Pomsky Info: What every potential owner should know about pomskies

Pomskies are a relatively young breed with strong popularity established only in the last few years.  They are a "crossbred" dog, typically with a Siberian Husky female and a Pomeranian Male.  While there are significant differences between these two types of dogs today, they are both "spitz" type dogs and share a common ancestor (sort of reconnecting a split in the family tree).  Pomskies have a thick double coat, upright ears and husky type markings or solid white husky colors.  They can have many different eye colors.

First generation pomskies have a purebred Husky Dam and Pom Sire.  These are often referred to as F1 or 50/50 Pomskies.  This pairing nearly always requires artificial insemination as the size difference between the dogs isn't conducive to natural methods (and leads to lots of bad jokes).  Even though the genes are shared equally between the parents, these pups can strongly favor either parent in size or markings; mother nature likes to mix things up.  For example, in the picture at the top of this page, Caoimhe, an F1 Pomsky, is outside for the very first time this past spring and she strongly resembles Dani her Husky Mom under whom she is sheltering.

Many breeders (including TLC Pomskies) produce an F1B litter: a purebred dog crossed with a regular F1 Pomsky.  Genetically, this mix is known as a 75/25 cross as the majority of the genetic material is largely coming from one breed.  Again, variability is common, but this crossing often helps produce more stable sizes in the breed.  In spring of 2019, TLC Pomskies expects to breed Caoimhe and Dingle; if successful, we will call this pairing the oreo cookie litter.

A dog with two F1 Pomsky parents is called an F2 pairing.  Technically, these dogs share a 50/50 gene pool but often produce the greatest degree of variability.  This breeding step is essential for producing a stable gene pool that breeds true.

All these different breeding combinations are intended to produce amazingly cute dogs that can look like a tiny Husky or an overgrown Pomeranian; when everything works right, the pups get the best of both worlds.  As both of these breeds are generally healthy, they tend to inherit fewer genetic disorders than some purebred dogs but this is not guaranteed as any pup can carry genetic diseases from either parent.

Temperamentally, Pomskies often resemble a cross between their parents.  In general, Huskies are active, friendly, confident explorers.  Pomeranians are commonly family focused and alert to their environment.  Pomskies tend to be in the middle of the range although both genes and how a dog is raised will significally impact their personality.  Both breeds are usually intelligent and Pomskies tend to the higher side of dog intelligence.

With a thick double coat, all Pomskies will shed, some seasonally and others year round; regular grooming will minimize the mess.  Pomskies are not hypoallergenic.  Eye color and markings can change noticeably up to about one year of age.  Some Pomskies are "talkers" like some Huskies; others are not.  All Pomskies find a way to effectively communicate important stuff.

Pomskies require regular exercise.  We often say that a tired dog is a good dog.  Don't be surprised if a smart, bored dog with pent up energy gets into trouble.  This is easily avoided with a proper activity regimen.

Pomskies love to train their owners and can accomplish remarkable feats to ensure their owners deliver a regular supply of treats and toys … even if is just sitting still and looking cute.  In our experience they are not as challenging to train or housebreak as many more willful breeds but again, every dog is different.  We strongly encourage socializing Pomskies with other dogs and people (after completing the appropriate vaccination sequence) to ensure that their behavior is predictable and appropriate in the future.

Hopefully it's clear by now that Pomskies come in a great variety of sizes, colors, markings and temperament.  All have the potential to be wonderful dogs for the right person or family.  Owning a great dog is a long term commitment and not the right choice for everyone.  At TLC Pomskies we will work with you to help figure out if one of our very special dogs is right for you.