With the cuteness of a Pomeranian and the playfulness of a Siberian Husky, the Pomsky is one of the most lovable dogs in the world of mixed breeds. But how is the pairing even possible?
| HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches | WEIGHT: 7 to 38 pounds |
| LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years | BREED SIZE: Medium |
| INTELLIGENCE: High | EXERCISE NEEDS: Medium |
| ENERGY LEVELS: High | BARKING LEVEL: High |
| DROOL TENDENCY: Low | COAT LENGTH: Medium |
| COLORS: Range from black/white to red/white and chocolate and blue merle |
| TEMPERAMENT: Playful, outgoing, friendly, affectionate |
| GOOD WITH: Families, apartment living, cold weather, training |
| HEALTH FACTORS: Hip dysplasia, eye problems, heart disease, dislocated knees, skin issues |
| OTHER TRAITS: Easy to train, sheds a lot, very loyal, known to chew, loves water |
In 2011, a Buzzfeed blog post showed images of dogs bearing the striking features of a Siberian Husky but with the size of a Pomeranian.
The caption claimed a new breed called Pomeranian husky or Pomsky. People later discovered that the featured puppies were, in fact, Finnish Lapphunds, but not before the pictures went viral.
Suddenly, everyone wants a Pomsky. Fortunately, there really exists such a hybrid.
After all, Huskies are sturdy work canines that can grow up to 60 pounds, while Pomeranians are cuddly toy dogs no heavier than 7 pounds.
Want to learn more about this designer breed? Let’s delve into fascinating details about the delightful Pomeranian Huskies.
1. The ‘breed’ is barely a decade old
This breed originated in the United States in 2009. But it wasn’t until 2012 that the first Pomeranian Husky litter was born. Some people believe that accidental crossbreeding of these dog breeds may have taken place earlier than 2009, though there is no evidence to back the claim.
The Pomsky is a designer dog. It comes from the mixing of pure-breeds to form new ones. The American Kennel Club currently does not recognize the Pomeranian Husky. For kennel clubs to acknowledge a new breed, there should be some fixed criteria of how a dog should look or behave. It will take several years and many generations of Pomeranian Huskies to establish such standards.
2. Pomskies appearance varies
Unlike purebreds, Pomskies do not have a fixed look. Even those from the same litter may look noticeably different from each other. They barely share a uniform physical trait, and you never know what you’re going to get when you combine a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky.
Generally, however, most Pomskies resemble their Siberian Husky parent, complete with the fluffy double coat, pointed ears, and curved bushy tail. Many of these dogs inherit the pale eyes of the husky, but some have hazel or amber eyes. In rare cases, some pups get two different colored eyes, a condition known as heterochromia.
Pomeranian Huskies are typically black and white; however, they also come in grey, red, brown, cream, pure white, or blue merle. They fall within small to medium size, having an average weight of 20 to 30 pounds and a height of 10 to 15 inches. Their life expectancy is around 12 to 14 years.
3. And so does their personality
Like their appearance, their personality is hard to predict. But you can expect Pomskies to be energetic, affectionate, playful, and fun-loving, which are characteristics common in both of their parent breeds. They are also attention-seekers and tend to be very vocal about it. Imagine the dramatic howls of a Husky and the squeaky, high-pitched yapping of a Pomeranian, and you’ve got an extremely loud dog. If you have a low tolerance for noise or live in an apartment with easily annoyed neighbors, a Pomsky is not the right fit for you.
Overall, Pomskies make good companions and pets. However, their skittishness and unpredictability could be dangerous to very young children. They are best for families with kids aged six and older. Some Pomskies may inherit their Husky parent’s hunter instinct and chase other animals or house pets. Early socialization and training are vital to prevent this undesirable trait, especially if you are a multiple pet household. When properly trained, Pomskies are friendly to other animals, including cats and other dogs.
4. Breeding a pomeranian husky is a difficult and delicate process
The safest way to crossbreed a Pomeranian and Siberian Husky is through artificial insemination. This process is risky, expensive, and time-consuming. Because of the enormous difference in their sizes, the Siberian Husky has to be the mother, while the Pomeranian is the father. Doing it otherwise is dangerous to both the Pomeranian mother and her babies as it often results in large puppies that the tiny dog’s reproductive organs cannot accommodate.
5. They are smart but may be hard to train
Although Pomskies are highly intelligent, they can be fiercely independent and stubborn, making them difficult to train. Huskies are strong-willed dogs, while Pomeranians tend to be overly playful. The great news is Pomskies are not aggressive dogs. They may be defiant, but they almost always never attack. During training, you have to be assertive, calm, patient, and establish your dominance early on. Be sure to use positive reinforcement and reward-based training methods.
6. Pomeranian huskies shed—a lot.
Because of their thick, fluffy double coat, Pomskies are heavy shedders. They shed all year round, but more so during spring and fall when most of their hair molt to allow new ones to grow. Be sure you have the proper grooming tools, such as a de-shedding and bristle brush. Brushing your Pomsky three to five times a week stimulates the blood flow and helps minimize shedding.
7. They are prone to small dog syndrome
Small dog syndrome is the term used to describe the unpleasant behavior of canines, specifically the smaller breeds. Some examples include refusing to follow basic commands, growling at people and other animals, and excessive whining. While Pomskies are great companions, they may quickly feel uncomfortable around visitors. Ensure to socialize them while they are pups to prevent aggressive behavior.
8. Pomeranian husky make excellent watchdogs
The Pomeranian Husky’s relatively small size makes them less effective guard dogs. Additionally, they’re unlikely to defend property and their territory or attack an intruder. However, they are liable to bark and warn you when they see strangers nearby.
9. They need regular exercise
An hour of daily exercise helps the dogs stay healthy and happy. It also allows them to get rid of pent-up energy. Like their Husky parent, bored and unstimulated Pomskies may destroy furniture, especially if left unattended. These dogs love to walk and run. An agility sport such as frisbee or play fetch will entertain and keep Pomskies busy for hours.
10. Pomeranian huskies are rare and expensive
Because of the complex process, only a few breeders can breed Pomeranian Huskies. Also, there is a long waiting list for these designer dogs, especially for particular traits such as bright blue eyes. For this reason, Pomeranian Huskies are pricey, ranging between $2,000 to $5,000. In addition, the estimated average cost of maintenance per year is $2,000, which is higher than most other dog breeds.
