Teacup dogs have become very popular in the last couple of years. It seems like everyone wants a miniature dog. One of the newest mini dogs is the Teacup Pomsky. But what is a Pomsky, what kind of breed is it? The Teacup Pomski is actually a designer dog breed, or crossbreed, between a Pomeranian and Siberian Husky. So, it’s basically a Husky Pomeranian Mix.
Teacup Pomsky puppies have attracted a lot of attention in the last ten years. But the peak of their popularity happened in 2017. But, not everything is so great about these designer breed puppies. Because of the size difference of the parent breeds, Pomskies are almost always bred through artificial insemination. Obviously, natural breeding would be unsafe for the small Pomeranian. Artificial insemination is a very expensive process, which means that breeders charge a lot of money for Teacup Pomskies.
These were only some facts about the Teacup Pomsky or Miniature Pomsky. In this article, we’ll go into more detail about both parents, the breeding method, and everything you should know about this cross.
Teacup Pomsky – All important facts about the crossbreed
We didn’t mention the way Teacup Pomskies are bred without a reason. Before we start talking about all the traits of Pomskies, we want to talk about crossbreeding. We can’t lie, there are plenty of negative connotations surrounding this practice.
Generally speaking, crossbreeding started off as a good idea. Breeders wanted to create dogs that would be healthier and overall better for us humans. They wanted to combine the best traits of two popular breeds and get one perfect dog. Let’s take a Goldendoodle as an example. It’s a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Standard-sized Poodle. The result is a dog that has is hypoallergenic like a Poodle and the loving personality of a Golden Retriever. But, somewhere along the way that good idea got lost and all they were after was the profit.
Now, we can’t only blame breeders for this, we’re also to blame too. After all, we’re the ones who are buying crossbreeds, even the ones that shouldn’t maybe even exist. That’s the case with the Teacup Pomskies. Even though breeding this cross comes with many issues, that doesn’t stop breeders. The desire for Pomskies only encourages breeders to breed them and meet the demand.
Many people buy Pomskies just because they are cute puppies. But, sadly later find themselves unprepared for the responsibility of owning a dog. Especially one with specific needs like the Pomsky has. Besides that, backyard breeders with questionable breeding practices take advantage of the Teacup Pomsky mania. They are cranking out puppies and selling them cheaply to buyers without guaranteeing health. So, please be very aware of those offering cheap or free Pomsky puppies. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
Artificial insemination in dogs
Artificial insemination is the process of artificially inserting dog sperm into a female dog’s vagina or cervix. Vets do this in order to induce pregnancy.
AI or artificial insemination has long been used in cattle, but it has only recently gained popularity among dog breeders. It’s usually done by expert inseminators or practicing veterinarians.
Artificial insemination has been practiced in livestock for quite a long period of time. And it has also has proven effective in livestock, but it’s not as successful with dogs. The reality is that dogs have a lower success rate. This is mainly due to the fact that canine sperm is less stable once frozen.
Besides that low success rate, there is another issue with artificial insemination in dogs. It’s very expensive. For a one-to-one mating, a typical stud cost could be from $500 to $1,000.
Another option is to also get only the sperm of a certain dog. The price of this varies based on the dog’s origin and bloodline. To be honest, we can’t tell you the price of that. Usually, you’ll get the rate only “on demand” from each individual breeder.
But, why are people against it? The biggest reason is that many people are worried that it will make the natural mating process completely disappear. Many fear that we’ll end up with dogs who don’t know how to mate in a natural way.
Secondly, the parent breeds never meet in real life. Many people worry that some negative hereditary traits could get “concealed” this way.
Teacup Pomsky full physical characteristics
There is no standard in crossbreeds. So we can’t know how exactly your Teacup Pomsky will look like, except that it will be small. Generally speaking, Pomskies fall somewhere between the breed’s Pomeranian and Siberian Husky parents in size. But how big do they get? They’re usually between 10 and 15 inches tall and weigh somewhere around 20 and 30 pounds. There have been reports that a Teacup Pomsky grew to be as large as a Husky, but that is very rare and happens only in exceptional situations.
Now, with Teacup Pomskies that’s a bit different. A Miniature Pomsky will always be on the smaller side, or be “pocket” sized, there is no doubt in that. The Teacup Pomsky can have a maximum height of 10 inches, and they can weigh between 3 and 8 pounds. Talking about tiny!
