Family-friendly: 5/5 Exercise needs: 3/5 Easy to train: 3/5 Tolerates being alone: 1/5 Likes other pets: 3/5 Energy level: 4/5 Grooming needs: 2/5 Shedding: 4/5

Pomsky

Pomsky is one of the designer crossbreed dogs gaining popularity with dog lovers, particularly because of their cute looks. The breeds that make up the Pomsky are the Pomeranian, the smallest of the spitz breeds, and the Siberian Husky. The result is a cute ball of fur that looks like a mini wolf, but less demanding than its parent, the Siberian Husky.

The Pomsky can be a first cross (with one Pomeranian and one Husky parent), they can be bred back to one of the original breeds or be two Pomskies bred together (although in-breeding can be an issue in this case). This means there are varieties in the shape, colours, coat types and behaviour of a Pomsky companion.

Height

The usual height of a Pomsky is usually midway between the Pomeranian and Husky, but can vary given the very different sizes of these two breeds.
Pomeranian – a breed categorised by weight and not height and should be between 1.8-2.5kgs. They are generally around 16-18cms high.
Siberian Husky - 51-60cms

Weight

The weight can vary widely depending on the size of the parents, from small starting at 5kg, to medium at 20kg.

Colours

The colours of a Pomsky vary as well depending on their parents
Pomeranian: All whole colours are permissible
Siberian Husky: All colours and markings including white, except merle

UK Kennel Club Groups

Toy and Working

The need-to-know

Dogs suitable for experienced owners
Extra training required
Generally healthy breed
Enjoys vigorous walks
Enjoys one to two hours of walking a day

Medium dog
Some drool
Requires grooming every other day
Chatty and vocal dog
Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual

Could have issues with unknown dogs but gets along with known dogs
May need additional training to live with other pets
Great family dog
Needs a large garden
Can live in semi-rural areas

Cannot be left alone

Generally healthy breed

There is often a degree of variation in the health conditions and issues that crossbreeds are predisposed to. This is because some individuals retain more of the characteristics of one breed over the other.
For more information on the health problems that may affect this crossbreed, visit the Pomeranian and Siberian Husky breed pages.

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Personality

Like most crossbreeds, the personality of a Pomsky depends on the parents and how they have been bred and reared.

The Pomeranian is a surprisingly active little dog who can excel at training. They are sociable, friendly and outgoing. Sometimes they don’t realise they are tiny dogs at all!

The Siberian Husky is very much a working dog at heart. They are however friendly, gentle, and alert. They are not dogs who will ever shine in the obedience ring, as they are independent, scorn training and are selectively bred for one purpose. They are active and agile, and as such can be difficult to keep as a companion dog. They are quiet most of the time as they don’t bark, but they do howl which is a joy for most huskies (but not for their neighbours).

Considering two breeds that make up the Pomsky, there can be huge variations in personality and temperament. With the best of both breeds, you should get a sociable, friendly, although independent, dog who will enjoy a lot of exercise and be relatively trainable.

The personality of a Pomsky seems to be more consistent when they are first crosses (F1). As a line is successively bred, they can be either bred back to one of the original breeds (and so strengthen either the Pomeranian or the Husky personalities) or be bred to another Pomsky - in which case there is less predictability in temperament (and in-breeding becomes more of a potential issue).

Finding a responsible breeder of this cross is difficult as they are often bred for looks and not for health or behaviour.

Vet Rating

Family-friendly:	5/5
Exercise needs:	3/5
Easy to train:	3/5
Tolerates being alone:	1/5
Likes other pets:	3/5
Energy level:	4/5
Grooming needs:	2/5
Shedding:	4/5

History and Origins

Like many of the designer crossbreeds, the Pomsky originated in the United States. Since it is a relatively new dog breed, the looks and traits are not yet established. This is why it’s important to look at the individual breeds making up the Pomsky.

The two breeds that go into the formation of the Pomsky are the Pomeranian and the Siberian Husky.

Pomeranian

Country of Origin: Germany

The Pomeranian was developed by reducing the size of larger spitz types through selective breeding. While this dog originated in Germany, it was developed in England to be the size we know today. The Pom came to England in the 18th century when Queen Charlotte brought her court dogs with her from Germany. At this point, her dogs weighed about 9-14kgs but they still became firm favourites at court and by the 19th century they turned into a popular Victorian breed. In 1888, Queen Victoria was visiting Italy when she saw a few much smaller spitz dogs. She brought them home and crossed them with her existing dogs. Six of her dogs were shown at Crufts in 1891 (and not surprisingly, won). In the years that followed, the breed was intentionally shrunk smaller until they reached the size we know today.

Siberian Husky

Country or Origin: Russia

This is one of the oldest and purest of the northern-sled dogs and it is said that they have been bred in their native Siberia as long as 3000 years ago. To the natives of the area, these dogs were key to their survival and were selectively bred to be able to carry loads over long distances at great speeds. The dogs lived alongside the families and so only non-aggressive dogs that were friendly towards the children were used in this ancient breeding programme, along with only the very best sled dogs.

At the end of the 19th century, word of this ‘super dog’ reached the Americas and in 1909 a team of huskies were sent to take part in an Alaskan sled race where they easily beat the larger but slower Malamutes who had until then dominated.

During the Second World War the breed was used as a search and rescue dog in the Arctic by the US military. The breed became increasingly popular and spread to Europe where it turned into a favourite for those with the space and ability to exercise and care for such a canine athlete.

The Pomsky can have any combination of the two breeds in their appearance, behaviour and temperament.

Ideal Owner

Ideal Pomsky owners must be prepared for any combination of Husky and Pomeranian, this could be almost all Husky, or almost entirely Pom, as genetics is not like mixing paint. If that isn’t an issue for you, and you’re able to provide lots of training, walking and grooming, the Pomsky should be an intelligent, fun and engaging companion. Due to unpredictability of this cross, best suited to homes where someone is around most of the time, and with older children or a child-free family.

Exercise Needs

A Pomeranian is happy with half an hour to an hour a day, while a Siberian Husky will run all day! No wonder the exercise needs of the resulting Pomsky can be difficult to predict. The secret is to be prepared for either.

Space Requirements

As the size of this cross is a little unpredictable, so is their need for space. They can live in smaller properties but must have access to the outdoors for toileting and exercise.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the dog feeding guidelines of his particular food.

Grooming Pomsky Dogs

Grooming will be significant in this crossbreed - whichever coat they inherit - as will shedding. This means they will need grooming daily.

Find a local groomer who can help you look after your Pomsky’s coat and teach you how to maintain it.

Training the Pomsky

The Pomsky is likely to be a highly intelligent breed but not necessarily an easy one to train. While the Pomeranian is a very trainable little dog, the Husky is a specialist, bred to run not to be obedient. Dog training will take patience, skill and a reward-based approach.

They should however be trained to walk on a lead and harness, and a good recall should also be taught (although not necessarily relied on).

Family Friendly Dog Breeds

The Pomsky can make a good family companion, but they can also be independent and aloof. To make sure your Pomsky will get on with all the family, find a good breeder who socialises their puppies well and continue this from the minute they come home.