Pomsky
Quick Facts:
- Lifespan: 12-14 years
- Size: Small
- Energy: Medium
- Recommended Crate Size: 24” dog crate* (may vary)
Return to main Dog Crate Size Breed Chart.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Meet the new pup in town - the Pomsky! Although this custom, made-to-order, designer dog has only been around a couple of years, he’s all the bark on the block. He’s everything you’d want in a breed - a cuddly fluff-ball that is fully portable, weighing in at 15 pounds max, soaking wet. He’s silly, friendly, and simply adorable.
The Pomsky is a unique cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky. The idea behind the creation of the breed was to take the good looks and playful, agile, athletic traits of the Husky and to combine it with the cocky and commanding, yet loveable Pomeranian.
The mission was complete with the emergence of the Pomsky, a smart and spunky dog oozing with a personality that can adapt well to an apartment but who adores a brisk walk in the park.
One of the reigning breeds in popularity in recent years, the Pomsky got its start in 2012. They are bred through insemination because it would be unsafe to do otherwise considering the vast size difference. The cross was an instant success.
There are many variations of the breed though. Many pet parents who dashed out on a whim to pay the hefty fee to partake in the Pomsky frenzy found themselves overwhelmed with pet parenting.
Cute, indeed, the pups are also a handful, as most all puppies can be. They are actually very good-natured but they can get bored easily if not mentally stimulated and provided with their fair share of exercise.
A bored Pomsky is a naughty Pomsky. Sadly, once people began to realize that, the breed began to pile up in rescues and shelters. Those owners who have adapted to pet parenting a Pomsky quickly find themselves in love.
Breed
Since the American Kennel Club does not formally recognize crossbreed dogs, even designer crossbreeds. Sometimes, however, if the breeding is documented well over a long period of time, the mix becomes a breed all its own. There is a Pomsky Club of America that the breed proudly belongs to.
These medium energy dogs are known for their adorable looks, intelligence, athletic nature, and their playfulness. They are so adaptable they can be the clown one minute and snuggling in your lap the next.
Pomskies are known for being very gentle with children and babies, unlike the Pomeranian breed from which they are partially rooted. Huskies, however, are dubbed as being good with children and are known to guard them well so in this arena, Pomskies take more after their Husky side.
Siberian Huskies hail from nor-eastern Siberia in Russia and are a medium-sized dog used for work. They arrived in England in the mid-1700s. Pomeranians are a Spitz-type dog which comes from Pomerania in Central Europe. Many Pomsky fans feel the breed got the best of both, the Siberia Husky and the Pomeranian.
Pomeranians are ranked as one of the world’s most intelligent breeds. Siberian Huskies have reputations of being quite smart as well. It is not a wonder that the Pomsky is celebrated for his intelligence. Both the Pomeranian and the Husky are social dogs that fit right into family life.
Pomeranians have a stubborn, independent streak while Huskies are more submissive and cooperative. The union of the two breeds seems to have met in the middle, producing a loving dog that can be taught to obey well.
When left to their own antics, some Pomkies can be a bit more like the Pomeranians in their alpha tendencies. It is best to nip such behavior in the bud. It usually doesn’t take much, though, to set him on track.
Pomskies are known to vary a lot in personality. It is impossible to know for sure what one will turn out to be like. Keeping a watchful eye on him as a pup and giving him loving but stern guidance will help ensure that he takes on desirable traits that make him such a popular breed, even though he is a newcomer on the scene.
Just be sure his confident nature doesn’t turn to over-confidence and cockiness and his love for his family doesn’t end up out of control and becoming the setting for over-protectiveness. Pomskies can take their good traits and characteristics to the extreme when they are not taught better. Thankfully, they are excellent students.
Appearance
Pomskies have a very long, soft, silky and lush coat of either black, white, or grey or some variation of mixtures of the colors. Generally, their coats are similar in nature to the coat coloring of their Husky parent.
They are small dogs, ranging between 10 and 15 pounds with females running a bit smaller than the males. It is possible that Pomskies can grow to be an average of his parents’ weights, making it possible to weigh from 20-30 pounds. They are around 10-15 inches in height as a general rule.
It is very common for a Pomsky to have striking blue eyes like Huskies often do. They can be brown, however. With furry ears that stand erect and upright, their appearance is more like a Husky’s than a Pomeranian’s except for where their small size is concerned. They do take on more of the Pomeranian look as they grow older.
While small and compact, the Pomsky is an athletically built dog with agile, strong legs and a sturdy body frame, unlike many small, fragile dogs. They will surprise you with their brute strength and their endurance abilities which are yet even more traits they get from their Siberian Husky heritage.
That’s alright though. Those things were all in the blueprint when they were begotten. They are indeed a Siberian Husky with all the trimmings, cut down to apartment sized dogs that are more flexible than the traditional Husky.
Pomskies are designer dogs. They were created to be attractive and they certainly got that right. They are the kind of breed that turn heads. If you bring a Pomsky into your life, be prepared for your dog to get a lot of attention.
He won’t mind. Pomskies are suckers for attention and if you don’t give it amply and willingly, he’ll put on a show or even get into mischief to make sure he gets his fair share.
Nutrition
It is recommended to provide feed formulated to Pomsky small-sized breeds. Some Pomskies grow larger so don’t deprive him to a small dog diet if he is always begging for more food.
Pomskies are active and playful so they tend to use up a lot of calories. He may need it. Still, small dogs can easily over eat so watch that as well, especially when he is a puppy.
It is highly recommended to discuss your dog’s feed with your veterinarian and/or breeder in order to determine the size and frequency of meals in order to ensure a healthy, long life.
That is especially vital when you have a Pomsky because they can vary so. It is also important to ensure that clean, fresh water is always available.
Grooming
Pomskies need to be groomed weekly due to their long coat. They actually can be brushed with a soft brush daily to keep it shiny and manageable and to keep good blood circulation.
They shed a lot and regular brushing will help the hair from getting all over the furniture and the floor. They also need to be bathed regularly. Their skin can be sensitive though so be sure to use a gentle shampoo.
Weekly cleaning of your Pomsky's ears is a good idea to prevent ear infections and skin irritations. Clean their teeth as well and be sure to keep their nails trimmed. They are diggers so it is easy for long nails to break off, causing pain and possible infection.
Exercise
Pomskies are fairly active dogs although they are good candidates for apartment living. They require at least one hour of exercise such as walking or running. They enjoy games that combine physical and mental exercise.
Pomskies take well to training so an agility course is perfect for their need to play and exercise. The desire to dig and to chew just comes naturally for this breed. Regular physical exercise will help curb this behavior.
Pet Crate Size
Pet Crates Direct recommends a 24” dog crate* for most adult Pomskies. This is due to the variance in the adult size of this breed, which can vary so much. As such, we believe is best to get a larger space that they can grow into, perhaps with a crate divider, rather than a crate that is ultimately too small.
More Information
Is a Pomsky Right for You?
The minute you lay eyes on a Pomsky, you will probably want to take the adorably cute mound of fur home with you. But, before you do, be sure you are ready for this pint-size prize.
Pomskies require a good bit of exercise and a lot of attention and love. They also demand grooming to keep them healthy, happy and looking their best. If you are ready to give him what he must have, he will return your efforts one hundred fold.
* Links for crate sizes will bring you to the most appropriate Amazon page.