But, obviously, the bloodline of the dogs determines the height, weight, and size of a Teacup Pomsky. If breeders breed a larger Pomeranian and a larger Husky, their offspring will naturally be larger than average Teacup Pomskies as well.
If we were to ask the American Kennel Club (AKC) how large Teacup dogs can be, the answer would be that any Pomeranian or this breed crossed with another dog that is lighter than 7 seven pounds, is considered a toy-sized dog. And, if we know that Pomskies usually weigh around 4 or 5 pounds, does that mean the AKC recognizes this mix?
No, the fact that this mix isn’t recognized by the AKC or any other kennel clubs has nothing to do with their size, but the fact that they are simply that, a mix.
Also, they lose a lot of hair, so get ready to find hair everywhere and always have some lint rollers and a vacuum cleaner ready. If you don’t have a good vacuum cleaner, go get one.
Parent breeds
As mentioned above, there is no standard in how this crossbreed will look like. They can look more like their Pomeranian parent, or Husky parent. We could tell you now that your Pocket Pomsky will have certain traits, and certain fur color, eye color, and so on, but that would make us liars. There is no rule. So, it’s better to look at the parent breeds and their physical traits in order to get an idea how your Teacup Pomsky might look like. And, we want to stress it again, we’re just giving you an idea of what your Teacup Pomsky can look like, but that doesn’t mean they will look like that.
Siberian Husky traits
There is a lot to say about Siberian Huskies personality-wise, but when it comes to their appearance, we all probably know how a Husky looks like. Nevertheless, we’ll take a closer look at the physical characteristics of this breed.
Let’s first start with their size, the male Husky stands around 21 to 23.5 inches tall, while a female Husky ranges between 20 and 22 inches. Males weigh around 45 to 60 pounds, while females weigh between 35 to 50 pounds. As you can see, they are relatively lean dogs.
When it comes to their coat color, the shades range from black to white, and all are permitted including wolf sable. What’s interesting about this breed is that they have a distinctive coat texture, with a deep undercoat and fur-like outside hair. Huskies have a white, dense undercoat, which allows the topcoat to take on a variety of hues ranging from white to red, gray to black. The fur on the back is usually vividly colored and grows weaker and weaker as it approaches the belly.
The Husky’s eyes are almond-shaped and slightly slanted, and they can have blue eyes, brown eyes, or one eye can be blue, while the other is brown. That’s a condition that is very common among Huskies and it’s called Heterochromia. this condition is caused by a lack of pigment in all or part of one eye. The triangular ears of the Husky are close together and sit high on the skull.
These are some of the features that distinguish Husky puppies from other breeds:
- robust, water-repellent, and insulating top hair as well as dense undercoat made of fine, soft hair
- different color variations are possible and allowed
- a deep, powerful chest
- rather long, straight and strong forelegs
- thick hairy paws with pronounced padding
- a thick, puffy tail
- medium-sized erect ears in triangular shape.
Pomeranian traits
Pomeranians are toy dogs that are short and compact. They are typically 6 to 7 inches tall and weigh 3 to 7 pounds. He has the appearance of a charming little fox, and his fur is extremely silky and fluffy, making you want to pet him all day. But, be wary of the heat, especially in the summer! This breed has dense fur that is also very warm. In the summer, the dogs should always have a cool place to go.
As mentioned Pomeranian dogs have a thick double coat with an undercoat that is silky, fluffy, and dense. The dog breed’s biggest distinguishing trait is its double coat with a thick undercoat. Black, brown, white, orange, and gray-clouded are the most prevalent coat colors. Pomeranians also come in creme, creme-sable, orange-sable, black-and-tan, and piebald colors. This means you can even get a sable Teacup Pomsky.
A puppies’ fur color can vary as they grow older, and cream-colored puppies are more likely to turn brown. They carry their bushy tail cheekily over the back, and the fur forms a mane-like collar over the neck. The Pomeranian has a cheeky appearance, which includes a mischievous expression and sparkling eyes, as well as pointed, thin ears.
Please don’t forget, despite the thick coat that makes them look like robust dogs, the Pomeranian’s build is fragile. This is a delicate dog. And their dense fur only creates a sense of fullness. That lion’s mane is just a frame for their gentle structure and face.
