Though the Pomapoo dog breed is a bit on the petite side, this friendly canine packs a lot of personality and affection into their tiny frame. This adorable combination of Pomeranian and Toy Poodle may just be the pup you’ve been searching for. With all of the smarts and sass of both breeds, this unique mix tends to have a lot of energy, which makes them an always-entertaining addition to your family.
Is a Pomapoo the right kind of dog for you? There are a lot of things to consider when adding a dog to your life, so we’ve covered just about everything you’ll need to know in this in-depth breed profile. We consulted certified professional dog trainer and The Dog People panelist Nicole Ellis, who has long worked with Doodle breeds, breeders, and owners, for the essential facts about Pomapoos.
Pomapoo Breed Characteristics
Key
- Low
- Medium
- High
- Origin: North America
- Size:
- Weight: 5–15 pounds
- Activity level:
- Barking/howling level:
- Good with dogs: yes
- Good with kids: yes
- Good with cats:
- Shedding:
- Grooming level:
- Training level:
Pomapoo Appearance
Aside from the fact that most Pomapoos have short or medium hair, this breed’s appearance tends to be fairly unpredictable – so don’t bank on your pup looking a certain way! Their hair can range from super straight and a little fuzzy (like a Pomeranian’s) to boasting Poodle-like waves or curls. The fur texture and color is also up in the air, with the mixing of these breeds often resulting in some interesting results. Many Pomapoos have thicker coats thanks to the dense, double-coat of Pomeranians, and their coloring can range from shades of brown, black, and white, to a multitude of color combinations.
Size is another aspect of the Pomapoo appearance that can vary, and is mostly dependent on the size of the parent breeds. We know that Pomeranians are tiny dogs (generally around 6 to 7 inches tall, and 3 to 7 lbs.), and toy poodles aren’t much larger, maxing out at around 10 inches tall, and weighing about the same as Poms. Basically this means that your pup is going to be very petite, unless the parents are larger than average.
Pomapoo Dog Breed Personality
When it comes to personality, Pomapoos have plenty to spare—with their sweet, spunky, and affectionate nature endearing them to all they come in contact with. And you can be sure that the Pomapoo is always the center of attention, much like their Pomeranian parents who also adore the admiration of others.
Pomapoos are great with kids because of their friendly and gentle personalities, but little humans will need to take extra care to not injure them by accident, since their small size makes these pups extra-vulnerable. They also get along splendidly with other animals, especially since they prefer companionship to being left alone.
When it comes to loyalty, the Pomapoo is very attached to their family—they may even bark at strangers if they haven’t been properly trained (we blame that adorable Pomeranian influence). They’re too tiny to be aggressive, though they may be a bit standoffish around strangers…until they get to know them, of course.
Ideal Environment for a Pomapoo
Their diminutive size makes this breed perfect for small space living, meaning they can thrive in the city—though they’ll be perfectly happy in a larger house as well. They also don’t need a ton of exercise, but will appreciate a lively walk, or a fenced in yard to frolic around in—though you shouldn’t rely on fences to keep them contained since this pup is tiny enough to squeeze through almost anything.
Also important to note: Pomapoos don’t do well in areas with extreme weather. Their tiny stature means that it’s best to keep them away from extremely hot or extremely cold places. And of course you can always invest in a stylish canine sweater to keep your pup cozy (and cute) as they strut their stuff around town.
Ideal Human for Pomapoo
Pomapoos are a wonderful match for a variety of dog owners – not only are they excellent for families thanks to their affection for kids, but they’re also great companions for seniors. It is important that families with children are careful about rough-housing though, and learn to be gentle with the Pomapoo’s small frame. Since they don’t require a ton of exercise, older folks with mobility issues can enjoy their company without feeling guilty about skipping a rigorous workout. Simple games and exercises like fetching, puzzles, or squeaky toys, should be enough to stimulate their minds, and tire them out.
Essentially their ideal human is someone who wants to spend time with them. As mentioned earlier, they despise being left alone and do best with an owner who is willing to take them along on adventures, and truly integrate them into the family.
Pomapoo Dog Training
Pomapoos respond well to positive training, meaning they perform and thrive best when they’re offered treats and praise for a job well done, as opposed to a scolding for getting things wrong. It is best to start that training early because their Pomeranian side can make them a bit stubborn and willful if they aren given proper instruction from a young age.
It’s also very important to socialize this breed early on by introducing them to a variety of situations, people, animals, and locations. By showing them the world around them, and making them feel comfortable and safe with you as they explore it, they’ll gain the confidence to be the well-adjusted, well-behaved pup you know that they can be. Above all this breed really just wants to please their loved ones, and their smarts and charm mean that any effort you put into training them will be well worth it.
Pomapoo Dog Grooming
It should come as no surprise that you’re going to need to keep on top of your pup’s hair maintenance. Since both breeds have thick hair that’s prone to matting, brushing their hair daily is really the best approach. You’re going to want to get a high-quality brush, and ensure that you’re doing a thorough job to prevent trouble-making tangles. You can also take your Pomapoo to a trusted groomer to give them a shorter haircut if you’re having trouble keep their fur mat-free—just be sure to take them back every four to six weeks to keep them in tip-top shape.
And don’t forget about your Pomapoo’s nails and teeth! Keep that breath fresh(er) by brushing every few days, and keep a close eye on those nails to ensure they don’t get too long and irritating.
Pomapoo Dog Breed Health
Though generally a healthy breed, Pomapoos (like all breeds) do have a few health issues that can emerge, including epilepsy, cataracts, tracheal collapse, patellar luxation, dental issues, and weight gain. However, using a reputable breeder (if you’re using a breeder) can help cut down the possibility of your dog having these issues, and many pet parents opt for pet health insurance, just in case.
Providing your dog with proper exercise, food, and regular trips to the vet will help improve their chances of a long and happy life.
Pomapoo History
It’s really just over the last 20 years or so that the Pomapoo has become so popular (like many Doodle mixes), though the Pomeranian and Toy poodle breeds both have long and rich histories. That’s what makes this mix so special, the elegance and wit of the Poodle combined with the royal roots of the European Pom create a breed that is truly one of a kind.
Getting a Pomapoo
Pomapoo Breeders
It’s always a good idea to meet the parents of your puppy, and to see how the litter interacts with each other, and this is especially important when choosing a crossbred dog, since you can see just what size the parents are. A good, trustworthy breeder should have records of the parents’ lineage, too and should be able to tell you more about the specific mix of the litter.
Since Pomapoo aren’t officially recognized by the AKC, you’d need to start your search for a reputable breeder elsewhere, and luckily, due to the popularity of these dogs, they shouldn’t be too tricky to track down. Make sure you wise up on puppy mills and internet scams – following some simple steps can help avoid further funding of this terrible practice, and help you end up with a pet whose breeding and early-life experience will more reliably result in a well-adjusted dog.
Adopting a Pomapoo
Pomapoos may find their way to rescue centers for a variety of reasons, including dogs being rescued from puppy mills, but often it’s the simple fact that their previous owners simply felt unable to care for them any longer, perhaps due to a change in lifestyle or health.
A surrendered dog will often already be well trained and simply in need of a new, loving home. You can find rescue centers local to you with a quick internet search.
A Pomapoo can make for a wonderful friend and they’re sure to be a source of joy, with plenty of laughs and perhaps a little bit of mischief along the way. So whether you’re planning on adopting or finding a breeder to find a puppy, prepare yourself, your home and your heart to welcome a dog with plenty of personality and energy.
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