Pomapoo Basics
There are many reasons that people seek out a designer dogs. Some people are hoping to find that perfect pup that combines the traits of two of their favorite breeds. That’s where the Pomapoo comes in. If you are looking for a small-breed dog that possesses the affectionate nature of a Pomeranian and the intelligence of a Poodle, the Pomapoo may be the right breed for you. It’s the best of both breeds in one pretty pup. This designer dog is known for its loving and affectionate nature as much as for its small size and big personality. These little dogs are the perfect combination of your favorite characteristics from the Pomeranian and Toy Poodle breeds. The fact that this is a mixed breed dog also means that there is no set standard for the breed. So, these mixes can vary dramatically in appearance and behavior. Of course, this is just a part of their charm. Each Pomapoo is unique! So no one will have a dog quite like yours. For some owners, that’s a special incentive that might be irresistible. Cute and spunky, Pomapoos make excellent companions for retirees and singles. That’s because they love to be in the center of the attention and they’re not too high-maintenance when it comes to their activity needs. If they are socialized early enough, they can also be marvelous family pets (as long as the kids are respectful and don’t play too rough. These little dogs require a gentle touch). Curious to find out if the Poodle and Pomeranian mix dog is the right choice for your family? Read on to learn everything about these designer dogs. After reading your this article, you’ll know if this is the right pup for you. So keep your eyeballs glued to this page and scroll away.
This designer dog is known for its loving and affectionate nature as much as for its small size and big personality.
Origin
The exact origins of the Pomapoo breed are unknown. This mixed breed has been in existence for many years and unfortunately there simply isn’t much documented information available about the origin of any designer dogs. The truth is, there probably have been countless Poodle and Pomeranian mixes throughout history, but no one thought to treat them as an actual new breed until designer dogs became popular. In the last two decades, these purebred mixes skyrocketed in popularity, leading to an increase in Pomapoo numbers, as well. However, no breeder officially claimed to be the one who first started intentionally breeding Pomeranians to Poodles, so there’s no way to know with certainty when and where this breed had its start. It’s a shame that no one is willing to claim ownership over creating these delightful dogs, but at least they are around for all of us to enjoy!
Pedigree
The Pomapoo is a 50/50 mix of a purebred Pomeranian and a purebred Toy Poodle. Through multigenerational crossbreeding, it is possible to have a Pomapoo with more or less than 50 percent of each parent breed in its heritage. However, to preserve genetic diversity, a lot of breeders decide to stop after the initial crossing, making the most of Pomapoos in existence first generation mixes. As previously mentioned, first generation mixes can be a bit unpredictable. So, if you’re looking for a Pomapoo with a more predictable look and disposition, try to find a reputable breeder that offers second generation Pomapoos. These breeders might be tough to find, but they are out there!
Despite his purebred lineage, the Pomapoo is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, as it is still considered to be a mixed breed. As a result, their puppies are not eligible for registration and official pedigree papers. Sadly, this is true of almost any type of designer dog.
Food/Diet
At first glance, all dogs have the same nutritional needs. They are omnivores and their bodies require a balanced diet of meat-based protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs. However, all of the many, many dog breeds have their own differences and unique traits that should be taken into account before choosing their food. The petite Pomapoo does best on high-quality dry food for small dog breeds. The small-breed formula offers the right ratio of nutrients for dogs of this size and activity level. Furthermore, you should be mindful that the kibble you choose is age appropriate. A senior Pomapoo won’t have the same needs as a growing puppy or an active adult. These details might seem obvious, but far too many dog owners don’t consider them.
As a small breed dog, the Pomapoo is prone to both obesity and plaque buildup, which means that you should avoid feeding them wet food. Not only that they can be fattening, but they also can lead to oral health issues and exacerbate your pet’s proneness to early tooth loss. Additionally, you should make sure your Pomapoo does not eat too much food. They are small, but their appetite is not. Stick to the manufacturer’s recommendation and don’t let them free feed.
If you are concerned about choosing or changing your dog’s diet, then it’s always worth consulting with a veterinarian first. While dog food manufacturers and pet blogs provide useful feeding guidelines, they are still merely guidelines and should not be treated as gospel. After all, every dog is different and has their own needs. This is true when it comes to choosing your pup’s diet as well. Only your vet is qualified to determine the specific dietary needs of your personal pup. So always consult with your ver first. It will make a world of difference when choosing the right diet for your pooch.
