So, is Pomsky the next dog breed you want to get? Are you considering a Husky and Pomeranian mix for your next pet? Well, if that is the case, we want to help you understand this designer dog breed. A beautiful mix between the Siberian Husky and Pomeranian, the adorable Pomsky has gained quite a lot of popularity among pet parents recently.
Maybe it is the beautiful appearance of the Pomsky puppy. Or it is the temperament. Whatever the case, this remarkable Siberian Husky Pomeranian mix has plenty to offer.
Meet The Breed
The Pomeranian Husky mix, popularly known as Pomsky, is a designer breed that has captured the hearts of people all over the world recently. You can clearly see why. This hybrid dog has the majestic look of the Siberian Husky and the fluffy adorable appearance of the Pomeranian. And while the cute looks might fool you, this mischievous puppy has plenty of character as well.
Since 2017, when it burst onto the scene, the Pomsky puppy has been among the most popular designer breeds. Now, it is true that this dog is not recognized by The American Kennel Club. No designer breed is. Yet, you can find solace in knowing that the Designer Dog Registry and the American Canine Hybrid Club specifically recognize hybrid dogs.
The Pomeranian Husky mix might be the new kid on the block. The first recorded litter was born in March 2012. Most of the Siberian Husky and Pomeranian mix dogs alive today are first-generation. That means there is a relatively small amount of information on them.
But it doesn’t make it less popular.
Meet The Parents
Before adopting any designer dog breed, it is important to understand both parents. What do they contribute to the end result? What is the temperament of both parent-breed dogs? While it is true that every dog is different, understanding the personality traits of parents might help you determine the temperament, training, exercise needs, and health issues of your dog.
In this case, we have the Siberian Husky parent and the Pomeranian parent. Let’s talk about them.
Siberian Husky
For many years, the Siberian Husky has been one of the more popular dogs because of its appearance. Their wolf-like appearance has made pet parents fall in love with the breed.
But the distinct personality traits help as well. Now, we have to note, the Siberian Husky is not an easy canine to have around. There are plenty of challenges. But if you can work on them, the Husky and its mixes are amazing pets.
When it comes to the temperament of this dog, you have to understand its history. Back in the day, the Husky was a sled dog. And everything stems from there. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the common personality traits of the breed:
- Friendly and affectionate, these social dogs thrive when they are in groups. They enjoy the company of people, including strangers, and other animals
- Highly energetic dogs that need constant exercise and stimulation to burn their stamina
- They have a streak of independence, which can make training a bit of a challenge
- Famous for their distinctive howling, it is a form of communication that they have retained from their wolf ancestry
- Can be quite the escape artist, this dog loves digging and will do it all the time in the yard
- Huskies have a moderate prey drive and might be tempted to chase small animals
- They retain a mischievous streak that continues well into their adulthood. These dogs are puppies that never grow up
- Prone to pulling, due to their history as sled dog breeds
Pomeranian
We can now look into the Pomeranian parent breed. This toy breed can be bold and inquisitive. They will not listen at all times, and might even show a bit of a stubborn streak.
Originating in Germany, the Pomeranian became popular in England during the 1800s. But it wasn’t until the 2000s and 2010s that this breed really took off. It was all due to the Internet sensation, the self-proclaimed most beautiful dog in the world called Boo.
But it is no surprise. During their history, their appearance has made Pomeranians favorites among royalty who wanted to spoil them.
Nowadays, these family companions are true lap dogs that enjoy spending time with the family. But they do like to bark, an annoying trait that proves no puppy is perfect.
Now let’s take a look at the common personality traits of the breed.
- Lively and energetic, they pack quite a lot of stamina in their small size body
- Smart dogs that learn new tricks and commands easily
- They are often eager to please and train, but will show a bit of a stubborn streak
- They have a bold and confident demeanor, and will not be afraid to assert themselves
- Sometimes, Poms display a big dog attitude despite their small dog stature
- Curious by nature, they will explore their surroundings
- They crave owner attention and affection and love being involved in family activities
- Quite vocal, you will be surprised that Poms are prone to excessive barking
How Are Pomsky Dogs Bred?
