The Pomsky, A Triple-A Crossbreed: Adorable, Active, and Adaptable

Last Updated on May 15, 2023

Have you heard about the Pomsky? No need to look further for information on this crossbreed!

We’ve created a handy guide of everything you need to know about the Pomsky or the Pomeranian-Siberian Husky mix, one of the most popular designer dogs today.

We hope this will help you determine if this hybrid is the right companion for you.

Pomsky with its head tilted and looking at the camera

An Internet myth turned into reality

Pomsky puppy with blue eyes sitting on a rock outdoorsDue to its beginnings and eventual controversy, some people still ask if the Pomeranian Husky mix is real.

Yes, the Pomsky is now a real designer crossbreed.

The craze around this hybrid started in 2009 when a woman planning to adopt a Pomeranian (Pom) and Siberian Husky mix asked a question about its temperament on an online forum.

Upon reviewing photos of the said crossbreed, a skeptical veterinarian voiced his doubts about the dog’s Pomeranian lineage.

People thereafter starting posting photos of so-called Pomskies, which were really just small wolf-like dogs.

Finally, in March 2012, the first intentional Pomsky litter was born, thanks to the efforts of prominent dog breeder Tressa Peterson.

How is it possible to mix a tiny Pomeranian and a huge Husky?

Given the size differences in a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky, it’s understandable why the crossbreeding of these two dogs would raise some ethical issues.

Imagine a female Pomeranian carrying Husky-size puppies – this will risk her health! This is why most Pomsky litters have a Husky for a mom and a Pom for a dad.

And, through the wonders of artificial insemination, responsible breeders ensure that no dogs are harmed in the crossbreeding process.

Can a Pomsky be AKC registered?

Since Pomskies are designer dogs, the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not accept these crossbreeds for registration.

But you can register your dog with the International Pomsky Association (IPA), who is working on standardizing and official AKC recognition for the crossbreed.

There is also the Pomsky Club of America (PCA), which provides a standard for breeders to abide by, ensuring the responsible breeding of these designer dogs.

What’s an F1 Pomsky?

A first-generation or F1 Pomsky is the result of a purebred Siberian Husky and a purebred Pomeranian. First-generation offspring must be a 50/50 mix of their parent breeds.

Aside from the F1 generation, you can also get an F1B Pomsky, which is bred from a first-generation Pomsky and a purebred Siberian Husky or Pomeranian. F2 Pom-Husky hybrids, on the other hand, are the offspring of two F1 Pomskies.

These Pomsky generations may have varying appearances, but you’re sure to get a cute, fluffy dog no matter what you choose.

What does a Pomsky look like?

Pomsky with two different colored eyes sitting among leavesCrossbreeds tend to have an unpredictable appearance because of their mixed genes.

You’ve got to hand it to the Pomsky’s parents, though: their offspring is adorable.

A Siberian Husky-Pomeranian cross can take after either of its parents; it could be a cute fluff ball like its dad or an eye-catching beauty like its momma.

These hybrids also often look like a smaller version of Huskies, inheriting their mom’s head and muzzle.

Others get the Pomeranian’s pointy and long nose. These dogs have either a black or brown nose and tend to have pointy and erect ears.

Most of these crossbreeds have almond-shaped eyes that can be either blue, green, brown, amber. Some Pomskies have heterochromia and have different-colored eyes.

Similar to their parents, Pomskies have a thick double coat – a dense undercoat and straight top coat – that vary from medium-length to long. No matter the length, their coats are silky-soft and fluffy.

Pomeranian-Husky mixes can come in more than ten color variations and patterns, including light colors (silver, white, blonde, cream, light brown, or gray) and dark colors (tan, brown, orange, red-brown, orange, or black) or a mix of colors.

Blue merle-coat Pomsky with its tongue out
Source: @harveypomsky / IG

Their markings can have a merle pattern, which is a coat with different colors on a solid-colored base, or a pied pattern or a coat with pigmented spots.

Aside from fluffy coats, most of these hybrids have curved, furry tails like both the Pomeranian and Husky.

