Pomskies are a crossbred dog resulting in breeding (via artificial insemination) a Siberian Husky female to a Pomeranian male. They resemble a small spitz-type dog with a thick double coat, erect ears, and typically the siberian mask-and-cap pattern of white markings. IPA also recognizes breedings that include Siberian husky to the greater Pomeranian family, including American Eskimo Dogs and German Spitz.

Like most first generation crossbred dogs, there is a general look and ‘type’ to the resulting dogs, but still a great deal of variability. The IPA was created to help breeders of pomskies share knowledge and strive to breed healthier, happier, more consistent dogs. Some breeders plan to breed only first generation crosses, others hope to work towards multi-gen crosses and eventually a true ‘breed’. We hope that by tracking pedigree data we will increase everyone’s ability to better predict the outcomes of any given mating. In general, Pomskies resemble the other breeds in the spitz family, are small to medium sized, and have thick, plush coats in a variety of colors and patterns.

The IPA recognizes a breed standard that describes our club’s vision of the ideal pomsky. It can be found here.

F1 – a dog with purebred parents. (Generally 50% Siberian and 50% Pomeranian)*

F1B – B stands for backcross- a purebred dog crossed with a regular F1 Pomsky (so 25% pomeranian and 75% husky or vice versa)

F2 – A dog with two F1 Pomsky parents. While this dog is, on paper, 50% pomernian and 50% Siberian, this generation is generally much more varied than F1s or F1Bs, but a necessary part of breeding towards dogs who will breed true.

F#X – An ‘outcross’ dog. (The # will tell you what generation from the initial crossbreeding this particular individual is). These are dogs with either one Pomsky parent and one non-Siberian or Pomeranian parent (ie, an American Eskimo or German Spitz) OR a breeding of Siberian Husky to American Eskimo or German Spitz. We do not recognize litters of pomeranian x spitz or American Eskimo but these individuals may be used in a breeding program for various reasons.

Multigen – a dog with multiple generations of crossbreeding behind them. A multi-gen dog is a necessity if a breeder wants to pursue a dog that ‘breeds true’- ie, produces offspring that look mostly like itself, with size and other characteristics.

In general, F1 Pomskies are between 15-30 pounds. There are occasional dogs both smaller and larger. F1B Poms with a Pom parent are likely to be on the smaller end and F1B with a Siberian parent on the larger.

Both Poms and Siberians are spitz breeds, with strong personalities, an excellent sense of humor, and a lot of hair. Siberians are very active, while Pomeranians are focused on their own familiar people. In general, Pomskies tend to be in the middle of the range for both these traits, but vary quite a bit. Most are outgoing dogs who enjoy a long hike – or a nice walk around the neighborhood. Although they do not tend to be as active as huskies can be, like all dogs, some daily exercise is necessary, and a good walk or romp at the park is greatly appreciated, especially for young dogs.

Pomskies come in a variety of colors and patterns. Eyes may be blue or brown or any combination of the two. Buyers should know that while Pomsky puppy markings may change a great deal as the puppy grows up, eyes will never change from brown to blue, and a puppy who lacks white markings at 8 weeks is unlikely to gain significantly in them. Grey/silver husky markings may be very pale in young puppies, but are visibly present at all times.

Pomsky coats are always double, with a slick, harsh top coat and softer downy undercoat. These vary in length, and those individuals with longer coats tend to need more time spent grooming. All coat lengths and types shed to some extent, some of them very profusely. Some shed only seasonally and others shed year round, and it is impossible to predict in puppyhood which dogs are which. If living a life free of soft white hairs clinging to your belongings and occasionally turning up in weird places is important to you, Pomskies are not a good fit. The amount of hair shed around the house and environment can be minimized by regular brushing and the use of a forced air dryer.

Pomskies tend to be very intelligent dogs who enjoy training their owners to give them treats for actions such as sitting or performing tricks. Some are more easily trained than others (especially for reliable recall off leash). Housebreaking does not tend to be notably difficult, although as with any breed, there are some dogs who will learn more quickly than others.

Both Pomeranians and Siberian Huskies can be quite vocal, though the vast majority respond well to training for quiet when needed. Pomskies tend to follow suit. Although not typically ‘yappy’, most Pomskies do ‘talk’ and make a wide range of noises to express their opinions about things. This is not a dog that is lacking in personality or ability to communicate!

Pomskies are wonderful dogs for the right family. Like any dog, they are not for everyone, and buyers should be advised to meet as many individuals as possible and stringently interview breeders before making a decision about adding one to their family.