The hybrid dog breed Pomsky aims to combine the virtues of the Pomeranian and Husky. An attractive appearance and an interesting character ensure that this young breed from the USA certainly captivates many dog lovers. Often referred to as the “King of Toys,” these small, lively designer dogs are also always a bit of a surprise package. Therefore, you should know some facts about the breed before deciding on a Pomsky.
History of the Pomsky
The Pomeranian Husky Mix, Pomsky, is a deliberate crossbreed between the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian (Spitz). Both breeds belong to the FCI Group 5. However, the Pomsky is not recognized as a breed, as the hybrid breeding involves crossing a Husky bitch with a Pomeranian. Breeding among Pomskys is not yet common, which is a requirement for recognition as a separate breed. Only when both parents belong to the same breed can a purebred animal be spoken of. Currently, most Pomsky puppies are first-generation (F1) animals. However, second-generation (F2) animals are already being offered occasionally.
In Europe, the number of Pomsky breeders is currently very low. In the USA, however, hybrids are already very popular, and accordingly, the number of breeders is steadily increasing. Pomsky puppies quickly capture hearts because they have the appearance of a mini-Husky, which remains even when the Pomsky is fully grown.
Breed Overview
GROUP: Hybrid
HEIGHT: 10 to 15 inches
WEIGHT: 20 to 30 pounds
COAT: Medium
COAT COLOR: blue, brown / chocolate / liver, gray, red, white
LIFE SPAN: 12 to 15 years
TEMPERAMENT: outgoing, playful, willful
HYPOALLERGENIC: No
ORIGIN: United States
Nature and Character
For many dog lovers, the Pomsky’s character is appealing. While the Husky, as a sled dog, hardly forms a close bond with caregivers, the Pomeranian presents itself as people-oriented and affectionate. Desired by breeders is, of course, to maintain the appearance of the Husky while retaining the adaptable and friendly characteristics of the Spitz.
Pomsky owners often describe their furry friends as friendly, active, and playful. Additionally, the hybrid dogs show a certain level of vigilance. These intelligent animals are quite strong-willed but also independent and require loving yet consistent training. Depending on the selection of parent animals, the nature and characteristics of individual dogs of the breed can vary significantly. Therefore, you should be aware that a Pomsky, in its current form, is always a small, lively surprise package.
Acquiring a Pomsky
If you are considering acquiring a Pomsky, you should be aware that you may need to travel longer distances, as the number of breeders in Europe is still very low. Additionally, you should not underestimate these hybrid dogs, as the small to medium-sized dogs bring a lot of energy and have their own minds. These active furry friends not only require good training but also a considerable amount of attention in everyday life.
A Pomsky is by no means a dog that you can just let run alongside you; instead, it requires your attention and affection, and it demands it as well. These mixed breed dogs know how to assert their will intelligently. You should only consider acquiring a Pomsky if you already have experience as a dog owner because this breed is quite challenging due to the Husky genes contained within, which is reflected not only in appearance but also in temperament.
What should I consider when buying?
If you’ve found a Pomsky breeder, it’s important to take the time to visit them and observe the environment in which the Pomsky puppies are bred. Reputable breeders dedicated to Pomsky breeding will be happy to provide insights into the breeding process and allow you to meet the parent animals. Since the breed is not recognized in some countries and there are no breed standards, it is particularly important to take a closer look at the parent animals and the breeding operation.
Breeders who take their responsibility seriously will also have the veterinary records of the parent animals and the puppies available. The puppies should naturally grow up in a family environment to ensure proper socialization. Since the small-sized dog with a sled dog appearance is not entirely uncomplicated, a reputable breeder will ask you some questions to ensure that you are capable of handling the responsibility and being a good owner to the Pomsky.
Development and Training of the Puppy
A Pomsky definitely has its own mind, even at a young age. The puppy stage is particularly formative, so it’s important to socialize mini Huskies from the beginning of their lives. The better the socialization in puppyhood, the more suitable representatives of the breed are even for inexperienced owners. Especially with the mix of Husky and Pomeranian, it’s not always clear in the F1 generation what traits a puppy will have. Therefore, as a future Pomsky owner, you should be prepared to adapt to the dog and adjust the training to the puppy’s character.
In general, you should start training the active animals from the beginning. Approach them with love but also consistency. Pomskys are very intelligent and quick to understand, but they will try to assert themselves and can be quite persistent. Even a well-trained Pomsky will occasionally show a certain stubbornness, so training should remain a topic even with adult dogs.
How do I care for a Pomsky?
As a mix of Spitz and Husky, the Pomsky presents itself as a small, lively companion who is very active and enduring. Accordingly, the mini Husky is by no means a couch potato but loves to exert itself in nature. Therefore, the Pomsky is not necessarily suitable for city life unless you have the opportunity to go into nature daily. Living in the countryside is a good prerequisite for keeping a Pomsky.
It’s perfect if you can provide a secure garden for them and, of course, ensure variety through long walks. However, not only the dog’s love for movement speaks for a life in the countryside, but also its protective instinct. The Pomsky is extremely vigilant and will alert its owners loudly to perceived dangers.
Activities with the Pomsky
Pomskys are dogs that need to be kept busy. Therefore, you should accustom the animal to playing together from the beginning. The active four-legged friends particularly love exploring nature. However, the mixed breed dogs also enjoy learning small tricks, and agility training is optimal for channeling the animals’ energy. As bundles of energy, dogs of the breed are also loyal companions in sports activities. Whether jogging or cycling, the Pomsky generally keeps up very well. However, it’s important to ensure that you don’t overexert the mini Husky.
Health and Grooming
The dense fur of hybrid dogs requires care. Therefore, you should brush the lush coat at least every other day. During shedding periods, it’s also recommended to brush your Pomsky daily. If the little whirlwind occasionally needs a bath, then you should opt for a mild dog shampoo. Nail trimming is also necessary when needed.
Although the life expectancy of a Pomsky is a proud 14 years, it should be noted that they are not an original breed and are therefore considered less robust. Specific hereditary diseases are not yet known. However, both the Pomeranian and the Siberian Husky have a tendency for frequent eye diseases in their breeds. Therefore, Pomskies may also experience corresponding eye conditions.
Interesting and Worth Knowing
Pomsky breeding in the first generation is based on artificial insemination. Due to the very different body sizes of Huskies and Pomeranians, a Husky is always chosen as the mother animal to prevent complications during the birth of the puppies due to the size of the puppies.
Do you have a Pomsky or are you planning to get one? Tell me in the comments what you think makes them so special!