Pomskies – A Complete Guide to the Pomsky Dog Breed (Cost, Attributes, Care + More)

Last Updated on 11/17/2021 by Veronica Jones

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll have noticed that Pomskies have been taking social media by storm in recent years. With their cute, fluffy appearance mixed with the features of a wolf, this designer breed is incredibly good-looking and playful too. Wondering if a Pomsky puppy is the right decision for you? This complete guide will tell you absolutely everything you need to know about the Pomsky dog breed including: 

  • Lifestyle 
  • Personality 
  • Diet and exercise 
  • Health issues 
  • Cost 
  • Breeding 
  • Training tips 

To get started, let’s jump right in and take a look at the history of this relatively new dog breed. 

Pomskies - A Complete Guide

History of Pomskies 

A Pomsky dog is a designer dog that has been crossed between a Siberian Husky [1] and a Pomeranian. These two breeds of dog may not initially seem as if they have a lot in common, but the story of how they were originally bred is even more bizarre. The first-known Pomsky puppies were the result of an internet myth when social media users began posting fake pictures of their pups online, claiming they were a Siberian Husky mixed with a Pomeranian. It was a Buzzfeed article published in 2011 about a Finnish Lapphund puppy that went viral and seemed to persuade dog breeders that these fictitious Pomsky puppies were worth trying to achieve. As there was clearly a strong market for this adorable cross-breed, Pomsky breeders set to the challenge and the dog industry absolutely loved the results. 

If you’re looking for Pomsky puppies for sale, then one of your first considerations will be whether it’s a first-generation dog. In this case, the father of your Pomsky bundle of fur would be the Pomeranian and the mother would be a Siberian Husky. These are also known as 50/50 Pomskies. 

If a Pomsky for sale is being advertised as a 25/75 mix, then usually this means that the genes have been diluted a little bit further, so that a Pomsky might be mixed with a Pomeranian for example. Before you adopt or buy a Pomsky, it’s always best to inquire as to the lineage of your pup, if it is known, as this will give you a better idea of how to raise your dog correctly. 

pomsky eye colour

What Does a Pomsky look like? 

The appearance of your Pomsky pup will be based on the genetics of its parents. In a true 50/50 Pomsky pup, you’ll have the characteristics of both the Siberian Husky and the smaller Pomeranian to take into account. 

An adult Siberian Husky can grow up to 21-23 inches for a male and 20-22 inches for a female, with the weights ranging from 45-60 lbs and 35-50lbs respectively. With a thick coat and almond-shaped eyes which can be either blue or brown, the Siberian Husky is both handsome and elegant, both of which are qualities you’ll see in the Pomsky offspring. 

On the other hand, a Pomeranian falls within the Toy breed category of the American Kennel Club, making this a much smaller breed. Your average Pomeranian will stand no taller than 6-7 inches high, with a weight of 3-7 lbs. With a gorgeously fluffy coat and a fox-like expression on the face, it’s easy to see why Pomeranians are so popular. 

When you mix these two fantastic breeds, the best features of both come through in the Pomsky dog. But how big is a full-grown Pomsky? As small to medium-sized dogs, the Pomsky adult will reach a height of approximately 15 inches tall, whilst typically weighing between 20 to 30lbs. This makes them significantly larger than their Pomeranian ancestors yet not as large as the Siberian Husky.
 
In terms of their coat, this is medium-length, stunningly silky, and often displays two colors. Much like Siberian Huskies, Pomskies can have different eye colors although they have a wider range to choose from, with either brown, hazel, blue, or green. 

What is the personality of a Pomsky?

If you know very little about this breed of dog, then naturally you’ll want to know about the personality, behavior, and temperament of your Pomsky so you can decide if this is the right choice for you. So, will a Pomsky fit in with your lifestyle?
 
As with any dog, the personality of your Pomsky will be determined by its genetic lineage as well as its upbringing. Generally speaking though, you can expect Pomskies to be playful, affectionate, and super-intelligent dogs. 

pomsky - pomeranian husky cross

Are Pomskies good family dogs? 

Just like the Pomeranian, Pomskies are extremely protective of their owners. If they view something as a threat to the family unit, then you can expect your mini Pomsky to take on another dog or person, despite their small stature. If you have children, then be aware that Pomskies can become easily excitable or anxious around them. However, this can obviously depend on the individual dog and whether you’ve raised it from a pup or adopted later in its life. 
The Pomsky Husky Pomeranian mix is still a relatively new breed, so research into its personality and behavior is still in its infancy. However, it’s worth noting though that with the right approach to training and socialization, you can expect a Pomsky to be a well-balanced and much-loved dog who is very much part of the family. 

Do Pomsky dogs bark a lot? 

Siberian Huskies are well-known for having a wide breadth of different howls and whines, whilst Pomeranians are also famed for their bark. The result is as you might expect, with Pomskies typically being quite a yappy breed of dog. Although one pup may vary to the next in terms of yapping, if you’re sensitive to noise, or have neighbors who are, then be mindful of this before you commit to this breed. 

How much exercise does a Pomsky need? 

