Pomskies are continuing to grow in popularity and you can find pomsky breeders across the States and even around the world. They shed and require regular grooming to keep their thick double coat in top condition.
Like their parent breeds, pomskies thrive with attention and activity. They enjoy both walks and outdoor play, but don’t need hours of exercise every day.
Pomskies are affectionate, playful, and loyal dogs that are a good fit for families. They are intelligent and receptive to training, and their working dog heritage gives them strong problem-solving skills and a natural willingness to work for their humans. They can be willful and stubborn, though, so they may not be a good choice for first-time owners. Regular structured training sessions and plenty of positive reinforcement help channel their spirited personalities and mischievous tendencies.
Because of their protective nature, pomskies can become skittish around strangers and have a tendency to bark more often than other small breeds. Fortunately, this is usually only when they feel threatened or worried. As a result, they make excellent watchdogs. Pomskies also tend to get very attached to a single family member and do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. Because of their husky heritage, they can have a strong prey drive and will occasionally chase smaller animals or cats, so introducing them to other pets and children in the home must be done slowly and carefully, with monitored interactions.
Like other poodle-type dogs, pomskies have a dense, fluffy coat that sheds seasonally. Regular brushing will help control shedding and keep the coat looking its best. Unlike their husky ancestors, however, pomskies do not shed as much as purebred huskies or as frequently as male mutts.
Because of their popularity, pomskies have become a target for unethical backyard breeders and puppy mills that prioritize profit over the health and welfare of the puppies they produce. It is therefore crucial to seek out a responsible breeder when choosing this breed. Doing so will ensure that you are getting a healthy and happy puppy, rather than one who has been genetically predisposed to various health problems due to poor breeding practices. Some of these issues include glaucoma, cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and heart conditions. While the risk of these conditions is greater in crossbreeds, careful screening can greatly reduce your dog’s chances of developing them. When evaluating potential breeders, look for certifications from respected organizations that monitor breeding practices and oversee the health and welfare of puppies.
Health issues
While Pomskies have received more interest than most other newer dog breeds, their increasing popularity may lead to irresponsible breeding practices. This breed requires special care, including regular veterinary checkups and rigorous health screenings. Without standards, the Pomsky is at risk of hereditary diseases that could be passed on to future generations.
This dog breed has the potential to develop allergies, hip dysplasia, dislocated knees (luxating patella), eye problems, epilepsy, heart conditions, and collapsing trachea. They also have a genetic predisposition to thyroid issues like hypothyroidism, which causes the body to produce less of the hormone thyroxine. This can lead to weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, and low energy levels in the dog.
It’s possible that Pomskies can suffer from hereditary eye disorders such as juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy. These can cause hazy opacity of the eyes and eventually lead to blindness. Hereditary diseases affecting the dog’s legs include luxating patellas and patellar luxation which is the slipping of the kneecaps out of place.
These dogs have a higher-than-average risk of dental disease. They need to brush their teeth at least three times a week to prevent tartar buildup that can lead to infection and gum disease. This can also impact other parts of the dog’s body, such as their kidneys and liver.
Like most other dogs, Pomskies can suffer from separation anxiety. This can lead to destructive behavior and barking, as well as potty accidents in the house. Early training can help manage separation anxiety.
The Pomsky’s thick coat makes it ideal for cold weather, but it’s important to wrap up your pet in the winter and fall to protect them from the elements. This breed needs moderate exercise each day, such as daily walks or runs and regular play sessions with food-motivated toys and puzzles. It’s also a good idea to give them regular ear cleanings and baths to keep their fur shiny and healthy. All dogs are at risk of accidents and illnesses, but responsible breeders work to create healthy and happy puppies that will make loving pets for their families. To protect your dog, sign them up for a Trupanion health plan at the beginning of their life to cover their veterinary bills when they’re sick or injured.
Training
Pomskies are incredibly smart and want to please their owners, so they’re easy to train. This makes them good candidates for trick training. Keep in mind, though, that they are also highly active dogs who need a lot of exercise and attention. This can be challenging for first-time dog owners, especially if they’re not prepared for the level of energy required to train this breed.
Due to their sled-pulling parentage, Pomskies have thick, double-layered coats that keep them warm in colder regions. These coats are often in a traditional black and white, red and white or grey and white color pattern like their Husky parents. They can shed quite a bit, too, blowing their entire undercoat about twice a year.
Like their Pomeranian parent, this is a breed that enjoys the outdoors and being active. They’ll happily run, hike or play for hours a day if given the opportunity. These dogs are not ideal for sedentary families and will be at their best when they have someone to take them on walks, include them in family outings or train them with tricks and brain games.
As with all puppies and adult dogs, early training is essential for a Pomsky. Begin training them as soon as possible, and keep sessions short and fun. This will help prevent boredom and frustration. Also, make sure to use positive reinforcement to encourage their progress. Be consistent in your commands and use different vocal intonation to signal that you’re giving a command or rewarding them for listening.
Another great activity to engage your Pomsky in is swimming and water activities, which provide low-impact exercise for them while cooling them down and burning off energy. Always supervise them around water and use a flotation device if necessary to ensure their safety. Whether they’re in the pool, lake or beach, your Pomsky will love this type of interaction and will want to be there with you as much as possible.
Care
Like all dogs, Pomskies need a proper diet, exercise, grooming and routine veterinary care to lead happy and healthy lives. They thrive in homes where they can get daily physical activity and mental stimulation, as well as socialization with people of all ages. Their enduring loyalty and playful natures make them an excellent choice for families, as they easily adapt to their surroundings and provide a source of emotional support during difficult times.
Being a hybrid breed, Pomskies may be affected by certain genetic diseases that affect their parents or siblings. This is especially true if the parent dogs are not carefully chosen for their health and temperament. As a result, owners of Pomskies should be particularly vigilant when choosing the breeders from whom they purchase their pets. This is particularly important if the breeder does not have any formal certifications, as this may indicate that they are operating illegally and engaging in irresponsible breeding practices.
Although Pomskies are small dogs, they require plenty of space to run and play. They thrive in semi-rural areas where they can have access to a yard or garden to spend time in. They also need daily exercise to maintain their vigor and avoid boredom. This is one reason why they do not do well in apartments. Ideally, they should be in a home with a large backyard.
A Pomsky’s thick, double-layered coat serves as a natural barrier against cold weather, the sun and potential irritants. For this reason, the APKC recommends that you do not shave your Pomsky unless it is required for medical reasons. Rather, you should brush it at least twice a week using an undercoat rake or slicker brush. Regular brushing will help to keep your pet’s coat in good condition, and it will also prevent matting and tangles. During the spring and fall when the breed is shedding heavily, you should brush it more frequently, and schedule regular fur trims to keep the coat looking good.
Because Pomskies are so bonded to their owners, they do not do well when left alone for long periods of time. This can cause anxiety and stress for the dog, so it is important to find a family that can be there for it on a consistent basis. They do not typically do well with other pets or animals, so they should not be placed in a home where there are already multiple pets living together.