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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 |
| 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 |
| 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 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
The aim of crossbreeds is to dilute or eliminate any inherited health issues that may exist within one or other of the breeds. This dilution or elimination is only 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
Siberian Husky - eye tests and hip scoring should be done
Information on health tests for both breeds can be found on the Kennel Club’s website.
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.
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.
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 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.
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).
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.
