Pomsky Breed Atlas, A Must Read For Dog Lovers

What Are Pomsky?

The Pomeranian Husky mix or Pomsky for short has quickly become one of the most popular breeds among dog lovers. Known as a designer dog, the Pomsky is a cross between the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian.

Although potential Pomsky parents may want to buy directly from a breeder, it is always better to adopt, if possible. Occasionally, those who purchase dogs from breeders are unprepared for the commitment that dog parenthood brings. Pomskies, like other breeds, sometimes end up in shelters or left with rescue groups.

The quick rise to popularity has created a type of ‘Pomsky mania’ that can have negative results. Unscrupulous breeders have been known to capitalize on this trend by cranking out quantities of puppies without regard for the puppies’ health and the purity of the breed. If you are thinking about getting a pup you should also read our article about getting rid of fleas so that you are prepared.

How Big Is A Full Grown Pomsky?

Cute, fluffy, and playful, they are small (approximately 15-25 pounds) and therefore suited to apartment life, as well as to larger quarters. Descended from Pomeranians and Siberian Huskies, this dog size generally falls somewhere between those two breeds. While breeding standards are not yet well-established, you will sometimes find a Pomsky in a larger weight range. The top of this weight range would be no more than 38 pounds.

Due to the difference in size between the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian, breeding Pomskies is always accomplished via artificial insemination. This is an expensive process typically not covered by dog insurance, resulting in the necessity for breeders to charge high prices for puppies.

If you think the Pomsky is the right breed of dog for you, be careful to avoid breeders offering cheap or free puppies. Of course, exceptions to that rule would be animal shelters and rescue groups who try to find good, forever homes when pet owners cannot maintain the responsibilities of dog parenthood.

Adorable Pomsky Traits

1. Pomskies have thick coats. This makes them especially tolerant of cold weather. On the downside, they do shed a lot. But, because they are small and manageable, regular brushing is not a problem and you can find tons of grooming gadgets at popular retail stores like 1800petmeds.com.
2. Pomskies do not require large, open spaces. They adapt readily to apartment living, although they should receive moderate amounts of regular exercise.
3. Like Pomeranians and Siberian Huskies, Pomskies come in a variety of colors. Their beautiful, thick coats present numerous color combinations.
4. Because Pomskies are smart and lively, they do tend to bark frequently, if not trained. Avoid the problem of excessive barking by training your puppy early on.
5. This breed socializes well with people and other animals, especially if socialization begins at an early age.
6. They are intelligent and therefore highly trainable; however, a stubborn streak inherited from the Siberian Husky dam is occasionally observed in a Pomsky. Stubbornness might make this breed more well-suited for experienced dog parents rather than for novices.

History of the Pomsky Breed That You Must Know

This breed is so new that there is not a depth of history to report. Breeders have not yet established a strong set of standards regarding appearance, temperament, and behavior of the Pomsky. Even among puppies from the same litter, you will find widely varying traits among puppies.

It will take more years and more generations of dogs for a set of Pomsky breeding standards be codified. The Pomsky Club of America and the International Pomsky Association are two groups working for official recognition of the breed.

What Is The Temperament Of A Pomsky?

1. Pomskies are like little clowns. They love attention, and their lively behavior is sure to spark interest and adoration from the humans in their environment.
2. Due to their small size, they adapt well to apartment living. But, owners should always get in at least one walk per day. Because they have lots of energy, these pups need the daily freedom of a good, outdoor romp. With their thick coats, they are suited for cold weather and love to get out, even when the temperature plummets. Moderate exercise will help to ensure the Pomsky’s good health.
3. In general, they are good-natured and make fine family pets. But, they can be wary and nervous around children, strangers, and other pets. It is best to begin socialization early in life. With regular socializing, they can be quite friendly. They get along well with other dogs, especially those raised in the same household. Pomsky parents should be aware that hunter instincts inherited from Siberian Huskies might cause these dogs to chase cats and other small animals.
4. Inheriting characteristics from their Pomeranian and Siberian Husky parents, Pomskies frequently display a tendency to bark excessively. The howling and whining of the Siberian Husky combined with the yapping of the Pomeranian result in an excessively vocal offspring. So, these dogs can get on their parents’ nerves with excessive barking. Like other traits, this is best addressed through training that starts early in life.
5. Blessed with a high degree of intelligence and a high energy level, they can become bored. Boredom is sometimes manifested in chewing. To avoid boredom, be sure to provide your pup with toys that are mentally challenging. Engage in playtime with your Pomsky on a regular basis, too.

Grooming To Keep Them Cute

1. Brushing — they have thick, soft, double coats that come in a range of color combinations. They can be gray-and-white, reddish or brown, all-white, or other colors.
2. Unfortunately, shedding is an ever-present problem for pet parents. Those thick coats need to be brushed daily. Even with daily brushing, the Pomsky owner should be prepared to vacuum dog hair from rugs and furnishings frequently.
3. Dental care — Regular teeth brushing should be a routine with Pomskies. This breed tends to develop dental problems, so teeth brushing is an important, preventative measure.
4. Nails — Keep their nails clipped. Clipping every few weeks should be sufficient.

Pomsky Health

Pomskies present genetic health considerations inherited from both Siberian Huskies and Pomeranians. Among their genetic predispositions, breeders have found the following potential health problems:

• Orthopedic joint problems (such as dislocated knees and hip dysplasia), eye problems, skin problems, allergies, and heart disease.
• Dental problems are also common among them, so regular teeth brushing is important.

Feeding Your Pomsky Properly

Consistent rules for what to feed a Pomsky have not yet been established by breeders. Keep in mind that they are a high-energy dog, and be sure to provide sufficient nutrition to meet its needs. Feed them a diet that is suitable for a small to a mid-size dog.

Further, contact your veterinarian regarding recommendations for feeding your pet.

Rescuing Pup Groups

If you have decided that the Pomsky is the right breed for you, it’s time to get in touch with a rescue group to explore adoption. You might want to go to your local shelter, or you might want to search for an online database.

When people buy dogs exclusively from breeders, the result is overpopulation. Additionally, those deserving dogs who are living in shelters do not get forever homes.

An online search will reveal a number of organizations all over the U.S. that actively place Pomskies in homes for adoption.