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If you’re looking for an active, fun toy dog that doesn’t need much exercise and doesn’t shed as much coat, the Pomapoo might be the one for you.
The Pomapoo is one of the smaller designer crossbreeds and while still not common in the UK, it is one of the many companion breed crosses growing in popularity. And for good reason. The breeds that make up the Pomapoo are two adorable toy dogs: the Pomeranian and the Toy Poodle.
The Pomapoo can be a first cross (with one Pomeranian and one Poodle parent, they can be bred back to one of the original breeds, or be two Pomapoos bred together (although in-breeding can be an issue in this case). This means that there are varieties in shape, colours and coat types, but in all cases this crossbreed is all about very small and friendly companion dogs.
| Height: | The Pomapoo can be anything up to 28cm, but you can expect them to be on the smaller side of that number, considering the parents’ heights. Pomeranian - categorised by weight and not height, should be between 1.8-2.5kg. They are generally around 16-18cm high. Toy Poodle - under 28cm |
| Colours: | The colours of a Pomapoo vary as well depending on their parents’ coats, so they can be any of these solid colours with or without white markings. Pomeranian: all whole colours are permissible. Poodle: All solid colours |
| UK Kennel Club Groups: | Toy (Pomeranian) and Utility (Poodle) |
| Family-friendly: | 5/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
| Easy to train: | 4/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 1/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
| Energy level: | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 4/5 |
| Shedding: | 2/5 |
Like most crossbreeds, the personality of a Pomapoo depends on the parents and how they have been bred and reared. Since both parents are affectionate companion dogs who bond closely to their owners, you can expect to find similar characteristics in a Pomapoo puppy.
The Pomeranian is a surprisingly active little dog who can excel at training, with some even competing in mini agility games. They are sociable, friendly and outgoing. They have big personalities, sometimes not even realising they are tiny dogs at all!
The Poodle is a lively, sociable, outgoing and affectionate dog who is both intelligent and amusing, and makes a wonderful and fun companion. They love to be included in all family pursuits and can be good watch dogs, announcing visitors loudly!
These lovely characteristics are inherited by Pomapoo dogs, making them wonderful small companions who will enjoy training and games. Plus, they’ll have a lot to say for themselves, so expect them constantly talking to everyone who wants to listen. They love nothing more than being with their owner.
The personality of a Pomapoo 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 Poodle personalities) or be bred to another Pomapoo - in which case there is less predictability in temperament (and in-breeding becomes more of a potential issue).
Responsible breeders should be prioritising behaviour as highly as health and so it is important to find a good breeder. A well-bred Pomapoo should be outgoing and confident, not nervous, shy or fearful.
Like many of the designer crossbreeds, the Pomapoo originated in the United States in a quest to find a small companion dog that didn’t shed as much as a pure-bred Pomeranian. The result is a crossbreed that can fit into any family’s lifestyle no matter how small their home and garden.
To understand more about the origin of the breed requires an understanding of the two breeds that go into the formation of the Pomapoo.
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 turned into a favoured 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.
Country of origin: Germany
The original Poodle is the Standard Poodle, a water retrieving dog. Their unusual haircuts were not about fashion, but rather a way for owners to make sure their dogs didn’t get waterlogged and become too heavy to swim easily in lakes. While keeping the vital organs and joints protected, much of the rest of their hair was shaved off. The Miniature and Toy Poodles were created purely as smaller versions of the original Poodle for owners who didn’t want such a large dog but were enchanted by their personalities and enthusiasm for all kinds of work.
These smaller Poodles quickly became popular and many found work in circuses thanks to their trainability, their joy of learning new tricks and their bright, happy temperaments.
The Pomapoo can have any combination of the two breeds in their appearance, behaviour and temperament.
The Pomapoo would suit an owner or a family with older sensible children who may have a smaller property. If you want a fun companion who doesn’t need a great deal of exercise, but will still enjoy joining in all the family’s activities, the Pomapoo might just be the one. They are very trainable so will suit an owner who enjoys discovering just how smart this cross is. However, they do not like to be left alone and so would need an owner who is either at home most of the time or can take their dog with them wherever they go.
One of the aims of crossbreeds is to dilute or eliminate any inherited health issues that may exist within the breeds. This dilution or elimination is likely if only one parent is the carrier of any particular condition, and where this is a first cross (F1). As this can’t always be guaranteed, all parents should be health tested prior to breeding:
Pomeranian - a fairly healthy breed, although like many small breeds can be prone to luxating patellas.
Poodle - eye tests and hip scoring should be done.
Information on health tests for both breeds can be found on the Kennel Club’s website.
Separation related behaviour problems are very common in the Pomapoo.
The Pomapoo can have a lot to say for themselves - especially if bored or if left alone.
Toilet training can be slow in this breed and so owners need to be patient and consistent.
While this is a surprisingly active small dog, the Pomapoo will be happy with half an hour’s walking each day, as long as they have plenty of games and owner interaction.
This is a small dog who can live in a flat or a smaller property, as long as they have access to the outdoors for toileting and walks.
Toy dogs have a fast metabolism, meaning they burn energy at a high rate. Because of their small stomachs, they must eat little and often. Small-breed foods are specifically designed with appropriate levels of key nutrients and smaller kibble sizes to suit smaller mouths. This also encourages chewing and improves digestion.
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.
It is difficult to predict what kind of coat the Pomapoo is going to have. They may inherit a huge double coat like a Pomeranian or they may inherit the Poodle coat (or any mixtures of the two!).
It is also difficult to predict if they will shed or not and you should be prepared for either. Keep in mind that in some cases their coat that can easily mat, so you should groom your Pomapoo daily.
Find a good local groomer who can either look after your Pomapoo’s coat or teach you how to do it yourself as their coat develops.
Dog ear care is extremely important as Poodles can have problems with excessive hair inside the ears which can cause infections or sore ears.
The Pomapoo is far cleverer than many people think, so make sure you include plenty of dog tricks and games to their daily routine and you’ll have a happy dog. They should also be trained to walk on a lead and harness as well as come back when called.
While this may look like a cute fluffy dog, the Pomapoo can be surprisingly game when out and can chase squirrels and even the neighbour’s cat! Keep in mind that they can also forget they are small dogs when they meet other far larger dogs, so don’t be surprised if they get territorial with fellow canines twice their size.
This is a breed that needs early and ongoing dog socialisation so they gain confidence with people and other dogs.
The Pomapoo makes a fun family companion who can turn their hand to training, games or tricks. But, as they are small and rather delicate, they suit families with older sensible children.
