The Pomeranian poodle mix is a very popular cross breed. The “pomapoo” is an intentional mix between the Pomeranian breed and the poodle, although the resulting cross puppies cannot be considered purebred regardless of how expensive said puppies may be. Regardless of the fact that the Pomeranian poodle mix cannot be registered as a purebred dog, this mixed breed may possess a combination of physical and personality traits that makes it the ideal pet for some households. The following sections explain a few of the primary traits from both the Pomeranian and poodle breeds in an attempt to help potential pomapoo owners determine whether this might be the ideal breed for them.
Physical Traits
The Pomeranian poodle mix can have a variety of physical traits depending on the size and coloring of the parents and grandparents. The Pomeranian is a small breed with an average weight around three to seven pounds. These dogs rarely grow larger than one foot tall. On the other hand, the poodle comes in both miniature and standard sizes ranging from 11 inches to as much as 24 inches. The size of the poodle parent will have a huge impact on the mature height of any resulting puppies. In other words, one who is looking for a smaller lap dog would want to ensure that the puppy’s poodle lineage is primarily made of miniature poodles. As for fur types, the pomapoo may have the short, curly hair of the poodle breed, the long, fuzzy hair of the Pomeranian, or it may display a shaggy and/or wavy mixture of both.
Larger Pomeranian poodle mix dogs will require a fair amount of exercise each day. The poodle breed is naturally energetic and smart, often requiring a moderate-sized fenced yard in order to properly expend its energy. Pomeranians, on the other hand, are very small and while they are certainly filled-to-the-brim with energy, their small size enables them to meet their exercise needs through indoor play time and walking/running through the house. A pomapoo with a miniature poodle background could be expected to have relatively low exercise requirements in the sense that a short, brisk walk and a half-hour of play time each day would suffice. A pomapoo with standard poodle lineage would require a long walk each day or one half-hour of unleashed run/play time in an open area.
Personality
The Pomeranian poodle mix is destined to be clever. The poodle is regarded as one of the smartest breeds of dog in the world and the Pomeranian is undoubtedly bright and inquisitive. As with any other breed, the majority of a puppy’s personality will depend upon the personalities of its parents and grandparents. Pomeranians are well-known for having an independent personality. A Pomeranian left to his own devices will soon rule the roost and may display bully-like behavior to family members and other animals. It is very important to socialize the pomapoo early on in life and make sure that the dog encounters plenty of handling by people and exposure to other dogs (and cats, if there will be any living in the home). A Pomeranian that is well looked after is most likely to become very affectionate and prefer to be around family members. They are snugglers but also need to be encouraged to “do their own thing” to avoid developing separation anxiety.
As for the poodle side, this breed can be demanding and would not be suitable for individuals who live a fast-paced or busy lifestyle. This breed needs to be mentally stimulated to keep from becoming bored. It also needs a lot of physical interaction with its owner and other family members. Poodle owners often find themselves tasked with frequently having to create new ways to add excitement to their poodle’s everyday life. Alertness and watchfulness are other characteristics for which the poodle breed is well known.
A pomapoo can be any combination of these traits. In general, one could expect this mixed breed to be somewhat stubborn but easy to train if given the right incentive, watchful and quick to sound the alarm when a stranger approaches, and affectionate towards family members. As a general rule, this breed does not usually do well with young children who might be prone to tugging on the animal’s ears or tail or petting him/her too roughly. Both poodles and Pomeranians have been known to snap at children and strangers.
Grooming Needs
The grooming needs for pomapoos can range from minimal to intense depending on what fur type the individual displays. Long-haired Pomeranian poodle mix dogs will require daily brushing to prevent tangling and matting. The coat may also require clipping and thinning in the summer months to ensure that the animal does not overheat. If the individual has short, curly hair then it may simply be satisfied with a quick brushing every couple of days. If the pomapoo has large, open ears then it will also be necessary to periodically inspect the inside of each ear to check for redness, foul odor, or other signs of infection. Dogs with large, upright ears are at a much higher risk of developing ear infections and may also require help keeping the ears clean. This can be done by soaking a cotton ball in warm water, squeezing out the excess, and simply wiping down the inside of the ear (being very careful not to allow water inside the ear canal).
Ideal Lifestyle
The ideal lifestyle for a Pomeranian poodle mix is one that is upbeat and full of interesting little changes. The ideal owner would be one that can offer this dog a lot of affection and play time. It is imperative that the owner is also capable of enforcing disciplinary action to prevent the dog from ruling the roost. With such a high chance of the pomapoo becoming an independent bully, potential owners have to be comfortable keeping a reliable set of expectations and reinforcing basic commands and training. Overall, this can be an entertaining, affectionate, and clever pet that will certainly pledge its loyalty to a deserving owner/family. In return, the owner should be willing to prove him/herself a reliable and responsible provider.