The fact that Pomapoos have Poodle blood in them means that they are intelligent and generally respond well to training.
Training
The fact that Pomapoos have Poodle blood in them means that they are intelligent and generally respond well to training. You should start training Pomapoos at an early age, as well as socialization training. It’s important to take advantage of any puppies early and impressionable days. That’s when they are most willing to learn. So always start training and socialization before they develop negative behaviors that will be difficult to deal with later on. This dog responds well to positive reinforcement training starting as early as eight weeks of age. You’ll find that he will learn quickly once you establish a regular training routine. However, if you wait too long to begin training, the Pomapoo may develop small dog syndrome and could become headstrong and willful. Small dog syndrome is no joke. So avoid this at all costs. It’s also important to always focus on positive reinforcement and reward-based training techniques. Anything less is closer to abuse than training and will never yield the result that you seek.
Weight
The Pomapoo typically stands between 8 and 10 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between 5 and 15 pounds at maturity. The size of this breed varies depending on the size of the two dogs used to create the cross. It’s all in the genes.
Temperament/Behavior
As a hybrid breed, the Pomapoo exhibits a combination of the characteristics for which the parent breeds are known. Pomapoos are typically friendly and affectionate by nature, though some may exhibit more Pomeranian-like tendencies and be reserved around strangers. It’s tough to predict. Every Pomapoo pup is different, even siblings born in the same litter. These dogs can also be fairly outgoing at times, eager to make friends and wonderful with children. For the most part, this dog is not aggressive around other dogs, though early socialization is important to ensure this. As mentioned above, those early and impressionable days in a puppy’s life can’t be wasted. They need to be trained and socialized as early as possible to grow up and become perfect pet pooches.
Common Health Problems
As a cross of two purebred dogs, the Pomapoo tends to exhibit fewer major health problems than either of the two parent breeds. As is true with all dogs, however, this breed is prone to developing certain health problems. Some of the conditions to which the Pomapoo is prone include patellar luxation, tracheal collapse, epilepsy, and cataracts. Pomapoos may also have excessive eye discharge that leads to staining of the fur around the eyes. As always, it’s important to maintain regularly scheduled check ups with your vet (especially as your pet gets older) to ensure that any potential health issues are identified and treated as early as possible.
Life Expectancy
The average lifespan of the Pomapoo is between 12 and 14 years.
Exercise Requirements
The Pomapoo does not have high needs for exercise and their activity level is adaptable to the owner’s lifestyle. These dogs do require a daily walk to work off their excess energy, but much of their exercise requirement can be met with active playtime. This is one of the main reasons why the Pomeranian and Poodle mix dog is so popular with apartment dwellers and seniors. They are lively and energetic, but their activity needs are not overwhelming for a person who’s not too active or doesn’t have a lot of time for daily doggy exercise.
Pomapoos are typically friendly and affectionate by nature, though some may exhibit more Pomeranian-like tendencies and be reserved around strangers.
AKC
The Pomapoo is not recognized by the AKC because it is technically a hybrid of two pure breeds rather than a new breed. This breed is, however, recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club, the Designer Dogs Kennel Club, and the International Designer Canine Registry.
Coat
The appearance of a Pomapoo’s coat may vary slightly depending on breeding. For the most part, however, these dogs exhibit short- to medium-length coats of soft fur that may be either wavy or straight. The color of the coat depends on breeding and may be either solid-colored or multi-colored with various shades of brown, black, and white.
Puppies
The average litter size for Pomapoos is generally between 4 and 6 puppies. Pomapoo puppies are very small at birth so you need to exert special care when handling them. As is true with most dogs, it is important to start your Pomapoo with socialization and training from a young age to prevent the development of problem behaviors. These puppies are absolutely adorable, so it can be all too easy to give into their cute pouts and delay training. Don’t do that. If your Pomapoo develops small dog syndrome, you’ll have a tiny terror on your hands. Nobody wants that. So be careful.
Photo credit: LittleDogKorat/Shutterstock; Allie T/Shutterstock; Promph/Shutterstock
