15 Things You Should Know Before Getting A Pomapoo (A Pomeranian Poodle Mix) 

If you’re in the market for a small, teddy-bear-like companion with lots of personality and sass to boot, then you’ll be head over heels for the Pomapoo (Pomeranian Poodle Mix).

This compact dog is an excellent addition to homes for seniors, singles, and those with older children, and enthusiasts have found themselves enamored with this little pup’s wit and charm.

But is the Pomapoo the right crossbreed for you and your unique lifestyle? That’s what we’re about to find out. Join us today as we learn all about the Pomapoo and whether or not this pint-sized hybrid would make the perfect pet for you.

1. The Pomapoo Mix Is Considered A Designer Dog

There are different generations of crossbreeds that can help determine predictability 

That’s right. Despite his adorable moniker, the Pomapoo is not actually a real breed. Instead, he is what is considered a designer dog, hybrid, crossbreed or mixed breed. While there is some controversy surrounding designer dog breeds like the Pomapoo, much of it has to do with the title.

In fact, many people insist that crossbreed dogs are mere mutts, but others point out that, while mutts are a combination of many different dog breeds, a hybrid like the Pomapoo is a purposefully chosen “designed” dog created by mixing two specific purebred parent breeds.

Of course, many would consider this splitting of hairs to be trivial, but there are some real concerns you should know about when it comes to investing in a crossbreed dog like the Pomapoo.

For instance, there are different generations of crossbreeding that could determine the overall predictability of your dog when it comes to health, temperament, and appearance. Let’s learn more.

First Generation Crossbreeds

A first generation crossbreed would be a dog who is the direct offspring of two different purebred parents. These crossbreed dogs are considered less predictable in coat, health, and temperament. Oftentimes, first generation crossbreeds are less expensive than second and third generation crossbreeds for this very reason.

Second Generation Crossbreeds

A second generation crossbreed is the offspring of two first generation crossbreed dogs. While there is more predictability surrounding second generation hybrid dogs, there can still be some unpredictable characteristics.

Third Generation Crossbreeds 

Third generation crossbreeds are perhaps the most predictable, as are the dogs that follow. Still, third generation crossbreeds are still considered crossbreed dogs, as it takes generations of crossbreeding and perfecting by experts to consider a dog a purebred.

For this very reason, the Pomapoo has yet to be accepted by any major breed clubs and is not eligible for show. But that doesn’t mean he’s not a stellar companion dog.

Keep reading to learn more!

2. The Pomapoo Is A Mix Between the Pomeranian and The Miniature Poodle

While the Pomapoo may not be considered a purebred, he is still a very unique and interesting dog who comes from two purebred parents with incredible back stories.

To better understand your Pomapoo, his temperament, and his overall health and appearance, it helps to analyze the origin of his parent breeds, the Pomeranian and the Toy Poodle.

Let’s begin with the Pomeranin.

Pomeranian

The Pomaranian is the smallest of the Spitz breeds. 

The Pomeranian, also known as the Pom or even the Zwergspitz, is the smallest of the Spitz breeds and was actually bred down from arctic sled dogs centuries ago. He derives his name from Pomerania, a region intermingled with modern-day Poland and Germany, and was created to maintain all the charming aspects of dependable sled dogs with the compactability and cuddliness of a lap dog.

With his fluffy coat, regal temperament, and adoring nature, the Pomeranian quickly won over the likes of Queen Victoria, who in turn went on to breed the Pomeranian and made the dog famous throughout the world both as a winning show dog and as a beloved companion.

Pomeranian Height: 6 – 7 inches

Pomeranian Weight: 3 – 7 lbs

Pomeranian Coat: Dense, long, double-coated, shedding

Pomeranian Life Span: 12 – 16 Years

Pomeranian Temperament: Curious, Affectionate, Playful

Toy Poodle

Toy Poodles were bred down from Standard Poodles as lap dogs.

Due to his nickname, the French Poodle was wrongly considered a French breed, though the truth is this dynamic dog hails from Germany. Originally a working dog made for water retrieving, the Standard Poodle lived a renaissance life, with a number of jobs under his belt over the years.