As a responsible dog owner, it’s important to commit time every day to exercising your Pomsky. If you are interested in a small dog that requires very little exercise, then the Pomsky isn’t the right choice for you. Even though they’re a relatively petite breed, Pomskies require a decent amount of exercise every day to allow them to burn off their excess energy. Failure to walk your dog regularly could lead to some antisocial behavior indoors. 

But how much exercise is needed for your Pomsky? Ideally, they should have frequent walks throughout the day, including at least 1 hour for games and play. You can expect a Pomsky puppy to have more energy than an older dog, but equally, your adult Pomsky will require mental stimulation to stay well-balanced and prevent any behavioral problems from developing at any stage in life. 

pomskies

Feeding your Pomskies 

With all the energy in these cute little cross-breeds, they must have the right nourishment to keep them going. Although it’s important to bear in mind the resemblance that Pomskies have to their ancestors, they shouldn’t follow the same diet as either the Siberian Husky or the Pomeranian due to the size differences of both. 

Choose a dry kibble that is manufactured for your specific type of Pomsky, whether it be a toy Pomsky, mini Pomsky, or standard Pomsky. Each of these sub-breeds has different weight ranges which will impact the amount of food they should be offered daily. Always follow your vet’s advice on choosing a quality brand of dog food and the recommended quantity for your pup. If they have any specific health needs such as diabetes, then your dog’s diet will need to be varied accordingly, but this should always be judged on an individual basis by a professional vet. 

pomskies

How to train your Pomsky pup 

As mentioned, the playfulness of Pomskies means that training is a necessity if you want to enjoy a harmonious bond between you and your dog. The great news is that for as much energy as Pomskies have, they also have bags of intelligence too. 

They respond brilliantly to training strategies that are based on offering rewards. If you do have a Pomsky who is stubborn or willful, then you should find that they can be brought under control with some calm and consistent techniques. 

Much like Pomeranians, some Pomskies are known to guard resources and become aggressive if approached. If you notice signs of this in your Pomsky pup, it’s important to act quickly to correct the issue asap. Wondering when the best time to start training your Pomsky is? If your Pomsky arrives as a puppy into your home, then ideally you’ll start training at a young age. This helps to set good behavioral standards and establishes you as the alpha of the household. 

Any dog owner should start toilet training and leash training as soon as your pup is allowed to go out. Delaying these steps can make it more challenging for you in the long run. Pup training isn’t necessarily simple, but there are plenty of ways to make it easier including: 

  • Asking your Pomsky breeder for tips 
  • Attending dog training classes – either in a group or 1:1 sessions 
  • Researching popular dog training methods online which might include positive reinforcement, mirror training or clicker-based techniques. 

If you don’t have the time or energy to devote to training, then you should seriously consider paying for a training class. Without proper training, Pomskies can easily become bored and destructive. They’re not the ideal pet if you’re looking for a low-maintenance pup, but if you’re willing to put the effort in then you’ll be rewarded with a loyal, loveable and extremely attentive dog. 

Do Pomskies have health issues? 

Dog owners naturally want to know about any potential health issues in a breed before they commit to adopting or purchasing a dog. One of the hardest things about being a pet owner is having to say goodbye at some point and some designer breeds are known to have short life spans, which is distressing when your dog is very much a member of the family. 

Similarly, if you have spent a lot of money on a new puppy, then you’ll want your Pomsky to be an investment who lives for many years to come. 

So, what is the lifespan of a Pomsky? Well, as this breed is new and researchers haven’t yet had a chance to study its longevity, we can only look at Pomskies parent breeds to give us a hint about its own lifespan. The great news here is that both the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian have excellent lifespans and generally live for between 12 to 15 years each. 

Typical problems which a Pomeranian might pass on to a Pomsky descendant include:

– Dental issues, particularly with a build-up of plaque 
– Roundworms and hookworms [2] which can cause malnutrition and anemia accordingly. 
– Skin irritations
– Eye infections 

Typical problems inherited from a Siberian Husky ancestor include:

– Hip dysplasia

So long as you keep your pup vaccinated, follow a sensible diet and stay on top of worming medication, the above issues shouldn’t prevent your Pomsky dog from living a long and healthy life. If you have any specific concerns then you must consult a vet for expert guidance. 

Caring for your Pomsky pup 

Besides the diet, exercise, and health aspects of looking after a Pomsky pup, you’ll also need to follow a strict grooming schedule. As you might expect from the parent breeds of Pomeranians and Siberian Huskies, the Pomsky also has a luxurious coat. 

This is thick and double-layered, which requires quite a bit of maintenance as it sheds all year round, but mostly in Spring and Fall. Unless you keep on top of grooming, you’ll find that the Pomsky coat will become quite matted and tangled. You should also expect a fair bit of housework in terms of vacuuming and cleaning dog hair out of every nook and cranny. 

Ideally, your Pomsky will be groomed at least once a month. If you choose to do this yourself, then you’ll save money, but otherwise, you can pay for your pup to be clipped. Alongside a proper pampering session, you should also use a bristle brush on your Pomsky’s coat once a week, or even daily if you prefer. 

