Pomsky Dog Breed Guide: Size, Price, Training & More

Pomsky

The Pomsky is the result of breeding a Siberian Husky with a Pomeranian. These adorable mixes go by many nicknames but are most commonly known as Pomskies.

They have the appearance of a miniature husky with all the sass of both their parents. They are best described as a Husky trapped in a Pomeranian’s small body. These adorable fluff balls have more spunk than most dogs and pack it all into a small package!

Pomeranian Husky mixes have a stubborn attitude and can be shy around new people and dogs. They need lots of effort put into their socialization and have too much of an attitude for first time owners!

Despite being shy, the Pomsky is a very lovable dog breed. They are also adventurous and ready to play at all times. If you are considering getting one of these dogs, read on to learn everything you need to know…

All About Pomsky Dogs

Eager Pomsky pup on a walk

A Pomsky is a designer dog breed created by crossing a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian. These dogs are kept solely for companionship and love, they are not a working breed.

These little wolf dogs have the appearance of a Husky trapped in a Pomeranian’s body. They are popular for keeping their puppy like appearance throughout their life.

They may be undeniably cute, but their personality may not always be as sweet.

Pomskies are known for their sassy and stubborn personality. Yet, they are also known for their intense loyalty to their owners. They melt at the sight of their favorite person and become very loving. They prefer to be alone with just one or two people in their home.

This mix is not a sociable breed. They are very anxious and become easily stressed in the presence of too many people or dogs.

Because of their Husky parent, this small dog also packs a surprising amount of energy. You will need to play with them and go for long walks or runs each day. This will keep them mentally and physically active.

Breed Characteristics
Family Friendly★★★★★(2)
Energy Levels★★★★(4)
Ease of Training★★★★(1)
Shedding Frequency★★★★(4)
Price★★★★★(5)

Where Does The Pomsky Come From?

It was not until 2011 when the first Pomsky puppy was born. Their miniature Siberian Husky appearance quickly made them popular among many dog owners.

Pomskies are a very new designer dog breed. But the parents of this breed have rich histories as sled dogs.

The Siberian Husky (not to be confused for a malamute) was originally bred in Asia as a working sled dog. These dogs have thick, beautiful fur that allows them to withstand bitter cold and icy conditions. Their unmatched endurance allows them to pull sleds for thousands of miles without tiring.

Surprisingly, Pomeranians also have a history with sled pulling.

Pomeranians’ ancestors were much larger spitz-type dogs that had the same endurance and weather resistant fur that Huskies are known for. This breed was selectively bred over generations to reduce their size. Queen Victoria continued to breed these dogs down in size until they were the “perfect” royal pups.

Pomeranian Husky mix

Breed Facts

  • This hybrid dog gained popularity by “falsely” being featured in a Buzzfeed meme in 2011. The image was actually of a Finnish Lapphund puppy, but it was incorrectly labelled as a Pomeranian Husky mix. This quickly led to an obsession with this dog.
  • In 2017, Pomskies were one of the most popular mixed breed dogs. However, they are very rare because of the complicated breeding process needed to produce one. These dogs have to be produced through artificial insemination, which require much more expertise than traditional mating.
  • Most small dog breeds cannot live in the cold weather due to their petite bodies. However, this breed has a thick coat that allows it to easily withstand cold winter temperatures.
  • Many people ask if the pomsky is AKC registered? The American Kennel Club is unlikely to recognize this breed, as it is a hybrid dog. Kennel clubs do not recognize breeds with extreme variation in appearance and personality. It would be almost impossible to develop a breed standard.
  • Pomsky lovers have created their own breed club known as the Pomsky Club of America. This club has the same goals as any other breed club. To produce healthy puppies and to monitor the breeding practices used to breed them.
  • Pomskies are a very popular choice for emotional support animals due to their loyal nature and loveable personality. They become very loyal to just one person in the family.

Appearance, Size and Color

Pomsky puppy with blue eyes
Pomskies are very popular due to their permanent puppy appearance.

A Pomsky will look like a Husky puppy for all its life. Some people even describe them as a Husky in a Pomeranian’s body. They are also known for their small wolf-like appearance.

