Pomsky: Dog breed characteristics & care

• Pomskies are a hybrid of Siberian huskies and Pomeranians. Dating back to just 2012, the Pomsky was created through artificial insemination. The breed has yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club.
• They sometimes howl. When it comes to barking, Pomskies can take after their husky parents. It can be surprising to see a tiny dog like the Pomsky let out a howl, but these little furballs aren’t shy about it.
• They are great apartment-dwelling dogs. The Pomsky is a great companion for owners who live in smaller homes, especially ones with weight maximums for pets. The breed is very active though, so be prepared to take plenty of walks to get their energy out.

Pomskies are incredibly playful dogs who benefit from plenty of indoor and outdoor playtime. Because of this, they make great pets for owners with small children who also have a ton of energy to burn. They crave a lot of attention, and are equipped with enough cuteness to get it. Still, the dogs tend to follow their owners around the home, which can make working, chores, and other non-dog related activities difficult. While their small size makes them great apartment dogs, meeting their exercise needs will be necessary to tire them out and curb their attention-chasing tendencies. Pomskies can also be quite vocal and are even known to howl at times like their husky parents, especially when greeting strangers. With the right amount of training, socializing, and patience, the dogs will grow more comfortable around others.

Although Pomskies are generally considered healthy, they are a relatively new breed and there is still much to learn about their health. It is safe to assume that Pomskies are prone to the same health issues typically associated with their parent breeds – Siberian huskies and Pomeranians.

1. Dental problems. Pomskies are susceptible to dental issues from plaque build-up and should be brought in for regular dental checkups.
2. Hip dysplasia. The breed’s Siberian husky lineage makes them prone to hip dysplasia, a hereditary condition that can lead to arthritis down the road if left untreated.
3. Progressive retinal atrophy. Pomskies can suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition that may lead to gradual vision loss and even blindness for the breed.
4. Collapsing trachea. Inherited from their Pomeranian parents, a Pomsky’s windpipe may weaken over time, causing the tracheal rings or windpipe to collapse. This scary-as-it-sounds condition is most common in middle to senior-aged dogs and can be treated medically or surgically.

Cost of caring for Pomsky

Like any breed, you’re going to want to plan ahead before bringing home a Pomsky.  Getting your dog health insurance as soon as possible can lower out-of-pocket veterinary costs. Prospective pet parents can also look into starting a pet savings account to cover surprise medical bills down the road, including emergency care. While expenses vary from dog to dog, Pomsky owners can expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 a year caring for their furry friend.

The Pomsky is a fairly new designer breed that first appeared in the United States as recently as 2011. Earlier that year, a BuzzFeed article imagined a Pomeranian – Siberian husky mix, and coined the term “Pomsky.” One of the images in the article became widely circulated among dog lovers on Reddit –  despite not actually being a Pomsky but rather a Finnish Lapphund puppy.

Shortly after the hypothetical Pomsky went viral, the designer breed became a reality via artificial insemination and the first Pomsky puppy came to life. Given the vast size difference between the two parent dogs, strict guidelines were implemented to promote safe breeding practices for the Pomsky. The dog is now immensely popular and one of the most sought-after breeds in the United States.

Between planning your first trip to the vet, staying up to date on vaccinations, and puppy-proofing your home, it’s easy to get overwhelmed caring for any dog, and Pomskies are no exception. The breed gets bored easily, often resorting to chewing and barking. Be ready to spend plenty of time outdoors exercising your dog and getting playtime in. To protect you in the event that your Pomsky goes missing, signing up for FidoAlert provides you with a free Fido ID and tag so you’re prepared just in case.

Exercise

The Pomsky has a lot of energy and requires at least an hour of exercise a day in the form of walking, running, hiking, dog parks and dog beaches. The dog craves attention and will resort to destructive behaviors like chewing if they’re not getting it. In addition to exercise, owners can turn to puzzle toys and training for mental stimulation. Because of their husky roots and thick coats, Pomskies do better in colder climates than warmer ones.

Grooming

Pomskies have double coats that shed frequently, mostly in the spring and fall. Brushing them once a day will keep their fur from becoming matted and tangled. They can generally be bathed once a month unless they get dirty, which can be common given their exercise needs. Additionally, you’ll want to clean their ears at least twice a week and trim their nails monthly. Since they are prone to dental problems, their teeth should be brushed every day.

Diet and nutrition

As with any dog breed, you’ll want to consult your vet and factor in your Pomsky’s size and weight when calculating how many calories they should get. Although they’re a small breed, Pomskies are very active and will likely need to be fed up to 2 cups of high-quality dog food a day, split into 2 or 3 meals. The dogs can sometimes be picky eaters, and may need wet food mixed in with their kibble to get them to eat.

Although Pomskies are highly intelligent, they’re also quite stubborn, which can make them difficult to train at times. One of the biggest behavioral problems with Pomskies is their barking, which sometimes takes on the form of a howl per their husky lineage. With enough time, patience, and treats, you can reinforce good behaviors and curb unnecessary barking.

Not quite sure that a Pomsky is right for you? Even if you are, it’s worth taking the time to research and consider other similar breeds. Here are a few to get you started:

• Alaskan Klee Kai. If small Huskies are your thing, you’ll love this miniature version of the Alaskan husky. Given their name, it should come as no surprise that this breed thrives in cold environments.
• Samoyed. Much like the Pomsky, the Samoyed breed loves attention and does well in homes with energetic kids who are up to the challenge of tiring them out.
• Cavapoo. Looking for an even smaller hybrid dog than the Pomsky? The Cavapoo breed is a mix of Cavalier King Charles spaniels and poodles, and are known to be just as playful.