Pomsky puppy
adopted in Orlando
born 3/4/2023, Blue Merle

A cross between the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian, the Pomsky is a hybrid, designer dog breed that combines all the beautiful traits of their parent breeds. Siberian Husky lovers will be thrilled that their precious pet will look like a bit of puppy forever!

Standing on average 10-15 inches tall and weighing anywhere from 20 to 30 pounds, this breed is perfect for owners looking for a medium-sized dog with love for running, playing, and affection. These pups are always up for a new, fun adventure, making them great exploring companions! Pomskies are incredibly loyal and will likely follow your every step. 

As the year's pass, the Pomsky has continued to grow in popularity, and for a good reason. These furry friends continue to impress pet owners with their loyalty, playfulness, and intelligence. These dogs are very adaptable; whether they are in an apartment in the city or out on a ranch, they will do just fine as long as they are in your company. If you are looking for an alert, energetic, and very playful pet, the Pomsky may be just the right fit for you.

With all of the popularity surrounding the Pomsky, you may be surprised to learn that these dogs are relatively new! In 2011, Buzzfeed posted an article titled "The Pomeranian + Siberian Husky mix: the cutest designer dog breed ever?" This post went viral, despite the breed not even existing yet. The post included photos of dogs that simply looked like they could be a cross between the two breeds, thus leading to the hysteria around Pomskies.

The dream became a reality in 2012 when the first recorded litter of a Pomeranian and Siberian Husky mix was born in the United States. To avoid potential complications, the crossbreed was created via artificial insemination. Once these pups made their appearance, their popularity continued to soar, becoming the most popular designer dog in 2017.

Because of the size difference between Pomeranians and Siberian Huskies, it is essential that your Pomsky was bred ethically. There are strict guidelines that breeders must follow to make sure the breeding process is painless and humane for the animals involved. To this day, though, artificial insemination is the safest best for creating these precious pups.

Just like the Pomeranian and Siberian Husky, Pomskies are brilliant dogs. This is a double-edged sword, though; while these pups excel in solving puzzles and other mental games, they are prone to sudden bursts of energy and anxiety. When they feel like they are not getting adequate playtime or affection from their family members, they turn to more destructive behaviors caused by separation anxiety. If you have left your Pomsky alone for long hours without interaction or playtime, you should expect to come home to destruction. While not every dog will develop separation anxiety, there are resources available for parents of a pup that struggles with this. Some tell-tale signs of separation anxiety include urinating on floors, chewing, barking, and whining. 

Pomskies do best in households where family members are playful and energetic. Just like their parent breed, these high-energy dogs need their daily exercise. Typically, the Pomsky will latch onto one specific family member and maybe be wary of meeting new people and strangers. Because of this, proper socialization from an early age is essential to ensure they become well-rounded adults. Additionally, it is necessary to note that your Pomsky may not want to play with smaller children. If you do have a younger child in the house, it is essential to teach them how to correctly handle such a small dog. As playful as these pups are, Pomskies must be taken gently; if they are not happy with their treatment, they are not afraid to let it be known. If you have children under the age of 6, consider holding off on getting a Pomsky until your child learns how to play with puppies safely.

While the Pomsky is very adaptable and can live comfortably in small spaces, it should not go unmentioned that they are pretty vocal. Like their parent breeds, the Pomsky makes quite a bit of noise, whether barking and howling or whining and yapping. If you are looking for a quiet and calm pet, the Pomsky may not be the best fit for you.

If you have other small animals in the house, such as rabbits or cats, introducing a new Pomsky will likely be a tricky endeavor. Because of their prey drive may chase cats or other small animals. If you have other dogs in the house, though, they should do just fine so long as they have been adequately trained. One way to do this is to enroll them into puppy kindergarten classes which will teach them basic skills that will go a long way. 

Many people recognize the Siberian Husky as your typical snow dog, thriving in below-freezing weather, and in some ways, the Pomsky is no different. If you live in a part of the world where the weather is typically hotter, you may be wondering if it is a safe living environment for this breed. The good news is that this breed is highly adaptable to living in various climate conditions! 

This is not to say, though, that they will do well spending long hours in the hot sun. If you live in an area with high daily temperatures, make sure that your pet has a shady spot where they can cool down and regulate their body temperature. Regarding taking your pet on daily walks, it is not the best idea to do this at 2 pm on a summer day; morning or evening walks will be better for you both. However, this is only a concern during the hotter months. During the fall and winter, your Pomsky can play all day long without the worry of overheating.

They are also adaptable in the sense that they can live comfortably in any home, so long as their exercise needs are met. The Pomsky will find happiness in any home; their compact size allows them to live comfortably in smaller spaces, such as apartments, so long as their exercise and socialization needs are met. 