What size do you want – toy, mini, or standard?

Toy Pomsky sitting and looking at the camera

Pomskies come in different size varieties, too.

However, most of these dogs tend to be small in size, especially compared to a Siberian Husky.

The tiniest of the bunch, a toy Pomsky weighs between 5 to 9 pounds (2 to 4 kilograms) and is under 10 inches (25 cm) at the shoulder.

A mini Pomsky weighs between 9 to 18 pounds (4 to 8 kg) and has a height of less than 15 inches (38 cm).

The miniature Pomsky may be a better fit for owners with no experience in handling a toy dog.

The biggest variety of Pomsky, a standard Pomeranian-Husky mix can weigh between 18 to 25 pounds (8 to 11 kg) and has a height between 15 to 18 inches (38 to 46 cm).

No matter what size they are, Pomeranian-Huskies have broad shoulders with a well-proportioned body.

And they won’t remain puppy-sized forever. These crossbreeds usually reach their full-grown size when they turn a year old. So better consider another dog if you want one that will retain its puppy size through adulthood.

What about the Teacup Pomsky?

Teacup Pomskies are similar to the toy variety, but the former can be as light as 3 pounds. These are bred from so-called teacup Pomeranians.

Be wary of getting teacup varieties of any breed, though. The extremely small size of these dogs makes them fragile and prone to health conditions.

Small dog with a huge personality

As we’ve mentioned before, the temperament of a Pomsky will be unpredictable.

This hybrid is often described as a more playful Pomeranian with the dialed-down intensity of a Husky.

Since both parent breeds have strong personalities and great humor, Pomskies are strong-willed, playful, and loving. They also tend to be intelligent and confident.

What other traits could a Pomsky have?

Pomeranian-Huskies are a bundle of energy.

We already know they are adorable. But did you know they are active too? Pomskies tend to be outgoing and have a high energy level, which they inherit from the Husky.

These outgoing dogs love to play, swim, hike, run, and dig, so don’t expect to spend a lot of time chilling with your Pomeranian-Husky hybrid on the couch.

They are also silly and joyful, with a love for antics. Check out this video of Nova the Pomsky trying to get Helmet the Pig to play.

Anywhere, any weather is good with a Pomsky.

The Pomsky is a highly adaptable dog. They acclimatize to both cold and warm weather, even with their thick coats.

These crossbreeds will be happy whether in a house with a huge backyard or an apartment, so they’re suitable for a wide variety of living conditions.

Pomskies are sweet little fluffballs.

These hybrids are affectionate and like to be the center of attention. With their cuteness, I doubt it will be easy to ignore them anyway.

Pomeranian-Husky mixes are friendly to everyone, even strangers. If they take more after their Pomeranian parent, then they will most likely prefer to be with one person or around people they’re familiar with.

How well will the Pomsky fit in your family?

Pomskies are loyal and protective. Despite their small size, they can be a good watchdog and a great overall family dog.

They are loving to people who they are familiar with, but sometimes they tend to have favorites.

Pomsky standing on a couch
Source: @pomsky_evy / IG

They get along with kids because of their humor. They are also active and love to play, making them perfect companions for children.

Despite their playful nature, it’s always best to keep an eye on them around kids, just to make sure that younger children don’t hurt them or vice versa.

Pomskies will have no problems living with other pets, especially if socialized at a young age. If they inherit their Husky mother’s high prey drive, though, they may be prone to chasing around cats and other smaller animals.

Designer breed, high maintenance

How hard will it be to care of this sweet, smart dog? Due to its thick double coat and high energy level, taking care of a Pomsky requires a bit more effort.

You’ll also have to put some thought into making sure the Pomeranian-Siberian Husky mix gets the nutrition it needs.

What do Pomsky puppies eat?

It’s best to feed your pet high-quality dog food made from premium ingredients. Dry kibble may be better for small dogs like the Pomsky, as the hard texture of kibble will help clean their teeth and prevent dental problems.

Since some Huskies are lactose-intolerant, it’s best to avoid giving dairy products to your Pomsky. Don’t feed them ice cream, even if they beg with their cute puppy dog eyes!

