Pomsky

As a Pomeranian-Husky mix, Pomskies have thick double coats that shed heavily in the spring and fall. Grooming a Pomsky isn’t necessarily difficult, but it is important for their comfort and health.

A Pomsky can have one of three coat types:

• Wooly (long and thick)
• Plush (short and fluffy)
• Standard (short and dense)

Maintaining these coats can take time, especially for Pomskies with wooly or plush coats.

“Their thick fur makes them prone to tangles, and they experience seasonal coat blows, requiring daily brushing during peak shedding seasons,” says Julie Jones, a Pomsky breeder and owner of Brick’House Couture Pomskies in Norfolk, Virginia.

Pomskies with standard coats have the lowest maintenance needs and only require brushing once a week. But all Pomsky coats are prone to matting—especially in the softer fur behind the ears and under the armpits—so regular brushing is an important part of their care, no matter which coat type they inherit.

The APKC advises against shaving your Pomsky, but trimming their hair for comfort and hygiene is OK, says Baumann. She suggests trimming the paw pads and the belly during hot summer months to help them keep cool, but leaving their long guard hairs alone (since these long hairs help protect them from the sun).

Pomskies are “naturally clean dogs and do not need frequent bathing,” Morin says. Most Pomskies only need a bath once a month or when visibly dirty.

Along with keeping up with their coat, your Pomsky dog needs other grooming upkeep, too, including:

• Nail trimming: Trim your dog’s nails every four to six weeks (or whenever you hear the nails tapping on the floor).
• Ear cleaning: Check your Pomsky’s ears monthly for signs of infection, such as redness and odor. Any changes in their ears should be reported to your veterinarian.
• Dental care: Pomskies are susceptible to dental and gum disease, so routine brushing and professional cleanings are important.
  • Aim to brush your dog’s teeth at least three times a week (though every day is best) using dog-safe toothpaste.

Because Pomskies are so smart, caring for their brain is just as important as caring for their body. This means training, socializing, and mentally engaging your pup is a must.

A Pomsky puppy may inherit the Siberian Husky’s strong-willed nature, so they might be difficult for first-time pet parents to train on their own. Baumann suggests seeking the help of a local puppy training class to make sure your dog gets the best guidance. 

“Because they’re so cute and because they have that quirky attitude, they tend to be able to get away with a lot more than what other dogs can get away with,” she says. 

Experienced dog parents may be able to train their Pomsky on their own, though patience and consistency will always be important. Regularly setting clear boundaries early on will make obedience training more effective in the long run. 

“The biggest things I can recommend are management and consistency while they are learning,” says Lauren Schreiber, CPDT-KA, director of members for the APKC and owner of Arctic Tails Spitz. “Constant supervision is the key here. This way, [you] will see if they start getting into trouble, and can immediately interrupt and redirect them to an appropriate activity.”

In addition to training, Pomsky puppies need socialization. Exposing your puppy to different situations—including people, places, and other animals—will help them grow up to be confident and relaxed, no matter where they are. Your vet can give you tips.

All dogs are different—especially a mixed breed like the Pomsky. Because of this, there’s no set ideal diet for your dog.

Chat with your vet about the best food for your dog. This may be a high-performance sport formula, a dental-focused diet, or one promoting a healthy weight. Your chosen dog food just needs to meet AAFCO standards and be formulated for your Pomsky’s life stage: puppy, adult, or senior.

Feed your Pomsky twice a day using the portions recommended on your dog’s food bag. Take care not to overfeed your dog—this can lead to weight gain and joint issues.

“Pomskies are meant to be active and agile,” Morin says. “Keeping them at a proper weight is crucial for their overall health and well-being.”

Like any breed, Pomskies need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. However, exercise needs to vary from dog to dog, and this breed is known for being particularly adaptable to different lifestyles.

“If you are one of those people [who] bike 20 miles, they will go with you,” Baumann says. “If you are a couch potato, they will sit on the couch with you.”

Although they can adjust to your energy level, Pomskies still need at least two walks a day, supplemented with puzzles and toys that engage the brain.

And not all dogs will be quite as flexible; it’s best to ask your Pomsky breeder about the parents’ behavior to get a sense about what your dog’s exercise requirements will be.

The adaptable Pomsky can be happy almost anywhere. If you’ve got kids, a Pomsky will be their playmate. If other dogs or cats share their space, a Pomsky will gladly coexist (as long as everyone is introduced properly).

Pomskies tend to adjust to their family’s rhythm, so they can adjust to laid-back families, highly active families, and everything in between. As long as you give them plenty of attention and meet their exercise and grooming needs, a Pomsky will fit in.

“Unlike full-sized Huskies, Pomskies don’t require as much space and can fit well into apartments or smaller homes, provided they get daily walks and playtime,” Jones says.

Apartment dwellers will want to take special care in training their Pomsky to manage barking. Like Siberian Huskies, Pomskies are very talkative and expressive, Jones says, which can be a problem if you have nearby neighbors.