Pomskies have plenty of energy, so they need owners who can channel their enthusiasm into healthy activities. They should also be fed a high-quality puppy food formulated for small breeds.
These pups love people and are typically affectionate with their families. However, they may be wary of strangers. They do well with children if properly introduced and socialized at an early age, but playtime should be monitored to avoid rough handling.
Pomskies are playful and affectionate companions with an energy level that matches their spirited parents. They typically get along well with children and other pets, especially when properly socialized at a young age. They may exhibit some of their Husky parent’s independence and stubborn streak, but their Pomeranian side balances these traits with a strong sense of loyalty and love for their families.
These puppies are highly intelligent, and they’re eager to please their humans. They’re a good fit for experienced dog owners who can provide calm, assertive leadership and help them channel their innate energy into positive activities. Pomskies also tend to be vocal, expressing themselves with barks, whines, and howls when they want attention or feel left out.
Despite their smaller size, Pomskies retain their puppy-like playfulness well into adulthood and enjoy playing games and toys with their family members. They’re often described as velcro dogs, following their people around the house and enjoying being part of their daily routines. Because they’re highly energetic, Pomskies need to be engaged regularly to avoid boredom and mischief. This might include daily brisk walks, interactive training sessions, or exercising their minds with food puzzles and other intellectually challenging activities.
Inheriting their Husky parent’s natural instinct to chase small animals, Pomskies must be carefully supervised when around cats and other smaller pets. Early socialization and consistent training will help them channel this energy into positive behaviors that are acceptable to their families, as opposed to chasing or biting.
While they can adapt to a range of living situations, including apartments and homes with yards, Pomskies prefer environments where they receive daily interaction and mental stimulation. They need to be challenged and stimulated with activities that challenge both their body and brain, but they should also have the opportunity to relax in a quiet environment once they’ve exhausted their energies.
Due to their genetic predispositions, Pomskies are prone to the same health issues as their parents. These can include elbow dysplasia, tracheal collapse, heart disease, and eye problems. They’re also prone to allergies and skin problems, and they can develop hot spots and irritations from food and environmental factors.
Temperament
Pomskies inherit a playful and affectionate nature from their parents, often developing strong bonds with their owners. They are highly intelligent, confident, and spirited, but they can also have a stubborn streak, so early training and socialization are crucial for helping them thrive in their environments.
This breed does well in family homes, particularly those with children. However, due to their small size, they may be sensitive to rough play and can easily develop injuries as a result. In addition, they can sometimes suffer from genetic health conditions, such as hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, so it’s important to seek out a responsible breeder who carries out regular health testing.
The high energy level of Pomskies means they need daily exercise, whether in the form of brisk walks, interactive play, or activities that tap into their intelligence, like puzzle toys or obedience training. Regular mental stimulation can also help curb boredom-driven behaviors, such as chewing or excessive barking.
While low-maintenance in many ways, the Pomsky’s thick double coat needs regular grooming to prevent matting and maintain its overall health. Its seasonal shedding also requires regular sweeping or vacuuming to manage excess hair and keep it from becoming a nuisance around the house.
Due to their sociable nature, Pomskies do best when surrounded by people and other pets. They love participating in household activities and forming close bonds with their families, so they’re often content to spend most of their time at home. However, they can be bored quickly and may engage in destructive behaviors as a result, so they’re not suited to living alone for extended periods of time.
Health
Because they are so popular, Pomskies are often bred by puppy mills and backyard breeders who prioritize profit over the health and temperament of their puppies. Doing your research into reputable breeders and finding out how to properly care for this dog is important to help prevent problems from developing.
Getting enough exercise is important for Pomskies, as they are active dogs with high energy levels. A good daily walk and plenty of playtime will provide them with the moderate exercise they need. These intelligent dogs may get bored if not challenged with toys and games that stimulate their minds.
Like many small breeds, Pomskies are prone to dental problems, ear infections and skin conditions, especially as adults. They can also have hereditary hip dysplasia, which is when the ball and socket joint of the hip develops abnormally, causing pain, stiffness and difficulty moving.
Allergies are another common issue for this breed, which can lead to itchy and irritated skin that the dog persistently licks or bites, recurrent ear infections, hair loss and more serious symptoms such as sneezing, coughing or eye issues. Responsible Pomsky breeders test their dogs for hereditary issues such as hip dysplasia, dislocated knees (luxating patellas) and eye problems, such as entropion, where the dog’s eyes roll inward toward each other, leading to corneal ulcers, eye pain and even perforations in the eyes.
A healthy pomsky should be able to live about 13 to 15 years, though their exact life expectancy depends on the health of both of their parents. Pomskies should be fed a high-quality dog food formulated for their size and activity level, and their diet should be adjusted as they age. They typically need between 3/4 and 1.5 cups of food a day, with a portion size based on their weight and activity level, divided into two meals. They may need their nails trimmed regularly and their ears checked for wax buildup or signs of infection on a weekly basis. Bathing is usually needed only every 6 to 8 weeks, as too much can dry out their thick coats.
Training
Pomskies are smart dogs with a worker dog mentality, so they tend to take well to training and learning new tricks. They are highly affectionate and adore their owners, wanting nothing more than to be included in family activities. As a result, they may get bored easily if they are not stimulated enough, and should be exposed to other people and pets on a regular basis.
Because of their husky parentage, pomskies are highly active dogs that thrive on daily physical and mental exercise. This can be a challenge in urban settings, but breeders and Pomsky enthusiasts alike recommend frequent walks or runs, training sessions, and interactive toys like food puzzles to keep them physically and mentally engaged.
A pomsky’s thick double coat requires regular grooming to manage shedding and prevent matting. Grooming should be done two to three times a week and daily during shedding seasons, such as spring and fall. Brushing with a slicker brush and undercoat rake will help manage the pet’s seasonal shedding, as will bathing two to three times a year with a mild shampoo that doesn’t contain conditioners or other harsh chemicals.
Those who are looking for a pomsky should always do their research to find reputable breeders that follow ethical breeding practices. Because the designer breed has become so popular, some puppy mills and backyard breeders prioritize profit over health and temperament, which can lead to a variety of issues down the line for the puppies.
As with any breed, pomskies can be susceptible to certain genetic disorders and conditions, such as heart disease, hip dysplasia, cataracts, respiratory diseases, dental problems, and more. It is important to discuss these risks with whichever breeder you choose before making your decision and ask about any health guarantees they offer.
Generally, pomskies do well in homes with children of all ages, though they are more comfortable around older kids due to their playful and social nature. They can be on edge around younger children, however, and will often nip to defend themselves, so careful handling is required. If properly socialized from an early age, a pomsky can also be a good companion for a young child who has allergies to dogs and cats.