From condos to the suburbs, this pet will do well in any home with lots of love. All that matters to your puppy is that you are there with them, keeping them company. The social Pomsky is prone to separation anxiety; behavioral problems arise when your pet feels abandoned or lonely. To prevent unwanted barking or other destructive behaviors, do not leave your pet alone for longer than necessary. If you are looking for an independent dog that requires little interaction, you may want to consider other options.

Pomeranians and Siberian Huskies are known for their high-maintenance locks and significant shedding; the Pomsky is no different! While the Pomsky is much smaller in size than traditional Siberian Huskies, they still have a double coat that sheds significantly, and with their Pomeranian ancestry, they are prone to matting. Because of this, you will become quite familiar with your vacuum cleaner and hairbrush. During the spring and the fall seasons, your pet will shed significantly. This is not to say you will not find hair around your house during other months, but rather it is these times of the year when shedding is most prominent. It is crucial to brush their fur several times a week during their shedding seasons. The Pomsky' 's double coat may cause them to overheat when excess hair is not removed correctly; this is yet another reason why brushing your pet's hair actively is vital to their wellbeing. 

While many dogs get stinky without frequent baths, this is not the case for the Pomsky. Much like their parent breed, Pomskies tend to groom themselves like cats! You will very rarely be met with that typical "doggy odor" that other breeds are prone to. So, unless it is absolutely vital, avoid giving your dog a bath, as frequent bathing will strip your pet of their natural oils, which keep their skin and fur healthy. When you do decide to give your pet a wash (no more than once every three weeks), make sure to use a high-quality shampoo that was made to maintain their natural oils. 

In addition to brushing your puppy's hair, it is crucial to brush their teeth at least twice a week to remove tartar buildup, which may be housing various bacteria that could make your pet sick. If you notice the foul-smelling breath, consider brushing their teeth once a day. Nails should be trimmed once or twice a month. Dogs' nails are sensitive and filled with blood vessels, so if you are uncomfortable trimming your furry friend's nails, take them to a professional to get this done.

Every week or so, examine your pet's ears, keeping a close eye out for any dirt buildup, redness, or foul odor, which can signal an infection. To remove dirt, gently wipe their ears with a cotton ball dampened with a dog-friendly ear cleanser. If you notice any sign of an ear infection, take your pet to the vet's office to be professionally examined.

In terms of exercise needs, the Pomsky definitely takes after their Siberian Husky parent breed. However, because this breed of dog is significantly smaller than Siberian Huskies, they do not require near as much exercise. Forty-five minutes of exercise each day should suffice, but each dog is different and may have more or less energy to spare. When you let them out to play, though, make sure to keep that leash on! These escape artists will make a run for it the first chance they get, much like their Siberian Husky ancestors. 

There are four forms of exercise your pet will enjoy: walks, playing with toys, swimming, or mental stimulation. Pomskies benefit from walking 10 miles per week, but feel free to spice up your walk by bringing along a ball or toy for your pup to fetch to keep things interesting! During the hot summer months, your Pomsky will benefit from swimming. This will keep them cool and give them the exercise they need! These little guys have a surprising amount of energy for such a small body, the power that must also be released mentally! Another idea is to try playing scenting games or other various mind puzzles, which will enrich your Pomsky's mental capabilities. 

Believe it or not, your pet can be over-exercised! It is best to cut back on the exercise for a few days to give your pup a chance to bounce back. Once they have recouped, they will be good to go! Some tell-tale signs that it is time for a bit of break include excessive panting, excessive thirst, limping, stiffness, or any other abnormalities in your dog's behavior.

A healthy Pomsky will live around 13-15 years. One key to ensuring your pet lives a long, fulfilling life is to give them proper nutrition. While each dog is unique in its dietary requirements, a good starting point is 2-2.5 cups of dry kibble per day, divided into several small meals. Your Pomsky will benefit from eating on a regular schedule. This will significantly help your dog's potty training. Once you get to know your pet, you may end up feeding them more or less to meet their specific needs. Just like people, some dogs may be picky eaters. If you struggle to find a food your dog responds well to, meet with your vet to get suggestions.

Everyone knows dogs love receiving special little treats, and lucky for pet owners, they are great motivators! You may likely use treats to train your pet. While this is effective, be sure that you keep an eye on their weight and not overfeed them. Giving your pet too many treats may inadvertently result in unwanted weight gain or even obesity. If you suspect your pet is becoming overweight, try the hands-on test and the eye test in your own home. 

For this test, you will need to look down at your pet. Place your hands on their back with your thumbs along the spine, and your other fingers faced downwards. Without having to press hard, you should be able to feel (not see) your dog's ribs. If you can't, lower their daily food intake and make sure they get some extra exercise.