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With a playful spirit and a hint of the wild, the Pomsky is a unique and adorable breed. If you’re looking to extend your pet family, consider welcoming a Pomsky dog into your home! For the right household, a Pomeranian-Husky mix can be the perfect furry addition. Combining the Pomeranian’s famous playfulness with the Husky’s intelligence, this breed is known for being as cute as it is sweet! Pomskies require parents who can attend to their physical needs, such as grooming and exercising them, while fitting plenty of bonding time into their schedules. Let’s dive into the fascinating world of the Pomsky to see if this breed is right for you!
Quick Pomsky Facts
Name: Pomsky, Pomski, Arctic Spitz
Origin: United States
Size: 20-30 pounds, 14-18 inches tall (mini and toy versions also exist)
Lifespan: 13-15 years
Appearance: some combination of black, gray, and white with fluffy fur
Temperament: intelligent, friendly, alert, playful, hardworking
Compatibility: better suited for families with older children
Intelligence: smart and trainable
Exercise & Energy: usually moderate exercise needs but some may be high energy
Grooming Needs: shed heavily and need frequent brushing
Training: consistent training is necessary
Health: at risk for some conditions such as follicular dysplasia and patellar luxation
Highlights: energetic, lively, friendly, outgoing, vocal
Who Makes a Great Pomsky Parent?
Active individuals: Because they’re so full of energy, Pomskies love to run and frolic around the yard!
Families with older children: This breed can thrive around older kids who know how to play safely with dogs.
People with patience: Pomskies are part Husky, and that means they’ve got major stubbornness in their genes!
Diligent carers: Pomsky parents need to prepare themselves for maintaining their pup’s coat and cleaning up a whole lot of fur throughout the year.
Households with lots of space: Standard-sized Pomskies can be quite active and need room to burn off energy.
What Do Pomskies Look Like?
Pomsky dogs are typically larger than other Pomeranian mixes, such as the Pomapoo (Pomeranian-Toy Poodle) or the Maltipom (Maltese-Pomeranian). Most Pomskies feature a saddle pattern on their coats. A large splash of black and gray fur on their backs and sides creates the “saddle” shape while the rest of the body is typically white, minus the head. The head often has black markings around the eyes and on the nose. Keep in mind that since Pomskies are a mixed breed, many color and coat variations exist. Shades of red and brown are sometimes seen in these dogs.
What Size Are Pomskies?
The Pomeranian-Husky mix comes in several sizes, including the Standard, Mini, and Toy sizes. Standard Pomskies usually weigh between 20 and 35 pounds and are approximately 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulder. Mini Pomskies weigh 12-20 pounds and are typically 14 inches tall at the most. An even smaller variety exists in the form of the Toy Pomsky. These tiny cuties max out at 15 pounds and often reach less than 10 inches tall!
What is a Pomsky’s Haircoat Like?
Pomskies have one of three types of coats: long and wooly, dense and plush, or standard. The wooly version of the coat requires the most maintenance, as it features long, dense fur that’s around 3 inches long. The plush version is just as dense but has shorter fur which grows around 1.5 inches long. Pomskies with standard coats are the simplest to maintain. The fur is less than one inch long and is less likely to clump.
No matter what kind of coat a Pomsky has, it’s designed to protect them from both the heat and cooler weather. Keeping it in good condition will protect their skin and shield them from insects and parasites.
What Are Pomskies Like?
As you might imagine, Pomsky characteristics differ from dog to dog. Since the American Kennel Club (AKC) doesn’t recognize the Pomsky as a “true” breed — they don’t recognize mixed breeds — there are many variations around. However, you can expect that your Pomsky will inherit some traits from both Siberian Huskies and Pomeranians. It’s impossible to pinpoint exactly which traits they’ll have, but there’s a good chance your Pomsky will be very intelligent and attached to their human family.
Do Pomskies Have Good Personalities?
