Pomskies are a dog breed and pronounced [pɑːmskiː].
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Pomskies (also referred to as “Huskeranians”) are a newer breed after first being first officially named in 2011 Buzzfeed article to refer to fluffy small dogs despite the fact that Pomskies had not been created yet.
It is surmised that breeders responded to this trend possibly around 2009 and began exploring how to create a husky into a smaller and fluffier appearance.
The first recorded Pomsky litter was born March 5, 2012 created by Tressa Peterson and Joline Phillips. Soon after, Pomskies grew in popularity in North America and Europe.
Pomskies are considered a “designer dog” meaning it is a cross between two pure-bred canines and therefore very expensive to breed and purchase. Breeders are still trying to perfect the Pomsky look.
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The Pomsky is a crossbreed between a pure-bred Siberian husky and a Pomeranian.
The Siberian Husky, considered apart of the Spitz lineage which are a general breed of working dogs bred for hunting, sledding, and herding.
Huskies were first bred by the nomad Chukchi tribe in northeastern Asian for hauling light loads over vast snowy lands. The Siberian husky caught American attention in the early 1900s as huskies started winning sled races and becoming very useful for snow mushers.
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Similar to the Siberian husky, Pomeranians were also originally bred as working dogs in the Arctic regions and considered to be of the Spitz family. The earliest descendant of the Pomeranian canine is recorded in the late 1700s and a notably popular dog among the British royal family with Queen Charlotte and Queen Victoria.
Breeders began breeding Pomeranians in England around the early 1800s and were recognized in 1900 as a registered breed by the American Kennel Club.
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Because of the popularity between the Siberian Husky and Pomeranian, breeders were curious to find a way to make huskies smaller in size, therefore leading to Pomsky breeding by popular ideas.
Because of the significant size between the two breeds, natural breeding is not possible or healthy.
Therefore, breeders must artificially create Pomskies from the two breeds. Breeders artificially inseminate a Siberian husky female with the sperm of a male Pomeranian.
Pomeranian females usually do not naturally or artificially carry the offspring of a Siberian husky to full-term since the puppies would be too large for a Pomeranian’s body and uterus and therefore would also pose serious health concerns.
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Pomskies can be referred to as either 50/50, 25/75, or 75/25. A 50/50 Pomsky means it was birthed by a pure-bred Siberian husky and a pure-bred Pomeranian.
A 25/75 Pomsky means it is bred from a Pomsky and a pure-bred Pomeranian, therefore, making it more likely smaller in size and closer resemblance to a Pomeranian.
A 75/25 Pomsky means it is bred from a pure-bred Siberian Husky and a Pomsky therefore making it more likely bigger in size and closer resemblance to a husky.
Characteristics and Temperament
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The temperament of a hybrid dog breed is often hard to generalize since there are a multiplicity of genealogical variations from the parent breeds that affect and alter the crossbreed’s characteristics.
Unlike a purebred dog whose characteristics and temperament are virtually solidified, a crossbred dog’s characteristics may be harder to predict rely on a greater number of influencing factors.
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The Siberian Husky and Pomeranian gene combo Pomskies possess create both positive and negative traits.
While there are a multiplicity of different combinations of these traits, some of the main desirable characteristics of Pomskies that stem from their breed parents include intelligence, playfulness, self-assuredness, and loyalty.
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They are most often then not extroverted, loving, and eager to please their owners. Pomskies often make great pets for growing families with children or other pets.
They can be loyal and protective of owners despite their relatively small size, making then a great guard dog.
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Pomskies also exhibit negative behavior traits that stem from their parent breeds. These behaviors include being possessive over toys or food and becoming destructive when left alone for long periods of time or when an inadequate amount of exercise is received.
Pomskies have tendencies of being “talkative” with their howls, whines, and barks.
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Like their Pomeranian breed parent, Pomskies may develop Small Dog Syndrome, “the name given to a collection of behaviors displayed by small dogs… that have the effect of overcoming any deficits caused by being small in stature”.
