The Pomeranian Husky mix, sometimes referred to as the Pomsky, is a mixed breed that is a combination of the Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian. By mixing these two breeds together, the mix brings together desirable temperamental and physical traits, resulting in beautiful, playful dogs. Since this designer hybrid can be quite expensive, you’ll want to learn more about the breed before you decide to buy one. Take a closer look at the history, temperament, grooming needs, and health of these dogs before making your final decision.
Origin and History
Since the Pomeranian Husky mix is a very new, designer hybrid, there’s not a lot known about its history. However, you can learn a lot more about the origins of the Pomsky by taking a look at both the Husky’s and the Pomeranian’s history.
Developed by the Chukchi people in northeaster Siberia, the Siberian Husky was bred to be an endurance sled dog that could travel long distances while pulling a load. Only the best dogs were bred for thousands of years, resulting in well-tempered, non-aggressive, smart dogs. Later these dogs would become very popular in Alaska, becoming popular in the grueling sled races that are so popular. In 1930, the American Kennel Club accepted the breed, and the breed continues to be popular in the show ring and as a family pet today.
The Pomeranian was first recognized by England’s Kennel Club in 1870, which is when the breed began to become well known. These dogs were very popular with English royalty, Emile Zola, Marie Antoinette, and Amadeus Mozart. In 1900, the American Kennel Club accepted the breed for full registration, adding the breed to the Toy Group. Today these dogs excel in agility, obedience, and the show ring.
Appearance
Because the Pomeranian Husky mix is a hybrid, these dogs often have different appearances. One puppy may look totally different from another puppy, even if the two are from the very same litter. Some may have more of the Husky traits, while others may primarily resemble the Pomeranian. Pomsky puppies are usually quite fluffy, but their coat can change as they age and may resemble that of the Husky, the Pomeranian, or something in between. The goal of most breeders is to breed a dog that has the coat, appearance, and upturned tail of the Husky but the smaller size of the Pomeranian.
The coat of the Pomeranian Husky mix can come in a variety of colors, since both of the parent breeds can have coats that come in various colors. Some of the coat colors the Pomsky may display include cream, black and tan, white, brown, orange, spotted, brown and tan, brindle, blue sable, red, and black. In many cases, this hybrid dog ends up with the striking blue eyes of the Husky, although they may have brown eyes or even eyes that are a mixture of brown and blue.
The Pomsky can come in various sizes. On average, they weigh between 20 to 30 pounds, although some may only weigh in at about 15 pounds, and others may be a bit over 30.
The Pomsky Temperament
The personality of the Pomeranian Husky mix can vary somewhat as well, just like their looks, but they share some of the same traits, so you can expect these dogs to be very friendly and playful. They usually get along extremely well with people, and they are fairly good with children as well. The Pomsky can get excited when they want to play, and their playful behavior is generally very loving. Since they like people, they love to have plenty of attention. They need to have interaction with their family all the time.
A Pomeranian Husky mix will be very smart, but they may not be the easiest to train. Huskies are generally quite easy to train, but Pomeranians can be a bit stubborn. You’ll need to be firm, but gentle, when you’re training these dogs. The reward method has been found to be extremely effective with this hybrid.
Since they are playful and full of energy, you’ll need to make sure that the Pomsky gets plenty of exercise. They’ll need walks and plenty of playtime and running outdoors to keep them from getting into mischief.
Grooming
Since both of the parents have a thick double coat, you can expect your Pomeranian Husky mix to have a double coat as well. The outer layer of their coat can be smooth and sleek like the Husky or very fluffy like that of a Pomeranian. Because they have a double coat that is quite thick, they do require regular grooming. It’s important to brush your Pomsky several times a week to remove tangles and dead hair. Brushing daily is an even better choice. They should also be bathed once a month. If they don’t wear down their nails outdoors, it’s important to keep their nails filed or clipped, although you may want to consider having this done by a professional groomer. Brushing their teeth at least a couple times each week will prevent bad breath and other oral health problems.
Working Roles
Although Huskies are still working dogs today, the Pomeranian Husky mix is generally not used in any type of working role. However, they make wonderful family pets and can be great companion or comfort dogs.
Health
The average life span of a Siberian Husky is usually between 10 and 14 years, while that of the Pomeranian is generally between 13 and 15 years. You can expect the Pomsky to have a life span of somewhere between 10 and 15 years. While the mix is known to be very healthy – healthier than the parents – the mix still has the ability to develop some of the health concerns of the parents. Some potential health concerns to be aware of in the Pomeranian Husky mix include:
- Cataracts
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Hypothyroidism
- Shoulder luxation
- Elbow luxation
- Cryptorchidism
- Generalized progressive retinal atrophy
- Patellar luxation
- Entropion
- Collapsing trachea
- Hydrocephalus
- Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-like syndrome
- Von Willebrand disease
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Oral eosinophilic granuloma
- Chronic superficial keratitis
- Juvenile cataracts
- Crystalline corneal opacity
- Hip dysplasia
- Nasal depigmentation
- Basal cell tumor
- Epilepsy
- Perianal gland adenoma