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American Pomsky Kennel Club

All About Pomskies

The Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian are two amazing purebred dogs each with characteristics that make them very popular pets.

What is an Arctic Spitz?

The Arctic Spitz is a type of dog breed that originated in the Arctic region, known for its thick coat, pointed ears, and curled tail. Examples of Arctic Spitz breeds include the Samoyed, Alaskan Malamute, and Siberian Husky. These dogs were traditionally used for sledding and other tasks in the harsh Arctic climate.

What makes a dog a spitz?

The term "spitz" is used to describe a group of dog breeds that are characterized by their thick, double coats, pointed ears, and curled tails. Spitz dogs are thought to have originated in the Arctic and were traditionally used for sledding, hunting, and guarding.

Do Arctic Spitz Pomskies dogs shed a lot?

Pomskies can shed a moderate amount, as both their parent breeds (the Pomeranian and the Siberian Husky) are known to shed. However, the extent of shedding can vary depending on the individual dog and its coat type.

Pomskies with a longer, thicker coat (which they may inherit from their Husky parent) may shed more than those with a shorter, thinner coat (which they may inherit from their Pomeranian parent). Additionally, Pomskies can shed more during certain times of the year, such as during seasonal changes or when their coat is changing.

Regular grooming can help to minimize shedding in Pomskies, as brushing and bathing can help to remove loose fur and keep the coat healthy. However, it's important to note that all dogs shed to some extent, and potential owners should be prepared to deal with some level of shedding.Are spitz dogs aggressive?

Average Size /Weight

Small - 10 to 30 lbs

Height

12 - 20 in.

Average Lifespan

12 - 16 years

What is the size of a Northern Lights Arctic Spitz Pomsky?

A Pomsky is a mixed breed dog that is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky. The size of a Pomsky can vary depending on the size of its Pomeranian and Husky parents, but they are generally smaller than most Arctic Spitz breeds. A Pomsky's weight can range from 10-30 pounds (4-14 kg), and their height is typically around 10-15 inches (25-38 cm) at the shoulder.

How long is a Pomsky lifespan?

The lifespan of a Pomsky can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as their individual genetics, overall health, and lifestyle. However, on average, Pomskies typically live between 12-15 years.

Like all dogs, there are some health issues that are more common in the Pomsky breed that can affect their lifespan. These can include issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, allergies, and dental problems, among others. However, many of these issues can be prevented or managed with proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups.

To help ensure a long and healthy life for your Pomsky, it's important to provide them with a nutritious diet, regular exercise, and plenty of mental and social stimulation. Regular veterinary check-ups are also important to catch any potential health issues early and prevent them from worsening.

Are Pomskies good family dogs?

Pomskies can make great family dogs, as they are generally friendly, playful, and affectionate. However, like all dogs, their suitability as a family pet can depend on a variety of factors, such as their individual temperament, their training and socialization, and the lifestyle and needs of the family.

Pomskies are known for their high energy levels and intelligence, so they require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They also tend to be quite social and enjoy spending time with their owners, so they may not do well if left alone for long periods of time.

While Pomskies are generally good with children and can make loyal and loving family pets, it's important to supervise interactions between young children and dogs to prevent any accidental injuries. Additionally, potential owners should be aware that Pomskies can be prone to separation anxiety if not properly trained and socialized, and may bark or become destructive if left alone for too long.

As with any dog, it's important to do your research and make sure that a Pomsky is the right breed for you and your family, and to provide them with plenty of love, attention, and care to ensure that they thrive.

Do Arctic Spitz Pomskies bark a lot?

As "Arctic Spitz Pomskies" (a cross between a Pomeranian and a Siberian Husky) have been known to bark on occasion, particularly if they are not properly trained or socialized.

That being said, excessive barking can also be a sign of anxiety or discomfort, so it's important to make sure your dog is comfortable in their environment and has enough physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom. Proper training and socialization can also help to minimize excessive barking.

A Pomeranian and a Husky, but how?