Because of the difference in size between the two parents, we have to mention that Pomskies are obtained through artificial insemination. And breeders always use a Husky mother and a Pomeranian father. They do that to avoid health complications caused by a small mother giving birth to puppies that might be larger.
Because of the artificial insemination breeding process, the Pomsky dog has caused some controversies. But if you are willing to go past that, you will get a beautiful puppy that is a great companion.
Recognized by the Dog Registry of America, the mixed breed also has a few clubs of its own, including the Pomsky Club of America. Of course, no designer breed is recognized by The American Kennel Club.
Appearance
As we mentioned previously, the first recorded litter of Pomsky puppies was in March 2012. That means we have very little data on the appearance and personality traits of the dog.
With that in mind, we have to stress this out. NO ONE can guarantee how big a fully-grown Pomsky will be. The size of the puppy is what makes it popular. And the first thing people want to know.
Yet, the problem is that the dog can grow as much as 15 inches and weigh as much as 30 lbs. They tend to lose their baby Husky look. If that is the reason you want to get it, look elsewhere. You need to form a long-term relationship with your new dog.
That being said, the average height of the puppy is between 10 and 17 inches, with their weight ranging between 18 and 25 lbs.
They have a double coat that can be wooly, plush, or standard. All colors and patterns are acceptable, since there is no breed standard set by the AKC.
The most popular coat color options include black and white, red, brown, and cream. The end result is often a teddy bear dog that has a soft and fluffy double coat.
Most of these dogs inherit the distinctive eyes of the Husky. The bluer and brighter the eyes, the more desirable the Husky and Pomeranian mix pup will be.
Temperament
When it comes to temperament, we have to note that both parents are sociable and friendly dogs. And they are both higher than average on the intelligence scale.
With that in mind, you can expect your Pomeranian Husky mix to be intelligent, and pick up commands easily. They respond well to training. Yet, you cannot expect long training sessions. More on that later on.
What we have to stress is that this dog is prone to separation anxiety. Their Pomeranian parent is a lap dog that enjoys the company of people. And their Siberian Husky parent is a former sled dog that lived in packs its entire life. So, they cannot function on their own for a long period.
They will sometimes bark, and sometimes howl. It is a funny combination, of a dog breed known for barking at almost everything, and one that is quiet, but howls often.
Training
The good news is that these puppies are intelligent quick learners. They will pick up commands easily and quickly.
But the key here is to keep the training session short and sweet. These dogs, much like their Husky parent, have a short attention span. They can train for 10 to 15 minutes, and then go on their own.
The trick is to keep the session engaging, motivating, and rewarding for your puppy. Yes, positive reinforcement works a long way. They are not much motivated by toys. Instead, try rewarding with dog food.
Huskies see toys as something they need to play on their own, chew on it, and similar. So do not bring toys.
Exercise Needs
You might be surprised by the amount of energy a Pomsky has. But that is because not many people expect a Pomeranian to have high energy needs.
The reality is that this offspring to high-energy dogs can go all day long. Generally speaking, they need between 45 and 60 minutes of physical exercise and mental stimulation per day. Yes, they might inherit some lap dog traits, but that doesn’t mean they want to sleep all day long.
These dogs need to stretch their legs as well.
Health
We have to repeat that the Pomsky is a relatively new designer breed. There hasn’t been enough research on it to talk about common health issues.
But the good news is that both parents are relatively healthy.
There are a few risks and issues, like hip dysplasia, collapsing trachea, and luxating patella that might arise. But that is about it.
Grooming
Here is the bad news. Pomeranian Siberian Husky mix puppies shed quite a lot. Much like their parents. They have inherited the long double coat, and that means shedding all year long.
And when it is the blowout season in fall and spring, they will shed even more.
You can reduce shedding with regular brushing. But that means brushing your pet two times per week, and up to three during blowout season.
Why Shouldn’t You Get One?
- They shed heavily all year long
- There is no guarantee about the size of the puppy
- Relatively new dog, with unknown health history and data
Why Should You Get One?
- Adorable dog that has inherited the beautiful looks of two parents
- They do not bark as much as the regular Pomeranian breed
- Extremely sociable dogs that enjoy the company of people and animals