Excelling as a street performer, hunting dog, and even circus dog, the Standard Poodle finally found his place in France when he became noticed by noble women, who adored his unique coat and the cut that went along with it.

Soon, the Standard Poodle became a fashion statement, and was eventually bred down from his large, standard size to smaller sizes including toy and miniature. The lively, adoring, and whip smart Poodle of today is beloved for being highly trainable, family-friendly, and a versatile companion and show dog.

Toy Poodle Height: Under 10 inches

Toy Poodle Weight: 4 – 6  lbs

Toy Poodle Coat: Dense, curly, hypoallergenic

Toy Poodle Life Span: 10 – 18 years

Toy Poodle Personality: Playful, spirited, loving, funny

3. Pomapoo Dogs Are Loving Lap Dogs With A Flair For Adventure

Pomapoos love to cuddle, but they also love to play. 

Hailing from two athletic parents, the Pomapoo is an outgoing dog who enjoys cuddling on his owner’s lap just as much as he enjoys getting his paws dirty. He’s an outgoing companion built for adventure, and oftentimes forgets how small he really is.

For this reason, owners should be watchful of this little spitfire, and keep him on a leash during walks and outings.

That said, it’s also important to keep in mind that he is intelligent and active, and not designed to be a lay-around-the-house kind of guy. Instead, he’ll appreciate an active life filled with fun, where he can be the center of attention and go on adventures including hikes, camping trips, road trips, or even just outings to the mall or grocery store.

4. Pomapoo Dogs May Or May Not Be Hypoallergenic

Pomapoos could have a coat that is more close to their pomeranian parent, or more close to their Poodle parent. 

If you’re looking for a hypoallergenic Pomapoo, your best bet would be to look for a third generation puppy from a breeder, or adopt an adult Pomapoo from a rescue whose coat has already been established.

While the Poodle is a hypoallergenic dog, the Pomeranian is not. A first or second generation Pomapoo could inherit either coat type from his parent breed and could either be a heavy shedder, like his Pomeranian parent, or a hypoallergenic dog like his Poodle parent.

That said, we should also point out that there is actually no such thing as a truly hypoallergenic dog. All dogs shed, but hypoallergenic dogs simply shed less and produce less allergy inducing dandar than their other canine counterparts.

5. The Pomapoo Dog’s Appearance Could Vary

Because he is a crossbreed, the Pomapoo’s appearance will vary. 

Just as your Pompapoo’s coat type could vary based on genetics, so could his overall appearance. While both the Poodle and the Pomeranian are small dogs, they vary greatly in their overall physical traits, and it is very difficult to determine what your Pomapoo puppy will grow up to look like.

Again, the best way to establish predictability when it comes to any crossbreed is to seek a puppy from a breeder that is a second or third generation crossbreed or to rescue a crossbreed from a shelter whose appearance has already been established since it is older.

That said, you can get a good idea of the possible characteristics your Pomapoo might inherit from his purebred parents. Let’s take a look at the possibilities below.

Pomapoo Height: 6 -10  inches

Pomapoo Weight: 3 – 6 Lbs

Pomapoo Coat Color: Black, apricot, sable, cream, white, black and white, silver, blue, grey, brown, red, tan, orange and fawn.

Pomapoo Coat Type: Long, coarse, dense and shedding OR curly and hypoallergenic. The coat may also be a combination of the two.

Pomapoo Eye Color: Brown

Pomapoo Appearance Overview 

Pomapoo dogs are small, compact, and athletically built. A combination of a spitz and a water dog, the Pomapoo is going to be proportionate and agile. He could have pointed, erect ears like his Pomeranian parent breed or more floppy ears, like his Poodle parent. Pomapoo dogs have pointed snouts, bright round eyes, and expressive little faces.

6. The Pomapoo Makes A Great Addition To Singles,Seniors, or Families With Older, Gentle Children

Pomapoos are friendly dogs but can be prone to growling and snapping if their needs are ignored and they become fearful. 

