Pomskies look like young puppies throughout their lives and maintain that puppyish appearance well into adulthood. Their coats come in shades of black, white, red, or gray. Their eyes often have a mix of blue and brown pigment.
These dogs are very loyal and enjoy spending time with their families, but they also need lots of mental stimulation through interactive toys or training exercises. They are vocal dogs that yip and bark occasionally.
The Pomsky’s sociable nature makes it a great fit for families, and they bond strongly with their people. Their playful personalities and energetic energy also make them fun playmates for children. However, due to their small size, they may be skittish around very young kids who might not know how to handle them properly. The best way to get around this is through early socialization with kids, introducing them to gentle handling and playtime at an appropriate age.
With the smarts of a husky and the mischievousness of a Pomeranian, this breed can be quite the clown and often has their humans laughing along with them. They love to have the attention of their human companions, and they thrive when they are being spoiled with attention. Because of this, they are excellent candidates for doggie daycare or puppy classes, where they will receive the interaction and attention that they need to thrive.
A Pomsky’s temperament is shaped by the traits of its parents, and like snowflakes, no two Pomskies are alike. The first generation (F1) of Pomskies can be unpredictable based on the percentage of Siberian Husky or Pomeranian DNA present in each litter, which is why it’s important to work with a reputable breeder who follows strict standards for breeding their animals. In F2 and subsequent generations, the genes are more consistent, but there is still a bit of variation based on the parent’s genes, which can affect the size, coat type and temperament of a Pomsky.
A Pomsky’s thick double coat is warm and soft, and they enjoy the outdoors, especially in the winter. They are able to withstand cold temperatures and can even be active in snow, though they will probably enjoy it more from inside their home or a fenced-in backyard. Like their sled-pulling parents, they are naturally intelligent and eager to please, so they tend to take well to training and learn quickly. They are also very devoted and protective of their family members, making them good watchdogs. As with all dogs, the Pomsky’s protective instincts can sometimes lead to aggressive behavior.
Health
Pomskies are a designer breed that combine the Siberian Husky’s face, body, and coat with the fox-like tail and color of the Pomeranian. These extra-adorable dogs can weigh between 12 and 35 pounds and have a double coat that comes in colors of brown, black, gray, and white. Their expressive eyes can be shades of brown, amber, green, or blue and have the possibility of heterochromia (where each eye is a different color).
Pomeranians are generally healthy with a lifespan of around 12 to 15 years. But, because they are still a relatively new breed, it’s too early to know which health issues they may be susceptible to. They share genetic predispositions to certain conditions with their parents, including allergies and skin problems, elbow dysplasia, degenerative disc disease in the spine, and collapsing trachea.
In addition, Pomskies are prone to dental problems and require regular teeth cleanings and daily brushing. They also have a tendency to shed throughout the year, so it’s important to keep up with this with frequent vacuuming and sweeping.
Because they are such social animals, Pomskies need a lot of attention and love from their people. If they don’t get enough of them, they may develop separation anxiety. This can manifest as destructive behavior or barking, and should be addressed with early training.
If you’re interested in adopting a Pomsky, it’s important to find a responsible breeder. Backyard breeders and puppy mills prioritize profit over the health and well-being of their dogs, which can lead to a variety of health issues for the breed.
When choosing a breeder, make sure they use an ethical breeding program that follows guidelines set by the Pomsky Kennel Club and the American Kennel Club. This includes a commitment to using only healthy puppies, performing health screenings, and providing good care and socialization. It’s also important to find out whether the breeder has a history of rescuing litters and is committed to continuing this work. Lastly, it’s important to only purchase a Pomsky from a reputable pet store or a rescue group. This will help reduce the number of homeless Pomskies in shelters.
Training
Pomskies can be stubborn, but they’re also intelligent and eager to learn. They’re highly trainable, but they do best with a committed owner and consistent training sessions. They’re a great fit for families, including those with children, although they may tend to latch onto one family member as their primary focus. They can also be skittish around smaller children and may nip in their excitement, but this can be prevented with monitored interactions and training to reinforce positive behavior.
Due to their husky lineage, Pomskies can have an independent streak and may resist commands, so early training is important. They’re also known to be a bit prey-driven and may give chase to smaller animals such as cats, so it’s important for them to get regular, positive interactions with other pets and people from an early age.
Because they’re small, Pomskies are good apartment dogs, provided that they get daily walks and playtime in a fenced-in backyard or dog park. They need about an hour of exercise a day to keep them active and prevent boredom-based behavior. Indoor activities such as puzzle toys and a game of fetch can be fun for them, too.
Like other spitz-type breeds, Pomskies are very easy to train and respond well to verbal cues such as “go potty.” Set up a routine that involves taking your dog outside first thing in the morning, after meals, and before bedtime. Stick with this routine for a few days until your dog begins to associate going outdoors with bathroom time. Make sure to reward potty success with a verbal cue and a treat. Avoid scolding for accidents, as this will only make your dog fearful of outdoor adventures.
With their innate curiosity, Pomskies love to explore the outdoors. Take them on hiking adventures or let them run in the yard to burn energy and release their natural instincts to chase and retrieve. They’re also fond of swimming and water activities, which can be an excellent way for them to cool off and engage in low-impact exercise. It’s best to supervise them at all times to ensure their safety in the water, and start with shallow water until they become more confident.
Care
Despite their small size, Pomskies require plenty of exercise. This breed thrives in active homes that allow them to burn off their energy through daily walks, playtime at a dog park or weekend hikes. They also enjoy activities like running around the backyard and engaging in a game of fetch. Mental stimulation is essential, too: teaching progressively difficult tricks and puzzle toys can help keep their curious minds engaged and prevent boredom-induced behavior problems.
Pomskies have sensitive skin and are prone to environmental allergies, which can cause itchy, red irritated skin or watery eyes. To minimize the effects of these allergens, groom your dog regularly, use a drier that helps remove excess moisture, and vacuum your home frequently. Using an air filter to remove extra dust particles throughout the day may also help, especially if your Pomsky has trouble breathing or gets a runny nose or watery eyes.
As with all small dogs, Pomskies are at risk of dental disease, and it’s important to brush their teeth on a regular basis—ideally twice a day or weekly. Taking care of their teeth can help avoid gum and bone loss, which can lead to infections in other parts of the body.
Due to their hereditary traits, some Pomskies are prone to eye issues, such as entropion (a condition where the dog’s eyelid rolls inward, which can cause corneal ulcers and pain) and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an inherited disease that causes the retina to lose its rod cells, causing blindness). Regular veterinary visits can help identify and treat these conditions before they become severe.
Pomskies are highly loyal and can be very attached to their people. This can make them more likely to suffer from separation anxiety, which can manifest as destructive behaviors, excessive barking and pacing. If you notice separation anxiety symptoms in your pomsky, schedule a veterinary visit to rule out health issues and work on a treatment plan. Fortunately, separation anxiety can usually be resolved with veterinary care and behavioral training. Albera advises that you always purchase your pomsky from an ethical breeder who follows proper breeding practices.