If your dog  weighs between 20 to 30 pounds, feed them 30 calories per pound of body weight. Most Pomeranian-Huskies need to be fed 2.5 cups of dog food daily.

You may modify this amount based on your dog’s activity level and weight. Consult your vet to come up with the best diet for your pet.

How much exercise does a Pomsky need?

Source: @myathepomsky / IG

Despite being active, these hybrids don’t need vigorous exercise.

They’ll be happy with a thirty-minute walk per day or a half-hour of playtime in the backyard.

If these dogs don’t release their pent-up energy, they get bored and destructive, taking out their frustration on your furniture or even your shoes.

As we mentioned, some of these hybrids will inherit their mom’s prey drive, so it’s best to use a leash and collar when you’re out walking your dog.

Small collars are a better fit for Pomsky puppies, but you can switch to a medium or large collar once your  dog weighs more than 18 pounds (8 kg).

Daily exercise helps keep your Pomeranian-Husky from unhealthy weight gain. This is important especially since the Pom is prone to having loose kneecaps or luxating patellas, a condition aggravated by excess weight.

How much do Pomskies shed?

The short answer is: a lot.

Like their parents, these cute little crossbreeds are considered heavy shedders. Pomskies are not hypoallergenic, so they’re not ideal pets for people suffering from allergies to dander.

Invest in a heavy-duty bristle brush (and a vacuum cleaner) and brush your Pomsky’s coat at least thrice a week to minimize shedding.

If it takes after its Pomeranian parent and has a longer coat, you’ll have to brush your dog’s coat daily.

Tips for grooming a Pomeranian-Husky mix

Bath time depends on your dog’s activity level. If your Pomeranian and Husky cross often gets dirty from playing outdoors, bathe it as needed.

Keep it in mind, though, that frequent baths may dry out your dog’s coat and cause skin problems.

Don’t forget to trim your Pomsky every two months to prevent their fur from getting tangles and mats. And while you’re at it, have their nails trimmed every month.

Due to their Pomeranian blood, these dogs are prone to dental problems. It’s best to brush their teeth regularly or, if possible, every day.

Training the smart Pomsky

With their physical characteristics and big personality, are Pomskies hard to train?

You may find it a little difficult to handle these dogs, since they tend to be independent and stubborn. These are qualities they get from both their Pomeranian and Husky parents.

They are intelligent and innately curious, qualities that will help with training. You will have to position yourself as the alpha leader so they’ll follow your commands and adopt good behavior.

You’ll find it easier to train your Pomsky puppy as early as possible. Start with socializing your pup and introducing it with your family and other pets.

Teach them basic commands such as sit, stay, and come. Make sure to have a reward ready when they successfully follow your commands.

Keep your training sessions fun and short. Pomskies love challenges, and they will get bored if you keep making them do the same tricks.

What you should know before getting a Pomsky

Sure, a Pomsky is one of the cutest dogs you’ll see. Its moderate energy level and playful nature also make it a good choice for a pet.

But before you hand over your money to the nearest breeder, here are some things about the Pomsky you should consider.

These crossbreeds may be prone to multiple health conditions.

Since Pomskies are a relatively new designer dog, there isn’t enough information on their known health problems.

However, it’s safe to assume that these crossbreeds are also at risk of the health issues of their parents.

Pomskies are prone to a variety of genetic conditions, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, and eye problems.

From their Husky parents, they can get pigment loss, skin allergies, eye and skin inflammation, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy.

The Pomeranian, on the other hand, can pass down a predisposition to luxating patellas, hypoglycemia or low blood sugar, seizures or epilepsy, tracheal collapse, distichiasis, and entropion.

Make sure to take your dog to the veterinarian for regular checkups, which will make early diagnosis and treatment possible.

A healthy Pomsky has a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. If you maintain your pet’s health, they can spend a long time with you and your family.

Pomsky sitting in the grass outdoors outdoors
Source: @prairiepaddock_pomskies / IG

The Pomsky is a child of yappers and whiners.