Because of their small size, Pomapoo dogs make wonderful additions to more active seniors, singles, and families with older children. While Pomapoo dogs are agreeable little companions who get along well with most everyone, they can get easily injured if handled too roughly.

Furthermore, Pomeranians are proud little dogs who won’t tolerate much rough handling. And while they do enjoy being snuggled, they can quickly grow tired of it. It’s important to pay attention to their cues and to let them be when they want to be, otherwise they may growl or even nip in an effort to get their needs across.

Pomapoo dogs should be supervised around children, and youngsters should be taught how to appropriately interact with a dog to ensure everyone gets along safely and happily. Pomapoos should also be given plenty of affection, attention, love and exercise to ensure they are well-rounded and to reduce undesirable behaviors like barking, chewing and potty accidents.

7. Pomapoos Make Great Apartment Dogs

Pomapoo dogs do well in apartments, though they can be yappy. 

Like many small dogs, Pompapoo dogs make excellent apartment dogs. They are active and athletic, but many of their needs can be met with bursts of playtime inside the home and short, brisk walks outside each day.

They also enjoy car rides and window-watching, though they are not the most patient hybrid. While these dogs are good candidates for smaller homes, it’s also important to note they are vocal, and can be prone to yapping, especially if they get bored.

That said, this trait does make them excellent little guard dogs, and early training and socialization can help alleviate some of these behaviors.

You can also work to train your Pomapoo when to stop barking on command to help ease any problematic behaviors, but often the best remedy is to ensure your Pomapoo is adequately exercised and has plenty to do to keep him busy throughout the day.

8. The Pomapoo Is A Healthy Dog Overall, But He Can Be Prone To Some Health Issues Owners Should Be Aware Of

Though generally healthy, the Pomapoo can suffer from some health issues. 

The purebred Poodle in particular is quite a long-lived breed with excellent overall health, and this is good news when it comes to the Pomapoo. Of course, like all dogs, the Pomapoo can be prone to some genetic health issues that potential owners should be aware of.

With an average lifespan of 12 – 14 years, the common health issues of a Pomapoo include:

• Addison’s disease
• Thyroid Issues
• Hip Dysplasia
• Progessive Retinal Atrophy
• Collapsed Trachea
• Sebaceous Adenitis
• Epilepsy
• Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
• Hypoglycemia
• Severe hair Loss Syndrome (SHLS)
• Luxating Patella
• Cataracts
• Dental Disease
• Obesity

While this is a long list of health concerns, remember that the Pomapoo is susceptible to any of the genetic health issues of his parent breeds. Luckily, both the Pomeranian and Poodle are relatively healthy, and the best way to ensure your Pomapoo is also relatively healthy is to follow preventive measures to avoid dealing with a sick puppy or dog.

Be proactive when getting your dog or puppy, and ensure you get your pooch from a reputable source that implements responsible breeding practices. (More on that further down).

You may also wish to have your Pomapoo health tested early on to get a good idea of any potential health issues they might be predisposed to.

Along with health screening, you can further ensure your Pomapoo’s health by keeping him on a well balanced diet. Your Pomapoo’s dog food should be specified for small breed dogs and should be ideal for his age and activity level.

Keeping up with proper grooming regimes is also important to maintaining health and vitality.

Last, try and maintain routine vet visits and physicals, as preventive care and treatments for your Pomapoo can help save you money and heartache in the long run.

9. Pomapoos Become Very Bonded To Their People And Could Suffer From Separation Anxiety

Pomapoos become very attached to their people and can suffer separation anxiety if left home alone too long. 

If you’re thinking about bringing a Pomapoo into your family, be prepared for a dog who is like a tiny shadow. While the Pomapoo is athletic and adventurous by nature, he was also bred down for the purpose of companionship. As such, this is a little dog who becomes very bonded with his human family and will do best in homes with those who have flexible schedules or who even work from home.

Pomapoo dogs who are left home alone for too long can be prone to separation anxiety and destructive behaviors. These behaviors could include potty accidents, chewing and barking.

