Pomapoo

This little dog is a cross between a Pomeranian and a Toy Poodle. His coat and personality vary, depending on which breed ends up being dominant in his genetic makeup, but one thing is for sure: he will undoubtedly be cute.

The Pomapoo is a crossbreed. Opening your heart and home to a crossbreed is like opening a beautifully wrapped package on your birthday: you never know what’s going to be inside. It’s often assumed that a crossbreed will combine the best of two or more breeds, but genetics doesn’t always work that way. The way genes combine and express themselves is not always subject to a breeder’s control, even less so when two different breeds are crossed. That’s something to keep in mind before you lay down lots of money for a dog that you have been assured will be hypoallergenic or healthier than a purebred.

A Pomapoo’s personality can range from the outgoing friendliness of the Poodle to the more reserved nature of the Pomeranian. At his best, he is friendly and affectionate, and with a weight range of 5 to 15 pounds he is a comfortable size for many homes.

People with small children should think twice before getting one of these dogs, however. Pomapoos are not toys and can be hurt if mishandled by a young child. Do not get a Pomapoo unless you can carefully supervise a child’s interaction with the dog.

Pomapoos have a low to moderate activity level that is adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle. They need a nice walk or active playtime each day.

Both of the breeds used to create Pomapoos are smart and learn quickly. If you begin socialization and training early and use positive reinforcement techniques such as praise, play, and food rewards, you will be rewarded with a wonderful companion.

Other Quick Facts

• Pomapoos have a low to moderate activity level that is adaptable to their owner’s lifestyle. They need a nice walk or active playtime each day, and some are athletic enough to participate in such dog sports as agility, flyball, obedience and rally, all of which are open to cross breeds and mixed breeds.
• Pomapoos are companion dogs. They love their people and need to live in the house, never outdoors.

The History of Pomapoos

People have been crossing types of dogs for millennia in the attempt to achieve a certain look, temperament or working ability. That’s how many well-known purebreds, including the Affenpinscher, Australian Shepherd, Black Russian Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Doberman Pinscher, German Wirehaired Pointer, Leonberger and more, originally got their start.

But crossing two breeds over and over does not a breed make. A breed is a group of animals related by descent from common ancestors and visibly similar in most characteristics. To achieve consistency in appearance, size and temperament, breeders must select the puppies with the traits they want and breed them over several generations for the traits to become set.

Crossbreeds such as the Pomapoo have become popular over the past ten or twenty years as people seek out dogs that are different from the everyday Yorkie or Poodle or that they think will have certain appealing characteristics. For instance, it’s often claimed (falsely, by the way) that crossbreeds are hypoallergenic or have fewer health problems or will carry the best traits of each breed.

Unfortunately, genes aren’t quite that malleable. Genetic traits sort out randomly in each dog, so without selecting for certain characteristics over many generations, there’s no guarantee you’ll get the best of each breed. And no matter what his breed or mix, an individual dog may be more or less allergenic or intelligent or healthy.

Whatever his breed, cross, or mix, love your dog for what he is: a unique, special and loving companion.

Pomapoo Temperament and Personality

Because the Pomapoo is a blend of two breeds, it’s hard to say exactly what his personality will be like. He could be outgoing and friendly like the Poodle or more quiet and reserved like the Pomeranian. Ideally, your dog will be friendly and affectionate.

Temperament is affected partly by inheritance and partly by environment, so it can be variable. A Pomapoo’s temperament depends on several things including the temperaments of his parents, especially the mother, who is more likely to influence a puppy’s behavior; the amount of socialization he receives; and the particular genes he inherits.

Both Pomeranians and Poodles tend to be friendly and outgoing, but how your puppy turns out depends on the genetic luck of the draw, what he learns from his mother and littermates, and the amount of socialization he gets before and after he goes to his new home. Puppies shouldn't be shy or aggressive. Choose the “middle-of-the-road” puppy rather than the bossy one or the shy one, and say no thanks if a puppy’s parents won’t let you approach them, run away from you, or growl at you, or if puppies do any of those things.

You can help to promote a friendly nature by making sure that your puppy gets plenty of socialization before he is four months old. Up to 16 weeks of age, puppies are highly receptive to new people, places, sights, sounds and experiences, so that’s the best time to start training them in puppy kindergarten classes and making sure that they encounter lots of different things so that they develop confidence. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like kennel cough) to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed.

A Pomapoo is known for being smart. Train him with positive reinforcement techniques, showing him what you like by rewarding him with praise, play and treats. He will enjoy learning if you can show what’s in it for him. Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at 8 weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Never wait until he is six months old to begin training, or you will have a bigger, more headstrong dog to deal with.

Talk to the breeder, describe exactly what you’re looking for in a dog, and ask for assistance in selecting a puppy. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Pomapoo, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood.

