A crossbreed of the athletic Siberian Husky and adorable Pomeranian, pomskies are playful, silly, adaptable, intelligent, vocal, and energetic. They thrive in families with children, other pets, and consistent training from a young age.
These pups will not do well if cooped up all day, and their energy needs to be met through daily energetic walks or runs, one-on-one playtime, and food puzzles.
Pomskies are fairly new designer dogs that owe their existence to an internet meme. The idea behind them is that they are Siberian Husky and Pomeranian crosses, resulting in a dog with some of the best traits of both breeds. But like all breeds, they have some quirks of their own.
For one, their appearance varies widely. This is because they’re not bred the old-fashioned way, instead they’re artificially inseminated. This means that the sperm of the male Husky is collected and then injected into a female Pomeranian, resulting in the litter. The pomsky’s coat can also vary, depending on its parents. It can be fluffier, more like the Pomeranian, or more wolflike, as is typical of the Husky.
Despite their unpredictability, pomskies do generally inherit the desirable characteristics of both parent breeds. They’re intelligent, loving, playful dogs that enjoy a lot of exercise. But they can be stubborn, which may stem from their strong-willed parent genes. This can make them a challenge to train, especially as puppies.
It’s important to remember that pomskies aren’t as easygoing as Pomeranians and require an owner who can provide a lot of exercise, attention, and training. They’re not suited for couch potatoes, and they can become bored and destructive if left alone for too long. They’re best paired with an active family or with a dog walker who can visit several times a day to keep them occupied.
They’re a good choice for apartment living, but a big backyard will help them get the exercise they need. They can get quite vocal, so it’s important to socialize them from a young age. This will help prevent their tendency to bark excessively, which can drive neighbors crazy.
Training
As with any dog, a pomsky should receive proper training to ensure they know the right behavior and are well behaved. They can be trained using a positive method or the balanced approach, which uses both reward and correction. As each dog is unique it is important to find a technique that works for them. Once you get your pomsky engaged it is important to keep them that way. If they are not fully engaged it will be difficult for them to learn and even listen to you. One way to engage your pomsky is to take them for a walk or run before your training session begins. This will help them to calm down and concentrate on you instead of their surroundings.
Regardless of the method you use, it is important to communicate with your pomsky that you are the pack leader. Without this it will be nearly impossible to train them. You could spend years trying to train them but if they don’t think you are the leader they will not follow your lead and will simply continue to misbehave.
This is why crate training is important, as it helps to teach them that they are safe and secure in their crate when you’re not home or if they need to be alone for a short amount of time. It will also help to prevent them from chewing up your furniture and belongings if they’re left cooped up all day.
Another tip is to give your pomsky plenty of exercise and keep them stimulated with regular playtime and puzzle toys that will challenge their mind. This will keep them happy and healthy and also make them less likely to get into trouble when bored or overly excited.
Finally, you should brush your pomsky daily to keep their thick double coat from getting too long. This will also prevent them from shedding all over the place. It is important to groom them monthly as well to help avoid skin problems. If your pomsky sheds a lot you may need to bathe them or visit the groomers more often.
Health
With regular veterinary checkups and preventative health measures, Pomskyes can live healthy lives. As puppies, they should receive a series of shots to protect against common canine diseases and illnesses.
Like their parent breeds, Pomskies need daily exercise to maintain good physical and mental health. Taking them on walks, playing with them, and engaging in agility training will keep them physically fit. They also need socialization to help them avoid becoming nervous or aggressive around people and other animals.
Because of their thick double coats, Pomskies tend to shed a lot. To minimize shedding, they should be brushed regularly. A monthly bath and professional grooming will also be needed to keep their coat in tip-top shape. Using a deshedding shampoo can help reduce shedding even more.
While pomskyes make wonderful pets for most, they are not recommended for families with very young children. They do not tolerate rough play and may nip if they feel threatened. In addition, they can suffer from hip dysplasia, a condition that causes pain and difficulty walking. To avoid this, owners should not over-exercise their dogs.
Pomskies can live long, happy lives if they are well-cared for and properly trained. They are intelligent, playful, and affectionate dogs that make great companions for most families. They also provide emotional support for people with mental health issues. Petting them releases hormones, such as serotonin and dopamine, that help alleviate depression and anxiety.
If you are thinking of adopting a pomsky, there are many resources available to help you prepare for this new lifestyle. A local veterinarian or Pomsky club can provide valuable information and advice to new owners. They can also help you find a reputable breeder and ensure your new puppy is healthy and has been properly bred. In addition to ensuring your dog is up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations, you should also feed them high-quality food. A diet that is free of gluten, dairy, soy, and artificial flavors and preservatives will promote good digestion and healthy skin and coats.
Care
As a crossbreed, it is difficult to predict what a pomsky will look like as an adult. But they will likely inherit the positive traits of both their parents: intelligence, affection, and playfulness.
Pomskies are very social dogs and thrive in environments that provide them with consistent attention, direction, and physical and mental exercise. They can adjust well to most living situations, from a large home with a yard to an apartment. They have high energy, so they need daily walks or runs and training sessions as well as games that engage their brains.
These intelligent dogs have a strong desire to please, so they make excellent candidates for basic obedience classes and more advanced dog-sports training. They also respond well to positive reinforcement, so you can use treats as rewards and encouragement. If you’re unsure of how to train your new pooch, consider hiring a professional dog trainer or taking her to group puppy classes.
Because they’re small dogs, pomskies are prone to the same health concerns as many small breeds: dental problems; itchy, irritated skin; ear infections; and hair loss. Their Siberian husky lineage also predisposes them to hip dysplasia, which can cause painful joint damage.
It is important for prospective pomsky owners to find a reputable breeder, who follows ethical breeding practices and takes the health of their dogs seriously. Puppy buyers should ask about their parent dogs’ health histories and make arrangements to meet them before committing to the purchase.
A reputable breeder will be happy to answer any questions about the puppies and their parents, including whether they’re healthy, stable, and well-socialized. They will also be able to provide you with a detailed pedigree.
If you’re unable to find a reputable breeder, adopting a pomsky from a shelter or rescue organization is an option as well. This will help save a life and often has the added benefit of connecting you with a dog who has already been screened by a veterinarian. Then you can be sure the pomsky is the right match for you and your family.