Small Dog Syndrome behaviors include jumping on owners, other people, or dogs; growling; snapping at threats; fear of large dogs that results in aggression; reluctance to move off couches and beds; and failure to obey commands.
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However, many negative behavior traits and even Small Dog Syndrome can be prevented and/or reprimanded through training.
It is recommended that owners begin training their Pomskies as puppies to curb any potential temperament issues in the future.
When training a Pomsky, it is important to focus on socialization so the dog does not become possessive or develop behaviors of Small Dog Syndrome.
Since Pomskies have high-energy, plenty of exercise is required to burn an adequate amount of energy each day so that they do not become destructive. Exercises include walks and playing with toys.
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In any case, there are no fixed rules about Pomsky behavior. Breed-specific temperament and characteristics do not yet exist as there is not enough information to come to any conclusions.
With proper training, socialization and affection, Pomskies can grow into well-mannered, well-nurtured, and well-balanced dogs just as their Pomeranian and Siberian Husky breed parents do.
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Hybrid dog breed appearance—like temperament—is difficult to summarize as it is dependent on many different parent breed variables that can create an array of appearances in the crossbreed.
Additionally, Pomsky appearance may be difficult to generalize as not a lot of data exists for the relatively new designer dogs.
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Since Pomskies are a crossbreed of Pomeranians and Siberian Huskies, each dogs’ appearance and size differ from one another and are often unpredictable.
The crossbreed is described as varying “dramatically from toy size to medium size” as their appearance is largely dependent on the sizes of their Pomeranian and Siberian Husky parent breeds.
Pomeranians range from 3.0-7.0 pounds and are about 6.0-7.0 inches tall while Siberian Huskies range from 35.0-60.0 pounds and are 20.0-23.5 inches tall.
Consequently, Pomsky height ranges from 10.0-15.0 inches while their weight ranges from 7.0-38.0 pounds.
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Similarly to their size, their coloring is also dependent on their parent breeds, who range in shades themselves. Typically, “[Pomskies] can come in many different patterns and colors, such as grey/white, brown, red, blue merle, blonde and more”.
Avid Pomsky enthusiasts tend to prefer a “more ‘Huskeranian’ look- a dog that is more similar to a Husky but smaller in size”.
This means the Siberian Husky coloring of grey/white and blue merle is often preferred by owners over the neutral Pomeranian coloring.
But, it is important to remember that even in the same litter, Pomskies are known to be unique in both their size and coloring which can never be guaranteed by the breeder.
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Breeders are still “tweaking the perfect look for the breed’s standard” as Pomskies are a relatively new hybrid crossbreed.
However, most Pomskies are described as fluffy, soft, silky, and like miniature wolves.
Pomskies have a double coat that requires moderate to intense grooming care, such as brushing, combing and bathing at least once a week to distribute oils and keep their fluffy coat tangle and mat-free.
Pomskies are also heavy shedders and “blow coat” twice a year, which is the process of shedding a significant amount of fur so that new fur can grow in.
Brushing or combing a Pomsky daily can help to remove excess fur in a controlled manner so that it is not shed onto furniture, clothes, or around the owner’s home.
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Ultimately, a Pomsky’s appearance depends on their parent breeds’ genealogy.
Coming from two very different breeds, there is a lot of room for variation in Pomsky size, coloring, and marking.
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The Pomsky takes on a lifespan that resembles that of its parents.
A Pomeranian’s life expectancy is around 12 to 16 years, while a husky’s life expectancy is 12 to 15 years.
Therefore, a Pomsky can be expected to live for 13 to 15 years.
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Since the Pomsky is a relatively new breed, there are not many known health issues that solely pertain to them.
Pomskies can inherit health issues from both the Pomeranian and husky.
However, Pomskies, or crossbreeds in general, are seen as more healthy than pure-bred dogs because they have a larger gene pool to select from.
