t recommend acquiring a Pom as a companion for a large or excitable dog. Regardless of how friendly he may be, your Pom can be seriously injured while playfully roughhousing with a larger dog. Pouncing, wrestling and play biting that would be harmless between playmates of the same size can turn into a disaster.

Even if the dogs are well matched in size, temperament must be taken into consideration. A Pom can be bossy, dominant or territorial toward unfamiliar dogs. Even if his intentions are peaceful, a Pom’s cocky attitude can get the relationship off to a bad start. A carefully supervised, gradual introduction process is essential. Pay close attention to each dog’s face and body gestures during initial encounters. The fact that they are getting along fine one minute doesn’t mean that can’t change. End the visit if either one becomes aggressive, fearful or overly excited.

Poms are small and delicate; only expose them to children who are properly instructed in how to handle them.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

Poms are extroverts, displaying great intelligence andvivacious spirits. These qualities make them wonderfulcompanion dogs, as well as competitive show dogs.However, young puppies need to be monitored after weaning to ensure thatlarger, stronger pups do not bully smaller littermates with behaviors like tailpulling and biting. It may be necessary to separate them to allow their personalities to develop fully. Personality in males and females is much the same.

— breeder Sharon Masnick from Hemingway, S.C.

Most dogs enjoy having a canine companion and friendships usually develop; don’t meddle in the process. Forcing dogs to share beds, food or toys can instigate rivalries and dominance problems. They should always be fed separately and have their own sleeping areas to prevent territorial behavior.

Most importantly, give them time to work things out between themselves. Many dogs hit it off immediately, but it may take two or three weeks for them to become friends. During this time, you must be prepared to keep them separated when they are unsupervised. This may be necessary for weeks, months or indefinitely. No matter how well the dogs may seem to get along with each other, there is no way to predict what might happen when you are not present.

POMS VS. KIDS

A Pomeranian is not the best choice for a family with very young children for several reasons. Although Poms are not naturally aggressive, they will not hesitate to defend themselves if teased or frightened by a child. “Some families are not suitable for Poms” notes Sharon Masnick, a longtime Pom breeder from Hemingway, S.C., and the editor of The Pom Reader. “I do not place Poms in homes with toddlers. They may accidentally fall on them or pull hair. All in all, it is not a winning situation. A traumatized Pom will hide under a bed and never come out or will become a fear biter in defense.”

The Pomeranian standard permits all colors, patterns and variations, with no color disqualifications specified. All Poms, however, are required to have dark eyes and black pigment on their noses and eye rims.

Many breeders prefer not to place Poms in homes with children younger than the age of 12. “We will consider placing a Pom in a home with well-behaved older children as long as the parents are prepared to supervise the handling and play time with the Pom,” Masnick says. Children can learn to behave gently when handling a Pom, but it takes time and practice. Regular interaction is essential but must be done with close adult supervision. Even an adult Pom can be seriously hurt if accidentally dropped or stepped on by a child. A puppy weighing 1 or 2 pounds can be fatally injured this way.

If your child is gentle and conscientious and you feel ready for the responsibility of having a Pom, keep a few things in mind: A Pomeranian may not feel comfortable around young children if he has not grown up with them. When introducing a Pom to a child, the dog will need time to get accustomed to the child’s behavior and mannerisms. Loud, abrupt or unpredictable gestures that are typical of children’s play can seem threatening to a small dog. A young child cannot be expected to realize that some forms of play are too rough, frightening or potentially dangerous to a Pom. Your child must understand that it is never OK to grab, chase or corner the dog. Teasing a dog while he is eating or sleeping is a typical situation leading to fearful or aggressive reactions. A child must respect the dog’s need to retreat and understand that he is off-limits at certain times. A crate will make this easier.

Overall, the Pomeranian is a healthy, long-lived companion that is loyal and loving to his family,

In addition to the possibility of accidental injury, a child should never be expected to manage a Pomeranian’s routine care. Pet care is a favorite means of encouraging responsible behavior in children, but toy breeds are not the best choice for a child’s introduction to this. A forgetful child might leave a Pom sitting on a table or bed — an accident waiting to happen. Neglecting a Pom’s feeding or grooming can quickly lead to serious consequences. Walking a small dog also requires mature judgment and careful attention to avoid potential dangers. Even if your child is responsible, there will be occasions when other children come to visit and want to play with the dog.

Most importantly, if your Pomeranian must be disciplined, this must always be an adult’s responsibility. It should never be left to a child.

Show your artistic side. Share photos, videos and artwork of your favorite breed on Club Pom. You can also submit jokes, riddles and even poetry about Pomeranians. Browse through our various galleries and see the talent of fellow Pom owners. Go to DogChannel. com/Club-Pom and click on “Galleries” to get started.

True Tails

Prince Charming

In February 1988 at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Prince the Pomeranian made breed history by becoming the first and only Pomeranian to win Best In Show at the annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. When Olga Baker of Jeribeth Pomeranians in Dickinson, Texas, speaks of her beloved Prince, she cannot help but become effusive, her charming lilt peppered with “darlin’” and “hon. ”

Baker, who co-owned Prince with her husband Darrell and Prince’s late handler, Skip Piazza, thinks of Prince as the canine love of her life.

“Prince’s fame and notoriety had, in all honesty, nothing whatsoever to do with the feelings Darrell and I had for him,” she says. “He was absolutely our pet, sleeping with us in the middle of our big bed, traveling everywhere with us. Although aged and pretty toothless toward the end of his life, Prince acted like a child when he was alone with us.”

During his life, Prince was awarded 25 BISs, innumerable group firsts and hundreds of group placements. From the night of his big Westminster win comes this recollection:

After Prince’s death in 1997 at more than 12 years old, Michele Billings, the judge who had awarded him his Westminster BIS, wrote “A Tribute to the Prince Who Was King for a Night” for the August/September 1997 issue of The Pomeranian Review.

In the article, she wrote: “As walked down the final lineup of seven dogs, including several that were ranked No. 1 in their respective groups, my eyes fell upon a splendid red Pomeranian standing motionless and four square with his beautiful shining eyes wholly intent, first upon me and then back to his handler. I sent them around the ring for the last time and noted that he was the still stepping right out with big dogs, neck proudly arched, moving swiftly and soundly on a dead loose lead. The rest is history, as he totally captivated me and hundreds of cheering fans. I shall never forget him.”

The Pomeranian’s extroverted personality, intelligence and vivacious spirit make her a great companion.

THE POM IN PROFILE

This little dog has a big-dog attitude.

COUNTRY OF ORIGIN: northern part of Germany, known as Pomerania

WHAT HIS FRIENDS CALL HIM: Wolfie, Foxy Brown, Mr. Fox, Spitzie

SIZE: height — 8 to 10 inches at the withers (shoulders); weight — 3 to 7 pounds

COAT & COLOR: Thick coats can be any color, but they are usually red, orange, cream, sable, black, or black-and-tan.

PERSONALITY TRAITS: Brave and outgoing, Poms are smart and love to learn. Some might get a little bossy, without proper training. Resource guarding can be a problem.

WITH KIDS: the older, the better. Young children probably aren’t appropriate for this toy breed. Early teens and older kids might be suitable.

WITH OTHER ANIMALS: With proper socialization, a Pom can get along with most other pets. Larger dogs might be a problem, as the Pom will think he is the same size, which can result in injury during playtime.

ENERGY LEVEL: moderate

GROOMING NEEDS: His long double coat requires brushing and bathing.

TRAINING ABILITY: intelligent, highly trainable

LIVING ENVIRONMENT: anywhere from a big house to a little apartment

LIFESPAN: 12 to 16 years