It’s going to be noisy! With a father who is a yapper and a mother who is a whiner and a howler, Pomskies tend to be vocal.

These dogs love to make different types of noises. They may bark or whine to express their frustration or anxiety, like if they’re left alone at home for long periods.

Make sure to train it early to control the Pomsky’s excessive barking or howling.

Caring for a Pomeranian-Husky is not a walk in the park.

If you want a chill, laid-back dog that doesn’t require much maintenance – you might need to reconsider getting a Pomsky.

We wouldn’t call these dogs low-maintenance. They need regular grooming and daily exercise to remain healthy and happy.

You will need to make time for grooming your Pomeranian-Husky mix and playing with it. The same goes for their training – it’s not going to be easy.

Stars of the Pomsky world

Pomskies took the Internet by storm. These hybrids even made the Designer Dogs of America’s list of most popular designer dogs.

Due to these dogs’ good looks, it’s also no wonder there are also several famous Pomskies on the Internet.

Norman the Pomsky

Thanks to his fluffy coat and camera-ready smile, Norman has over 100,000 followers on Instagram. He has even appeared on several websites and on TV.

Mya the Pomsky

Mya the Pomsky lying in the snow
Source: @myathepomsky / IG

With her fierce face and an orange coat similar to a fox’s, Mya is a Pomsky with a distinct look. Her Instagram page has over 44,000 followers.

Yuki the Pomsky

She has 35,000 followers on Instagram and has a website. Yuki has more Pomeranian blood, showcasing another unique Pomsky look.

How much do Pomskies cost?

A Pomsky puppy usually costs between $1,000 to $3,000 each. If you are looking for a specific appearance or are concerned with bloodlines, you might need to shell out around $5,000.

Be wary of a Pomeranian-Husky mix puppy that costs less than $1,000. Check the reputation of the breeder because these dogs don’t come cheap.

You may be wondering, “Why are Pomsky puppies so expensive?”

The truth is that the process of safely breeding a Pomeranian with a Husky through artificial insemination is costly. Plus, the high demand for Pomskies these days drive up prices even further.

Where to buy a Pomsky

Yuki the Pomsky sitting with his paws up
Source: @yukipomsky / IG

Due to the rising popularity of these designer dogs, there are scores of breeders offering Pomsky pups for sale.

The most important thing to remember when looking for your new Pomsky is to check the breeder’s background.

You don’t want to buy from an unethical breeder or a puppy mill.

Check the puppy you want and make sure it’s energetic, friendly with littermates, and responsive.

Reputable breeders will also inform you of health problems to expect, based on the parents’ medical history.

Pomsky breeders and kennels

Here are some breeders that can give you the Pomsky puppy you want. For security, double-check if the breeders are affiliated with any Pomsky clubs or associations.

  • Portland Pomskies
  • Golden State Pomkies
  • Platinum Pomskies

Check if the breeder you found has a Certified Member of the Pomsky Owners Association (POA) badge. Here is the full list of Pomsky breeders affiliated with the POA.

The International Pomsky Association also has a breed directory for owners in the United States, Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, and Europe.

Pomsky adoption and rescue

Some people get disappointed when their Pomeranian-Husky mix doesn’t grow up to what they expected. This is one of the main reasons these poor dogs end up in shelters.

If you don’t mind taking in an older dog, why not try adoption? With an adult Husky-Pom hybrid, you don’t have to deal with the unpredictability of its appearance and temperament.

Check out these rescues and shelters for Pomskies just waiting for the right owner:

  • Purebred Pomsky (Missouri)
  • My Pomsky Puppy
Pomeranian Husky mix lying down on the beach
Source: @pomsky_adventures_ / IG

Ready to join the Pomsky trend?

With the affectionate nature of a Pomeranian and the playfulness of a Husky, the Pomsky is definitely an excellent companion dog.

If you don’t mind unpredictability in its looks and temperament, we say go for it! Be prepared, though, to spend lots of time on grooming and playing with your Pomeranian-Husky mix.

Do you have stories or tips on owning a Pomsky? Drop them in the comments section. Questions are also welcome, comment them below or contact us.

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