Common Health Issues from Pomeranian
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Patella luxation is also known as kneecap dislocation. This condition can be caused by genetic or environmental problems, and it normally occurs in many of the “toy” dog breeds.
A Pomeranian’s kneecap is mostly likely dislocated when it begins to limp. Some ways to treat this condition is by incorporating more calcium into the dog’s diet to strengthen their bones.
If this does not work, the dog should be taken to the veterinarian and surgery may be necessary.
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A collapsed trachea occurs when the airway gets blocked and air is pushed through.
A honking cough is the result of this collapse.
Tracheal collapse can happen when the dog gets too excited, and if the coughing gets persistent, the dog can be diagnosed and given antibiotics by a veterinarian.
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Hypothyroidism usually occurs when there is shrinkage or inflammation in the thyroid gland.
Not enough thyroxin, also known as the thyroid hormone, is produced which causes the metabolic processes to be negatively affected.
Some signs of hypothyroidism include low energy, weight gain, depression, and others.
Severe Hair Loss Syndrome
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Severe hair loss in dogs is also known as black skin disease, or alopecia. This occurs when there is an adrenal imbalance of estrogen and testosterone.
It is also accompanied by a lack of melatonin production.
One of the most common ways a veterinarian treats this disease is by prescribing an oral retinoid therapy such as vitamin A, along with a melatonin supplement.
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This breed of dog experiences eye problems such as cataracts and entropian, or inwards rolling of the eyelid.
Common Health Issues from Husky
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For hip dysplasia to occur, the ball and socket of the hip joint grind against each other instead of gliding smoothly. As a result, the joint deteriorates over time.
While hip dysplasia is genetic, other factors such as excessive growth, types of exercise, and improper weight and nutrition.
A veterinarian may suggest weight loss, exercise restriction, or physical therapy. If the hip dysplasia is severe, surgery may be an option.
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Epilepsy, or seizures, are common among huskies due to uncontrolled bursts of electrical activity in the dog’s brain.
The dog will uncontrollably shake for less than a minute or several minutes.
There are many causes of epilepsy including eating poison, high or low blood sugar, head injury, anemia, or liver/kidney disease.
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Pomskies can either inherit a fluffy Pomeranian coat or a smooth Husky coat.
Either way, they should be brushed frequently.
Brushing their coat can help stimulate blood flow, which keeps the coat healthy, shiny, and tangle-free.
This breed is also known for excessive shedding, especially during Spring and Autumn. Professional grooming is the best way to maintain a pristine coat.
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Pomskies should get baths every once in two to three weeks, or every six weeks depending on the amount of exercise the dog gets.
However, the dog should not be bathed too frequently because natural oils from the skin can get stripped.
Pomskies should also get their hair trimmed on occasions in order to prevent matting and knots.
Their hair should not be trimmed too short because it allows for insulation in both warm and cool environments.
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Dental care is very important for Pomskies because plaque can build up easily in their mouths.
In order to keep their breath fresh and teeth healthy, owners should invest in a dog toothbrush and toothpaste, and dental dog chews.
Initially, teeth brushing may only occur a few days a week in order to get the dog used to the process.
Once all of their adult teeth grow in, the dog should get on a daily brushing routine. To be most effective, dental chews should be used daily.
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Pomskies require a diet that has rich protein, moderate carbohydrates, and few carbohydrates.
Since the Pomsky is considered a small dog, they should eat a small-breed formula.
Different sized dogs should be eating different portions of food.
On average, dogs need about 30 calories per pound of body weight, however smaller dogs may require 40 calories per pound of body weight.
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The price of owning a pet has many factors including the cost to buy or adopt the pet, the health costs over the lifespan of the pet, the tools, toys, and accessories they require, grooming, and more.
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The prices for a Pomsky from a breeder range from $2000-$5000, depending on the “desirability” of the appearance or markings of the pups.
There are definitely Pomsky breeders who will sell for less than $2000 however the Pomsky Club of America warns to be careful purchasing from these as they may not uphold strict breeding standards.
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