Pomsky

Crossbreed: Pomeranian or miniature Spitz × Husky

The Pomsky is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky. Created in the United States in the early 2000s, the Pomsky is not yet recognised by the main cynological organisations, such as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) or the American Kennel Club (AKC). But that doesn't make them any less popular!

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There are five different sizes of the German Spitz dog, ranging from the smallest, the Pomeranian, to the largest, the Keeshond. They are all cheerful, jovial and affectionate but reserved around strangers, which makes them good guard dogs. They are intelligent and docile, making them easy to train and suitable for many households, especially those with children.

See the Pomeranian or miniature Spitz breed sheet

You may see Siberian Huskies in sled-dog competitions, but today, they are more commonly chosen as pets. These beautiful and gentle dogs are ideal companions for people who like primitive breeds. Huskies are friendly towards everyone (hence not good guard dogs). They are very independent, and have a high prey drive. Getting a Husky is not a decision to be made lightly.

See the Husky breed sheet

Pomeranian or miniature Spitz

See the Pomeranian or miniature Spitz breed sheet

Husky

See the Husky breed sheet

Life expectancy	The Pomsky has a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years
Temperament	Affectionate Playful
Size	Small
Adult size	Female Between 12 and 16 in Male Between 12 and 16 in
Adult weight	Female Between 13 and 24 lb Male Between 13 and 24 lb
Coat colour	Black White Brown Red Sand
Type of coat	Long
Eye colour	Blue Brown Odd-eyed

Pomsky generations - what are F1, F2, F3 and F1B?

There are different types of Pomskies depending on whether the parents are purebred (Siberian Husky and Pomeranian) or crossbred themselves. They are classified into different categories: F1, F2, F3.

Pomskies are small or medium-sized, but their weight can vary, even within the same generation. This depends on the genes they inherit from the Husky and the Pomeranian.

F1 (First Generation Pomsky)

Description: An F1 Pomsky is the result of a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian. It is recommended that both parents be registered in the Kennel Club. F1 Pomskies are considered to be the strongest and healthiest. Breeding new generations reduces the health and quality of the dog.

Weight: F1 Pomskies can vary greatly in size depending on the genetic influence of the parents, weighing between 26 and 44 lbs (12-20 kgs).

F2 (Second Generation Pomsky)

Description: An F2 Pomsky is the result of crossing two F1 Pomskies.

Weight: They can weigh from 15 to 24 lbs (7-11 kgs). But once again, greater variations are possible.

F3 (Third Generation Pomsky) and beyond

Description: An F3 Pomsky is the result of crossing two F2 Pomskies, or an F2 Pomsky with an F1 Pomsky.

Beyond that, there can also be a cross between 2 F3 Pomskies.

Weight: Depending on the breeder's selection, they can weigh between 7 and 13 lbs (3-6 kgs).

F1B (Backcross Pomsky)

Description: An F1B Pomsky is the result of crossing an F1 Pomsky with a purebred Siberian Husky or Pomeranian.

Weight: The size of an F1B Pomsky varies greatly depending on whether the cross is with a Husky or a Pomeranian. An F1B Pomsky can weigh between 10 and 35 lbs (5-16 kgs).

More details about the Pomsky

Origins and history

Pomsky: Origins and history

The Pomsky's exact origins are a little unclear, with no consensus on when and where this cross was first created. Nevertheless, it was in 2012 that Tressa Peterson, head of the Apex Pomskies kennel, and Joline Phillips, head of the Arctic Design Pomskies kennel, jointly laid the foundations for the creation of the Pomsky. They crossed a Pomeranian male with a Siberian Husky female, creating what is now known as the Pomsky. Pomskies have become increasingly popular all around the world. In the first year of their existence, the number of breeding kennels in the US rose from a handful to over thirty.

Subsequently, these dogs gained in popularity in the rest of the world, with a growing demand for dogs with unique looks and charming personalities.

