Pomsky is a designer dog developed through artificial insemination between a Pomeranian and Siberian Husky. They can vary in appearance, and puppies within the same litter may appear more husky or Pomeranian-like in shape and color.
Pomskies are high-energy dogs that need daily physical and mental stimulation. They can also inherit hereditary health conditions such as dental trouble, ear infections and hip dysplasia from their parents.
A Pomsky is a cross between two dogs, and these hybrids have taken the Internet by storm thanks to their photogenic appearance. They’re the result of crossing a Siberian Husky with a Pomeranian, both spitz breeds known for their curved ears and fluffy tails. While they’re not recognized by the kennel clubs as an official breed, pomskies are growing in popularity among dog lovers. Read on to find out more about this designer canine and whether it could be the right dog for your family.
In 2011, a user on the website JustAnswer posted a picture of a Pomeranian/Husky mix and asked if it was a new breed, sparking interest in the dog that would become known as a Pomsky. While the post may have been false, it did help to popularize the hybrid breed. Breeders were already seeking to create the dog, and by the end of the decade, pomskies were appearing all over social media.
Pomskies look like miniature huskies, with many inheriting the striking blue eyes and facial markings of their parent breed in a smaller package. They’re affectionate lap dogs that keep the sprightly, energetic personality of their Pomeranian side and can be quite playful, too.
Because pomskies are hybrid dogs, it’s difficult to predict what their specific appearance will be like or which traits they’ll carry over from one or both of their parents. F1 (first-generation) pomskies tend to have the more distinctive appearance, while subsequent generations may look more like purebred Pomeranians.
Like other spitz breeds, pomskies have long, thick coats that need regular brushing and grooming to keep them healthy and looking sharp. The undercoat is soft and dense, while the outer coat is hardy and can withstand cold temperatures. If a pomsky sheds heavily, it can leave dander and debris in places where humans don’t see it, so it’s important to have them professionally groomed regularly to avoid tangles and allergies. They should never be shaved, as this can cause the fur to grow back unevenly and can lead to a loss of insulating power.
Characteristics
Pomsky puppies are extremely intelligent dogs with a high energy level. They need regular exercise, attention and training to keep them occupied and out of trouble. They are also quite vocal and can express their emotions very well. They make excellent lap dogs and enjoy playing with children and other pets if socialized properly as puppies. However, they can be very independent and do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They are not suited for apartment living.
Pomskies are shedding dogs, and their fur can be difficult to maintain. A reputable breeder will take steps to prevent the dog from becoming too matted, and they should provide you with grooming supplies to help you keep your dog’s coat in good condition. It is important to brush your Pomsky at least twice or thrice a week using a slicker brush and comb with wide teeth. They will require occasional bathing, but be careful not to over-bath your pup as it can strip the natural oils from its skin and coat.
Because they come from two different parent breeds, Pomskys can vary in their appearance. They can look more Siberian Husky or more Pomeranian Spitz, depending on what genes are dominant in the litter. They will also have a unique personality that can take after either of their parents.
Since the Pomsky is such a new hybrid, many breeders are still trying to perfect its looks to reach a true standard. However, if you are looking for an ideal Pomsky puppy, be prepared to wait a bit longer than if you were buying from a reputable breeder who had already worked with this breed.
While Pomskies are loving and playful, they can be protective of their people and can be stubborn when defending their owners or homes. It is important to train them early on to prevent these behaviors from developing, especially as they grow into adults. They will also need to be kept on a leash due to their instinct to chase smaller animals.
The Pomsky is such an adorable breed that it has caused quite a stir on the internet. Its popularity has led to many new breeders popping up all over the country. Unfortunately, some of these breeders are not regulated or inspected, and they may be selling unhealthy puppies. This is why it is so important to always adopt from a shelter or rescue group and never buy a puppy from a breeder. Dogs are expensive investments, and they are not meant to be disposable items.
Health
Pomskies have a very similar lifespan to other well-bred dogs and are not predisposed to any serious health issues. Regular visits to the vet are important to ensure your dog is up-to-date with all vaccinations and routine health checks. This will help detect any early signs of disease, and allow treatment to be initiated promptly.
Like all dogs, pomskies require daily exercise and mental stimulation to thrive. This can be achieved with daily walks or runs, training sessions, puzzle toys and food games, and regular interaction with other pets and children. It’s also essential that they are fed a high-quality, nutritious diet to ensure optimal health.
As crossbreeds, pomskies tend to vary in their temperament and personalities. However, early socialization can help to shape their personalities. This is particularly important if you plan on bringing your pomsky into a household with other animals or young children, as they have a strong predatory instinct that can lead to their chasing smaller critters and may be apprehensive towards small kids.
Because of their husky heritage, pomskies are known to have a prey drive and can be prone to chasing smaller animals, including cats. They are also naturally suspicious of strangers and may be vocal when they feel uncomfortable. This can be a problem if not addressed with socialization from a young age.
Due to their prickly coat, pomskies should be brushed regularly to remove dead hairs and prevent tangles. This is especially important during moulting, which occurs twice a year. It’s also a good idea to wash your pomsky regularly, using a mild shampoo to maintain the integrity of their skin and prevent any infection or irritation.
While they are typically healthy, pomskies can suffer from common hereditary and environmental allergies. These include itching, sneezing and watery eyes. If you notice any of these symptoms, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. If you want to keep your pomsky’s health in top condition, consider adding CBD to their diet. This natural supplement has been shown to help with a variety of conditions, including anxiety, stress, seizures and joint pain.
Training
Pomskies need firm, consistent training. Early socialization is important, too. Expose your pup to different people and animals to help them feel comfortable around everyone and everything. This helps them grow up into well-adjusted dogs.
A pomsky’s husky heritage can cause them to have prey instincts, which means they may chase smaller animals or even cats on occasion. They also have a tendency to jump up on people, so this requires training to get them to sit and stay calmly.
This is a breed that can be prone to separation anxiety, so early training is key to ensure your dog knows how to handle their emotions. They’re also highly intelligent, which can make them challenging to train if you’re not familiar with positive reinforcement techniques.
To start, train your pomsky using treats to teach them basic commands. Keep in mind that they will need to have their basic needs met, such as being fed on a regular schedule and getting plenty of exercise, to remain happy.
When you’re walking your pomsky, be sure to keep them on a leash. They tend to want to go potty when they aren’t being watched, so you need to be able to control them. Reward them when they behave and reprimand them when they don’t. This will show them that good behavior is expected, and bad behavior isn’t permitted.
Dan Millman, a Pomsky trainer and dog behaviorist, offers an easy-to-follow video on how to train your Pomsky to obey commands. He also suggests you teach them to walk on a leash with a gentle, consistent grip and that they always walk alongside you. This will prevent them from pulling ahead and getting distracted by other dogs or people.
Pomsky owners often misunderstand their breed when they see them behaving in what seems like a disrespectful way, but this is actually a sign that they’re disengaged from you and focused on other things. They’re not trying to annoy you, they just don’t care anymore.
Since the Pomsky isn’t an officially recognized breed, it can be hard to find a responsible breeder. Albera recommends finding a puppy from a shelter or one that is being raised in a home environment. This will minimize the risk of health issues and other problems that can arise with puppies from a breeding facility.