"The first comment I get as a Pomsky owner when people ask about the dogs' heritage is, "How is that even possible?" There is quite a size difference between these two parent breeds and so this coupling is accomplished via artificial insemination. The semen of a male Pomeranian is artificially inseminated into a female Husky during the peak time for conception. The result of this is a first-generation Pomsky often referred to as an F1 Pomsky. An F1 Pomsky gets 1/2 of its DNA from its Pomeranian father and the other 1/2 of its DNA from its Husky mother. Due to the extreme difference in height and weight of the two parent breeds the F1 puppy can come out on the smaller or larger side and it is very difficult to predict what the adult height and weight will be. As F1 Pomskies are bred with each other resulting in F2, F3, and F4 Pomskies, their height and weight become a lot more predictable. When you breed two 15lbs dogs to each other there is a greater chance that you are going to get a puppy in the 10 to 20lbs range than when you breed a 3lbs dog to a 45lbs dog."

The chart above explains the various Pomsky generations and also introduces some new topics that we are going to discuss.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize 1/2 breeds aka designer dogs. They require that dogs accepted as purebreds have at least 4 established breeds bred into their genetic line and a history of being able to produce the same characteristics reliably and repeatably. Breeders working towards this acceptance by the AKC are now adding American Eskimo and Alaskan Klee Kai to their Pomsky lines to produce a healthier and stable genetic line for a new breed known as an Arctic Spitz. Over the next several years we will also be incorporating these genetics into our Pomskies to ensure that our Pomskies will be ready for the AKC's eventual acceptance of this lovable and energetic breed.

If you are wondering what it is like to own a Pomsky, as the owner of 6 Pomskies, I can give you the knowledge I have gained.

They are absolutely adorable. If you are out walking your dog people will literally cross the street to come to talk to you about your dog. They have only been around for a short period of time so many people have never seen one before. They are often mistaken for baby huskies and people are surprised when I tell them they are not puppies but full-grown dogs. They are extremely playful and have a lot of energy like their husky lineage. The good news is, they come in a pint-sized package, so they are pretty easy to redirect. My dogs are happiest with two 15 to 20 min walks a day and two high-energy ball-playing sessions of about 10 min a piece. If your Pomsky gets the zoomies (where they run around like crazy in your house) it normally means they need more exercise than they are receiving.

Weekly brushing helps to keep the hair down, but I am not going to lie, this breed does shed a lot and we refer to it as Pomsky glitter.

Twice a year they will blow their coat, which basically means you will take a whole dog's worth of hair off of them. Grooming is relatively simple as they are a pretty clean breed needing only the occasional bath every month or two, regular nail trims, a sanitary trim (a haircut by their rear end), and weekly brushing. I never take them to the groomers and do all these tasks myself and save a ton of money. If you do not feel comfortable though, a trip to the groomer will not hurt them, as long as you are very clear with the groomer that this is a double-coated dog and their hair is never to be cut or shaved aside from the sanitary trim. Seriously, never do it!!! You will regret it immensely as your dog will never look the same and you can do severe damage to your dog's skin. I know when we see our dogs pant in the summer we think we have to help them but shaving is not the answer. Make sure your dog has shade when outside and fresh water and they will be fine.

Pomskies are family dogs and they love their families.

They get along well with all members of the family, even small children as long as they are taught not to scream/squeal near the puppy's sensitive ears and not to tug on tails and fur. Training your puppy to not be food aggressive is important no matter what type of dog you have and will also help make puppies well adjusted to life with small children. My Pomskies get along great with our cats but they do inherit the Husky prey drive which means they like to chase small animals. If you have skittish cats in the home, it will take some work to train your puppy not to enjoy provoking them, and the chase that inevitably ensues. Our dogs have never hurt the cats when they catch them, but our cats have let their dissatisfaction be known with some hissing and a few good swaps of the paw. Good training and regular clipping of the cat's nails will help elevate any serious issues here. You don't want your Pomsky taking a razor-sharp cat claw to the face or eyes.

Pomskies are incredibly smart and can get bored easily so it is good to provide them with training, puzzles, and enrichment activities to keep them mentally sharp and prevent unwanted destructive behaviors.

There are numerous food puzzles online and crazy fun tricks you can teach your dog to keep them engaged. Pomskies have a reputation for being willful and to a degree, I agree with it but if you are consistent you will teach them that listening to you usually involves something fun for them. Our dogs each have amazing personalities and keep us laughing all day long with their silly antics and behaviors. I have owned many dog breeds in my life and I will say that Pomskies are just about as lovable and fun as dog ownership gets. I couldn't imagine my life without them with all the joy they bring. My only regret is not having the space for 20 more.

Northern Lights Arctic Spitz Pomskies

APKC holds their breeders to a high standard because they believe in good, honest breeding. View The New: OFFICIAL POMSKY BREEDING STANDARDS