CutePet Window

The pomsky is a cross between a Siberian husky and a Pomeranian. These fluffy, medium-sized pups have fur that grows in an array of colors, including white, gray, black, brown, blue, and red. Pomskies are energetic, loyal companions who are up for nearly any adventure. They make great family pets, as they love having people of all sizes around to pay attention to them.

If you’re considering adding one of these hybrid pooches to your family, here’s everything to know about Pomskies, from their personalities to their care and training needs.

Characteristics of the Pomsky

Like other hybrid dog breeds, Pomskies’ personalities are shaped by their parents. From their Siberian husky parent, Pomskies get their smarts, their high prey drive, and their go-go-go mentality. From Pomeranians, they get curiosity, spunk, and friendliness. 

“Without question, the Pomsky has inherited the best traits from both parent breeds,” says Sheri Reynolds, owner of Pikes Peak Pomskies in Colorado. “They are energetic, playful, and incredibly intelligent. My favorite trait is how social and affectionate they are.”

Pomskies thrive in households with kids and, with enough socialization, they can learn to get along with other household pets, including cats. These outgoing pups make new canine and human friends quickly (and with their adorable aesthetic, people love to meet them, too). Like their parents, pomskies may “talk,” howl, whine, or bark, but they usually have a reason for doing so.

“They can be vocal, but in my experience, they generally only bark when they are trying to get our attention or need something,” Reynolds says.

History of the Pomsky

The Pomsky is a new breed that was developed a little more than a decade ago. As legend has it, Buzzfeed ran a story in 2011 about a Pomeranian and Siberian husky mix—complete with adorable photos—and the internet went wild. But Pomskies didn’t exist yet and the photos actually showed other breeds.

Still, the idea was intriguing to some breeders, including Tressa Peterson of Apex Pomskies and Joline Phillips of Arctic Design Pomskies. They’re often credited with bringing the then-fictional Pomsky breed to life around the year 2012—and the breed’s popularity has exploded from there.

The American Kennel Club does not recognize the Pomsky as an official breed. But several groups are working to promote responsible breeding, warn against scams, and establish breed standards. The American Pomsky Kennel Club is also advocating for AKC recognition of the breed, though that process is expected to take many years.

Pomsky Care 

Overall, Pomskies are adaptable dogs who will quickly learn to mesh with their owner’s lifestyle. But these pups still have care and maintenance needs.

Exercise

Pomskies are active dogs who need a lot of exercise to burn off their abundant energy. Ideally, they need at least an hour every day, whether that’s multiple walks, playtime at the dog park, weekend hikes, swimming sessions, or running laps around the backyard. Physical activity is essential, but mental stimulation is just as important: Consider providing your Pomsky with interactive toys or teaching her progressively difficult tricks to keep her brain sharp.

“They are high-energy and need outlets with opportunities to run and play,” Reynolds says. “They are also very curious and smart and enjoy stimulation, so it's best not to leave them alone for long periods of time.”

Grooming

If there’s one downside to owning a Pomsky, it’s that these pups are big-time shedders. But, most owners say they can keep their dog’s thick double coat under control with regular brushing. Beyond that, they don’t need haircuts (except for maybe an occasional light trim of the fur that grows between their paw pads).

Pomskies also tend to have drier skin on average, so keep baths to a minimum. They need their nails trimmed and their teeth brushed regularly, and a good ear cleaning once every few weeks or so. 

Training

Thanks to their smart parent breeds, Pomskies are brainy pups who typically master new skills in a flash. And since they crave attention of all kinds, they’re usually happy to participate in at-home obedience training sessions. That said, Pomskies can be a bit headstrong, so don’t be surprised if your pup starts pushing the boundaries you’ve laid out—just keep working on training and be consistent. Over time, your dog will get the picture and learn to be on her best behavior. 

"Some Pomskies can be stubborn, but with consistent routines, early training, and diverse socialization, especially during the first six months, most undesired behaviors can be resolved quickly and completely,” Reynolds says.

Stick to positive reinforcement techniques—with plenty of delicious dog treats for motivation—or consider asking a trainer for help. Group classes are also a good way to socialize your puppy while at the same time helping her master new skills—for many pet parents, they’re a win-win.

Common Health Problems

Since Pomskies are such a new breed, their health profile is still a bit murky—it’s simply too soon to tell what, if any, common issues may arise. But since mixed breeds often inherit some of the same health problems as their parents, Pomskies may be more susceptible to:

• Luxating patella
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism
• Collapsing trachea
• Congestive heart failure
• Seizures
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Hypoglycemia

Set your Pomsky up for success by keeping her at a healthy weight, visiting the vet for check-ups and vaccines, and learning her “normal” behaviors. That way, if she starts acting unusual, you’ll notice right away and can get her into the vet.

Diet and Nutrition

Pomskies run the gamut when it comes to their interest food—some can free feed, while others need strict portion control. All Pomskies, however, need high-quality dog food and access to fresh water at all times. Figuring out your Pomsky’s ideal weight can be a bit tricky, but talking with your dog’s breeder and a trusted veterinarian can help.

"The husky gene is unpredictable, so Pomskies can vary widely in size,” says Reynolds.

Where to Adopt or Buy a Pomsky

Though Pomskies are a new breed, you’ll find dozens of breeders around the United States and Canada. The American Pomsky Kennel Club maintains a list of certified breeders who have agreed to meet the organization's standards and values; it also highlights breeders who have performed additional screenings and tests to ensure their dogs are healthy. The Pomsky Owners Association also has its own list of approved breeders. You might get lucky and find a Pomsky at your local animal shelter, so keep an eye on available dogs just in case. Pomskies typically cost between $2,000 and $5,000.

Pomsky Overview

Pomskies are energetic and smart pups that can be a great fit for active families, but be prepared to do lots of brushing and vacuuming to manage all that fluff.

Pros of the Pomsky

• Great with kids
• Highly intelligent and easy to train
• Manageable size

Cons of the Pomsky

• High shedding
• High exercise needs
• Can be vocal

More Dog Breeds and Further Research

Since Pomskies are such a new breed, adopting one can be a bit of a wild card. You can learn more about a puppy’s potential personality by getting to know her parents, so don’t be afraid to ask your breeder for a meet-and-greet.

Also, since the breed is so popular, there are bad actors out there trying to make a quick buck. These scammy breeders sometimes try to pass off Siberian husky puppies as Pomskies, or they may simply take your money and run. Either way, trust your gut and keep an eye out for any red flags—if the price for a Pomsky seems too good to be true, it probably is. Ask for references, tour the breeder’s property in person, and ask for documentation.  

If you’re interested in similar breeds, check out:

• Alaskan klee kai
• German spitz
• Alaskan malamute

There’s a whole world of potential dog breeds out there-with a little research, you can find the right one to bring home.