If you do have a busy schedule but still want a Pomapoo dog, you could consider hiring a professional pet sitter or dog walker to come in each day and help break up the time.

Luckily, proper training and exercise can also help alleviate these behaviors. Let’s learn more.

10. Pomapoos Should Be Properly Trained and Socialized At An Early Age

Socialization and training can help reduce anxiety and stress. 

As we mentioned briefly above, Pompoo dogs can be prone to some behavioral issues if not properly trained and socialized, and especially if they are left home alone for hours on end each and every day.

Like many small dogs, Pomapoos are also known for being somewhat difficult to housetrain. That said, you can use potty pads or even litter boxes to help reduce the occurrence of accidents, along with repetitive training using positive reinforcement methods.

Because the Pomapoo is such a sensitive little dog, owners should avoid using punishments during training. Instead, use treats and praise, and keep training short and game-like.

Socialization is also incredibly important when it comes to your Pomapoo. It’s vital to properly socialize your Pomapoo to help reduce anxiety, behavioral issues, fear-based aggression, and even excessive barking.

To properly socialize your Pomapoo, experts recommend introducing him to as many unique sounds, sights, strangers, and experiences as possible at an early age. It’s important to make these first impressions positive for your Pomapoo and to refrain from forcing your Pomapoo to do something that frightens him.

Forcing any dog into a situation they are clearly unsure of often tends to exacerbate the issue and cause more problems down the road.

11. Pomapoo Dogs Require A Balanced Diet Specified For Their Age, Weight and Activity Level

Keep your dog on a healthy diet to ensure he is feeling his best.

Your Pomapoo’s diet plays an important role in his overall health and vitality. Like most toy dogs, the Pomapoo will need a high quality dog food specified for his age, weight and activity level.

His dog food should be specifically designed for small breed dogs, as smaller breed dogs tend to have a higher metabolism than large breed dogs.

A high quality dog food, whether it is dry, wet, or even raw, should be free of preservatives, fillers, additives, by-products, and artificial colors. Because Pomeranian dogs in particular can suffer from coat loss, it’s never a bad idea to invest in a dog food that supports a healthy skin and coat.

12. Pomapoo Dogs Are Surprisingly Active And Need Plenty Of Exercise And Mental Stimulation

Pomapoos come from two active working breeds and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. 

Because the Pomapoo is the offspring of two working dog breeds, he is going to be an active and intelligent dog. As such, he could be prone to becoming mischievous if his body and mind are not kept properly stimulated.

Make sure your Pomapoo is properly exercised each day with a brisk walk and some playtime in the backyard or even in the home. Luckily, the Pomapoo can get an adequate amount of exercise even inside the home with half-hour play sessions of indoor fetch or tug of war.

The Pomapoo will also enjoy learning new tricks and playing with puzzle toys. This brainy breed will do best in home with owners who appreciate his clever mind and are willing to harness his energy and problem solving skills into something positive for everyone.

13. Pomapoos Do Well With Other Pets, But Could Get Injured Easily By Larger, More Playful Dogs

Pomapoos can do well with other pets, but can be prone to injury if they play too rough with larger dogs. 

While Pomapoos can be social dogs, they do best with smaller pets in the home like other toy dogs and cats. Pomapoos are very small and fragile, though they often don’t realize this and may engage in play that is too rough for them.

Larger, more active dogs could have a tendency to accidentally hurt your Pompapoo, so just keep this in mind.

We should also note that the Pomapoo’s Poodle parent was originally bred as a water retrieving dog and thus has a high prey drive. Your Pomapoo could also have a high prey drive and may have a tendency to chase after smaller animals like guinea pigs, birds and hamsters. For this reason, it is best to not leave your Pomapoo alone with these smaller pets and keep them separated and safe.

14. Some Pamapoo Dogs Need Consistent Grooming

Grooming needs could vary depending on your Pomapoo dog’s coat.

All dogs need consistent grooming to stay happy and healthy and the Pomapoo is no exception. Depending on the generation of your Pomapoo cross, grooming could vary. That said, most experts agree that brushing should take place every few days to reduce mats and tangles and remove any loose hair, should your Pomapoo not be hypoallergenic.