Whatever the size of your pup, it will have a lean, muscular build that is characteristic of a Siberian Husky.

Despite how you choose to describe the appearance of your Pomsky, these pups almost always have pointy, erect ears and a fluffy tail that curves upward like a Husky’s. Some have warm brown eyes while others have piercing, icy blue eyes.

Color

A Pomsky’s color can vary greatly because both Huskies and Pomeranians can come in many different coat colors and patterns.

The most well-known color variation is the typical Husky coat that is a patchwork of white, silver, and black. However, they can also be a mixture of:

They will always have a thick, double coat that is often straight or wavy in texture and soft to the touch. Their lovely fur often has the fluffy, dense feel that a Husky’s fur has. It can either be long or medium in length depending on which genes they inherit.

Pomskies are not hypoallergenic dogs. Thanks to their Husky parent they are a moderate to heavy shedder.

These small pups will fill your home with fur. They experience two heavy periods of shedding each year. This is known as “blowing their coat.” During this time, they will lose their entire undercoat.

How Big Is A Full Grown Pomsky?

Pomsky dog excitedly eating grass in the backyard
At six months a Pomsky will be over half its adult size.

Full grown Pomskies are typically between 10 and 15 inches tall and can weigh as little as 7 pounds, or as much as 35 pounds. These pups have a wide weight range because of the hefty size difference of a Siberian Husky vs a Pomeranian.

If your mix inherits more Husky genes, it could weigh 35 pounds and may stand 15 inches tall! If your Pomsky inherits more Pomeranian genes, they could weigh 7 pounds and stand 10 inches tall.

The size difference between these two breeds makes their puppies a bit of a mystery!

Because of their unique genetics it may be difficult to predict what size a Pomsky will grow to be. What is known is that they stop growing at one year old.

Breeders cannot guarantee what size a Pomsky will be. If size is a major consideration, adopting an older Pomsky may be a better option.

Personality

Small Black Pomsky Dog
Pomskies have dynamic personalities.

On the one hand, a Pomsky is an extremely affectionate dog who constantly craves attention. They demand to be the center of attention and can get quite jealous if another dog or person comes in to steal their spotlight.

These mixes are very loyal to their owners and will follow them around wherever they go. They are often called ‘velcro dogs’ because of their clingy nature. Because of this they often develop separation anxiety.

Despite their loving nature towards their owners, they are very unfriendly towards strangers and other dogs. They do not like to interact with others and prefer to live a more solitary life.

These dogs can be quite stubborn and have a bit of an attitude problem. They can develop ‘small dog syndrome’ where they believe they are the one in charge. Some owners are very frustrated by this behavior and find it difficult to train them because of it.

Pomskies are also very anxious dogs. New situations, new people, and new dogs all cause them great stress. This fear they have of new things can make socialization very difficult.

They also develop a lot of anxiety in large families or loud situations. Unfortunately, Pomskies are not a good family dog. They can become very fearful and may even nip or bite in a family setting.

Children are too noisy and chaotic for a Pomsky. They often nip due to their high stress levels. These dogs are much better suited to single adults or young couples.

Despite their high anxiety levels, these pups are very silly and playful with their owners.

Pomskies will gladly play any game you are willing to entertain them with. They will happily chase a ball or frisbee all day long. They are also little comedians and will keep you laughing with their wild bursts of energy and expressive faces.

They may be small, but these pups can sure pack a lot of energy into their small bodies.

These dogs have a very high prey drive that makes them very likely to chase small animals. This prey drive also makes them very alert, so they are actually a very good watchdog. A Pomsky will always bark to alert you to any potential “danger.”. Their alert-barking nature can be helpful but also a bit annoying at times.

Are Pomskies Easy To Train?

Young Pomsky
This hybrid is not well suited for inexperienced dog owners. They have a stubborn streak.

The Pomsky has a feisty personality that is best highlighted during training. A lot of patience is needed to train this dog.

These dogs can be very difficult to train and are quite sensitive. They require lots of positive reinforcement. Harsh punishment will only make them more irritable and less likely to listen. You will need to be patient and creative. Training needs to be fun for these smart dogs.