Pomskies have wonderful personalities on the whole. Their Pomeranian ancestry shows up in the form of cheerfulness and friendliness, while their Husky side lends itself to alertness and mischievousness. The breed is an interesting blend of the two different worlds of the lapdog Pomeranian and the hardworking Husky! Don’t be surprised if your Pomsky channels its Husky side with endless vocalizations!
Are Pomskies Good with Children?
Most Pomskies will likely do better with older children. Very young kids will aggravate a Pomsky if they don’t know how to pet them properly (i.e., gently and in the direction the fur grows). Unruly kids are also at risk of trampling a toy or mini Pomsky since they have delicate frames. Keep in mind too that the Pomeranian side can come out in the form of defensive nips if they feel threatened.
How Are Pomskies with Other Pets?
All dogs need socialization from an early age, and the Pomsky is no different. Introducing your Pomsky to other dogs can help them recognize canines as friends, not foes. Unfortunately, many Pomskies have a prey drive due to their Husky background. Cats and other small animals can trigger this instinct, leading to conflict and possibly injuries. Pomskies are thus better suited for homes with other dogs.
How Do You Care for a Pomsky?
When it comes to Pomsky care, there are two words you need to remember: grooming and training. Keeping on top of these two necessities will make your Pomsky’s life, and your own, much easier in the long run! Regularly brushing their thick, fluffy coats will help prevent matting and tangles, while occasional baths will keep them clean and healthy. Training is essential for Pomskies, as their intelligence can sometimes lead to stubbornness. Consistent, positive reinforcement training will ensure that your Pomsky is well-behaved and a joy to be around.
Do Pomskies Need Frequent Grooming?
Yes. In fact, grooming your Pomsky is key to their health. Expect to brush your dog at least once a week, but there’s a good chance they’ll need even more frequent brushing to keep their coat free from tangles. Trims can be done every few months, and you may need to bathe your Pomsky as often as once a month to keep their coat clean. Note that shaving a Pomsky is never an option since doing so can lead to skin issues.
Are Pomskies Easy to Train?
Because Pomskies are so smart, you may assume training will be a breeze. Here’s the thing, though: a Pomsky’s intelligence can lead them to manipulate their owners into accepting “bad” behavior. You can thank the Siberian Husky for introducing this stubborn streak into the bloodline! To make sure you remain in charge of the home, schedule consistent training sessions from day one. You can reward your Pomsky with training treats and plenty of pets to let them know they’re doing exactly as they should.
What Kind of Homes are Best for Pomskies?
While Toy and Mini Pomskies can usually make do in apartments and other small homes, a standard-sized Pomsky will likely do better in a larger space. Homes with fenced-in yards are great for these active pups. Don’t plan on watching your dog from the window, however. Wandering the yard doesn’t count as quality exercise. Pomskies want to run, fetch, and playfully chase their humans! But be aware, Husky heritage makes them natural escape artists, so don't let your Pomsky's adventurous spirit lead them astray.
It’s worthwhile to note that even if you have a Toy or Mini Pomsky, they may not be a great fit for multi-family housing if they’re especially vocal. A Pomsky that howls while you’re at work may create some tension with your neighbors!
Do Pomskies Need Special Food?
If you feed your Pomsky kibble, you’ll need to make sure the pieces are the correct size for your dog’s mouth. For instance, a Toy Pomsky will eat much smaller bits than a Standard Pomsky! Keep in mind that feeding a dog wet food can sometimes lead to plaque buildup and subsequent dental issues. On the other hand, wet food can help your Pomsky increase their water intake. Consult with your pup’s veterinarian if you have specific questions about their food needs.
Are Pomskies Healthy?
For the most part, Pomskies are healthy animals that don’t experience a lot of medical problems. The Pomsky life expectancy is around 13-15 years, which means you can look forward to spending a long time with your sweet pup! However, there are a handful of conditions that your dog may be at risk of inheriting from their Pomeranian and Husky lineage.
What Health Issues Commonly Affect Pomskies?
