Designer dogs are fast taking the dog world by storm. Trained breeders are now cross breeding to make the cutest and most adorable dogs there have ever been. The Pomsky, is one of them. The product of a Pomeranian father and Siberian Husky mother, the Pomsky is one of the charming dogs you will ever lay your eyes on.
He takes his father’s size but his mother’s looks, although this is not true for all puppies. In one litter you may have none of the puppies looking like the other, but they are still as cute. The reason why they Pomeranian is the father is because the breeders did not want to risk the smaller dog carrying pups that may be too big for her womb, if the Husky was to be the sire.
History of the Pomsky
The Pomsky has been in existence for roughly 20 years and can thus be said to be a very recent breed. That however has not stopped people from going crazy for them. They are the complete package, able to be both watchdog and companion. They are fierce as they are gentle. They are very alert and are known to enjoy barking a lot.
Physical appearance
Pomskies are small and adorable with long fuzzy coats, pointed ears, long muzzles and a coiled tail. They get the later genes from both parents. They can weigh anything between 20 to 30 pounds an can be 28 to 30 cm high which is equivalent to about 12 inches.
When it comes to color, they vary greatly. They can be anything from grey, black, brown, mixed or spotted. They also have different eye colors from blue, black, brown and sometimes different eye color for each individual eye.
They take their mother’s genes when it comes to texture length and thickness of their coats. They shed a significant amount of fur every so often and therefore require thorough and regular grooming. However, their thick coats make them more adjusted to cold seasons.
Behavior
Pomskies tend to take the good characters that their parents have. They are intelligent, affectionate, very friendly, protective, extremely alert and cautious, playful and have a lot of energy in their little bodies. They may spend all day running and jumping around and then finally fall into deep sleep when they have no more energy left.
When it comes to their relationship with human beings, Pomskies enjoy being pampered and praised. They also like staying close to their humans and would never mind a cuddle any time of the day. They especially love the attention that comes with it.
They are also very effective watchdogs as mentioned earlier and they thus do great with kids. They can be sometimes overprotective of other family members but once they get used to a person’s presence they become soft and tender hearted.
Pomskies are easy to train and respond very well and fast to positive reinforcement. Once your little Pomsky sees you proud of him, he will do everything to keep you happy. They also enjoy frequent treats and will be seen performing different tricks just so that you can give them a biscuit.
They can also be very proud and strong willed, and they therefore need a gentle but firm and authoritative hand while training. Pomskies have been known to enjoy barking for no good reason but this can be reduced from an early age by letting them know that unnecessary barking is not rewarded.
Because of their over protection streak, Pomskies have to be shown clear boundaries. They may end up thinking that you or your kids belong to them and may sometimes be aggressive if friends or outsiders come into the house.
From their mother’s side, Pomskies are seen to have the pack mentality and will thus require you to show them that you are the alpha in the house. If you do not do this, they almost instinctively assume this role and may end up being very stubborn and hard to train.
They however socialize easily and fast and can make friends with other dogs almost instantly. If you have a cat, they may also get along quite well especially of they grow together or the cat happens to be the older one. This does not mean however that he will not chase after squirrels and cats in the neighborhood.
Health
Pomskies require a lot of exercise in order to put all that energy into good use otherwise they may end up being destructive. You do not have to take them outdoors, although it is always good to get some fresh air. However, exercise in the apartment can also be sufficient. The important issue is that they get to exhaust their energy. You can thus engage them in dog games, and even involve them during your own training routine.
Ideally, a healthy Pomsky can live up to 15 years. This can be made possible through balanced diets, enough exercise and a whole lot of love and affection. The best food to give them is dry kibbles as they contain all the required nutrients for good development.
Like many small dogs, Pomskies may have health complications pertaining to their size. This may include weak or delicate bones. They have also been seen to inherit dental plaque problems from their Pomeranian father. Frequent and thorough dental checkups are therefore a must for long life.
Other diseases that you may have to be on the lookout for include:
- Cataracts
- Glaucoma
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Luxating Patella
- Tracheal Collapse
Your dog may also need vaccination before or after buying him and certificates to show for them. Not only do these shots keep them safe from contracting preventable diseases, they are also necessary for events such as signing your dog up for kindergarten.
Some Pomskies have also been noted to inherit some allergies from their Pomeranian ancestors including the Black Skin disease. When this is noted or even suspected, it is best to visit a vet as soon as possible. Examples of the causes of the allergies your Pomsky may have include foods, pollen grains in the air, and chemicals in cleaning products, general environment and tick bites. It is always better to be safe than sorry so never shy away from taking your pup or dog to the doctor if any threat arises.
Additional information
Keep your Pomsky happy and healthy by getting him toys and giving him treats. However, do not overdo it as this will spoil them. Be affectionate but firm. Make sure they get adequate rest and always remind them of your love. Listen to their barks because even though they may like the noise, they are also very alert and may thus be warning you of something. Above all, enjoy this adorable little ball of love.