Their high intelligence causes them to frequently get bored. They need plenty of interactive toys, play time and trick training. These peppy dogs do not enjoy playing with toys on their own, they need their favorite human to be involved as well.

Two traits you will likely want to train out of a Pomsky are excessive barking and possessive behaviors.

Pomeranians and Huskies are known for their vocal personalities. It is no surprise that Pomskies also bark and yap. You will want to combat this before it becomes a permanent issue.

These dogs can also become very possessive of their food or toys. If you notice this behavior as a puppy, train it out quickly to avoid aggression issues.

Be expected to put in a lot of effort into training and socializing this mix.

Socialization is critically important. Pomskies are often very shy and nervous around strangers or other dogs. They will need positive experiences with people and dogs of various ages and sizes from a young age.

These pups are not social butterflies, so be patient with them and do not try to forcibly rid them of their introverted nature.

Why Are Pomskies So Expensive?

Pomsky dog
Pomsky puppies generally cost $2,000 to $4,000.

Pomeranians and Huskies can only be bred through artificial insemination. Because of the striking size difference between them, natural mating cannot be safely performed. This has led to breeders using artificial insemination to breed them. This is much more expensive for breeders and makes Pomsky puppies very expensive.

Certain Pomskies are also considered “more desirable” due to certain traits. Breeders will charge higher prices for puppies with:

  • Blue eyes.
  • Typical gray, white and black coat pattern of a Husky.
  • Small size.

It is rare to find one of these designer breeds in a shelter, but if you do, they will be significantly cheaper.

These dogs do not often end up in shelters, but when they do, it is normally because owners underestimate the socialization requirements and stubbornness of this breed.

AgePrice
Puppy$2000-$4000
Adult$500-$600
Adoption$200-$400

If you find a Pomsky puppy for less than $2,000 then be wary.

Backyard breeders or puppy mills will often mass produce designer puppies that are in high demand. However, these puppies live in horrible conditions that can cause illness and behavioral problems.

It is important to see the puppy before purchasing. You should also visit the home where your puppy is being raised.

Reputable breeders will be more than happy to allow you to visit their puppies. Puppy mills will likely provide you with suspicious answers or no visit at all.

Buyer’s Guide

  1. These anxious dogs generally do not do well around young children or large families. Only singles or couples should be adopting a Pomsky.
  2. Owners with other small animals in the home (e.g. cats, rodents, or rabbits) should not adopt this breed. These dogs have a high prey drive and will likely chase these pets around endlessly.
  3. Only purchase this breed if you have an active lifestyle. They may be small, but Pomskies have plenty of energy and need a lot of exercise each day.
  4. Pomskies make good apartment dogs due to their size. However, you will need to train out their excessive barking early on.
  5. If you are away from home for more than two hours a day, this is not the breed for you. They often develop separation anxiety and will chew or yap loudly if left alone.
  6. Start socializing your Pomsky as soon as you bring them home. They are naturally shy and wary of new people. If any visitors come over, they will likely become very anxious. They would much prefer a quiet day just with their beloved owner.

If you do decide to adopt a Pomsky, you better be an early bird. These pups will be ready to start the day as soon as the sun rises! These bundles of energy will race downstairs and be ready to chase a ball, while you may still be yawning and finishing your morning coffee.

Health

The Pomsky enjoys a long, healthy life and typicallys live for between 12 and 15 years. Mixed breed dogs are generally healthier than purebreds, but, unfortunately they do have the chance of developing illnesses from both parents.

Pomskies can suffer from joint issues such as hip dysplasia and luxating patellas. This is caused by their short legs and extremely active nature. Excessive exercise on their delicate joints can eventually wear them down.

These little dogs can also develop epilepsy or heart disease which could be fatal.

Siberian Huskies are known for eye problems including juvenile cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy. Pomskies often suffer from various eye problems too.

Pomeranians are prone to severe hair loss syndrome. This happens when hair gradually begins to fall out and does not regrow. It is most common in male Pomeranians and is hereditary.

This may be a long list of potential illnesses, but there is a high possibility your Pomsky puppy will never develop any of these!

Should You Get A Pomsky?