Personality and needs of Teacup Pomsky Puppies
If you got the idea that predicting the Mini Pomsky appearance, wait till you hear about their personality. We’re kidding, kind of. But, the truth is it’s really difficult to predict what they will be like. Generally speaking, Teacup Pomsky’s pet owners and dog lovers say that this dog is a bit of a comedian and tends to know that his cute antics will be met with plenty of adoration from human onlookers. They are highly adaptable to change, and their moderate exercise needs make them fairly suited to apartment living, so long as they get at least one long walk per day. This means that they are easy to maintain.
That said, they tend to inherit their Husky parents love for chatty howling and whining tendencies along with their Pomeranian parents’ penchant for yapping. This makes them very vocal dogs that may get on the neighbors’ nerves. But if you prevent this at a younger age, you can definitely avoid it.
You should be aware and not jealous of Pomskies tendencies to latch on to one favorite family member, though they may get along with all humans in the household. Socialization is very important, as are many other things such as training, and should begin at an early age. If you don’t properly socialize your Pomsky they can get a bit nervous around unknown people and animals. Lastly, remember that Pomskies are intelligent dogs. This means they can easily get bored if they aren’t challenged enough! So invest in good toys for mental stimulation.
Teacup Pomsky health issues and care
As with many other breeds, this one can develop some health issues. Following the previous sentence, Pomskies can develop the common health problems of both its Husky and Pomeranian parents. There is a genetic predisposition to conditions like:
- allergies,
- hip dysplasia,
- dislocated knees or luxating patella,
- eye problems,
- epilepsy,
- heart disease,
- collapsing trachea,
- black skin disease,
- skin problems.
But, besides these health problems, Teacup Pomsky puppies can have so many more conditions, that are even more serious. And all because they are a Teacup breed.
We’ve mentioned that Mini Pomskies are bred through artificial insemination. And that’s true, but there are other ways for breeders to get this tiny dog.
Breeders will sometimes get runts, or dogs from a litter that are much smaller or weaker than the others, and pair them with other runts. They do this in the aim of having a litter of canines that are smaller than typical. What’s even worse they will sometimes even negatively affect the puppies’ growth by underfeeding them.
Obviously, these methods are incredibly harmful to the health and happiness of the dogs! And also, puppies who are malnourished or underfed can have major problems with their skeletal, digestive, and nervous systems.
Lastly, to answer the question of how long do Toy Pomskies live. Their life expectancy is between 10 and 15 years. Teacup dogs are often believed to have a short lifetime. This is a common misconception. A teacup Pomsky’s lifespan is determined by the breeder and the dog’s lineage. And of course, how well you’re taking care of them.
Now, we’ll get into other health issues that are very common in Teacup dogs.
Health issues of Teacup size dogs
There are a slew of other health conditions that Teacup dogs face, in addition to the ones listed above. The list of health problems varies depending on the breed. But, all Teacup breeds are susceptible to heart disease, diabetes, and eye problems such as cataracts.
What’s crucial to remember is that, aside from the above-mentioned health conditions, regular Teacup dogs are prone to health problems due to their small size. So by supporting the breeding of Teacup dogs, you’re indirectly supporting knowingly breeding dogs with health issues.
The following health problems are some of the health risks that may emerge as a result of their size:
- Hypoglycemia – is also known as a very extreme drop in blood sugar. This can result in shivering, weakness, and seizures in dogs.
- Weight problems – Teacup dogs tend to have a very unhealthy weight. Because of their size, teacup dogs have a much faster metabolism. Because they have such a fast metabolism, they also require more frequent feedings and more food. Now, if you combine that with little or no exercise it can result in unhealthy weight.
- Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE) – smaller dogs are much more likely to develop hemorrhagic gastroenteritis. It means our dog will suffer from bloody diarrhea or vomit, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
- Bone fragility – the most serious health condition of this small dog might actually be bone fragility. The bones of Teacup dogs are much smaller and more fragile than the bones of a larger dog. This sadly makes them susceptible to breaks or fractures. So, even a slight fall could result in serious injuries of the Teacup dog.