It's important to note that the Pomsky is a so-called "designer dog", and its characteristics can vary depending on the genetics inherited from the two parent breeds. Pomsky breeders work to stabilise the desired characteristics, but the inherent variability in cross-breeding persists.

Characteristics and behaviour

Pomsky: Characteristics

Very affectionate

Pomskies are very affectionate towards their owners, a trait they get from both parent breeds.

Very playful

Pomskies are very playful. They love interacting with their owners and engaging in mentally challenging activities. Pomsky puppies are curious and somewhat turbulent creatures. They love to play and explore, so they can get into trouble when left to their own devices. This means you need to "puppy-proof" your home before you bring your puppy home. Protect your cables - Pomsky puppies love to chew! Make sure your home and garden is tidy and that you don't leave anything lying around that they could sink their sharp little teeth into. And your plants? Best to place them out of reach.

Not very calm

Pomskies are active little dogs, but they can be calm indoors if their exercise needs have been met.

Moderate intelligence

Pomskies are intelligent and learn quickly.

Moderate prey drive

Like their Husky parent, Pomskies can have a heightened prey drive. When taking walks in areas where encounters with wildlife are likely, close supervision is highly recommended.

Moderately fearful of strangers

Pomskies can be quite shy with strangers. Early socialisation is very important to avoid them growing up into nervous adults.

Not very independent

Pomskies develop very close bonds with their family members and prefer to be around them than on their own.

Pomsky: Behaviour

Can't tolerate being left alone

Pomskies can be left on their own, but they much prefer to be in the company of people, especially considering their need for physical and mental stimulation.

Moderately easy to train

Both parent breeds are quite stubborn. Early training and socialisation is a must, and you'll have to be patient! Nonetheless, training your Pomsky should be easy if you are consistent and use positive reinforcement methods.

Moderately vocal

Much like their Husky and Pomeranian parents, Pomskies can be quite talkative, using all sorts of vocalisations to express their emotions.

Has a tendency to run away

Like their Husky parent, Pomskies have a tendency to take off and turn a deaf ear to recall commands. Be on high alert whenever your Pomsky is off-lead.

Has a tendency destructive

Pomskies can become destructive if their needs for mental and physical stimulation aren't met.

Moderately food motivated

Pomskies love food, so it's important to feed them a healthy diet to help them maintain a healthy weight.

Not necessarily a watchdog

Pomskies are good guard dogs, but their size means they're unlikely to deter most criminals.

Training

Training a Pomsky

Both parent breeds tend to be a little stubborn. Training and socialisation should start as early as possible, and you'll have to be patient! Nevertheless, if you are consistent and use positive training methods, the Pomsky is generally easy to train.

Lifestyle and compatibility

Pomsky: Lifestyle

Compatible with living in a flat

Pomskies are well suited to urban living, including living in a flat, as long as they're properly exercised every day.

Needs a lot of exercise

Pomskies have lots of energy, so they'll need daily exercise to be happy and healthy.

Moderately easy to travel with

Because Pomskies are small to medium sized, they're easy to travel with.

Breed compatibility Pomsky

Moderately compatible with cats

Pomskies can happily share their space with a cat, as long as they're well socialised and are properly introduced to their new roommate.

Moderately compatible with other dogs

When well socialised, Pomskies can get along well with other dogs.

Moderately compatible with children

Pomskies should always be supervised around children, however, their energetic and affectionate natures makes them good companions for little ones.

Moderately compatible with senior owners

Because Pomskies require lots of exercise and companionship, they are only compatible with active seniors.

Moderately recommended for a first-time owner

A Pomsky is a rather challenging choice for a first-time owner, but if you are prepared to invest in their training, as well as their need for exercise and companionship, owning one can be a rewarding experience.

Grooming

Pomsky: Shedding

Heavy !

Both the Pomeranian and the Siberian Husky have thick double coats, so expect your Pomsky to be quite fluffy! Depending on the length of your Pomsky's coat, you'll need to brush it several times a week or daily. Get your hoover ready, because Pomskies shed a lot!