Bathing isn’t needed too often unless your Pomapoo gets especially dirty, with most doing fine with a good bath once every couple of weeks. When you do bathe your Pomapoo, use warm water and a dog safe shampoo and conditioner.

Make sure to brush your Pomapoo every couple of days with the right grooming tools, and to brush his teeth each day using a dog safe toothbrush and toothpaste. His nails should also be trimmed regularly to keep them from cracking and splitting, and his ears should be cleaned and kept free of buildup and debris.

15. The Price For A Pomapoo Will Vary Depending On The Breeder Or Source

Make sure you get your Pomapoo rescue or puppy through a reputable source.

Pomapoo dogs are becoming very popular, and the more popular they become the more costlier they can be. When going through a reputable breeder, Pomapoo puppies can cost on average between $500 – $2,000.

While this is a hefty price to pay for a puppy, it’s important not to cut corners and go through backyard breeders or online sellers offering puppies at a discounted price. Oftentimes, you will end up going through sources that have used irresponsible breeding practices and are more likely to wind up with a sick puppy, which can cost you much more money and heartache in the long run.

Instead, stick with a reputable breeder who can offer you a health certificate proving their puppies have been screened and cleared of any serious health issues. Another benefit of going through a breeder is that you’ll be able to get more information on your Pomapoo dog’s crossbreed generation and what the parent dogs are like.

Of course, you also have the option of rescuing or adopting your Pomapoo through a shelter. Adopting a dog is generally a fraction of the price of going through a breeder, but there are many other benefits of adopting aside from price.

Along with offering a dog in need a good home, many shelters also provide behavioral testing and vet visits before clearing dogs for adoption. You may also have a better idea of your Pomapoo’s overall temperament and appearance, especially if you adopt one who has outgrown his puppy stage.

That said, finding a Pomapoo at a shelter could be difficult. You may need to call around and do some research to find breed-specific shelters in your area, and you also may need to request to be put on a waiting list.

Still, remember that good things are worth waiting for, and a rescued Pomapoo is certainly a good thing.

Our 3 Favorite Products For Pomapoo Parents

A proper harness can ensure your Pomapoo dog’s comfort and safety during walks.

If you’ve fallen in love with the idea of having a Pomapoo, we’re right there with you. These dogs are cute, funny, and incredibly smart. Still, before you go off and find the Pomapoo of your dreams, it’s important to be prepared.

Remember, the Pomapoo is a unique hybrid dog who has a number of specific needs. Luckily for you, we have done our research and have listed three of our favorite products every Pomapoo and Pomapoo owner needs in order to thrive.

Take a look.

EcoBark Small Dog Step In Harness

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The Pomapoo is a very small dog who is susceptible to suffering from a collapsed trachea, especially if pressure is put on his tiny throat. To combat this issue, we recommend investing in a small dog harness like the above dog harness by EcoBark.

This harness is specifically designed for small dog breeds and reduces pressure on their throats while also ensuring overall comfort with a step-in design and padded mesh material. The harness also includes reflective strips for extra safety during night walks.

Zuke’s Mini Training Treats

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Training treats are a must with all dogs, and for the Pomapoo in particular we like Zuke’s Mini Training Treats. These all natural training treats are small, easy to eat, and made with healthy ingredients your Pomapoo will love.

They are bite-sized for easy hand-outs during training sessions and fit well into KONG or puzzle toys to help keep your Pomapoo busy while you are away. You can order them in different flavors, but our favorites are chicken or duck.

Smart Dental Dog Toothbrush

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Last on our list is a toothbrushing kit by Smart Dentals. This kit includes a two-ended doggy toothbrush, a double-bristled toothbrush, and a finger brush. You can use any of these brushes on your Pomapoo, just make sure you are using a dog-safe toothpaste as well.

So, what do you think about the Pomapoo dog? Did these 15 facts help you decide if this would be the best dog for you? Why or why not? Share your thoughts with us about the Pomapoo in the comment section below.

Thanks for reading!