What You Need to Know About Pomapoo Health

All dogs, whether purebreds, crossbreeds, or mixes, have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the mixed breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the mixed breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines. Pomapoos may be susceptible to the health problems of both the Pomeranian and Toy Poodle, but there’s also a chance that the genetic diversity introduced by mixing two breeds may lower the chances of developing certain inherited diseases. The very nature of genetic variation makes this difficult to predict for a mixed breed dog.  Please refer to the breed guides on Pomeranians and Toy Poodles for an overview of some of the inherited diseases reported in these two breeds.

Not all inherited conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it can be hard to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible.  They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog (and grandparents, etc.) have been screened for genetic defects and deemed healthy for breeding. At a minimum, ask the breeder to show evidence that both of the puppy’s parents have the appropriate certifications from health registries like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Canine Eye Registry Foundation, etc.

Don't fall for a bad breeder's lies. If the breeder tells you she doesn't need to do those tests because she's never had problems in her lines, her dogs have been "vet checked," or any of the other excuses irresponsible breeders have for skimping on the genetic testing of their dogs, walk away immediately.

Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. If you’re getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the ages of the dogs in her lines and what they died of.

Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Pomapoo at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life.

The Basics of Pomapoo Grooming

Pomapoos can have different types of fur, including the straight hair of the Pomeranian or the curly coat of the Poodle. A Pomapoo coat looks its best with professional grooming every four to six weeks, and it requires brushing to prevent mats and regular bathing in between appointments with the groomer.

Pomapoos are among the breeds that commonly develop reddish-brown tear stains beneath their eyes.Your best bet is to wash the face daily, carefully wiping beneath the eyes, to prevent stains from setting.

The rest is basic care. Trim his nails as needed, usually every week or two, and keep his ears clean and dry. Brush his teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for good overall health and fresh breath. Small dogs are especially prone to periodontal disease. Introduce your Pomapoo puppy to grooming while he is young so he will learn to accept it willingly.

Finding a Pomapoo

Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind.

Choosing a Pomapoo Breeder

Pomapoo puppies are adorable, and it’s one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Pomapoo a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there’s no need to pay big bucks for a Pomapoo. You can often find a wonderful example of this hybrid dog at your local shelter or through adoption organizations.

If you choose to buy one, however, select a breeder who has done the health testing to ensure that her puppies won’t carry the genetic diseases common to both breeds. If you are going to pay several hundred dollars or even $1,000 or more for a dog, you should get your money’s worth. Buying from a breeder who is smart and caring enough to do health certifications, even for a crossbreed, is the best way to do that. And while there are no guarantees in life, it’s also a good way to minimize the possibility of big veterinary bills in the future.

Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. You should also bear in mind that buying a puppy from websites that offer to ship your dog to you immediately can be a risky venture, as it leaves you no recourse if what you get isn’t exactly what you expected.

Lots of reputable breeders have websites, so how can you tell who’s good and who’s not? Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated  with reputable breeders.

Whether you’re planning to get your new best friend from a breeder, a pet store, or another source, don’t forget that old adage “let the buyer beware”. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. There’s no 100% guaranteed way to make sure you’ll never purchase a sick puppy, but researching the crossbreed (so you know what to expect), checking out the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals), and asking the right questions can reduce the chances of heading into a disastrous situation. And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian, who can often refer you to a reputable breeder, rescue organization, or other reliable source for healthy puppies. 

The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life.

Take note: Poodles have a reputation for being "hypoallergenic", meaning that they can be tolerated by people who have allergies to dogs. Because they have the Poodle in their heritage, Pomapoos are sometimes promoted as being hypoallergenic. But allergies are caused not by a particular dog coat type but by dander, the dead skin cells that are shed by all dogs. There is no scientific evidence that any breed or crossbreed is more or less allergenic than any other dog. Some people with allergies react less severely to particular dogs, but no reputable breeder will guarantee that her dogs are hypoallergenic.

Adopting a Dog From a Pomapoo Rescue or Shelter

There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization. Here is how to get started.

1. Use the Web

Sites like Petfinder.com can have you searching for a Pomapoo in your area in no time flat. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests (housetraining status, for example) or very general (all the Pomapoos available on Petfinder across the country). AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Also some local newspapers have “pets looking for homes” sections you can review.

Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.

2. Reach Out to Local Experts

Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Pomapoo. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations.

3. Talk to Rescue Groups

Most people who love Pomapoos love all Pomapoos. That’s why breed clubs have rescue organizations devoted to taking care of homeless dogs. Pomapoo breeders and enthusiasts can access a network that may help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Pomapoo rescues in your area.

The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Pomapoo home with you to see what the experience is like.

4. Key Questions to Ask

You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include:

What is his energy level?

How is he around other animals?

How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors, and children?

What is his personality like?

What is his age?

Is he housetrained?

Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of?

Are there any known health issues?

Wherever you acquire your Pomapoo, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter, or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. In states with “puppy lemon laws,” be sure you and the person you get the dog from both understand your rights and recourses.

Puppy or adult, a breeder purchase or a rescue, take your Pomapoo to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues.