Pomsky: Your Complete Guide
Through the efforts of modern science and designer breeding, humanity may have created one of the cutest animals on four legs. The pomsky is a crossbreed between the Pomeranian and Siberian husky that can come in various colors, coat types, and sizes. Like their parent breeds, the pomsky is a willful pooch that can be vocal and difficult to reign in.
The breed will be a tough fit for novice owners, families with younger kids, those with less active lifestyles, and folks who can’t afford a noise complaint. They can be an excellent companion if you can give the breed room to run, consistent training, and a lot of physical and mental stimulation.
The following paragraphs will review the pomsky temperament, training requirements, diet, and how well it socializes with others. Whether you are new to the breed or looking for further insights into raising the perky pup, this guide will give you all the information you need.
Quick Look at the Pomsky
Below is a quick glance at this special breed in terms of its physical characteristics, lifespan, temperament, and grooming needs.
| Weight/Height | 20 – 30 pounds, 10 – 15 inches |
| Coat Type | Puffy, soft, dense |
| Grooming Needs |  |
| Shedding | |
| Temperament | Perky, playful, bright |
| Good With Kids |  |
| Good With Other Animals |  |
| Intelligence | |
| Easy to Train | |
| Energy Level | |
| Barking Habits | |
| Lifespan | 13-15 years |
What Is the History of Pomskies?
The breed has little history and is among the newer crossbreeds available today. We know that the breed was specially designed through artificial insemination, and while they have already grown in popularity, there is still no breed standard.
While clubs are looking to get the breed recognized, it will take generations to establish a look for the breed. Because of this, there is no shortage of colors and coat patterns that a pomsky can come in.
The breed has had issues with being dropped off at shelters due to their high energy levels, which can often overwhelm owners. Similarly, they have been plagued with breeding issues as some less-than-stellar breeders have bred huskies and Pomeranians with preexisting medical issues.
It is recommended that owners willing to put in the time for a pomsky should check nearby shelters before looking for breeders. The small, peppy canines can be a handful, and it isn’t uncommon to see one looking for a home near you.
What Do Pomskies Look Like?
Breed requirements for coat and color are still pending, and the number of different hues a pomsky can sport is dizzying. The breed can come in single or multicolored patterns of black, blue, brown, red, silver, and white. Their coats are equally varied; some are short and dense, while others have long, fluffy coats prone to frequent shedding.
All pomsky’s will come with a deep double coat that makes them well-suited for colder environments. Conversely, owners should be wary of allowing the breed extended time outside in hotter, arid climates.
What Size Is a Pomsky?
They are compact dogs, typically sitting somewhere in the middle of small and medium-sized breeds, with a bit of fluctuation between males and females. The canines will average between twenty and thirty pounds and stretch out between ten and fifteen inches when fully grown.
Some breeders will make claims about a toy or teacup pomsky, which can be smaller than the listed sizes above. The breeding practices for this variation are primarily seen as unethical, however, and are avoided by most breeders.
What Is a Pomsky’s Coat Type and Length?
It will come down to each pomsky, as their coat can span from relatively short and well-kept to long, elegant, and hard to maintain. All pomskies will have a double coat that keeps them well-insulated, though whether their fur will sit tight to the skin or turn into a multicolored cloud is entirely up to chance.
Those with heavy canine allergies will want to avoid the puffy pomsky. They are not hypoallergenic, and their shedding season will have your house looking like it was made with husky hair.
What Is a Pomsky’s Temperament?
If there was ever a breed that measured up to the old adage, “big things come in small packages,” then it would surely be the pomsky. Perky, playful, and overwhelmingly self-confident, the pomsky is a fluffy sparkplug with a ton of energy and a clever, mischievous mind that can excel in training or wreak havoc on unsuspecting owners.
Owners will need to spend daily time with their pomsky, ensuring it has plenty of mental and physical exercise to satisfy its brain and body. They are excellent companions for people with a few hours a day to look after them, though they are not for those without patience and experience looking after more challenging canines.
Are Pomskies Good With Kids?
Families with older children will likely do very well with a pomsky, though younger children must be careful when handling the breed. They are on edge around smaller members of a household and will not be afraid to nip if they feel they are being mishandled or forced to interact with a person.
Anyone looking to adopt the perky pups should ensure they have plenty of time to get comfortable around younger kids. Socializing at an early age can help the pomsky get used to strangers and children alike, and some may be more receptive to children than others.
Are Pomskies Good With Other Animals?
Pomskies usually get along well with other dogs in the house, though they should still have regular interactions with other pets from an early age. Getting a dog young so it can grow up with other animals is always better, but that does not mean older pomskies are a lost cause. If you get an older dog, have monitored introductions to get both animals comfortable.
Smaller animals will have more problems with the pomsky. Their husky heritage gives them a sharp predatorial instinct, and they are known to give chase to smaller critters and cats on occasion. If you plan to bring the breed into a house with a smaller animal, be vigilant and ensure the two pets are not alone in a room together until they are comfortable.
Are Pomskies Aggressive?
The pomsky is not known to be an aggressive breed, and outside of moments where it feels threatened or scared, it will not be a nipping threat for most households. The biggest concern with the breed is their prey drive and initial apprehension towards smaller kids, which can be alleviated with monitored interactions around other animals and children.
Do Pomskies Bark?
The biggest drawback to the pomsky is its enthusiasm to show off its incredibly boisterous vocals at all hours of the day. They come from two very loud, confident breeds, and the pomsky has adopted every inch of their parent’s yappy tendencies. Owners in apartments will have a difficult time if they do not train the barking habit out of their pomsky.
Are Pomskies Affectionate?
The pomsky may be a handful, but it knows how to ingratiate itself towards its owners. Unbelievably cute and effortlessly charming, the pomsky is a playful pet passionate about being the center of attention. Whether you want the pomsky hopping around on two feet or nestled next to you on the couch, the pomsky is more than happy to accommodate.
The breed is a tough sell for certain owners, but an active owner looking for a fluffy friend to settle down with after some time outside will quickly adore the pomsky.
Are Pomskies Intelligent?
Sharp and quick to warm up to training, the pomsky is an excellent breed for those who want a more capable dog. They are wildly intelligent for their size and capable of learning advanced tricks, and their aptitude for obedience training can be very impressive. However, They tend to get excited, which can make keeping their attention a genuine chore.
Their intelligence has a downside, which comes out whenever the pomsky has been left to its own devices. An untrained pomsky can become chaotic and challenging to reign in, and they will need daily playtime to avoid broken household items.
Are Pomskies Energetic?
They will need daily exercise or one lengthy walk a day, but their diminutive size makes them much more manageable than larger breeds. If an owner can dedicate an hour a day to allow the pomsky to stretch its legs and get some time outside, it will pay dividends when it comes time to train the dog.
Are Pomskies Easy to Train?
They are brilliant dogs with a built-in aptitude for learning complicated tasks and tricks. While they will not outshine any nearby border collies, the pomsky is a clever breed that will regularly impress owners willing to put in the time to train them. Training the breed after they go outside is recommended to lessen the likelihood of them getting overexcited during obedience sessions.
If you find that your pomsky has a talent for training, the breed is capable of performing agility circuits. They are much more athletic than their puffy exterior would lead you to believe, and they will rise to the occasion when trying to perform mentally challenging tasks and objectives. Dog Academy has several courses available for those interested in training their pomsky.
Are Pomskies Good Watchdogs?
While they have excellent senses, the pomsky may not be the best guard dog out there. They cannot fend off intruders, and their smaller size makes them unlikely to scare off potential burglars. They can alert homeowners to possible threats, however, and they are quick to bark at any unfamiliar noises, sounds, or sights around them.
While they can make good watchdogs, better and bigger options are available.
Are Pomskies Good Service Dogs?
Given that they have the right temperament and are patient and attentive enough to perform a service role, the pomsky could do very well in several service tasks. For those who require sensory assistance or a dog to fetch medication, the pomsky could easily accomplish either task. For physical assistance, bigger breeds will be a necessity.
The dog has many more options in emotional support and psychiatric service positions. Their natural charm and affection make them fantastic ESAs, and their bright mind can make them capable of advanced therapy for people suffering from more severe mental afflictions.
How to Care for a Pomsky?
There is no getting around the fact that the pomsky is a high-maintenance pooch in a deceptively small package. They require daily exercise, regular coat maintenance, and a lot of training if they are dogs that an owner plans to keep for the long term. Several people adopt the breed for their looks only to find out they bit off more than they can handle.
To prepare for a pomsky, ensure you have time for at least one hour of exercise and another hour for training, grooming, and its regular feeding schedule. Socialization is essential to get them to get along with children, pets, and other animals. While they can live in apartments, training must be started early to curb their barking habit.
Do You Need to Groom a Pomsky?
Any dog with a coat is beautiful and bushy, as the pomsky will require a full routine of regular maintenance. The dog will need to be brushed regularly, and running a comb through their coat daily may be able to reign in its excessive shedding. A professional groomer will make bathtimes easier, though the breed is small enough to be groomed at home.
Take special care to check around its ears a few times a week to watch out for grime buildup or a potential ear infection. Their nails should be trimmed on a regular basis or whenever you start to hear the dog clicking across linoleum floors.
Do Pomskies Shed?
If you want a dog that isn’t going to shed, then you will want something other than the pomsky. The pomsky can make it snow indoors in June regardless of whether or not their owners are diligent in brushing them. They all come with deep, thick double coats that can make brushing tricky, and owners should be thorough when maintaining the small dog’s fur.
They are nowhere close to hypoallergenic, and people with allergies will have a very rough time living with a dog that sheds as frequently as the pomsky.
What Health Problems Do Pomskies Have?
The pomsky has numerous possible health problems that can occur throughout their life, though most are avoidable with a healthy lifestyle.
The most common medical issues a pomsky will have are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Allergies
- Heart disease
- Bloat
To alleviate the risk of medical issues with your pomsky, try to keep an eye on their diet and make a routine of getting them outside once a day. An active, well-fed dog with a good bill of health will have a much longer, fulfilled life than a dog not being properly looked after.
How Long Do Pomskies Live?
Like most smaller breeds, the pomsky has a long lifespan, with most owners spending the better part of two decades with the peppy pooch. The average lifespan of a pomsky is between thirteen and fifteen years, with some notable outliers.
What Should a Pomsky Eat?
Unlike many other breeds that have been around humans for centuries, the pomsky is a brilliant and bright-eyed new addition to the lengthy list of dogs available today. Because of this, there are very few standards for feeding your pomsky. As a rule of thumb, try to find food that is designed for active, smaller dogs that is both nutrient-rich and high-quality.
To get a more in-depth idea of what to feed your pomsky, reach out to a local breeder or talk to your local veterinarian.
Is a Pomsky the Right Dog for Me?
If the pomsky was the perfect fit for everyone, everyone would likely have one. The fluffy crossbreed is one of the cutest canines in creation, and it has an effortless ability to win over everyone around it. Unfortunately, once owners bring the dog home, they realize what a handful the pomsky can be.
They are mischievous, energetic, quick to bark, and shed enough to make a monthly sweater from their leftover fur. They are not always the easiest dogs to adopt for people with cats and smaller children, and they tend to overwhelm newer or less involved owners. If you are a patient owner with free time, the pomsky can quickly become an excellent pet.