Pomsky
First time dog owners should definitely not get a Pomsky!
ProsCons
Compact and small size makes them suitable for smaller homes.Often develop separation anxiety.
Loveable and loyal towards owners.Shy around guests, strangers and other dogs.
Longer lifespan than a typical Siberian Husky.Anxious around young children and large groups.
Silly and goofy personality will make you laugh.Will chew or bark excessively if bored.
Energetic personality makes them fun to play with.High prey drive makes them likely to chase small pets.

There are many reasons to adopt a Pomsky. Their permanent puppy look, their intense loyalty to their owners and their sense of adventure are all traits that many owners love.

The Pomsky is undeniably cute and has the ability to melt anyone’s heart with their sweet eyes, but most dog owners are not the right fit for this dog. You should also ask yourself why you shouldn’t get a Pomsky.

This breed is a very polarizing dog that is only suited for certain owners. Sadly these dogs do not make good family pets.

Pomskies are “velcro dogs” and want to be with their owners at all times. Their attachment is so intense that they often develop separation anxiety. If you are a busy, working individual who is rarely home, this is not the dog for you. The more time you spend away from your Pomsky, the more likely they are going to chew on your belongings or dig holes in the backyard.

These dogs are also very stubborn and difficult to train. They require an owner that is experienced and consistent with training. Inexperienced owners will likely become frustrated by their strong will. They will also struggle to break some of the bad habits, such as excessive barking and nipping.

Pomskies are also not very sociable dogs, with people or dogs. They prefer a quiet, solitary lifestyle where they can bond with one or two close humans. Any other dogs, children, or loud family members will likely make them anxious and may cause them to nip out of fear.

Summary

A Pomsky is a designer dog that is bred by mating a Siberian Husky and a Pomeranian. These adorable dogs have the appearance of a Husky trapped in a Pomeranian’s body!

If you are an adventurous, experienced dog owner who lives alone and spends plenty of time at home, this may be the perfect dog for you.

First time dog owners, this is not the breed for you. Try looking for a Cavapoo mix or even a Schnoodle

Pomskies have a stubborn, sensitive personality that experienced dog owners are much better suited to handle. These pups are also quite shy and demand patient socialization from a very young age.

These sassy dogs are very sweet with their owners and prefer to only have contact with their people. They are unsure of strangers, other dogs and especially children. Large, noisy families frighten them and cause them great stress.

Pomskies definitely require a very specific type of owner. They are energetic, loyal and playful with those they love. They are shy, stubborn and sensitive to anything unknown.

If you have the expertise and patience to train one of these beautiful mixes, you will have a very loyal and loving companion at your side.

Do you have a Pomsky at home? Let us know how your experience with one has been in the comments below!

Comments

  1. I have had a Pomsky puppy for a month now. While he certainly is stubborn and anxious if I leave him alone for too long, he is extremely social, great with kids and large groups, terrific with other (even larger) dogs, not at all shy, doesn’t startle easily from loud noises, and is more than happy to play by himself with a toy for a while. We have a 5 year old Husky and a 6 year old cat that he loves to wrestle with and chase. I can definitely recommend them if you want a loving, energetic dog. Be prepared for a lot of effort in the training process. While he learns extremely quickly, if I am not consistent all day, every day, as he constantly tests the limits I give him.

    Reply
    • Same experience I completely agree with you. Mine is on the larger size and jet black. But he loves everyone and everything almost instantly. Very curious in nature too.

      Reply
  2. My young male Pomsky is perfectly described in this topic. He is very attached and has very high separation anxiety, he will cry if I am out of his sight for longer than a few minutes. He is also stubborn, but is excited to learn. To all wanting to purchase one I say this, get a Siberian Husky first. I have had six Huskies throughout my life and they are a bundle of joy and are wonderful family pets. Pomskys are more of a single person pet. Mine loves my children, but it is very obvious that I am “Dad” to him. Talk about a comedian, he has brought me so much joy with the comical moments he hasKeep in mind that Pomskys are miniature Huskies plain and simple, just without the strength of a full grown Husky. Once you own a Pomsky, you’ll never want a different breed 😁

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