Bathing should be carried out every 1-3 months, with more regularity in the summer compared to winter. 4 inches of warm water in the tub will be enough, but always begin with a thorough brush of the coat. You can use a specialist dog shampoo as required, then either towel or air dry your pup depending on the weather. If your dog can tolerate it, then a blow dry on a low setting is also a good solution. 

pomskies

Breeding Pomskies 

If you’re interested in breeding Pomskies in the future or are just intrigued about the process involved in mixing two very different sizes of dog, then be aware that it’s quite complex. 

Breeding usually takes place between a Pomeranian male and a Siberian Husky female. This is so that the larger breed can carry the litter safely to term. Husky pups carried by Pomeranian females would be a far more dangerous pregnancy.

The size difference between the two breeds also presents difficulties with mating, and so natural breeding is best avoided in favor of artificial insemination. This involves taking the semen of the male Pomeranian and inserting it inside the reproductive tract of the female Husky. It is always best to seek the help of a qualified vet who will help you identify the fertile period of your female. This is often in the four days leading up to her being in season. 

As the Teacup Pomsky breed is only around a decade old, it’s not yet recommended to breed a Pomsky with another Pomsky, as there hasn’t yet been enough genetic testing done into the outcome of this mix. It may be that this cross might result in pups that are too large for a Pomsky to carry safely. A better alternative is to breed a Pomsky with a Pomeranian to ensure a smaller litter, although this can result in some of the Husky features being lost. 

How much do Pomskies cost? 

At this point, if you feel that the Pomsky is the right pooch for you, then you might be wondering where to pick one up from and of course, how much they might cost. The highest price tag isn’t always a sign that your pup will be coming from a good home, so do your research before you part with any cash. 

Due to the difficulties involved with insemination, which can be an expensive process for breeders, these costs will be parcelled up in the Pomsky price you pay for your pup. A reputable breeder would be unlikely to charge $2,000 for a puppy, but for this price, you might not expect to gain a Pomsky which has the main features of the breed. Pomskies with the desirable Husky blue eyes for example might fetch a breeder $3,000 or more. Similarly, the coat color of a Pomsky will also impact the price, with regular black or brown pups fetching less than a merle or white Pomsky. 

If you see a Pomsky for sale ad, then how do you know if it’s coming from a reputable breeder, in comparison to being reared on a puppy farm? To spot a dodgy ad, look out for the following: 

– Advert lists rescue puppies but has many Pomskies available
– Ad posted near a busy road or camp 
– Seller wants to meet in a public place 
– Seller denies access to the mother 
– Seller has multiple breeds for sale at the same time 
– Puppies available under 8 weeks old

If you come across an obvious or suspected mill or puppy farm, during your search for Pomsky puppies for sale, then the right thing to do would be to report it. [3]
Unspeakable cruelty takes place in these environments, with dogs restricted to cramped cages and left without adequate nutrition or water. The females are forced to breed litter after litter with no regard to their health, and ultimately they will be destroyed once they are no longer useful to the owners. 

Many people looking to buy a dog are unlikely to come across the true conditions in a puppy farm as breeders will avoid allowing potential customers to see the pup’s mother. However, if you do suspect that Pomskies are being sold from a puppy farm, the ethical action to take would be to report it. 

Different states have varying ways of handling puppy farms, but wherever you’re based in the US, you can make a complaint to the Humane Society, who will take the appropriate action. It’s possible to remain anonymous if you wish but you should offer descriptions of any distress or illness you witnessed in these breeding animals or their litters. 

Of course, there are also many reputable Pomsky breeders available who will be happy to talk to you about the parentage of the Pomskies they’re selling. In particular, with this breed, you’ll want to know if they’re a 50/50 or 25/75 mix. As a crossbreed, Pomskies aren’t officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, however, reputable breeders may decide to register their pups as being certified pedigree with a body such as the International Pomsky Association. [4]
This isn’t an easy accolade to achieve, as breeders will need to submit the following to the IPA. 

– Detailed information about the pup’s lineage 
– Health and vaccination records 
– Evidence that the litter is up to pedigree standard for the breed 

If a Pomsky breeder has been through this process, then they’ll have paperwork to prove it, so always ask to see the necessary information first-hand before parting with any cash. Remember you can always make contact with the International Pomsky Association directly if you have doubts about the quality of pup you’re buying. 

Now you know everything there is to know about Pomskies, please feel free to check out the rest of Pet Cinch’s expert advice. Our blog is packed full of guidance on dogs, cats, lizards, and our bug friends too. 

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References list

  1. American Kennel Club, ‘Siberian Husky Dog Breed’,  https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/siberian-husky/. Accessed – 9th June 2021
  2. PetMd, ‘Hookworms in Dogs: What you Need to Know’, https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/infectious-parasitic/c_multi_ancylostomiasis . Accessed – 9th June 2021. 
  3. Humane Society, ‘Report a Puppy Mill’,  https://www.humanesociety.org/forms/report-puppy-mill. Accessed – 9th June 2021
  4. International Pomsky Association, ‘Breeder Directory’, https://internationalpomskyassociation.com/. Accessed – 9th June 2021

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