Feeding – Proper nutrition
As mentioned in this article, Teacup Pomsky puppies are high-energy dogs and require a diet that will meet their needs. Because there is no established breed standard, it is difficult to say for sure what individual dogs will need to eat. It is best to ask your local veterinarian or a pet nutritionist about your specific dog’s nutritional requirements. Typically, they’ll need a diet suitable for a small dog to a mid-sized dog. But, the vet should know the best, don’t feed them on your own.
Generally speaking, it’s important for dogs to have good nutrition which includes enough protein, carbohydrates and fats in their diet.
- Protein – are essential for a healthy dog of any breed. Protein is so important because it gets broken down into amino acids which are then used in the formation or maintenance of blood cells, hormones, immune responses, muscle repairs, etc.
- Carbohydrates – all dogs need to have some carbohydrates in their diet, but don’t overfeed them wtith carbs. We call for a net goal of 20 percent for the majority of dogs.
- Fats – good quality dog food provides healthy fats as dogs use it as an important source of energy. Fatty acids also support all dogs with skin and coat health and, above all, with brain and cognitive functions.
You should also know that due to their size, Teacup dogs have a much faster metabolism. So it is a good idea to feed them regularly, let’s say four to five times a day but with smaller amounts of food. But, also don’t forget about exercise. If you feed them a lot of food, but they don’t get enough exercise, your Teacup Pomsky will gain weight.
Conclusion – Why getting a Teacup Pomsky might be a bad idea
In the end, Pomskies have a soft, fluffy double coat that requires lots of brushing to maintain. We mentioned already that you’ll need a good vacuum cleaner. The thick coat keeps them very comfortable in cold temperatures – which is their strength. But, Pomskies tend to shed a lot, and although brushing helps, you can still expect to find hair around the home.
Pomskies have moderate exercise needs so it’s enough to take them on one good walk per day. They can have a high energy level and may need some extra play sessions before they relax. Also, it’s an opportunity for them to socialize.
Teacup Pomsky puppies are pretty expensive too, A Pomsky will typically cost around $1,000, but depending on her parents’ lineage, it might cost as much as $5,000. And this is only the price of getting a puppy. In addition to that comes the cost of food, toys, a dog bed and so on. So your financial situation should be stable.
Also, don’t forget the way these dogs are bred. There is a negative connotation surrounding the breeding of Teacup dogs and for good reason! The methods used to breed these canines are definitely questionable. Irresponsible breeders will go to any length to obtain the tiniest puppy possible.
Another difficulty that many owners have with these pets is their health issues. Teacup dogs, due to their small stature, are more prone to illness than larger canines. And this is scientifically proven! Besides that, accidents happen more frequently because of their size. It’s more likely that they’ll be sat on, trodden on, or even dropped.
So, before you get a Teacup Pomsky, Toy Pomsky, or any Toy breed for that matter, really think about all the cons of having this kind of pooch.
Teacup Pomsky FAQ
Lastly, let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the Teacup Pomsky.
Is the teacup Pomsky really a delicate dog?
Yes, the Mini Pomsky is really a delicate dog and you have to be very careful if you have one. Their bones are generally more fragile than other dog’s bones, because they are much smaller. SO even a slight fall could cost them their life. Besides that, because they are so small they are easy to miss and you could end up sitting on one…
Are they dogs for small children?
This question is kind of connected to the previous one. Kids, especially small children, are sometimes very rough, their motor skills aren’t developed enough so they don’t know how to be gentle. This can be a problem with Teacup Pomskies because they are so fragile. A small kid could easily hurt them. So, no, they might not be a good choice for small children.
Is that the only name they have?
Teacup Pomskies have other names too. For example, you’ll hear some people also call them the Mini Pomsky, the Miniature Pomsky, the Pocket Pomsky, some even call them Husky Pomeranian Mix. All of these names are okay, and every breeder will get what you mean. But, also know that some people confuse them with the Teacup Pomeranian.
Do Teacup Pomeranian breeders produce Teacup Pomsky puppies?
To be honest, there is no answer to this question. It depends on the breeder and the demand for Teacup Pomsky puppies. It can happen that a breeder who breeds Teacup Pomeranian puppies also has Teacup Pomsky puppies. You will have to personally ask the breeder you’re interested in buying from. It’s also hard to answer this question because the breeding process of a Teacup Pomsky isn’t easy. So a breeder won’t usually be able to produce the Mini Pomsky on his own. They will usually need help from a vet.