Know the signs of the following conditions so you can keep your dog in prime health:
Patellar luxation
Your Pomsky’s Pomeranian side may lead them to develop patellar luxation. This knee problem is common in smaller dogs and can be quite painful. If your dog has patellar luxation, their kneecap will move out of its correct position, possibly leading to severe arthritis and other joint issues.
Dogs who are diagnosed with this condition may be treated with pain medication, but veterinarians sometimes advise surgery. Note that surgery can sometimes cost up to $3,000 for only one knee.
Patent ductus arteriosus
Another condition that Pomskies are at high-risk for developing is patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect. Veterinarians may detect a heart murmur on your dog’s first visit and then refer your pup to a specialist for an EKG, echocardiogram, and X-rays.
While patent ductus arteriosus can lead to heart failure at a young age, the condition is very treatable if a puppy is treated between 8 and 16 weeks old. Happily, surgery, while pricey, can often lead to normal life expectancies for these dogs.
Follicular dysplasia
Follicular dysplasia is a condition that can cause your Pomsky’s fur to fall out. It’s most likely genetic and affects Huskies as well as several other breeds including Basset Hounds and Dachshunds. Follicular dysplasia isn’t just a cosmetic problem, though. Your dog may need to get a skin biopsy and monthly medication to keep skin infections at bay.
Does a Pomsky Need Pet Insurance?
Full-coverage pet insurance is a valuable investment that can offer peace of mind and financial security. It can help cover the costs of unexpected illnesses or injuries, as well as those hereditary conditions that may affect Pomskies. You never want to have to make a choice for your beloved pup based on finances, so pet insurance helps makes sure they can get the best care.
A wellness plan is a valuable addition to your pet insurance policy. This non-insurance budgeting tool can help offset the expenses of preventive care, such as regular check-ups, vaccinations, dental cleanings and even grooming costs, helping you to save money and keep your Pomsky looking and feeling their best.
What Is the History of the Pomsky?
Pomskies are a newer breed that didn’t make an appearance until around 2012. A viral photo of a supposed Pomsky (actually a Finnish Lapphund) set off the race to breed Pomeranians with Siberian Huskies. And thus, the first Pomskies were truly born!
Because Pomeranians and Huskies are such different sizes, artificial insemination is usually required to produce a Pomsky. Knowledge of the breed is still growing, and as more people learn about these charming pups, demand is increasing.
Where Can You Find a Pomsky?
While word about Pomskies is spreading, you won’t find this adorable Husky-Pomeranian mix on many most popular dog breeds lists. That’s because there are a lot fewer out there than, say, Golden Retrievers or German Shepherds. As time goes on, it’s likely Pomskies will become very popular!
For now, you’ll need to do your research to find a breeder, and even so, there’s a good chance you’ll need to travel out of town to pick them up. Avoid puppy mills by checking reviews of the breeder and inspecting the site yourself to get an idea of the dogs’ living conditions. Be prepared for a hefty price tag since so few Pomskies are out there!
Pomsky Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pomskies hypoallergenic?
That’s a definite no. Both Pomeranians and Huskies are tremendous shedders. Shedding can trigger the release of dander, resulting in allergy symptoms.
Do Pomskies talk like Huskies?
While there’s no way to know for certain whether your Pomsky will inherit the vocal Husky trait, many Pomsky owners have noticed their pups love to “talk,” just like their ancestors!
Is a Pomsky a mutt?
People sometimes refer to mixed-breed dogs as mutts. Since Pomskies are Pomeranian-Husky mixes, you could definitely call them (expensive) mutts! When two breeds are mixed on purpose, however, they’re usually known as designer breeds instead.
Why do Pomskies howl so much?
Again, their Husky background is responsible for this trait. Huskies are known for howling and may do so to get their owner’s attention. It stands to reason Pomskies do the same!
Do Pomskies smell?
Pomskies aren’t known for having a typical dog smell. Regular grooming and periodic bathing can help your dog smell fresh.
Are Pomskies hard to potty train?
Pomeranians and Huskies are both known for being smart, so potty training shouldn’t be too difficult if you are consistent. Training your pup from a young age can make the process easier.